15 Things You ve Never Known About Hobs

What is a oven hob?

A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is heatproof best ovens and hobs uk shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a crag.

Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One such hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.

A type of cooking appliance is another common use. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.

The earliest documented instances of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent appearance, hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even put a cart onto its roof. This caused a huge inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These features are attracting buyers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, such as a child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch best ovens And hobs only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.

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

Certain models have a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.

The power settings on a stove can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the required duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.

Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs with automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a variety of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features are: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also impact your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to flare-ups that happen accidentally which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected by protective grilles.

Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and oven and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some offering touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.

Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting quicker heating and an uniform distribution of heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs since they don't have grates or burners exposed. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.

Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.

Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It's important to make sure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a quick way to test. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction stove. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or even cause a fire.

It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface can become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. Also, it is essential to switch your hob off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there is a fire.