What is a Hob?

A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which 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 pit, hole or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which means the word "crag" or hill or a crag.

In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be an issue if they are upset. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

Another popular use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob is typically flat and is adorned with cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances the hob could be replaced with flat stones to permit it to function as a quoits target.

The earliest documented instances of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. This is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Hobs are known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.

While hobs are mostly found in the UK however, they can be found in other countries as well. They come in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the click of one button, and can be utilized in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burns. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in the home where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.

Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models come with a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones induction into a single large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple, intuitive controls that are simple to read and use. Many offer timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power for the amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface 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 have been designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They feature sleek, contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.

Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual temperatures or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact with it. This will prevent electric shocks.

Types

There are several different types of hob available, so it's crucial to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost and running costs.

Gas hobs create an open flame with natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a popular option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive 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 protected by grills with safety.

Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based products. They are slower to heat and cool than other types of hobs, and are difficult to clean.


Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. They aren't as efficient at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.

The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. The majority of hobs have safety features that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob as well as its components, while protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.

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

Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It's important to make sure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. One way to check this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan sticks to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. The wrong cookware could damage your hob or even cause a fire.

Keep children and other people away from the stove while it is in use. The surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. Follow Ovens & Hobs of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there is an emergency fire.