Ten Stereotypes About Hobs That Don't Always Hold
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or a hill.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but can become a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. 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 an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably taken over as the feminine form, hobgoblin. This is derived 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 games with people. They can also be destructive when they are provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Moreover, they can be a hassle to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries, too. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware compatible which reduces the risk of burns. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests may be present.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have 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 the bridge function, which joins two induction cooking zones into a single zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only utilizes maximum power for the required time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save 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 can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven to protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to think about which one is right for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also impact on your budget as well as the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a broad variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more prone to flare-ups due to accident which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based products. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other hobs, and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
oven and hob use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they have no exposed burners or grates. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which can cause fire hazards. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features safeguard the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs are not as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan because they are also very hot. Finally, it's crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there's a fire.