Test: How Much Do You Know About Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. They also work with almost every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.

Origin

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

Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

A type of cooking device is another popular use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob can be replaced by a flat rock which can serve as a quoits goal.

The earliest documented instances of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was likely used at the same time 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.

Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be very destructive when they are provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas 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 and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models also have advanced safety features such as locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with compatible cookware which reduces the risk of burns. The power is also deactivated immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.

Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models have a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Many also offer timers, pre-sets to typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power only for the amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies that could collect dirt over time, like traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary designs that match other kitchen appliances and decor.

Sensors are used in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical 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 hobs uk suited to your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget in both the initial cost and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a popular option 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. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.

Plate hobs, another option for cooking, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.

Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs since they don't have exposed burners or grates. They aren't as efficient at simmering, and they might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't make the necessary precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are a major cause of kitchen fires.

Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, which can pose a fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.

Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.

Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to making use of them. A simple way to test this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.

Keep children and other people away from the hob while it is in use. The surface can become extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven and hob gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles, as they can be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use because they can remain hot for a long time. Follow the advice of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there is an incident of fire.