15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Hobs
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 that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields. Origin Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word “hol” which means pit, hole or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which translates to the word “crag” or hill or a crag. In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance if offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough. Another common use of the word is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is typically flat and is adorned with cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced by a flat rock which can serve as a goal for quoits. The first recorded usage of the term “hob” dates back to the early sixteenth century. It was probably taken over as the feminine form, 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 innocent nature. They can also be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to place a cart on its roof. This was a huge inconvenience to the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength. Although hobs are mostly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. ovens and hobs uk can be controlled with the push of an electronic button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Some models also have advanced safety features such as locks for children. Functions Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is also shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests might be present. In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the energy bills of 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 zones to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans. Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and use. Many offer timers, pre-sets for typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a “Booster” function that uses maximum power for the amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and save energy. The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that can collect dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor. Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with it. This will prevent electric shocks. Types There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs. Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame and ensure that your stove is protected with protective grilles. Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They are affordable and provide good heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean. Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they have a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some featuring control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that you can turn. 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 less grates and burners that are exposed, making them easier to clean. However, they are not as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom. Safety Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK. Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen. Induction hobs are safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they emit is not ionizing. Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware It is therefore essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a quick method to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire. It is also essential to ensure that children and other people stay away from the hob while it is in use, since the surface can become extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to touch handles on the metal pan since they are extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's advice – to call 911 and leave your house as fast as you can.