Samovar
A samovar is a device for heating water and making tea. Works on the basis of fuel (charcoal, chocks, cones) or an electric heating element.
Unlike an electric kettle, it keeps the water temperature for a long time. It is produced in different versions in terms of the shape and volume of the tank.
Types of samovars
Varieties according to the principle of operation and heating:
- classic flame;
- electric;
- combined;
- Parichko;
- kerosene.
Release form:
- jug;
- acorn;
- vase;
- jar;
- glass;
- egg.
Device
The flame samovar is a solid fuel water heater of the classical type. In one device, a gas duct, a heat exchanger, a firebox are connected. The heat exchanger is made in the form of a reservoir of complex shape.
The inner surface is represented by a flame tube, which acts as a wall of the furnace or combustion chamber. Fuel is placed in the pipe. A grate is installed in the lower part of the flame tube, which supplies the air required for fuel combustion.
In the upper part, the flame tube narrows and passes into the outlet pipe. An L-shaped pipe is put on it, which connects the main part of the device and the chimney, which forms the thrust necessary for combustion.
Efficient traction is also created by the natural flow of hot air.
Water receives all the heat that rises through the pipe (jug). Due to the fact that the pipe has a large surface, the temperature of the water rises to the boiling point quickly. The set temperature is then maintained.
When the samovar runs on charcoal, the highest temperature is formed near the combustion center (in the lower part of the apparatus). The upper part of the flame tube heats up less. This is the correct temperature distribution for heating the liquid.
Higher temperature water is lighter, so it rises. In its place, a cold liquid enters – natural convection and circulation of water occurs, it mixes and reaches a high temperature at the same time.
In the case of wood, this process is different:
- The flame tube heats up most strongly in the narrow part (at the top of the heat exchanger).
- The bottom of the tank remains at normal temperature.
- Water is heated mainly near the lid of the appliance.
- Liquid with a higher temperature remains on the surface – convection is not formed.
When the upper layers of water boil, it may turn out that the liquid in the near-bottom region remains unhot.
The electrical device works on a similar principle – the heating element is installed in the inside of the product.
Instead of a flame tube with fuel, an electric thermocoil is provided here, which is responsible for heating. The volume of electrical units is smaller.
In a combined product, elements of an electric and a frying device are combined. For heating, the energy obtained from the combustion of fuel, or electricity, is used. The water temperature in the device is maintained for a long time.
“Parichko” is now not used for its intended purpose, but serves as an antique. The lower part of the brazier in the device is not equipped with a grate. The brazier is taken out from a design and fastens on a circle of the device. Consists of a central and two side compartments.
The neck of the device is not equipped with a blower. Air is supplied to the fuel through a hole located on the burner stand. The design provides the ability to use solid and liquid fuels (wood, kerosene, alcohol).
Kerosene apparatuses are also not included in the modern classification. The design is based on a kerosene burner.
The lower part of the device looks like a kerosene lamp burner, while instead of a glass cap, the body of the product is put on, fixed with latches.
The design is equipped with a removable body, due to which filling the tank with kerosene is quick and easy. The burner flame is adjusted using a screw located on the side.
The wick is ignited through a sliding window, which is installed in the neck of the device.
Characteristics
The design of the combustion unit:
- jug;
- wall;
- neck;
- pallet;
- circle;
- repeek;
- branch;
- faucet stem;
- stuffy;
- bearings;
- cones;
- raspberries;
- plug;
- burner.
Pitcher – a pipe in the inside of the device where fuel is burned. The wall contains water for boiling. Due to the special shape, it acts as an acoustic amplifier – you can easily find out by the sound at what stage the device is heating the water.
The neck is the lower part of the device, under it is attached the base of the unit – a tray with a grate and a bottom for collecting ash. The crane is attached not to the body itself, but to a special curly plate called a repeck.
Heated water is poured through the curved stem of the tap.
