The Most Inspirational Sources Of Hobs
The Most Inspirational Sources Of Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which means a crag, hill or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually kind, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. A hob is a metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances the hob could be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even place a cart on its roof. This was a major issue for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK, they can be used in other countries too. They are available in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the click of a button, and they can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and 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 burning. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from 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 lower the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies that can collect dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of abnormal 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 during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect your budget, both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a broad variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more susceptible to flare-ups due to accident and fires, so it is important to be aware of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with control knobs that are touch-based, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they do not have exposed burners or grates. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are 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. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features shield the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you use them. A simple method to test this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays it is hobs oven compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or cause fire.
Keep children and others away from the hob while it is in use. The surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to touch handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. Also, it is essential to switch your hob off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a while. If you experience a fire, follow the fire service instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.