15 Things You've Never Known About Hobs
15 Things You've Never Known About Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a ding. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are generally kind however they can also be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking device is a different type of cooking device that is used extensively. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances the hob may be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a quoits target.
The first documented uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably taken over as the female version hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to put a cart onto its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. Additionally they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries, too. They come in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the click of an electronic button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction to create a large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Many also offer timers, pre-sets for typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power only for the necessary amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Additionally, 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 with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to modern kitchens with sleek, modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob to detect signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact it. This helps stop electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs that are available, so it's crucial to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will impact your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many home cooks choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based products. They are slower to cool and heat than other types of hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they have a filament bulb that is used to heat 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 offer more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some having control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs are a contemporary 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 uniform distribution of heat. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other types of hobs because they do not have grates or burners exposed. They're not as effective in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can get more info be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which can cause fire hazards. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, as well as protecting the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. One way to test this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface can become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they are also very hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for some time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave your home as quickly as possible.