Unexpected Business Strategies That Helped Hobs To Succeed

What is a Hob?

A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but are less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to the crag or hill.

In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally kind but they can be a nuisance if they are 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 term is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by flat rocks that can be used as a quoits goal.

The earliest documented instances of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the corresponding female form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.

Despite their innocent nature hobs can play games with people. They can also be destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.

Functions

Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly 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 reduce the cost of energy for 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 settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that connects two cooking zones using induction to create a large zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.

Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only utilizes maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and help conserve energy.

Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They have sleek, modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.

Sensors are utilized in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive 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 decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob to prevent electrical shocks.

Types

There are a variety of hobs to choose from. It is important to select the right one for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a popular choice for home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.

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

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

Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. They aren't as efficient at simmering, and they may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed pots.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.

Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which can create a fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its Ovens And Hobs UK components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.

Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It's important to ensure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you use them. One way to test this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing a fire.

It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the hob while it's in use, as the surface can become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they are also extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a while. If you experience a fire, follow the fire service instructions - call 999 and leave your home as quickly as possible.