The Secret Life Of Hobs
The Secret Life Of Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind 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 related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to the crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with flat rocks that is used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented usage of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by one button and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction hobs require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature the bridge function that connects two induction cooking zones to create a large zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Many also offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a "Booster" feature that draws maximum power for the amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs that are available. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some features include heating 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 ongoing costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a popular option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp that is used to heat the surface. They are more energy efficient however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with control knobs that are touch-based and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat 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 exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen but they could 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 could be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can damage or even break cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the ovens and hobs uk safe limits. These features protect the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a straightforward method to test. 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 a fire.
It is also essential to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they can be very hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there is a fire.