15 Things You've Never Known About Hobs

What is a Hob? A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. best ovens and hobs uk are made of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field. Origin Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English “hol”, which translates to hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which means a crag, hill or a the crag. Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent however they can also be a nuisance if they are upset. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough. Another popular use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock which can serve as a goal for quoits. The first documented usage of the word “hob” dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period as the corresponding female form hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit. Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive when provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength. Hobs are mainly used in the UK however, they can be used in other countries, too. They are available in many types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with the press of a button, and they can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like a child lock. Functions Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is also deactivated immediately when cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests may be present. Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households. Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function that connects two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the capability of connecting multiple zones. The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a soft “bottom heat” to reduce simmering time and conserve energy. Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They have sleek, modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor. Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the hob and prevent electrical shocks. Types There are many different types of hobs available. It's important to choose the best one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget in both the initial cost as well as running costs. Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles. Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other types of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean. Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb that heats 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 heat control. Some have touchscreen controls, while others use physical knobs. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed which makes them easier to clean. They're not as effective in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware. Safety Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires. best hob uk can cause the cookware to become damaged or even shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. best ovens and hobs 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, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards. Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising. Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware So it's essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. A simple method to check this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong type of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing a fire. It is also important to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use, since the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they are also very hot. Also, it is essential to switch your hob off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an incident of fire.