Tuesday 8 October 2013

Kettle

A kettle, sometimes called a tea kettle or teakettle, is a type of pot, typically metal, specialized for boiling water over a heat source, with a lid, spout and handle, or a small kitchen appliance of similar shape that functions in a self-contained manner. Kettles can be heated either by placing on a stove, or by their own internal electric heating element in the appliance versions.

History

The first kettles were used in ancient Mesopotamia for purposes other than cooking. Over time these artistically decorated earthenware containers became more frequently utilized in the kitchen. In China, kettles were typically made of iron and were placed directly over an open flame. Travelers used the kettles to boil fresh water to make it suitable for drinking.
The word kettle originates from Old Norse ketill "cauldron". The Old English spelling was ċetel with initial che-  like 'cherry', Middle English (and dialectal) was chetel, both come (together with German Kessel "cauldron") ultimately from Germanic *katilaz, that was borrowed from Latin catillus, diminutive form of catīnus "deep vessel for serving or cooking food", which in various contexts is translated as "bowl", "deep dish", or "funnel".
The development of tea kettles was in direct correlation with the evolution of the modern stove.
The electric kettle, could simply be plugged in instead of needing to be heated on a stove, was invented in 1922 by Arthur Leslie Large of Birmingham, England.
In the latter part of the 1800s, with the height of the industrial revolution, electric tea kettles were introduced as an alternative to stove top kettles. The first electric kettles had a warming chamber outside of the water source; but this was soon adapted in favor of an internal warming apparatus.
Modern tea kettles include a variety of technological advancements. Some electric kettles are cordless with illumination capabilities. Whistling kettles are equipped with lightweight dynamics and heat-resistant handles.

Electric kettles


Electric kettles are normally constructed of durable plastic or steel (with a plastic handle) and powered by mains electricity. In modern kettles the heating element is typically fully enclosed, with a power rating of 2 - 3 kW. In countries with 110V mains electricity, kettles may be less powerful to avoid drawing too much current and requiring a very thick supply wire.
In modern designs, once the water has reached boiling point, the kettle automatically deactivates, preventing the water from boiling away and damaging the heating element. A bimetallic strip thermostat is commonly used as the automatic shut-off mechanism. The thermostat is isolated from the water in the kettle and is instead heated by the steam created when the water boils, which is directed through a duct onto the bimetallic strip. This allows the thermostat to be coarsely calibrated, which in turn allows the kettle to function normally at a wide range of altitudes. A consequence of this design is that the kettle may fail to deactivate if the lid is left open, due to an insufficient amount of steam being ducted onto the bimetallic strip.
Jug kettles became popular in the late 20th century. They have a more upright design and are more economical to use, since small amounts of water (e.g. for one cup of tea) can be boiled while still keeping the element covered.
Electric kettles were introduced as means to boil water without the necessity of a stove top. In the United States an electric kettle may sometimes be referred to as a hot pot.

