Wednesday 25 February 2009

What Is A Stovetop Smoker

Many people love to cook out during the summer. It's not uncommon to smell meats from a smoker or grill coming from another backyard. In America, it's almost become an obsession.

One's mouth runs from just the scent of another grill. If smoking meats is something an individual wants to do, then read on. All across this country people look for good tasting restaurants with slow cooked, smoke flavor infused, pork and meat.

Many people smoke on their own. Many can do this in the backyard all year long. But what about those people living above the Mason-Dixon Line? Well, if someone lives in the north part of America, smoking outside is almost impossible.

However, manufacturers have developed a new way to smoke meats inside a home. The stovetop smokers were invented. They are designed to be used inside the house right on the stove. In all twelve months, people can smoke meats from the comfort of home or in an RV.

The invention of the stovetop smoker has been a true revolution that many people all across the nation have caught on to. Even if an individual lives in the south, the stovetop smoker is so convenient. Now one can smoke inside with the air conditioner on. In inclement weather there isn't a need to stand outside in the rain or thunderstorms.

How Does A Stovetop Smoker Work

A stovetop smoker works essentially the same way a large outdoor smoker would work. The wood used for a small indoor smoker comes in small wood chips or as sawdust. There are many types of wood that can be used. Hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite, are just a few of the woods that enhance the flavor in meat. These can be ordered from the internet or one can find them in any store that sells a stovetop smoker.

Essentially, the smoker has a base and lid. There is a drip pan placed at the bottom to catch any juices that drip down. This helps the smoker to stay clean. In the middle is a removable rack where the meat is placed in order to maximize the flavor. The smoker sits right on top of ones stove and silently smokes the meat. When smoking roasts or other large cuts, the stovetop smoker can be placed in the oven with the meat still in the smoker. After the meat has been smoked, put it in the oven to finish it.

Monday 23 February 2009

The Differences Between Wood and Pellet Stoves

Those looking into buying a stove to reduce their heating costs or add ambiance to their home may be confused about the difference between different types of stoves. Stoves come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and can be chosen to match just about any décor. A stove is also a great alternative to a fireplace and can act as a space heater.

Stand-alone stoves can use gas, wood, or pellets for fuel. At first, the wood and pellet choices may look very similar to a homeowner, but there are major differences between the two. Carefully consider each fuel type before choosing and installing a stove.

What is a Wood Stove?

A wood stove is a freestanding appliance that is used to contain a fire within the home. The stove is designed to allow enough air to keep the fire burning evenly and may have an igniter. They are very similar to traditional fireplaces, but there is no mantel or hearth.

What is a Pellet Stove?

A pellet stove is design to burn small pill-shaped fuel made from wood byproducts. These pellets look a lot like rabbit food. A pellet stove is heats evenly, but lets off little exhaust. They have become preferable for their environmentally friendly fuel and efficiency.

Differences in Design

These two kinds of stoves look the same on the outside, but each of them has been designed to handle their recommended fuel. A wood stove looks like a fireplace firebox from the outside, but on the inside it has special ventilation mechanisms that keep the fire burning well in the small space of the stove. A properly designed wood stove should be able to heat the room without making it uncomfortable.

Some of these stoves use the hot air inside to rotate a ventilation fan above the fire that draws in air. The extra oxygen helps the fire continue burning. Other stoves circulate air around the stove in order to pull fresh air inside. Wood burning stoves also require specific kinds of flues that can handle the build up of carbon and creosote.

Pellet stoves are much different than wood stoves on the inside. The biggest difference is the hopper full of extra fuel that sits above the flames. The pellets are gravity fed into the stove at a constant rate. Most have feeding mechanisms that ensure the right amount of fuel is added to the fire. Pellets stoves also have exhaust fans that remove heat from the stove and bring in air.

Individual Advantages

Pellet stoves have become very popular in recent years because they have many advantages over older stoves. Since pellets are made from sawdust and other filler material, they are more environmentally friendly than any other kind of burning fuel. Using them for heating disposes of materials that would otherwise be dumped with other waste. The pellets also burn cleanlier than other fuels. They do not give off creosote like wood does.

