The Unspoken Secrets Of Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit 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 a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or a hill.
Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally kind however they can also become a nuisance when offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was likely taken over as the female form hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge inconvenience to the farmer. Furthermore they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with the press of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests may be present.
In addition, induction stoves consume 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 areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. Many offer timers, pre-sets to typical 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 reduce simmering times and save energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They have sleek, contemporary lines to complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know when the cookware isn't touching it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the best one for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen in both the initial cost as well as running costs.
hob uk use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many cooks at home choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based items. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs but feature filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are 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 component of any kitchen but they could be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It's important to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. One way to test this is to place a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the hob while it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan as they can also be very hot. Finally, it's essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they may remain hot for a while. If a fire occurs then follow the fire department's instructions - call 999 and leave your home as quickly as possible.