15 Things You've Never Known About Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but are less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, best ovens and hobs require 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 Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, hill or a the crag.
Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally kind but they can become a nuisance when offended. One such hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with a flat rock which can serve as a quoits goal.
The first documented use of the term "hob" dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It was likely taken over as the female form hobgoblin. It is derived from 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 if provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Moreover, they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in a variety of types, like electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by one button and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burns. The power is also shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests may be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that joins two cooking zones induction into a single zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are easy to read and use. A lot of hobs have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only utilizes maximum power for the specified time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs, as it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with it. This can prevent electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are that are available, so it is important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some of the 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 as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame with natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many home cooks choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based items. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other types of hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which creates heat on the surface. They are more energy-efficient however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs since they don't have exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe for use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It's important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction ready before you begin using them. A simple way to check this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick it is compatible with an induction cooker. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to damaging your hob and causing a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan as they can also be extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove 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 is an incident of fire.