Ten Taboos About Hobs You Shouldn't Share On Twitter
What is a Hob? The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they use electricity. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field. Origin Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English “hol”, which means hole, pit or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which means a crag or a hill. Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are generally kind however they can also be a nuisance if they are upset. One such hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough. Another common use of the term is to refer to a kind 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 has a variety of cooking elements, like rings. In some instances the hob may be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a quoits target. The first documented uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits. Despite their benign nature hobs can play amusing pranks on people. They can be destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength. Hobs are mainly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features like the lock for children. Functions Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy 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 minimizes the risk of burning. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. hob uk are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen. Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps lower 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 areas to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have the bridge function that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots. The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Many also offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power for the necessary amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and conserve energy. Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric 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 modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor. Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob to detect signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can stop electrical shocks. Types There are many different kinds of hobs that are 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 that you select will also affect your budget – both in the initial cost and also the running costs. Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a popular option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that your stove is secured with grills that are protected. Plate hobs, another option for kitchens make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean. Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned. Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they have no exposed burners or grates. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom. Safety Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately cleaned pans and unsupervised cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are an important cause of kitchen fires. Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards. Induction hobs are safe for use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising. Induction hobs are only compatible with specific types of cookware It is therefore essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a simple way to test. If the pan sticks to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or cause a fire. Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove when it is in use. The surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. Follow the advice of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there's a fire.