Monday 7 October 2013

Embrace the Future with an Induction Cooktop



The INDIA is rarely noted for being behind the times when it comes to the use of cutting edge technology. When it comes to induction cooking, however, that is certainly the case. Though induction cooking has already taken over the lion's share of the international cooktop market, it is just catching on here in the India. You still might have to shop around a little bit, but you can rest assured that suppliers and retailers are working overtime to make certain that an induction cooktop is available to homeowners across the country.
How Induction Cooking Works
Induction cooking is being touted as a superior cooking method primarily because of the nature of the heat it creates. While gas and other electric stovetops create heat using burners that support gas flames or red hot heating coils, induction stovetops cook food by heating up the pot itself. Sounds impossible, but an induction burner creates an electromagnetic current beneath the surface that runs up through the pot, creating resistance in the pot's metal, and in turn creating the heat you need to cook your food.
Induction Cooktop Basics
What all that means from a layman's standpoint is that an induction cooktop heats up metal pots, not the cooking surface. You can lay your hand on an induction "burner" turned to high and not feel a bit of heat. Put a ferrous metal pot or pan on that same burner, however, and you'll be boiling water in no time. And unlike other electric powered cooktops (induction needs an electrical hookup to operate), induction burners can be turned down (or up) instantly, much like gas, since the surface never has to heat up or cool down.
Induction Cooktops and Energy-Efficiency
One of the major benefits of induction cooking is improved efficiency when it comes to your stovetop. Traditional cooking methods lose between 60% (natural gas) and 50% (electric coils) of the heat they produce before the energy ever begins warming up your food. Where does that go? Some is lost in heat absorbed by the cooktop surface (especially with glass top electric stoves), but by far the majority of it escapes into the surrounding air and heats up your kitchen instead of your dinner. An induction model, on the other hand, transfers 90% of its energy to your food, losing only 10% to other means. That means you'll use much less energy, and pay lower bills, to cook the same meals when you choose induction cooking over natural gas or other electric cooktop systems.
Portable Induction Cooktops
You might think this type of technology requires bulky or at least fixed mechanisms to work properly, but nothing could be further from the truth. Portable induction cooktops are so compact that they resemble the size and weight of a typical bathroom weighing scale. Naturally, this means you'll only be able to cook one large pot or pan at a time. Without a scalding hot stovetop surface, however, you can cook this dish right at the dining room or kitchen table with little fear of burning yourself or your guests. Most models vary in price from $100 for basic units to $1,000 or more for models with electronic touch screens with multiple features.

Drawbacks to Induction Cooking
About the only drawback of induction cooking is that it only works with ferrous metal pots and pans, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Neither aluminium, copper, nor Pyrex will work with these cooktops. If you have made a substantial investment in non-induction friendly cookware, you might want to think twice about these units. Otherwise, it's time to upgrade your cookware and look for pot and pan lines that work with induction technology.
Induction Cooktop Installation
While the technology might seem out of this world, installation is not. In fact, induction stovetops are incredibly easy to install. All they need is an electrical outlet to plug into and a countertop to fit over, and you're good to go. In fact, because induction cooktops are manufactured so thin (less than 2" in some cases), they can be installed just about anywhere in your kitchen. If you're interested in catching this wave of the future, you should talk to a kitchen contractor or appliance installer about getting your new induction cooktop installed as soon as possible.
Induction Cooktop can be purchased from www.appliancemart.in



Thursday 19 September 2013

Cooktops – A must-have for every kitchen!

A cooktop or stovetop is an essential kitchen appliance and an integral part of the cooking process. Despite the near ubiquitous prevalence of microwaves and other modern cooking instruments, a simple stovetop is still the most widely used kitchen device in existence. They are one of the most common cook wares found throughout the world, essentially available in a very similar form. A cooktop used by a celebrity chef, such as Gordon Ramsay is not too different structurally than the one used by a busy housewife in a snug Mumbai chawl. This quintessential kitchen appliance is easy to use, simple to clean and maintain, and is quite affordable as well.
The modern stovetop is divided into two main categories as mentioned below. You can choose from either of these as per your requirement or convenience.
 
1.) Gas Cooktops
These are widespread, and found in most kitchens across the world. Gas cooktops require LPG, propane, butane or natural gas, in order to function. They date back to the 19th century and since then have been in continuous use. They either work using a pilot light, a spark lighter, or via electric ignition.

2.) Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops essentially use electromagnetic induction to heat cooking vessels placed upon them. Unlike stovetops that run on gas, they do not require continuous gas connection, nor do they possess pilot lights or any of the basic instruments used to ignite their traditional counterparts. The main mechanism involves an alternating current flowing through a copper coil, which is based underneath its surface. This current induces an oscillating magnetic field that in turn creates an electric current in the metallic vessels placed on the stovetop, thereby heating them. Induction heating has been acknowledged as far more efficient and cheap as compared to gas cooking.
 
