Here's A Little Known Fact Concerning Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have 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 emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the crag or hill.

In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can also become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.

A type of cooking device is another popular use. A hob is a metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock that is used as a goal for quoits.

The first documented uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even put a cart onto its roof. This was a huge inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.

While hobs are mostly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the click of one button, and can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing consumers to purchase these devices. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, such as the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk for burns. The power is also shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.

Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This can help reduce household energy bills 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 setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to read and use. Many offer timers, pre-sets to typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that makes use of the maximum power only for the amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek designs that match other kitchen appliances and decor.

Sensors are employed in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob to detect signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps prevent electric shocks.

Types

There are many different types of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.

Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They get more info are a preferred option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be aware 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. These hobs are economical and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control, with some offering touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that you can turn.

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. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they don't have exposed burners or grates. They are not as good in simmering, and are not suitable for 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 result in fires that 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 become damaged or even shatter, posing a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob as well as its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the other kitchen surfaces.

While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful as those produced by mobile phone and their radiation isn't ionizing.

Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your cookware and pots are induction-ready before you use them. A simple way to test this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan sticks, it is compatible with an induction stove. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.

Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface may get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal since they are extremely hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's advice - to call 999 and leave your home as quickly as possible.