Unexpected Business Strategies That Helped Hobs Succeed

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.

In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.

A type of cooking appliance is another popular use. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by a flat rock which can serve as a quoits goal.

The first documented uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy ovens and hobs domestic spirit.

Despite their benign nature hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries as well. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with the click of an electronic button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This reduces the chance of burning. 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 may be present.

In addition, induction stoves consume less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting to make it easier when you need to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge features that connect two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to alter the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and help conserve energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices which can accumulate dirt over time, as with traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and décor.

Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive temperatures or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas ovens hobs, as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the oven and stop electrical shocks.

Types

There are a myriad of types of hobs that are available. It's important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will impact your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a popular choice for home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and can be used with a variety of cooking vessels. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs and ovens, a different option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They take longer to cool and heat than other types of hobs uk and aren't easy for cleaning.

Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.

Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. They're not as effective in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are an important cause of kitchen Convenience fires.

Overheating can cause the cookware to become damaged or even shatter, posing the risk of fire. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.

While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising.

Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. One way to test this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction cooker. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or cause a fire.

Keep children and others away from the hob when it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven 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 while. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice to dial 911 and leave your house as quickly as possible.