10 Places Where You Can Find Hobs

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is heatproof and hob Uk shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, oven 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 the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, oven a hill or a"crag.

Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be an issue if they are upset. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.

Another common use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are a type of metal plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.

The first documented uses of the term hob go to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their benign nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be very destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength.

While hobs are mostly used in the UK but they can also be used in other countries, too. They are available in many varieties, including gas best ovens and hobs uk electric hobs. They can be controlled by a single button and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.

In addition, induction stoves consume less gas than traditional stoves, which can help 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 setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions, which joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to operate and read. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.

The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices which can accumulate dirt over time, as with traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs with automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are several different types of hob available, so it's important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.

Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive 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 open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.

Plate hobs, a different option for cooking make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide good heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they have a filament bulb which heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature control knobs that are touch-based, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an evenly distributed heat. In addition induction hobs are simpler 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 might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation to ensure that the heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while protecting the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.

Induction hobs are safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising.

Induction hobs are only compatible with specific types of cookware, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before using them. One way to test this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan sticks it is compatible with an induction best hob. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.

Keep children and others away from the best hob uk when it is being used. The surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan as they can also be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is a fire.