What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. hobs oven run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, a hill, or a crag.
Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to function as a quoits target.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was probably taken over as the female form, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. Moreover they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. They come in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These kinds of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where guests and children are likely to be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions, which joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and use. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies that could collect dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual temperatures or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the best one for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating 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 running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame with natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to flare-ups due to accident which is why you must be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs since they have no grates or burners exposed. They are not as good in simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant 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 other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are deemed safe for use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It is important to make sure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple method to test this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing an accident.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used. The surface may be extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to avoid touching the handles on the metal pan because they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there's a fire.