Pellets provide even heat that spreads from the stove. Wood stoves are known to heat the room they are in so well that home HVAC systems shut down, leaving other rooms cold. Since wood burns much less efficiently than pellets, it also has a much higher chance of throwing sparks and starting a fire.

Another advantage to pellet systems is that they are easier to place and install because they can use different kinds of flues and exhaust systems. The stove retailer should be able to advise a homeowner of the best system for their home. Some companies provide home installation services that take the guesswork out of making the system efficient.

Wood stoves are preferable to pellet stoves for those who have lots of wood on hand. Pellets can be hard to come by and usually only come in large quantities, but firewood is available just about anywhere.

Choosing a Stove

Though pellet stoves have skyrocketed in popularity recently, there is still reason for a homeowner to install a wood stove. Those who don’t have the space for a freestanding stove can purchase fireplace insets that utilize the same heating techniques.

Homeowners looking for a stove should ask themselves how much they would like to spend on a stove, what kind of fuel is most readily available in there area, and if the primary purpose of the stove will be heating or aesthetics. The purchase and installation of a new stove can cost a few thousand dollars, so the decision should not be made lightly.

Both varieties of stove will provide warmth during the winter and the kind of comfort that only a fire can provide.

Wednesday 18 February 2009

Burning to Buy a Stove? Then Read this: Stove Buying Guide

Gone are the days when you have to bring a very bulky and very dangerous stove when you go camping. The stoves of today are small, lightweight and very efficient, not to mention very safe. One of today's portable stoves would probably be your best buddy when you go out camping.

Here are a few factors that you might want to look at when choosing your very own stove.

Price

Generally stove prices can range from $20 - $200, depending on the brand and fuel; however, you can probably find a good quality type at around $50 - $90, or maybe even cheaper if you're a good bargain finder.

Efficiency

Efficiency is often measure in BTU or British thermal units; however, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who actually understands the terminology. Generally 25,000 - 30,000 BTU is a good range. Another measure of efficiency however, is boiling time. This is the measure of how long your stove can run on high with a full tank of gas. But watch out for this figure, your stove might boast a 1 hour running time, but on 32 ounces of fuel. 10 minutes of burning time with one ounce of fuel is a fair measure.

Performance

Performance is measured by the time it takes for the stove to boil a quart of water under ideal conditions (ideal fuel, new stove) both at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and at sea level. A good range would be 3-5 minutes. A good performance stove will ensure faster cooking especially if you're on the go.

Fuel

Most stoves come in either solid, liquid or gaseous fuels, here is a profile of each.

Alcohol

Pro: Clean burning, stable and safe.
Con: Alcohol burns at a cool flame so it doesn't pack much heat when burned, you'd be hard pressed to find stoves that burn with alcohol. In addition, alcohol burns with invisible flame, so there is a danger of a fire spreading.

Blended Fuel

It is a mix of butane propane and/or isobutane. You can buy it in disposable canisters and tanks.
Pro: If it is blended with isobutene, the fire is more efficient even if the pressure in the canister gets lower. Blended fuel is more dependable than simply butane or isobutene and safer than simple propane.
Con: It loses efficiency if used in temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and higher altitudes.

Butane
Butane is sold in disposable canisters and is pressurized when bought; this type of fuel is typically popular in Europe.
Pro: It is very efficient and provides a high temperature
Con: It cannot be used in cold surroundings, mainly temperatures below 5o degrees Fahrenheit and it doesn't burn as hot as blended fuel

Gasoline

Gasoline is the liquid fuel that powers most cars, however stoves like this should only be used as a last resort and you should make sure that the fuel has an octane content that is below 86 and is unleaded.
Pro: Burns fast and very hot
Con: This fuel is very poisonous, even the fumes can be a bit nauseating, not to mention the soot being toxic. The soot may get into the food you are cooking so it's best to keep the food covered at all times. It is also hard to keep gasoline going in extreme cold. There is also a need for an extra pump to increase the pressure because of its liquid form.

