Who's The World's Top Expert On Hobs?
Who's The World's Top Expert On Hobs?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which means a crag, hill, or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It was likely taken over as the feminine form hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can also be very destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able place a cart on its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with a single button and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can 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 like locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware compatible, 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 guests and children are likely to be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and use. Many also offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power only for the amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances, then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs available, so it's crucial to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget - both in the initial cost as well as the 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 give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs but feature filament bulbs that heat 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 offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some offering control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in quicker heating and an evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. They're not as effective in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the necessary precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific types of cookware It is therefore essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a quick method to test. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction hob. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface may be extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there is a get more info fire.