What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. best hobs uk can also be used with nearly all cookware brands however, induction hobs require 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 a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to the word "crag" or hill or a"crag.

Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.

Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.

The first documented usage of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was probably taken over as the female form hobgoblin. The word hob originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Hobs are well-known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally, they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. They are available in a variety of varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by just a single button, and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These types of features are drawing buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like a child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests may be present.

In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only utilizes maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.

Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and décor.

Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the hob surface for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are many different kinds of hob that are available, so it is important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will affect your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs create an open flame using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. They are a preferred choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to accidental flare-ups and fires, so it is important to be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they 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 temperature control. Some are equipped with control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.

Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more evenly distributed heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs since they don't have grates or burners exposed. They aren't as efficient in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be a major cause of kitchen fires.

Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to nearby 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 aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.

Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If best hobs uk sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or cause fire.


It is also important to keep children and 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 when touching metal pan handles since they are extremely hot. It is also important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they may remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.