15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans which 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 translates to hole, pit or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are usually kind, but can become annoying if they are offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by an elongated rock which can serve as a quoits goal.
The first recorded usage of the word "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the female form hobgoblin. It is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK but they can also be used in other countries, too. They come in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the push of a button, and they can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are enticed customers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models have a 'Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have the bridge function, which joins two cooking zones induction to create a large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Many also offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power only for the amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens. They have sleek, contemporary lines to complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They check 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 particularly important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to detect the cookware isn't in contact with it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs available, so it's crucial to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Some features include heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame with natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally which is why you must be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide good heat distribution 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 oven uk hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some feature touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or break cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It's important to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you use them. A simple way to test this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used. 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's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, since it could remain hot for some time. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice - to call 999 and leave your home as soon as you can.