Ten Myths About Hobs That Don't Always Hold
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. 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 dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A cooking device is another common use. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob can be replaced by a flat rock that is used as a quoits goal.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form hob goblin. It originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For instance 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 work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in many types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance the child lock.
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 heat up only when in contact with compatible cookware which reduces the risk of burns. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests might be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large one controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary designs that match other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be mindful of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based products. They take longer to cool and heat up than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb that is used to heat the surface. They are 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 heat control. Some are equipped with control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your 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 grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause damage to or break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is in use. The surface can get extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching 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 999 and leave your home as quickly as possible.