What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, hill, or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a quoits target.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably taken over as the female form hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to put a cart onto its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. Moreover they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by a single button and can be paired with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are drawing buyers to buy these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests may be present.
In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you have to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions, which joins two induction cooking zones into a single zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple, intuitive controls that are simple to operate and read. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the required time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget in both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame with natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for many cooks at home because they provide 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 large range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. They take longer to heat and cool than other hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb that is used to heat the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touch-based controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they do not have exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features protect the hob and its components, while protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be best oven uk used with specific types of cookware So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to making use of them. One way to check this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the hob while it is in use. The surface can get extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to avoid touching the handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, since it could remain hot for some time. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.