15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Hobs
15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component 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. They also work with almost every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit, or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to the crag or hill.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become annoying if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced by flat rocks that is used as a quoits goal.
The earliest attested uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive when they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with the click of an electronic button, and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. The power is also deactivated instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models feature a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone that is controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, like conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for indications of excessive temperature or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the oven and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are ovensandhobs many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's crucial to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features include heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a popular choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are more difficult to cool and heat than other hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them 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 temperature control, with some featuring touchscreen 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 faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs since they have no exposed burners or grates. They're not as effective in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they could be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can lead to fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types cookware. It is important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you begin using them. A simple method 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. Using the wrong type of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove when it is in use. The surface may be extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they can be very hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a period of time. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice - to call 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.