Are You In Search Of Inspiration? Check Out Hobs
Are You In Search Of Inspiration? Check Out Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part 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 less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to the crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another popular use. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by a flat rock that is used as a quoits goal.
The first recorded usage of the word "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It was likely used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by just a single button, and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and heat up only when in contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burning. The power is also deactivated instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce household energy bills 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 areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of excessive temperature or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs available. It's important to choose the best one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget - both in the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also not affected 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 susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based items. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp which is used to heat the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. hobs uk This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they could be dangerous in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they emit is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you use them. A simple way to check this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays, it is compatible with an induction stove. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the hob while it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles as they can also be extremely hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for a period of time. If a fire occurs then follow the fire department's advice - to call 911 and leave your house as quickly as possible.