Five Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
Five Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but are less expensive than gas hobs. 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 dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name also comes 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 kind, however they can be a nuisance if offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.
The earliest documented instances of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was likely taken over as the female version, hobgoblin. The word hob originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their pranks, despite their benign nature. They can also be destructive when provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK but they can also be used in other countries too. They are available in many types, like electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the click of an electronic button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These types of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burns. The power is also shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge features that connect two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to operate and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the needed duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of unusual temperatures or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to determine when the cookware isn't touching it. This helps stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also impact your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. Many cooks at home choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more prone to accidental flare-ups which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen employs electric elements beneath the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based hob products. They take longer to cool and heat up than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed which makes them easier to clean. They're not as effective in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features protect the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple method to test this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan sticks it is compatible with an induction stove. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the hob while it is in use. The surface can become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. It is also crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a time. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there is an emergency fire.