The History Of Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but are less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English “hol”, which translates to hole, pit or a dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word “hod” which is a reference to the crag or hill.

Folklore has it hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, but can become annoying if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

Another common use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock which can serve as a quoits goal.

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

Despite their innocent appearance hobs can play games with people. They can also be very destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Additionally, they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. They come in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with the push of one button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing buyers to buy these devices. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.

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

Certain models come with the ‘Stop and Go’ function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge features that connect two induction zones into one large one controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.

Simple, intuitive controls are available to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a ‘Booster’ function that makes use of the maximum power for the required amount of time, Ovensandhobs.uk and an easy ‘bottom heat’ to speed up simmering and save energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn’t have the nooks and crevices of gas burners that are conventional, which can accumulate dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They feature sleek, contemporary lines to complement other kitchen appliances and decor.

Sensors are used in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs, as it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to determine when cookware isn’t in contact it. This will stop electric shocks.

Types

There are a variety of different kinds of hobs that are available, so it’s crucial to think about which one is right for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to accidental flare-ups, so you need to be mindful of the flame’s presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.

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

Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they have a filament bulb that is used to heat the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.

Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed, making them easier to clean. 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 could be dangerous if you don’t take precautions. Unattended pans and improper 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 an important cause of kitchen fires.

Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which can create a fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn’t exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren’t as powerful and strong like those generated by mobile phone and their radiation is not ionizing.

Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It is important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction ready before you begin using them. A simple way to test this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it’s compatible with an induction stove. A cookware that is not designed for your needs can damage your hob or cause fire.

It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the hob while it’s in use, as the surface can become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they are also extremely hot. Finally, it’s important to turn your stove off straight after use as they may remain hot for a time. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there’s an emergency fire.