Here's A Little Known Fact Regarding Hobs
Here's A Little Known Fact Regarding Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit, or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally kind however they can also be a nuisance if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is usually flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by flat rocks which can serve as a goal for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive when provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. They are available in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by a single button and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk for burns. The power is also deactivated immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models have a 'Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function that joins two cooking zones induction into a single zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Many also offer timers, pre-sets for typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power for the necessary amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, modern designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an affect the cost of your kitchen in both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric ovens elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy-efficient however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting quicker heating and an evenly distributed heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs since they do not have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, posing the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as powerful as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. A simple way to test this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.
It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the hob while it is in use, since the surface can become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles as they can also be extremely hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is an emergency fire.