What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component 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 but are less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or a hill.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but can become an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with a flat rock which can serve as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK, they can be used in other countries too. They are available in many forms, such as electric and gas hobs. oven hob can be controlled with the click of an electronic button, and can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These kinds of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests may be present.
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.
Certain models come with a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Some also have timers, pre-sets for typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power for the amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, modern lines that blend with other appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob that are available, so it is important to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements under a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. They are affordable and offer good heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp which is used to heat the surface. This makes them 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 are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed which makes them easier to clean. They're not as effective in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It is important to make sure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you begin using them. A simple way to check 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 lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to avoid touching the handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there is an incident of fire.