5 Clarifications On Hobs
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 feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly 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 Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, a hill, or a crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with flat rocks which can serve as a goal for quoits.
The first documented use of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably used at the same time as the female version hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive when they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly used in the UK however, they can be used in other countries too. They are available in many types, like electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with a single button and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These kinds of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk for burns. The power is also deactivated instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests are likely to 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 come with the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have the bridge function that joins two cooking zones induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
hobs uk equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal temperatures or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have 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 hob that are available, so it is important to determine which one is best ovens suited to your kitchen. Some features are: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you select will also impact your budget - both in the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with many cooking appliances. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be mindful of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble 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, however, they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed which makes them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could harm your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be the main cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can damage or even break cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Many hobs come with safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is important to make sure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a simple method to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear best oven uk gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan because they can be extremely hot. It is also important to turn your stove off straight after use as they may remain hot for a long time. If you notice a fire and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.