Its History Of Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be annoying if they are offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced with an elongated rock that is used as a quoits goal.
The earliest attested uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same period as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They come in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance of burns. The power is also deactivated instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where guests and children might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops, which 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 setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with a bridge feature that joins two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Many hobs also have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and help conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They check 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 crucial for gas hobs as it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps prevent electric shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy-efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some having touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed, making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could present a fire hazard. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures 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 protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe for use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware So it's essential to ensure that your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to making use of them. A simple way to check this is to place a magnet near the base 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 important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow best oven of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.