Isobutane

Isobutene ha a chemical structure close to butane, it is used for plane fuel. Isobutene comes in disposable canisters.
Pro: It burns more efficiently than butane and can be used in temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kerosene
Kerosene is probably the oldest type of fuel and is also used in jet fuel because of the heat it generates.
Pros: It is available anywhere and burns very hot in any condition.
Con: Like gasoline, the soot from kerosene is also very poisonous. It also burns with a lot of soot. Generally kerosene burners get clogged quickly because of the excess soot. And like gasoline, needs an extra pump because of its liquid form.

Propane
Propane is a highly combustible, clear gas that is used in most household stoves and barbecue grills. Propane comes in disposable canisters.
Pro: Propane burns with a very hot and steady flame. There is practically no soot with a propane flame. In addition to that it has good cold weather performance.
Con: Not very good for very trepid and high altitude locations.

White Fuel

Pro: This fuel is very inexpensive and can be bought by the gallon at almost any supermart. It burns in almost any weather condition and unlike others can withstand low temperatures and high altitudes.
Con: The fuel is a liquid and will therefore need a pump to keep the pressure steady.

Wood

Pro: Wood is as old fashioned as you can get, but if you have an excellent source like for example the twigs on the forest floor, a wood stove would be a good idea.
Con: A wood stove would be hard to use during rainy season because wet wood is hard to heat up.

Saturday 14 February 2009

Tips On To Clean the Stove

It is now time to clean the electric stove. Most of the time, the stove will be in poor condition after the cooking, because of the spilled of the food which burned off on the stove. These stains sometimes are not easy to remove. Here are some tips on to clean the stove. Pilot light on automatic gas also needs to be cleaned.

BEFORE CLEANING AN ELECTRIC STOVE check to make sure that all switches are in the OFF position. The rims of the heating units should be wiped clean with a damp cloth when you have finished cooking and the stove has cooled. Food that has spilled on open units can be burned off. Put a saucepan of water on the burner and heat it until the food has been completely charred, then when the unit has been switched off and has cooled, lift the unit out and brush off the charred material. A mild scouring powder or steel wool can be used to clean the rim on which the unit rests. Wash it, after scouring, with a cloth wrung out of hot suds, rinse it, and wipe dry. Enclosed units are washed with a cloth wrung out of soapsuds. Particles that have burned on can be removed with steel wool or a mild scouring powder. It is important to keep the reflector pans under the electrical units clean and bright because they are designed to increase the heat output of the unit.

REMOVABLE DRIP PANS under the burners of kitchen ranges should be taken out and washed regularly along with other stove parts. Lining them with aluminum foil saves work here. And if you have a range without a drip pan do use aluminum foil because the area under the heating units is often very difficult to reach for cleaning.

TO CLEAN A GAS RANGE thoroughly the burners must be taken out and scrubbed with a stiff brush in hot suds made with an all-purpose detergent or soap and ammonia. If the burners are made of cast iron you can clean them easily by boiling them for several minutes with water containing a few tablespoonfuls of washing soda. (Don't use an aluminum pan for this.) In scrubbing the burners be particularly attentive to the little openings in the turn-on end through which the gas flows to the burners. If any of the little holes (called ports) in the burners are clogged, push out the soot accumulation with a wire or hairpin. Rinse the burners thoroughly, shake out the water, and wipe the outside dry. Then replace them, making sure that they are in the right position. Light each burner to complete the drying and to make sure it is functioning correctly.

GAS BURNERS are functioning correctly and with maximum efficiency when the flame is blue and even. A ragged yellow flame indicates that the burner is not getting enough air along with the gas. Such a flame blackens the bottoms of pans and gives poor heat. Sometimes this flame is due to clogged ports; if any are not burning properly, clean them with a wire. If cleaning the ports fails to correct the trouble and to produce an all-blue flame, see if the little air shutter at the turn-on end is open far enough to admit the proper amount of air.

