What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is a 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 also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, ovensandhobs.uk hill or a crag.

In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One such hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is a metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements like rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.

The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.

Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance, was able bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge problem for the farmer. Furthermore they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.

While hobs are mostly used in the UK but they can also be used in other countries, too. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by the click of a button, and they can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are drawing buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children and guests might be in the kitchen.

Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models have a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that connects two cooking zones induction into a single large zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.

The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to read and use. Some also have timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a "Booster" feature that draws maximum power only for the necessary amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that could collect dirt in time, as do conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.

Sensors are utilized in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the best one for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a preferred option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure your stove is protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp that heats 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 temperature control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.

Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which can present a fire hazard. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.

Induction hobs are safe for use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.

Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If the pan stays, it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.

It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they are also extremely hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a while. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there is an emergency fire.