15 Things You've Never Known About Hobs

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they use electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a the crag.

Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually kind, but can become an issue if they are upset. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.

A type of cooking device is another common use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced by a flat rock that can be used as a quoits goal.

The earliest attested uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to put a cart onto its roof. This caused a huge inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly used in the oven uk, they can be found in other countries, too. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with the push of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect Best place to buy oven and hob Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk 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 could be present.

In addition, induction stoves consume less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function that joins two induction high-quality cooking appliances zones into a single zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones with the capability of connecting multiple zones.

Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.

Sensors are utilized in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know 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 important to select the right one for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you choose will also impact on your budget as well as the initial cost and running costs.

Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a popular option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame and ensure that your stove is protected by grills with safety.

Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. They take longer to cool and heat than other hobs, and are difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they have a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. However, they are not as effective at simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they could be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the best ovens uk.

Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which can create a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Induction hobs are safe to use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation isn't ionizing.

Induction hobs are only compatible with specific cookware types, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a simple way to test. If the pan stays to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or cause a fire.

Keep children and others away from the cooking area when it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven with hob gloves whenever you are touching handles on metal pans as they can also be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they can remain hot for a while. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service advice - to call 911 and leave your house as fast as you can.