What Is Hobs? History Of Hobs
What Is Hobs? History Of Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They use electric energy but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, a hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, however they can be an issue if they are upset. 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 equipment. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with a flat rock that is used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented usage of the word "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive if provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in many varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with the push of a button, and they can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burning. The power is also deactivated immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features can be particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests may be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models have a 'Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge function that connects two induction cooking zones to create a large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies that can collect dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob for 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 as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the best one for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will affect your budget - both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a popular choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. They take longer to heat and cool than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs, however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control, with some offering control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating and a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates, making them easier to clean. They're not as effective at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or break cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Fortunately, the majority of hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent 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 safeguard the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple way to check this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction stove. The wrong type of cookware could result in damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
It is also important to keep children and read more other people away from the cooking area when it is in use, since the surface can become extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.