The crane is turned with the help of a handle – a branch. On the lid of the device there is a hole through which steam escapes when boiling water. The lid is equipped with bumps – handles, with which it is removed from the samovar.
To fasten the handles, bearings are used (screws, in the past – nails). Raspberries are the nuts used to attach the cones to the lid. The jug is closed with a cap – a plug. The teapot is placed on the burner.
The electrical apparatus belongs to the first or zero class in terms of protection against electric shock. The degree of protection against moisture is normal. The service life of the appliance is 5 years.
Equipment:
- electrical device;
- lid;
- tap stopper;
- burner;
- cord;
- user manual;
- at the request of the buyer, the equipment can be supplemented with a teapot for brewing and a tray or just a tray.
Advantages of a samovar
The main advantage of a classic samovar is that the flame tube is placed in the inner part of the tank and is surrounded by water on all sides. Due to this, a high efficiency is achieved, heat losses are reduced.
The samovar during operation plays the role of a chemical reactor: it softens hard water. The decrease in hardness is due to the fact that scale (insoluble carbonates) settles at the bottom and is deposited on the walls of the tank.
The faucet is installed just above the bottom, so the scale does not get into the cup of water.
Other benefits:
- it takes no more than 30 minutes to boil water;
- minimal heat loss;
- heat preservation;
- easy care.
The advantage of an electric product is the speed of preparing a drink. Water boils at the same speed as in an electric kettle. The samovar is distinguished by easy and quick care, there is no coating of burning and soot on the surface.
During operation, it emits sound effects, like a classic unit with a fire chamber.
The technical characteristics of the combined device provide the opportunity to operate it without reference to the location. The benefit of this design is its versatility.
The device is used when connected to the electrical network. If there is no electrical energy, the device is melted by fuel (coal, wood, wood chips).
Cons of a samovar
Experimenting with fryer fuel is not recommended, as only charcoal is the best option. When using cones for fireboxes, there is a risk of resin getting into the water.
The use of other types of fuel affects the speed and efficiency of heating the water in the tank. Another drawback of the classic samovar is the need for frequent and thorough maintenance.
The burning of coals causes the formation of soot on the inner surface of the apparatus. The use of coniferous wood chips and cones is the reason for the accumulation of resin in the container.
Despite the speed of boiling water, the absence of soot for many owners of samovars is a disadvantage of the device, since these are integral attributes of its work.
In the flame apparatus, the water is impregnated with smoke; in the electric model, such a result is impossible to achieve.
How to choose a samovar
The choice of a samovar depends on the conditions in which it will be used – in an apartment or in a private house, in the country. An electrical appliance is suitable for an apartment, the principle of operation of which is almost the same as a conventional kettle.
A samovar with an electric heater does not take up much space, easy to maintain, has a small volume – from 1.5 liters (for 1-3 people).
A fire samovar is suitable for owners of summer cottages and private houses. The device is designed for a large number of people (tank volume – 3-15 liters), consider this when choosing.
According to the technology of preparing a drink and the taste characteristics of tea, an electric samovar cannot be compared with a classic device.
A universal unit will cost a little more – a combined samovar with a fire chamber and an electric heater. This product is used both indoors and outdoors.
During the purchase, it is recommended to check the heater in the electric model, make sure the stability of the samovar and the quality of the handles, which are made of wood, porcelain or plastic resistant to high temperatures.
You should also fill the container to make sure there are no leaks, a snug fit of the lid.
In addition to choosing a certain type of samovar, pay attention to the material from which it is made. The best option is brass or other copper alloys.
They hold heat for a long time, are resistant to rust. If it is possible to compare two models of the same volume, lift them up in the air and give preference to the one that weighs more heavily.
A gold or bronze finish needs regular maintenance, otherwise the shiny surface will be covered with reddish spots. This does not apply to other coatings and artistic painting.
The easiest to maintain is a device with a silver nickel-plated finish. