What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, but they use electricity. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
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 translates to hole, pit or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill, or a crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be annoying if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced with flat stones to permit it to be used as a quoits target.
The first documented uses of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK however, they can be used in other countries as well. They come in a variety of varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by just a single button, and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are enticed customers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large one controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek lines that blend with other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob to protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you select will impact your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important oven and hob to be aware of the flame's openness and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements under the glass or ceramic surface to heat your cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based items. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more even distribution of heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they don't have grates or burners that are exposed. They aren't as efficient in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, posing an fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent 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, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. One way to test this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan sticks, it is compatible with an induction hob. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a period of time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave your home as soon as you can.