Ten Stereotypes About Hobs That Aren't Always The Truth
Ten Stereotypes About Hobs That Aren't Always The Truth
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The 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. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit, or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, a hill, or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A type of cooking device is another popular use. A hob is a metal plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements including rings. In some instances the hob could be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with the press of one button, and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home where guests and children might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large one controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Many also offer timers, pre-sets to typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that here complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the right 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 cooks your pans and pots. They are a preferred option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a broad variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately secured with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen, use electric elements under a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more efficient in energy use, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they do not have exposed burners or grates. They're not as effective in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it 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. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs are not as powerful and strong like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a simple method to test. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction hob. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing an accident.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a time. If you notice a fire and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.