What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are usually constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly all cookware brands however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, hill, or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. hobs oven of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements like rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a quoits target.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries as well. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by the push of a button, and they can be utilized alongside 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. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests may be present.
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 areas to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many also offer timers, pre-sets for typical cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power only for the amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crannies that can collect dirt over time, like conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know when the cookware isn't touching it. This helps 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. Some of the features include: heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect your budget, both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a preferred choice for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages 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. Gas hobs are also more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are economical for flat-based products. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other types of hob and 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, however they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility 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 utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they don't have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter 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 also employ power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they emit is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a quick way to test. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or cause a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used. The surface can be extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they are also extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for some time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's instructions - call 999 and leave your home as soon as you can.