PILOT LIGHT. Sometimes the pilot light on an automatic gas range goes out due to its tiny ports being clogged. Clean them out with a fine wire and relight the pilot with a match. Sometimes a puff of air can blow out a pilot light. Make the flame a little stronger by turning the screw at the end of the tube connecting it to the left for a stronger flame.

PERIODIC CHECKUPS. It is a good idea to have both gas and electric ranges checked periodically by a competent service man to make sure that they set level and operate properly and safely. Ask your gas or electric company if this service can be arranged.

It is Important to make sure that all switched are off before cleaning the stove and keep them until they are cool. Use a mild scouring powder or a steel wool to clean the rim. The removable part of the stove can be taken out and washed. Clean the pilot light from the gas stove with fine wire give a little puff of air out a pilot light.

Wednesday 11 February 2009

Popcorn Machine Reviews - Whirley Pop 6-Quart Stove Top and the Stainless Steel Stove Top

When making popcorn there are a number of ways to skin the proverbial cat. You can do it in the microwave, in an electric popcorn machine, perhaps one of the smaller capacity air popper popcorn machines, or you can go for the traditional stovetop technique, which many say gives the best taste. The two popcorn machines reviewed in this article, the 'Whirley Pop' and the 'Stainless Steel' are both 6 quart stove tops which set out to do exactly the same job in exactly the same way. I set them head to head and my review tells you which one is the better buy.

I'll deal first with the Whirley Pop 6-Quart Hand-Cranked Stove Top Popcorn Popper which retails at around $22-25 dollars. I kept this pricing in mind in providing this review. When a popcorn machine is this cheap, you have to limit your expectations and your criticism, and only pull the product up if it has clear faults -- which in my view this one does.

First, the plus points. The Whirley Pop does produce popcorn that tastes just like grandma used to make. For this reason alone, this product will do its bit to ensure the continuing popularity of stove top popcorn machines in the face of competition from modern electric popcorn machines. The Whirley Pop works extremely quickly, producing 6 quarts of popcorn in 3 minutes. This is staggeringly fast popcorn production.

So what is wrong with this machine? Well, I think the problem stems from the fact that in order to keep the price down, too many corners had to be cut on design and materials. The bottom of the pan is very thin and the aluminum showed some warping after reheating and cooling. The stirring mechanism on the top of the popcorn machine did not run smoothly. I did a bit of internet research and I found a number of reviews that pulled the product up on this point. Some reviewers reported that the stirring mechanism seized up once in a while, and others said it packed up all together.

You'll also find that even if you do use the stirring mechanism as instructed, you still have to time it just right to pop most of the kernels without burning any. To be fair, all stove tops are likely to burn the popcorn if you don't keep an eye on things, which leads many to opt for electric popcorn machines such as the West Bend Stir 82306X Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper, which has automatic cut off after a certain time to guard against burning. However, in my view, you lose out on taste when you move away from the stove tops.

In summary, if traditional tasting popcorn is what you are after then the Whirley Pop will produce it, but I am not sure for how long, since it suffers from poor build quality and materials.

Now we come to the Stainless Steel Stove Top Popcorn Popper, which can be yours for around $35, making it around 40% more expensive than the Whirley Pop 6-Quart. The question is, is it worth it? The short answer is, 'yes' and I'll get right to the long answer in the rest of this article.

As with all 6-quart capacity popcorn machines, the Stainless Steel Stove Top is designed to feed the whole family, which it does in about 4 minutes, making it a little slower than the Whirley Pop 6-Quart, but hey, only by a minute. Being made of stainless steel, with sturdy stay-cool wood handles, this is a popcorn machine designed to last the distance, which is of course reflected in the price. The cranking rod mechanism works smoothly to ensure that all the kernels get popped, but as I have already mentioned, keep an eye on things since all stove tops can burn your popcorn if let them at it for too long and don't crank when you are supposed to (refer to the instructions for precise guidance).

The Stainless Steel Stove Top also has a butter drip cup that melts butter evenly onto the popcorn, and the end result tastes wonderful -- just like grandma used to make. Both our stove tops deliver on taste, but in contrast with the Whirley Pop, the Stainless Steel Stove Top is a popcorn machine that will go on giving that taste for years and years.

