The Unspoken Secrets Of Hobs

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means the word "crag" or hill, or a the crag.

Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually kind, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.

Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced by flat stones to permit it to serve as a quoits target.

The first documented use of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent nature hobs can play games with people. They can also be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to put a cart onto its roof. This caused a huge problem for the farmer. Moreover, they can be difficult to work with due their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly found in the UK however, they can be found in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with the click of one button, and can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These kinds of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs have a reputation for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This reduces the chance of burning. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where guests and children might be in the kitchen.

In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models have a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that connects two cooking zones induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Many offer timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power for the required amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, like conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances ovens and hobs uk décor.

Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the hob and oven to prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect the cost of your kitchen, both the initial cost as well as running costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a preferred option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.

Plate hobs, another option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other types of hobs, and are difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating and a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the ovens uk.

The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, posing an fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to other kitchen surfaces.

Induction hobs are deemed safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation isn't ionizing.

Induction hobs are only compatible with specific cookware types It is therefore essential to check whether your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a quick method to test. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction cooker. Using the wrong type of cookware could lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.

It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven and hob gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they can be very hot. It is also crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.