10 Quick Tips For Hobs
10 Quick Tips For Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy but are less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually kind, however they can be a nuisance if offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with a flat rock that is used as a goal for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are well-known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can be destructive if they are provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They are available in many forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These features are attracting buyers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the energy bills of households 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 setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone that is controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple, intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Many offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that uses maximum power only for the required amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add sophistication and style to get more info the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs that are available. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen in both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame with natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based products. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, however, they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some having touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. However, they are not as effective 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 fail to take the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to break or shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you begin using them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a straightforward method to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or even cause a fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the hob while it is in use, since the surface can get extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans as they can also be very hot. Finally, it's essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they may remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there is an emergency fire.