Five Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
What is a Hob? A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields. Origin Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word “hol” and means hole, pit or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which is a reference to the crag or hill. In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally kind however they can also be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough. Another popular use of the word is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced with flat stones to permit it to be used as a target for quoits. The earliest attested uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits. Despite their innocent nature hobs can play amusing pranks on people. They can be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength. Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They come in a variety of types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These types of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children. Functions Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with cookware compatible which reduces the risk of burning. The power is also shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are especially useful in the home where guests and children might be in the kitchen. Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households. best hobs feature the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge features that connect two induction zones into one large zone controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the capability of connecting multiple zones. The power settings on a stove can be adjusted using simple, intuitive controls that are simple to operate and read. Many offer timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy. Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor. Sensors are used in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks. Types There are several different types of hob available, so it's crucial to determine which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also impact your budget – both the initial cost as well as running costs. Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many home cooks choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be aware of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with grills that are safe. Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean. Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat 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 temperature control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned. Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more uniform distribution of heat. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs since they don't have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware. Safety Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't make the necessary precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK. The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen. While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phone and their radiation isn't ionizing. Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is essential to ensure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you use them. One way to test this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan sticks, it is compatible with an induction hob. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or cause a fire. best hobs is also essential to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use, since the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch metal pan handles because they are also very hot. It is important to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there is an incident of fire.