This Story Behind Hobs Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are usually constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They use electric energy but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to 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 means a crag or a hill.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are generally benevolent however they can also be a nuisance if they are upset. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and has a variety of cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by a flat rock that is used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented usage of the term "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge inconvenience to the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries as well. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with compatible cookware. This reduces the chance of burns. The power is also deactivated immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves 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 a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function that joins two cooking zones induction into a single zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and 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 that can collect dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs that are available. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an affect your budget, both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but they have 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 temperature control. Some feature touch-based controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. They are not as good at simmering, and they 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 when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which can present a fire hazard. Many hobs come with safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that 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.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but 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. It's important to ensure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a quick way to test. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or cause fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface can become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal since they are extremely hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it can remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.