Here's A Few Facts About Hobs. Hobs
Here's A Few Facts About Hobs. Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they require electricity. They also work with almost every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the word "crag" or hill, or a crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but can become annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of the plate is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced by an elongated rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. It 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 pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge problem for the farmer. Furthermore they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by the click of an electronic button, and can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burns. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Some models feature a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, as with traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use click here sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features include heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget in both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have 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 heat control. Some are equipped with control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. They are not as good in simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to make the necessary precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is essential to make sure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you use them. A simple method to test this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing an accident.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove while it is in use. The surface may get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they can remain hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an incident of fire.