10 Places To Find Hobs

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind 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 a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to the crag or hill.

Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.

A cooking device is another popular use. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced by a flat rock that is used as a quoits goal.

The first documented uses of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be destructive if provoked. One hob and oven in Lincolnshire, for example, was able place a cart on its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly used in the UK however, they can be used in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by the press of a button, and they can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their quick heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests could be present.

Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models feature a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.

The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Many hobs also have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only utilizes maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time 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 or crannies which can accumulate dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and décor.

Sensors are utilized in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob to detect signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact with it. This can stop electric shocks.

Types

There are many different types of hobs available. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat 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 and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and best ovens and hobs can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame and ensure that your stove is protected by grills with safety.

Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.

Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touchscreen controls, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more uniform distribution of heat. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs since they have no exposed burners or grates. They aren't as efficient in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.

Safety

Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are an important cause of kitchen fires.

Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs have 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 safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.

Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is essential to make sure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you begin using them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a simple way to test. If the pan stays to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damaging your best hob and causing an explosion.

Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the hob while it is in use. The surface could be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use best oven uk gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they can be very hot. It is also crucial to turn your oven with hob off straight after use as they can remain hot for a time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is an emergency fire.