Five Things You Didn t Know About Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, hill, or a"crag.

Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.

Another common use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. A hob is a metallic plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, like rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.

The earliest attested uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge issue for the farmer. Moreover they can be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.

Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in a variety of varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with one button and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as a child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk of burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home where children and guests might be in the kitchen.

In addition, induction hobs require less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones into a single large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain 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 equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know when the cookware isn't touching it. This will prevent electric shocks.

Types

There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's crucial to determine which one is best hob suited to your kitchen. The most common features are 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. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with many cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open, and make sure the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.

Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other types of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.

Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. In addition induction hobs uk are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they have no grates or burners that are exposed. They're not as effective in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which can create a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Induction hobs are considered safe to use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as powerful as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they emit is not ionizing.

Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It's important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you use 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 cooker. The wrong type of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing an accident.

Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used. The surface can get extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to touch handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a while. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an emergency fire.