15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs

What is a Hob? A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, but they use electricity. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields. Origin Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word “hol” and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which means a crag or hill. Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough. Another popular use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock which can serve as a goal for quoits. best oven uk documented usage of the word “hob” is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. It is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits. Despite their innocent appearance hobs can play amusing pranks on people. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally, they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength. Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by the click of a button, and they can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Certain models also come with advanced safety features like locks for children. Functions Induction hobs are known for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and they heat up only when they come into contact with cookware compatible which reduces the risk of burning. 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 might be in the kitchen. Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households. Some models have a 'Stop & Go” function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones with the capability of connecting multiple zones. The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are easy to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the required time, and a gentle “bottom heat” to cut down on simmer time and save energy. Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over 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 used in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob to detect signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps stop electric shocks. Types There are many different types of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also impact your budget – both in the initial cost and also the running costs. Gas hobs generate an open flame with natural gas. They heat pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a broad variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to accidental flare-ups which is why you must be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles. Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements under a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based products. They are slower to cool and heat up than other hobs, and are difficult to clean. Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb 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 control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs. Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops using 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. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they have no grates or burners exposed. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware. Safety Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they could be dangerous in the event that you do not take 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 can be an important cause of kitchen fires. Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which can present a fire hazard. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also use 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 making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen. While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising. Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types It is therefore essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. One way to check this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly an explosion. It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the cooking area when it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they can be very hot. Also, it is important to turn your stove off straight after use as they can stay hot for a while. Follow the instructions of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there is a fire.