15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
What is a Hob? Home Page is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field. Origin Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English “hol”, which means hole, pit or dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which means a crag or a hill. Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally kind, but can become a nuisance when offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough. Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is usually flat and features several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with flat rocks that is used as a quoits goal. The earliest documented instances of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits. Hobs are well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge problem for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength. While hobs are mostly found in the UK however, they can be used in other countries too. They come in a variety of varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the push of an electronic button, and can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like a child lock. Functions Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and heat up only when in contact with cookware that is compatible that reduces the chance of burning. The power is also deactivated immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests may be present. Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This can help reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households. Certain models have a “Stop & Go” function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that connects two induction cooking zones into a single zone that is controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones. The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple, intuitive controls that are simple to operate and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft “bottom heat” to reduce simmering time and conserve energy. The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies that can collect dirt over time, like traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances and décor. Sensors are used in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob to detect signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob to prevent electrical shocks. Types There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. The most common features are 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 running costs. Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many home cooks choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety. Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They take longer to cool and heat up 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, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs to turn. Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. They're not as effective in simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots. Safety Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK. Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, the majority of hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the output of heat is consistent and doesn't 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 powerful as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising. Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It's important to make sure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you begin using them. best hobs to check this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or cause a fire. Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles, as they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a period of time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an emergency fire.