Where Can You Find The Best Hobs Information?
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by flat rocks which can serve as a quoits goal.
The first documented usage of the word "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. hob and oven are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK however, they can be used in other countries too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with the push of one button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burns. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce 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 zones to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature the bridge function that joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone that is controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only utilizes maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies which can accumulate dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They feature sleek, modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to detect the cookware isn't in contact with it. This helps stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs that are available. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget - both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a favorite choice for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a broad variety of cooking appliances. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp that is used to heat the surface. They are more energy-efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have control knobs that are touch-based, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed, making them easier to clean. They're not as effective in simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are the main cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, while preventing fire hazards to nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific cookware types So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a simple method to test. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. The wrong type of cookware could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface may get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. If you experience a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.