Ten Hobs Myths That Aren't Always The Truth

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to the word "crag" or hill, or a"crag.

In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are generally kind but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.

Another popular use of the word is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is a metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced with a flat rock that is used as a quoits goal.

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

Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with one button and can be paired alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk for burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is 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 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 a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones into a single large zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.

Ovens & Hobs  on a stove can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to operate and read. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" feature that draws maximum power only for the necessary amount of time, and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to modern kitchens with sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and decor.

Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They monitor 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 or fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the hob and prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's important to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen in both the initial cost as well as running costs.

Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more prone to accidental flare-ups which is why you must be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.

Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide good heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.

Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however, they take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed which makes them easier to clean. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to make the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phone and their radiation isn't ionizing.

Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple method to test this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could damage your hob or even cause a fire.

It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the stove when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching handles on metal pans as they can also be extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they can remain hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an emergency fire.