Ten Common Misconceptions About Hobs That Don t Always Hold

What is a Hob?

A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a ding. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to the crag or hill.

In folklore, hob and oven hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.

Another common usage 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 of a hob will usually be flat and has a variety of cooking elements, like rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with a flat rock which can serve 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 is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent nature hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can be destructive if provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they are also used in other countries. They are available in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with the push of one button, and can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.

In addition, induction hobs require less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce household energy costs 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 have to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to read and use. Some also have timers, presets for the most 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 conserve energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that can collect dirt in time, as do traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal temperatures or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to determine when the cookware isn't in contact it. This helps stop electric shocks.

Types

There are several different types of hob available, so it's crucial to think about which one is right for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen in both the initial cost as well as running costs.

Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many home cooks choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more prone to flare-ups due to accident and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected.

Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under the glass or ceramic surface to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are more difficult to cool and heat up than other types of hobs and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touch-based controls and 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. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs since they do not have exposed burners or grates. They are not as good at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could ruin your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which can cause fire hazards. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. 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.

Induction hobs are safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong than those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.

Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. One way to check this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or Best ovens uk even cause a fire.

Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the hob while it is in use. The surface could get extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear best oven gloves when touching metal pan handles as they can also be extremely hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they may remain hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.