 
 
Originating from basic wood burning stoves, this conventional kitchen equipment has evolved in a variety of ways and forms throughout the decades. While its basic functioning has remained the same, the humble little cooktop has seen major transformation. It is today constructed from different metals, in different shapes and sizes, from single burner tops to massive ones with up to 10 burners. Today, a stovetop can also be purchased with toughened glass tops, which make their appearance aesthetically pleasing. What makes this appliance a timeless beauty is its stubbornly efficient functioning and an almost charming changelessness. They are indeed a must-have in every kitchen!
 
Best Cooktop n accessories are available on appliancemart, a portal to connect manufacturers and buyers.

Saturday 7 September 2013

Kitchen Sanitation

Kitchen Sanitation plays very important role in human life. If Our kitchen is clean, we can avoid many injuries and accidents or we can say that simple sanitation practices could prevent millions of cases of food-borne illness each year.
 The United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world.

Kitchen Sanitation Types:-
 
    Eating Safely:  Most meals are prepared and consumed at home. Follow these basic precautions to help safeguard your family from harmful bacteria:
                             I.            Wash your hands! Use warm water and soap, scrubbing between fingers and under fingernails. You should wash your hands for twenty seconds.
                           II.            Wash all fruits and vegetables.
                                III.Check refrigeration temperature every 3 months for accuracy with an external thermometer.
                                IV. Never taste contents of a can that is bloated, dented or rusted: discard it immediately! Many bacteria produce toxins that are not killed by cooking and can cause severe illness.
                                 V. Avoid cross-contamination: raw meats should never be cut on the same cutting boards as vegetables that will be consumed raw. Clean produce shouldn't share workspace with unwashed fruits and vegetables--wash melon rinds, potatoes and onions before slicing or trimming them. Never use marinades or sauces that have been used for raw meats unless you've cooked them first. Cross-contamination is a serious hazard in any kitchen.
                         VI.      Don't consume food that has been left out longer than two hours; cool hot foods to about 40 degrees F and refrigerate promptly.
   
  Fridge Fact: The most important appliance for food safety is the Refrigerator. In busy households, it's easy to forget to monitor basic equipment for problems until they break down completely. Try the following:
Check the fridge's internal temperature: it should be a maximum of 40 degrees F-preferably cooler. Freezers should be kept at 0 degrees F and below. Temperatures below 40 degrees F will slow bacterial growth, while temps above 140 degrees will kill bacteria, although it won't destroy any residual toxins.
Don't over-stuff your fridge--proper air circulation is imperative to keep products cool.
Practice the food rotation system “FIFO”--First In, First Out. Use up older products first before opening new packages.
Avoid using chemical cleaning solutions inside the fridge. Instead, use warm water mixed with lemon juice or white vinegar for a radiant and chemical-free shine.
Once a week, do a clean sweep of the fridge: check produce and other perishables, and throw out any items past their prime or expiration date. Scheduling your cleaning for the day before garbage pick-up is ideal.
Remove odor with a lemon juice-sprinkled sponge.
Keep an open box of good old-fashioned baking soda in the refrigerator and another one in the freezer to absorb odor.
   Kitchen Cleaners: Basic ingredients that you probably already have on hand are great for sanitizing:

                        I.            Distilled White Vinegar Has a limitless shelf-life, is a great sanitizer, is economical and is one of the best grease eliminators around. Keep a spray bottle of undiluted vinegar handy for quick clean-ups.
                     II.            Disinfecting cutting boards:  water and dishwashing detergents can weaken surface fibers on wood cutting boards and butcher block counter tops. Instead, wipe them with full strength white vinegar after each use. The acetic acid in the vinegar is a good disinfectant, effective against many harmful bugs.
                  III.            Jars, containers, drinking glasses and china: fill with equal parts vinegar, water and soap and let stand for 10-15 minutes; clean and rinse.
                  IV.            Chrome and stainless steel: wipe down with vinegar and water; buff with a soft cloth.





