Looking For Inspiration? Look Up Hobs
Looking For Inspiration? Look Up Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit, or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, a hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements like rings. In certain instances the hob could be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a quoits target.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period as the feminine form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their benign nature hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be very destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly used in the UK however, they can be found in other countries, too. They are available in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency and 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 burns. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Others feature the bridge function, which joins two induction cooking zones into a single large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are used in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob for indications of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to get more info know when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps prevent electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs available, so it's important to think about which one is right for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a favorite choice for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be aware of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer good heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause damage to or break cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. One way to test this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is in use, since the surface may become extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves when touching handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an emergency fire.