Question: How Much Do You Know About Hobs?
Question: How Much Do You Know About Hobs?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every 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, but they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit, or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally benevolent, however they can be annoying if they are 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 appliance is another popular use. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to cook food 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 by flat rocks that can be used as a quoits goal.
The first documented uses of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to 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 one button and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware that is compatible, which minimizes the risk of burning. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction stoves consume less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, ovens hobs presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, like conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement 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 avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to determine which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features are: heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you select will also affect your budget - both in the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They take longer to cool and heat than other types of hobs, and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats 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 heat control. Some feature touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating as well as a more even distribution of heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they have no exposed burners or grates. However, they are not as effective at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to become damaged or even shatter, posing a fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It is important to make sure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple way to test this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could result in 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 get extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to touch handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's important to turn your stove off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the advice of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an incident of fire.