Tuesday 13 August 2013

Kitchen Tools for Every Cook


All the humans are influenced by different cultures and their cuisines from all over the world. Cooking is also part of our culture. Every region has specialty in food. Like south Indian food, Chinese food etc.
 A Housewife or professional chefs can prepare food of our choice easily and comfortably using Kitchen tools. Without the help of home appliances like the Gas stove, Refrigerator, Mixer-Grinder and dishwashers you cannot imagine preparing a meal because using these appliances make our life very comfortable to live and make comfortable our cooking.
Everyone prefer those appliances which are durable in nature and energy efficient which runs for a longer period of time and within Budget. Prefer purchasing reliable appliances if not it so happens that the refrigerator you own doesn't chill the bottle of wine right when the guests are about to arrive or the stove you use does not produce enough heat to make the dish you prepared.

With the change in technology, modern appliances have given people wide range of appliances which help them to prepare their food in less time. From Gas Lighter to refrigerators, there are a variety of options available to you at Appliancemart. These appliances are high quality and are specially designed for the home which suits your lifestyle. According to your kitchen size you can choose the perfect appliance, your level of experience and your idea of your kitchen will determine which items you have to purchase. There are many energy efficient models in the market they are efficient in reducing the electricity bills and keep you always within the budget.
In the time of new technology, you can purchase kitchen and home appliances online. In modern time E-commerce is very popular which make your life very easy. By online shopping you can purchase every item from your home. One more advantage of online shopping is you can compare price and quality of Product because you can see lot of variety and you can select appliances according to your need. Appliancemart is an example of one shopping site which provides good quality Kitchen Appliances at reasonable Price. 
Refrigerator, Gas Stoves, Dishwasher are example of Major Appliances. Small Kitchen Appliances are also very helpful in Cooking. Some Example of Small Kitchen Appliances are Gas Lighter, Cylinder Trolley, Cookware etc. These Appliances also available on Appliancemart.
Cooking becomes so much more fun with all this high tech appliances at your aid. You can make your choice that fits your budget and is environmental friendly and you can make a contribution to save earth for a better future for our kids.

Thursday 8 August 2013

Role of Small Kitchen Appliances



           
Everyone knows the basic big appliances every kitchen needs—stove, oven, fridge etc. But Small Kitchen appliances have a big role in Kitchen. In recent years cooking technology has advanced tremendously, and stealing the show are small, sleek and incredibly useful machines that, simply put, make cooking and kitchen maintenance a lot easier and better. They are very helpful in Women’s life. Some example of Small appliances are Gas lighter, Gas Stoves, Cylinder Trolley, Mixer Grinder, Electric Kettle etc. By using cylinder trolley you can move cylinder Gas Cylinder easily from one place to other place. In other words we can say that it make convenient Gas Cylinder in your kitchen without hurting your back. These trolleys don’t make scratches and rust mark on your floor. Now-a-days trolleys are available in Plastic, Stainless steel and in wired Bucket style.
In modern time, many type of Gas Lighter Available in market. By using these lighters we can manage our budget and make environment non-polluted. In the ancient time, every person used Matchsticks which is made by tree. For matchsticks production, manufacturers damaged the tree.
But in Gas lighter manufacturing we don’t use tree which is very beneficial for environment. Gas lighter is not new for us but in this time many new variety with new technology is available in the market.  Such as Refillable and adjustable Flame Gas lighter and Lighter with led torch. Refillable means we can fill gas again in lighter using Gas Can and use them. One time Filled Gas tank can creates 5000 shots which is very cheaper than Matchstick.
A toasteroven is also  a small appliance that performs a similar function as an oven. Toaster oven are available in two types, one is electric and other is manual which is use on Gas Stove, Some other  small appliances are powered by electricity. The appliance may use a permanently attached cord which is plugged into a wall outlet or a detachable cord. The appliance may have a cord storage feature. A few hand-held appliances use batteries, which may be disposable or rechargeable. Some appliances consist of an electrical motor upon which is mounted various attachments so as to constitute several individual appliances, such as a blender, a food processor, or a juicer. Many stand mixers, while functioning primarily as a mixer, have attachments which can perform additional functions.