15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Hobs
What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, hill or a crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who perform 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 could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob could be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to function as a quoits target.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. This is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive when they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Moreover, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with the press of a button, and they can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models have a 'Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions, which joins two induction cooking zones into a single large zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that uses maximum power for the necessary amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that can collect dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are used in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to detect the cookware isn't in contact it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also impact on your budget in both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to accidental flare-ups which is why you must be aware of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking make use of electric elements on a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based products. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs but feature filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. hobs oven is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, posing the risk of fire. Many hobs come with safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. oven hob help protect the hob and its components, as well as protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. hobs oven is important to make sure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. A simple method to test this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface can get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they can be very hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for some time. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 911 and leave your house as soon as you can.