What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. ovens and hobs ovensandhobs.uk is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which means a crag, hill, or a crag.
Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are generally benevolent however they can also become a nuisance when offended. One such hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by an elongated rock that is used as a quoits goal.
The first documented usage of the word "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive when they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore they can be difficult to work with due their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the push of a button, and they can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous 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 are in contact with compatible cookware which reduces the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large zone controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to operate and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive temperature or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the oven to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you select will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a preferred option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, for example, cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be aware of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected by protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they feature a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some feature touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs since they don't have exposed burners or grates. They're not as effective in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as powerful as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a quick method to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it is in use, since the surface can get extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when touching handles on metal pans because they are also extremely hot. Also, it is important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they can remain hot for a long time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's instructions - call 911 and leave your house as quickly as possible.