15 Things You Don't Know About Hobs

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, hill or a crag.

Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are generally benevolent, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.

Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some cases the hob could be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.

The earliest attested uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent nature hobs can play pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be difficult to work with due their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly used in the UK, they can be used in other countries too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by the press of an electronic button, and can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing buyers to buy these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features such as the lock for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and heat up only when they are in contact with compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burns. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.

In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models come with a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that joins two cooking zones induction to create a large zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Many offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that makes use of the maximum power only for the required amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and save energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with modern, sleek lines that blend with other appliances and decor.

Sensors are used in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect the cookware isn't in contact with it. This will protect against electric shocks.

Types

There are many different types of hobs available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a popular choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a broad variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. They take longer to cool and heat up than other types of hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs however they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some featuring control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs to turn.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat 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 less grates and burners that are exposed which makes them easier to clean. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be an important cause of kitchen fires.

The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.

Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware, so it's more info important to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a straightforward method to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damaging your hob and causing an accident.

It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it is in use, since the surface can become extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to avoid touching the handles on the metal pan because they can be extremely hot. It is also important to turn your stove off immediately after use since they can stay hot for a time. Follow the advice of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an incident of fire.