Who Is Hobs And Why You Should Care

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy but are less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means the word "crag" or hill or a crag.

Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do 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 word is to refer to a type of cooking device. Hobs are a type of metal 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 cases the hob could be replaced with a flat stone to allow it to be used as a quoits target.

The first recorded usage of the term "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.

Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by a single button and can be paired alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models also have advanced safety features such as a lock for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and are heated only when in contact with cookware that is compatible, which minimizes the risk of burning. The power is also shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where guests and children might be in the kitchen.

In addition, induction hobs require less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge features that connect two induction zones into one large zone that is controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.

The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the specified time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, like traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that blend with other appliances and décor.

best hobs uk with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of excessive temperatures or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to know when the cookware isn't in contact with it. This helps prevent electric shocks.

Types

There are a variety of hobs that are available. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also affect your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs generate an open flame with natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a favorite option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally which is why you must be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with grills that are safe.

Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen employs electric elements beneath a glass or ceramic 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 hob and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they have a filament bulb which 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 control knobs that are touch-based and others have physical knobs.

Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.

The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help 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) from induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phone and their radiation isn't ionizing.

Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple method to test this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan stays, it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.

Keep children and others away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch metal pan handles as they can also be extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for some time. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.