What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.

Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.

Another common usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements including rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced with an elongated rock which can serve as a goal for quoits.

The first documented uses of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same timeframe 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 innocent appearance hobs can play pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the best ovens uk they can also be found in other countries. They are available in many forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with one button and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These kinds of features are enticed customers to purchase these devices. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with cookware compatible which reduces the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests may be present.

Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Some 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 bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.

Simple, intuitive controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.

Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary designs that match other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of abnormal temperatures or explosive substances, then automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it is important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget as well as the initial cost as well as running costs.

Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for many cooks at home because they provide 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 large variety of cooking equipment. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. They are slower to cool and heat than other hobs, and are difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which 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, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.

Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. They are not as good at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to make the necessary precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can result in fires that ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are an important cause of kitchen fires.

The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Fortunately, most hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent 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 protect the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong than those produced 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 make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a simple method to test. If the pan is able to stick it is compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.

Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area while it is in use. The surface may get extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching handles on metal pans as they can also be very hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven uk off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice - to call 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.