15 Things You Don't Know About Hobs
15 Things You Don't Know About Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they use electricity. They also work with almost every cookware type however, induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, hill, or a the crag.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be annoying if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another popular use. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was probably used at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for 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 are also used in other countries. They are available in many forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with one button and can be paired alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burning. Additionally the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large one controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Some also have timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, an automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power for the required amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and save energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs that are available. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect the cost of your kitchen in both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a popular choice for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power interruptions and work with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame and ensure that your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are slower to heat and cool than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they have 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 are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touchscreen controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting quicker heating and an uniform distribution of heat. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs because they do not have grates or burners exposed. They aren't as efficient at simmering, and they may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, posing a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use Best ovens of power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features help safeguard the hob as well as its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to other kitchen surfaces.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific types of cookware It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. One way to check this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing an accident.
Keep children and others away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch metal pan handles because they can be very hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is an emergency fire.