What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Read Home Page is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit, or dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.
Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements including rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.
The first documented uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the female version 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 games with people. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge problem for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by the press of an electronic button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models also have advanced safety features like a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are easy to operate and read. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies that can collect dirt over time, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances and décor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also affect your budget in both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a popular option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with many cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them 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, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Fortunately, many hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob as well as its components, while protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.
Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is essential to ensure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you use them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or cause fire.
It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the hob while it is being used, as the surface can become extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there's a fire.