5 Lessons You Can Learn From Hobs
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they use electricity. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs require compatible pans that generate 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" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are a type of metal plate 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 a flat stone to allow it to serve as a quoits target.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive when provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by just a single button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are drawing consumers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models feature a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones means you can 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. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, modern lines that blend with other appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut 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 employ sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob to stop electrical shocks.
There are a variety of hobs that are available. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will impact your budget - both in the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, for example, cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They are more difficult to cool and heat than other types of hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however, they take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs since they have no grates or burners exposed. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those generated by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple way to test this is to place an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the stove when it is in use, since the surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves whenever you are touching handles on metal pans as they can also 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 guidelines of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there's a fire.