So what about the down sides, surely there must be some? Well yes, there is one. The Stainless Steel Stove Top is not the easiest to clean around the cranking stirrer part of the product. The same can be said for the Whirley Pop. I can see that after a while, oil is going to collect around both cranking mechanisms, and depending on how particular you are about your kitchenware being perfectly clean, this is going to be more or less of a issue. I can live with it, but others may which to opt for a machine that is easier to clean, such as a modern electric popcorn machine like the West Bend Stir 82306X, even if these means losing out on a bit on taste.

In summary, if you want the best traditional tasting popcorn, which in my view only a stove top will give you, and you want a machine that is built to last, then go for the Stainless Steel Stove Top Popcorn Popper. It will stay in service far longer than the cheaper Whirley Pop. As my father used to say, 'buy cheap, buy twice'.

Sunday 8 February 2009

Enjoy Cheap Heat And More With A Wood Stove

There's just something about a roaring fire that makes a house feel inviting and welcoming. Perhaps it's the scent of the burning wood or maybe the beauty of the dancing flames. Whatever the reason, the unfortunate fact for many homeowners is that fireplaces are not always easy to add on to a home that's already been constructed.

Wood stoves have a number of advantages over other wood-burning devices and heating mechanisms. They are generally cheaper than turning on the gas or electric heat if only a single room requires heat in the winter. They are fairly simple to install, too. And, here's the real bonus, they don't require full, elaborate chimney systems, but keep in mind they will require their own kind of chimney.

Wood stoves are smaller and less involved than fireplaces. They can go in just about any location in a house as long as there's a way to properly install the stove's own chimney system. And, unlike a full fireplace, these don't require full brick structures that can monopolize a room. They just use their own small and less invasive pipes for funneling out unwanted smoke and soot to a larger chimney system.

Depending on size, design and location of placement, wood stoves can be used to heat an entire house, too, or at least most of it. To make this happen though, a stove needs to be in a good location in the home, one that gets a lot of use, and there needs to be a way to channel the heat to other areas. Professional installers will know how to make this happen.

Stoves can also add great architectural features to a home. They come in a number of sizes, styles, colors. They can take on old-fashion appearances or be modern and eye-popping. There's a wood-burning stove available for just about any home's design concept.

The keys to choosing a good stove for you home include:

* Location chosen. It's likely you'd want a different style for the living room than one placed upstairs in a bedroom. Shop styles and sizes and make sure to get professional installation or at least professional advice.

* Safety features. Wood-burning stoves do in fact "burn" materials. This means they need to include proper ventilation and other safety features. There should be correct grating systems or screening materials. Make sure this is so especially if small children are around. Locking mechanisms are also a good idea to make sure a child doesn't open a stove during a burn.

* Design. It's important to get a stove you like. Remember they come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors. Shop around and find one that compliments your home and also includes good safety and smoke removal features.

A wood-burning stove is a great alternative to gas or electric heat. It can even be more cost-effective. Just remember to shop around, get professional installation or advice and make sure the stove you buy offers enough safety features to protect it from little hands or little hands from it and you should be all set.

Thursday 5 February 2009

The Propane Stove Buying Guide

If you are looking to buy a propane stove, you should get acquainted with the technology before you buy. This equipment is a must for every trip and camping. If you don't have a good propane stove you can't do much of anything else.

1. Propane Stoves

Propane is cheap and will last many camping trips. It is because propane stoves propose good features and dependability on the field. Propane stoves are very portable. And ease of use is an attribute mostly preferred by consumers.

2. The Purchase

If you are going to buy propane stoves and see for yourself, you can check out these tips so that you will be getting only the best buy. Here is a comprehensive guide in buying propane stoves.

Select the propane stove that is easiest to clean. When you are out in the woods camping, water may not easy to come by. The best propane stove is the one that does not need water to clean it. And cleaning should be done in one easy feat. Cleaning and maintenance should be breezy enough for users even look forward to the experience.

