Ten Hobs That Will Actually Improve Your Life
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Recommended Reading are made of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. ovens uk is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which means the word "crag" or hill, or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally kind, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances the hob could be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first documented use of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was probably acquired in the same timeframe as the corresponding female form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
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 carry a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Additionally they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by the click of an electronic button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are attracting buyers. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with compatible cookware which reduces the risk of burning. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting to make it easier when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are easy to use and read. A lot of hobs 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 soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and save energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek lines that complement other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know the cookware isn't in contact it. This will protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs that are available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect your budget in both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame with natural gas. This heats pans and pots. Many home cooks choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be aware of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they have a filament bulb which 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 are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more evenly distributed heat. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs because they don't have exposed burners or grates. They are not as good at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, posing the risk of fire. Fortunately, most hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are safe to use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you use them. One way to check this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when touching handles on metal pans because they are also extremely hot. It is important to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a period of time. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's advice to dial 911 and leave your house as fast as you can.