10 Places Where You Can Find Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern hobs uk are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They use electric energy but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly all cookware brands however, induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.

In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.

Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with an elongated rock which can serve as a goal for quoits.

The first recorded usage of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to bring a cart up its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and heat up only when they are in contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burns. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where guests and children are likely to be in the kitchen.

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

Certain models come with a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Many also offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power for the amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.

Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob uk is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to modern kitchens with modern, sleek lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with it. This will stop electric shocks.

Types

There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It is important to select the right one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you choose will also have an impact on your budget - both in the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a popular option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that your stove is protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are more difficult to cool and heat up than other hobs, and are difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some offering touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that you can turn.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed which makes them easier to clean. They're not as effective at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Cookware that is overheated can cause it to break or shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.

While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising.

Induction hobs can only be used with specific types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are ready for induction prior to making use of them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a straightforward method to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.

It is also important to keep children and other people away from the hob while it's in use, as the surface can get extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it can remain hot for a while. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.