Need Inspiration? Check Out Hobs
Need Inspiration? Check Out Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of 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 more affordable than gas ones, but they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally kind but they can be a nuisance if they are upset. One such hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with a flat rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented usage of the word "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. This is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to put a cart onto its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by just a single button, and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These kinds of features are enticed consumers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and they heat up only when they come into contact with compatible cookware, which 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 particularly beneficial in homes where guests and children are likely to be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge function that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern designs that match other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions make use of sensors that check the hob surface for signs of unusual temperatures or explosive substances, 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 have sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs that are available, so it is important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also affect the cost of your kitchen, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more susceptible to accidental flare-ups and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are best oven uk cost-effective for flat-based items. They take longer to heat and cool than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. 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 cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be the main cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe for use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific types of cookware So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a simple way to test. If the pan sticks to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in damage to your stove and possibly an explosion.
Keep children and others away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is also crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they can remain hot for a while. If you experience a fire, follow the fire service instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.