Get the one that is built for heavy-duty use. This one echoes durability from all sides. As the point implies, your stove should be able to withstand the outdoor weather and the ragged use. Propane gas stoves should be made of strong materials. And each of its components should be as sturdy as the base.

Select the one that is most reasonably priced. The best stove would deliver quality and price down to a level reachable by consumers. It is not always true that good products are the pricey ones. There are still some manufacturers out there that could make good products but cuts on price.

Consider your needs. Propane stoves can come in double or a single burner types. If you do a lot of cooking while onsite, you are going to need the double burner kind. A single burner should be enough for you if you do more heating than real cooking. Whichever the case maybe, get the one that matches your needs while you are out having fun.

Get the one with variable power. A propane stove that can be adjusted to meet your cooking requirements would be ideal while on the road. The heavy-duty cooking needs more butane power to cook. While light cooking just needs ample heat. If the propane stove is versatile enough, it should be able to accommodate whatever you might be cooking.

Select the propane gas that has the longest warranty period. A long warranty period means the product is made to last a long time. It is noted that the warranty period of a device determines the durability of the product. If the product is guaranteed for a year, then it is bound to last for about five years, perhaps.

Get the brand most trusted. You know what they say. If it comes from the best, it must be the best. Companies who have been around for ages manufacturing propane stoves would sure be the best choice. A good company would have its own name to protect. Hence, it would deliver only the best line of products.

Select the one with a customer service hotline. For any device, electric or otherwise, it would be superb if they have some sort of a hotline number to assist customers with what you call the out-of-the-box experience. This is especially helpful for people who havent really tried using a propane gas stove before. Sometimes, instruction leaflets and manuals are hard to understand. It would really be better if there were a real person to talk to in some cases.

Get the one with the most positive ratings. If there are resources available, like online ratings, customer feedbacks, and survey forms available to you, you can well use these things to help you decide. It is a no-brainer that if the product has a lot of rave reviews, then it is worth evaluating further.

The trips you will remember the fondest will be the trips that you have the proper ammenities for. These are listed with the hope to lead you to the finest quality product out in the market. Propane gas stoves are sure to be the best equipment brought along by any outdoor enthusiast. If you get more work done when you are camping that means more time to spend with your family.

Sunday 1 February 2009

How to Clean Your Pellet Stove

Most of the time wood pellet stoves will run better and more efficient when they are clean. The air inside can move around better and this will allow the appropriate combustion in the firebox. You can clean your pellet stove yourself and it will not take much time or work at all. You will have to have a few simple tools in order to get a better clean and have an easier time as well.

A few things that you will need to clean your pellet stove are a paintbrush, paper towels, cloths, shop vac and the scraping rod that usually comes along with your stove. When you place a new bag of pellets into the hopper of the stove, it is a good idea to clean the heat exchanger. When you are cleaning this it will allow the heat to move from the firebox to your area a lot easier. It is best to use a good quality pellet to avoid cleaning more often.

When you shut your pellet stove off, you can then use the paintbrush to clean the dust that the stove produces. You can use any other type of duster or brush for this job too. The brush will have the ability to get into the small cracks and spaces that the dust can fall into. You will then be able to vacuum the ash out of the collection pan easily.

Doing simple cleaning each month will make it easier to do a thorough cleaning every few months or so. You can use your brush or shop vac to clean the tough to see areas that are going to need cleaned. Each year you should get a professional furnace cleaner check your gaskets and motors to make sure that they are running freely. They will be able to get into the tough areas and see if there is anything that looks like it needs replaced or fixed. Also have the firepot cleaned well wand test your battery back up system if you have one equipped on your pellet stove.

When it is time to shut your pellet stove off for the summer, you should take out all of the pellets from the hopper. Pellets that are left inside over the summer may accumulate moisture and not need feed properly when you turn your stove back on in the fall. You will have to unplug your stove to protect in if there are any lightning strikes or even a power surge can harm your stove.

You should also check your owner's manual to see if there are any other recommended cleaning and safety tips to follow. It is always smart to use caution and common sense when you are using a pellet stove. When you follow the rules and the instructions, you will see that this is a great way to heat your home.