Ten Myths About Hobs That Aren't Always True
Ten Myths About Hobs That Aren't Always True
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, hill or a crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can also be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced by flat rocks that can be used as a quoits goal.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the feminine form hobgoblin. It is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able bring a cart up its roof. This was a huge inconvenience to the farmer. Moreover, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK but they can also be found in other countries as well. They come in a variety of types, like electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with the click of an electronic 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 types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like 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 heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that connects two cooking zones induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to alter the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and use. Many also offer timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power for the required amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, as with traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual temperature or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the oven to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hob that are available, so it is important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features are: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame with natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, another option for cooking make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat 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 temperature control. Some have touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features protect the hob and its components, as well as protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phone and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It's important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple way to check this is to place a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could damage your hob or cause fire.
Keep children more info and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear 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 while. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an incident of fire.