What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they 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 ding. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.

In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.

Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by flat stones to permit it to function as a quoits target.

The first documented usage of the word "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably taken over 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 well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to place a cart on its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in many varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the press of a button, and they can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. best ovens and hobs of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This reduces the chance of burns. The power is also deactivated instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests might be in the kitchen.

Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Some models have a 'Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones induction into a single 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, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Many also offer timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the required amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and help conserve energy.

Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of gas burners that are conventional, which can collect dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.

Hobs with automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for signs of excessive temperatures or explosive substances, then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks.

Types

There are several different types of hobs available, so it's important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that 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. Many home cooks opt for gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that your stove is protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed, making them easier to clean. They are not as good in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, many hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.

Induction hobs only work with specific cookware types So it's essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple method to test this is to place an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.

Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles on metal pans as they can also be very hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it can remain hot for some time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there is a fire.