Five Things You've Never Learned About Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. 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 who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

A type of cooking device is another popular use. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.

The first recorded usage of the term "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It was probably taken over as the female version hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Hobs are well-known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even bring a cart up its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.

While hobs are mostly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the click of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Certain models also come with advanced safety features like the lock for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests might be in the kitchen.

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 the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that connects two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are easy to operate and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that can collect dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary 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 signs of excessive temperatures or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps prevent electric shocks.

Types

There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect the cost of your kitchen, both the initial cost and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs produce an open flame using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are more difficult to cool and heat than other types of hobs and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp that is used to heat 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 use physical knobs.

Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. They are not as good in simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are a major cause of kitchen fires.

Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, posing an fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.

Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It's important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you begin using them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a quick way to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs can damage your hob or cause best hobs uk a fire.

Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove while it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they are also very hot. It is important to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a while. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there is an emergency fire.