What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital 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 more affordable than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means the word "crag" or hill or a the crag.
Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are generally benevolent however they can also be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.
The first recorded usage of the word "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably used at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. They are also difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries as well. They are available in many varieties, including gas and electric hobs . They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and heat up only when in contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burning. The power is also deactivated instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge features that connect two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. Some also have timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect the cookware isn't touching it. This will prevent electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's crucial to think about which one is right for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. Many home cooks choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, for example, cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups that happen accidentally which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat 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, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs since they don't have grates or burners that are exposed. They aren't as efficient at simmering, and they may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating could cause damage or break cookware, which could create a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It's important to ensure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you use them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a straightforward method to test. If the pan stays, it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong type of cookware could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for a period of time. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.