The People Nearest To Hobs Tell You Some Big Secrets
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced by flat rocks that is used as a goal for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the feminine form hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs can play pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even put a cart onto its roof. This was a major issue for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries as well. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where guests and children might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the energy bills of households 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 settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large zone controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
best ovens and hobs uk , intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Many offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power only for the necessary amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are used in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob to detect signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also impact on your budget, both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hob s can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them 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 temperature control, with some featuring control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your 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 efficient at simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be risky when you don't take the 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 one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a straightforward way to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it is in use, since the surface can get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan as they can also be extremely hot. It's important to turn off your hob immediately after use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there's an incident of fire.