The Story Behind Hobs Can Haunt You Forever!
The Story Behind Hobs Can Haunt You Forever!
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to the crag or hill.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can also be a nuisance if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements like rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced with a flat stone to allow it to function as a quoits target.
The first documented uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the female version hobgoblin. This is derived from 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 if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able bring a cart up its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries as well. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by the click of one button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when in contact with cookware that is compatible that 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 can be especially useful in the home where children or guests may be present.
Induction hobs 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.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large one controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power interruptions and work with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and offer good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause harm 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.
Overheating can cause damage to or break cookware, which could 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 heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob and its components, as well as protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction-ready before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a straightforward way to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used. The oven and hob surface can become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan because they can be very hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.