20 Reasons To Believe Hobs Will Never Be Forgotten
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit, or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the word "crag" or hill, or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually kind, however they can be annoying 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.
A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with a flat rock which can serve as a goal for quoits.
The earliest documented instances of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able place a cart on its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. Additionally, they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with one button and can be paired with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, such as a child lock.
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 are heated only when in contact with cookware that is compatible, which minimizes the risk of burns. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction stoves use 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 come with a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone that is controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Some also have timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that uses maximum power only for the necessary amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. They are a favorite option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and can be used with a variety of cooking vessels. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be aware of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements under a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They take longer to heat and cool than other hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like 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 heat control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have 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 even distribution of heat. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs because they do not have grates or burners exposed. However, they are not as effective at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning could cause fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature 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 as well as its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are 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 generate is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types So it's essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a simple way to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface may be extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a period of time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an emergency fire.