Who Is The World s Top Expert On Hobs

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but are less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

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 also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, a hill, or a"crag.

Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are generally benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.

Another popular use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with flat rocks which can serve as a goal for quoits.

The first documented usage of the word "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.

Despite their benign nature hobs can play games with people. They can be destructive if provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use because of their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the press of an electronic button, and can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes them easier 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 known for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as 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 instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests may be present.

Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions, which joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Some also have timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power for the necessary amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They have sleek, contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.

Sensors are employed in hobs and ovens equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware best ovens and hobs uk safety. The type of stove you choose will also impact on your budget as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to accidental flare-ups which is why you must be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.

Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are slower to cool and heat up than other types of hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.

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 heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating and a more uniform distribution of heat. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs because they don't have grates or burners exposed. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, which can pose a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.

Induction hobs are deemed safe for use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone and their radiation is not ionizing.

Induction hobs can only be used 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 check this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction hob. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to damage to your stove and possibly an accident.

It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when touching handles on metal pans because they are also very hot. Finally, it's crucial to turn your best oven uk off straight after use as they can stay hot for a while. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there is an emergency fire.