20 Reasons Why Hobs Cannot Be Forgotten
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
hobs uk is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but can become 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 use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. A hob is a metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with flat rocks that is used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was probably taken over as the feminine form, hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to 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.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by the press of one button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid 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 compatible, which minimizes the risk of burns. The power is also deactivated immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have the bridge function that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and use. Many offer timers, pre-sets for typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that makes use of the maximum power for the required amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of conventional gas burners, which can collect dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual temperatures or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it is important to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also affect your budget - both in the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based items. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs because they don't have exposed burners or grates. However, they are not as effective at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, posing a fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific types of cookware So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a simple method to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or cause fire.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface can become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan as they can also be very hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an incident of fire.