15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs

What is a Hob? The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields. Origin Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English “hol”, which means pit, hole or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which means a crag, a hill or a crag. Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough. Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced with a flat stone to allow it to be used as a target for quoits. The first recorded use 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 corresponding female form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits. Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge issue for the farmer. Moreover they can be a hassle to work with due their speed and strength. Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by just a single button, and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like locks for children. Functions Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and heat up only when they are in contact with cookware that is compatible, which minimizes the risk of burning. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen. In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households. Some models have a 'Stop & Go” function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones. Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft “bottom heat” to reduce simmering time and save energy. Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement other kitchen appliances and decor. Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob to detect signs 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 as it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the hob and prevent electrical shocks. Types There are several different types of hobs that are that are available, so it is important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs. Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Furthermore, best oven uk are not affected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected. Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide good heat distribution for flat-based products. They are slower to cool and heat than other hobs, and are difficult to clean. Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp that 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 temperature control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls, while others use physical knobs. Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. They are not as good in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots. Safety Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can lead to fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK. Overheating can cause damage to or break cookware, which could cause fire hazards. The majority of hobs have safety features that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features shield the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards. While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. 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 ready for induction prior to making use of them. One way to test this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan sticks to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion. Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can become extremely hot. Additionally, read full article should wear oven gloves when you touch metal pan handles as they can also be very hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an incident of fire.