What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, hill or a the crag.
Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A cooking device is a different type of cooking device that is used extensively. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances the hob may be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to function as a target for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the corresponding female form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These types of features are enticed consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk for burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that connects two cooking zones using induction into a single zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power for the necessary amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices which can accumulate dirt over time, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps prevent electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also impact your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. They are a favorite choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a broad range of cooking vessels. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. They take longer to cool and heat up than other hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp which heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs because they have no exposed burners or grates. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring hobs oven and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, which could pose an fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is essential to make sure that your cookware and pots are induction-ready before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a simple method to test. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the hob while it is in use. The surface may get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles as they can also be very hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they can remain hot for a time. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 911 and leave your house as quickly as possible.