10 Places That You Can Find Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part 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, however they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English “hol”, which translates to hole, pit or dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which is a reference to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually benevolent, but can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is a metallic plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements including rings. In some instances the hob may be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a target for quoits.
The first recorded use of the term “hob” is from the early sixteenth century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the feminine form, hobgoblin, www.Ovensandhobs.Uk which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are famous for their games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They come in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with one button and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance of burns. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests may be present.
Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps lower 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 need to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones induction to create a large zone that is controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many offer timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a ‘Booster’ feature that draws maximum power for the required amount of time and a gentle ‘bottom heat’ to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn’t 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 the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware isn’t in contact with the hob and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It’s important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob you select will also impact on your budget, both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a popular choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power interruptions and work with various cooking equipment. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame’s openness and ensure the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based products. They are slower to heat and cool than other types of hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats 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 heat control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.
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 uniform distribution of heat. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they do not have grates or burners exposed. However, they aren’t as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be risky when you don’t take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can cause fires that could 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 cause the cookware to break or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. 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, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It’s important to ensure that your pots and saucepans 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 it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area when it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is also crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there’s an emergency fire.