Who Is The World's Top Expert On Hobs?
Who Is The World's Top Expert On Hobs?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, hill or a the crag.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are upset. One such hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is a metal plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by flat rocks that can be used as a quoits goal.
The first documented use of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was probably used at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. It originates 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 be destructive when provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with the click of one button, and can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These types of features are enticed consumers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burning. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been 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 household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that connects two induction cooking zones into a single large zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and help conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of abnormal temperatures or explosive substances, then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs available, so it's important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you select will also affect your budget - both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a favorite choice for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. They take longer to cool and heat up than other types of hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, however they have a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy-efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you 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 could present a fire hazard. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features protect the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs are not as powerful and strong like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. A simple method to test this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing an accident.
Keep children and other people away from the hob while it is in use. The surface may get extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for some time. If a fire occurs then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 ovens and hobs uk and leave your home as soon as you can.