20 Things Only The Most Devoted Hobs Fans Should Know
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means the word "crag" or hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is a metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases, the hob can 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 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even put a cart onto its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly used in the UK however, they can be used in other countries, too. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by one button and can be paired with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are drawing consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features like the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware that is compatible, which minimizes the risk of burns. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves require 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 and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that connects two induction cooking zones to create a large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple, intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, like conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hob s are designed to bring style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob to detect signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to determine when the cookware isn't in contact it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's crucial to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you select will impact your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a popular option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be aware of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer good heat distribution for flat-based products. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs, however they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific cookware types So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a straightforward method to test. If the pan is able to stick it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong cookware could damage your hob or cause a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is being used. The surface can become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they are also very hot. It is also important to turn your stove off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.