Who Is Hobs And Why You Should Be Concerned
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, hill or a crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, however they can be annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is usually flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances the hob may be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" is from the beginning of the 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance, hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge issue for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK however, they can be used in other countries as well. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models also have advanced safety features such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they are in contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burns. The power is also deactivated immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction stoves consume less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the hob surface for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, then automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's important to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame with natural gas. They heat pans and pots. 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 can be used with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure your stove is secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp which heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however, they take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating as well as a more evenly distributed heat. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they don't have exposed burners or grates. They aren't as efficient in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be dangerous in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. Continue are not as powerful than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware It is therefore essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple method to check this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan stays, it is compatible with an induction hob. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the hob while it is being used, as the surface can get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan as they can also be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for some time. If a fire occurs then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.