What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, hill, or a the crag.
Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One example of a hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with flat rocks that can be used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the feminine form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their benign nature hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be very destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even place a cart on its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. Furthermore they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with one button and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the 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 useful in homes where children or guests may be present.
In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones into a single large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for website common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the required duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, like traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to know when the cookware isn't in contact it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also affect your budget - both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. They are a favorite choice for home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame, and make sure your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other types of hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some having touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. However, they are not as effective at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, posing the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types cookware. It is essential to ensure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a quick way to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove while it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal since they are extremely hot. It is also important to turn your stove off straight after use as they can stay hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.