What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush of 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 equipment. A hob is a metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced with a flat stone to allow it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first documented usage of the term "hob" dates back to the early sixteenth century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing 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, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their 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 burns. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large one controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple, intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power for the required amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's crucial to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will impact your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many home cooks choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a broad variety of cooking appliances. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have touch-based controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting quicker heating and an evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed, making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob and its check here components, as well as protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is important to ensure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you use them. One way to check this is to place an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan is able to stick it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or cause fire.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a while. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service advice to dial 911 and leave your house as fast as you can.