What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
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 dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, a hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are usually kind, however they can be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A cooking device is a different type of cooking device that is used extensively. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a target for quoits.
oven hob documented use of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably acquired in the same timeframe as the corresponding female form hobgoblin. It is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs can play pranks on people. This Resource site can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK however, they can be found in other countries too. They are available in many types, like electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the press of a button, and they can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and are heated only when they are in contact with compatible cookware which reduces the risk of burning. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
hobs and ovens , intuitive controls are available to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices that could collect dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect when cookware isn't touching it. This will protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hob that are available, so it is important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features are: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a popular option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking, use electric elements under a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are economical for flat-based items. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down 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, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they have no grates or burners exposed. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be the main cause of kitchen fires.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as powerful as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.
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. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a straightforward way to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs can damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface can get extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they may remain hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there is an incident of fire.