10 Locations Where You Can Find Hobs
10 Locations Where You Can Find Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is akin 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 translates to the word "crag" or hill, or a"crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. 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, including rings. In some instances the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a target for quoits.
The earliest documented instances of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature hobs are known to play games with people. They can also be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able bring a cart up its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. They come in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the push of a button, and they can be utilized together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burns. 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.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge features that connect two induction zones into one large one controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and help conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, modern lines that Best ovens UK complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs that are available, so it's crucial to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you select will affect your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame using natural gas. This heats pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open, and make sure your stove is protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other types of hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some feature touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
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 cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are the main cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe to use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is important to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction-ready before you begin using them. A simple method 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. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to damage to your stove and possibly an accident.
Keep children and others away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface may be extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a time. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can if there's a fire.