Hobs: The Secret Life Of Hobs
Hobs: The Secret Life Of Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, hill, or a crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A cooking device is a different type of cooking device that is used extensively. A hob is a metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a target for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the feminine form hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in many varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the press of an electronic button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps lower the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have the bridge function, which joins two cooking zones using induction to create a large zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of excessive temperature or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact with it. This will protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features include heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will impact your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to accidental flare-ups which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are slower to cool and heat up than other hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more efficient in energy use, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have touchscreen controls, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed, making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, posing the risk of fire. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob and its components, as well as protecting the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are deemed safe for use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as powerful as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with specific cookware types So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. One way to best hobs check this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs can damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area while it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles since they are extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for some time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's instructions - call 911 and leave your house as fast as you can.