What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they use electricity. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to the word "crag" or hill or a"crag.

Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

Another popular use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by a flat rock which can serve as a goal for quoits.

The earliest documented instances of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Hobs are famous for their pranks, despite their benign nature. They can 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 are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.

While hobs uk are mostly found in the UK however, they can be used in other countries as well. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burning. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.

In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.

Additionally, 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 can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it helps reduce the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven, which can prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you select will impact 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. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to accidental flare-ups and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are safe.

Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touchscreen controls, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can lead to fires that could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are the main cause of kitchen fires.

Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phone, and their radiation is not ionizing.

Induction best hobs uk can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you use them. A simple method to test this is to hold a magnet near 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.

Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the hob while it is in use. The surface can become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there's a fire.