Five Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
Five Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally benevolent, however they can be annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob could be replaced by flat stones to permit it to be used as a quoits target.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance, hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even put a cart onto its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. Additionally they can be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in many types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the push of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These types of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests might be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge function, which joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek lines that complement other appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine the cookware isn't touching it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs that are available, so it is important to determine 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 hob you select will affect your budget - both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more prone to accidental flare-ups and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking employs electric elements beneath a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide excellent heat distribution for ovens hobs flat-based items. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other types of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some offering touch-based 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 types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob and its components, as well as protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF aren't as strong than those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types cookware. It's important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you use them. A simple method to check this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface can get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they are also very hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service advice to dial 911 and leave your house as soon as you can.