What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, hill or a crag.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. A hob is a metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with a flat rock that is used as a quoits goal.
The earliest attested uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance, was able bring a cart up its roof. This was a major issue for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in a variety of varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with just a single button, and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs 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 setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that joins two cooking zones induction into a single zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to ovens hobs adjust the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Many offer timers, pre-sets to typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power only for the amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with sleek, modern designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it is important to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an impact on your budget in 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 popular 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 failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be aware of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, another option for cooking make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based items. They take longer to cool and heat than other types of hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy efficient however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some feature touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat 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 less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is essential to make sure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you use them. A simple way to check this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove while it is in use. The surface could get extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles since they are extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an incident of fire.