What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, a hill, or a the crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One such hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with an elongated rock that is used as a quoits goal.
The first documented usage of the term "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely used at the same time as the feminine form hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive if provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Additionally they can be difficult to work with due their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by the press of an electronic button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as a lock for children.
hob and oven are renowned for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and heat up only when they are in contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features can be particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction hobs require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models feature a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and use. hob and oven have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the required time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek designs that match other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, and then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget as well as the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many home cooks 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 various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame and ensure that your stove is protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They are slower to heat and cool than other types of hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control, with some featuring control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. They're not as effective at simmering, and they might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you fail to make the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which can present a fire hazard. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, as well as protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If the pan sticks it is compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly an accident.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. Also, it is important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the advice of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an emergency fire.