5 Lessons You Can Learn From Hobs
5 Lessons You Can Learn From Hobs
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they use electricity. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit, or dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is a metallic plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a quoits target.
The first recorded usage of the word "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart 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 games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive if provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK however, they can be found in other countries too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by one button and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when in contact with cookware that is compatible that reduces the chance of burns. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have the bridge function that connects two induction cooking zones to create a large zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Many offer timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power for the required amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They have sleek, contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It's important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget - both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame with natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone 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 are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer good heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy-efficient however, they take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs because they don't have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they are not as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to become damaged or even shatter, which ovens hobs can pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific cookware types It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a simple way to test. If the pan sticks, it is compatible with an induction cooker. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface could get extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to touch handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there is an incident of fire.