Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Hobs?
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Hobs?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware however, induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to the crag or hill.
Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be annoying if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is a metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by an elongated rock that can be used as a quoits goal.
The earliest attested uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was probably taken over as the female form hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be destructive when they are provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Moreover they can 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 used in other countries too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the press of one button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware that is compatible that reduces the chance of burning. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic 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, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and decor.
Sensors are used in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect your budget in both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a favorite option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame, and make sure your stove is protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based items. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp that 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 heat control, with some having touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are a major cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, which can pose a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used oven and hob with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple method to test this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan sticks it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware could result in damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
Keep children and others away from the hob while it is in use. The surface could get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they can be very hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for some time. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 999 and leave your home as soon as you can.