15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Hobs

What is a Hob? The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that generate a magnetic field. Origin Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word “hol” which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which is a reference to a crag or hill. In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough. Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. Hobs are a type of metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to function as a quoits target. The first documented usage of the word “hob” is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. The word hob originates from the 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. Best ovens can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to place a cart on its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength. Although hobs are mostly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with one button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as a child lock. Functions Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk for burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen. Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households. Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones using induction to create a large zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans. The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the required duration, and a gentle “bottom heat” to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy. The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that could collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and decor. Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can stop electrical shocks. Types There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's crucial to think about which one is right for your kitchen. Some features include heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you select will also impact your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs. Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a popular option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles. Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based items. They are more difficult to cool and heat than other hobs and can be difficult 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 than traditional electric hobs, however, they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls while others have physical knobs. Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. They're not as effective in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware. Safety Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen but they could be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could ruin your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK. The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards. Induction hobs are safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is non-ionising. Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a straightforward method to test. If the pan sticks, it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or cause a fire. It is also important to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used, as the surface can get extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan because they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a period of time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there is a fire.