Who's The Most Renowned Expert On Hobs?
Who's The Most Renowned Expert On Hobs?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They use electric energy but are less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.
Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to function as a quoits target.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are well-known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive when they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. They come in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the push of one button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and are heated only when they are in contact with compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burning. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions, which joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read get more info and operate. Many offer timers, pre-sets to typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that makes use of the maximum power only for the necessary amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.
Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs that are available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you select will also impact your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a popular choice for cooks at home because they provide 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 large range of cooking vessels. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some feature touchscreen controls and 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 than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they don't have grates or burners exposed. However, they are not as effective at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they could be dangerous in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is essential to make sure that your saucepans and pots are induction ready before you use them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a quick method to test. If the pan is able to stick it is compatible with an induction hob. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service advice - to call 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.