Is Hobs The Greatest Thing There Ever Was?
Is Hobs The Greatest Thing There Ever Was?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to the word "crag" or hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally kind, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a quoits target.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form hobgoblin. It is derived from 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 also be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. Moreover, they can be a hassle to work with due their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They come in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by a single button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where guests and children might be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This can help reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that connects two induction cooking zones to create a large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to alter the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. Some also have timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power for the required amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek lines that blend with other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal temperatures or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an affect your budget in both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame using natural gas. They heat pans and ovensandhobs pots. Many home cooks choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen employs electric elements beneath a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based products. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they have a filament bulb which is used to 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 are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some feature touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.
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 faster heating and more even heat distribution. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they do not have grates or burners exposed. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, posing the risk of fire. 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 the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types So it's essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a quick method to test. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the hob while 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 because they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there's an emergency fire.