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7 Secrets About Hobs That Nobody Will Tell You
What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed 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, but they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that generate 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 a dent. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to the crag or hill.

In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of them 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 heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements like rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to function as a target for quoits.

The earliest documented instances of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form hobgoblin. The word hob originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite oven hob can play games with people. They can be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance, was able put a cart onto its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. Furthermore they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.

Hobs are mainly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries too. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with one button and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance the child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance 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 and guests might be in the kitchen.

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

Some models feature a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Certain models come with a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple, intuitive controls that are simple to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with 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 reduce simmering time and help conserve energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, modern designs that match other appliances and décor.

Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs, as it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the oven, which can prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are many different kinds of hob available, so it's crucial to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. Common features include: heat control, energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you select will affect your budget - both in the initial cost as well as running costs.

Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a broad range of cooking vessels. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.

Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. However, they take longer to warm 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. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs, however they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some having control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that you can turn.

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 faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.

Safety

Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you fail to make the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that can destroy 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 could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, while protecting the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.


Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is non-ionising.

Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your saucepans and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. One way to check this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan sticks it is compatible with an induction stove. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly an explosion.

Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the hob when it is being used. The surface can become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they are also extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.

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