20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Hobs Fans Understand
20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Hobs Fans Understand
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by flat rocks which can serve as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can be destructive if provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally, they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in many forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with just a single button, and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier 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 their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. The power is also deactivated immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests may be present.
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.
Some models have a 'Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones induction into a single zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They have sleek, contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual 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 as it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an impact on 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 popular choice for home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame, and make sure your stove is secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control, with some having touch-based controls while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating Ovens And Hobs UK and a more even distribution of heat. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other types of hobs since they do not have grates or burners that are exposed. They're not as effective at simmering, and they might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to break or shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It's important to ensure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a quick way to test. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it is in use, since the surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching metal pan handles, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is a fire.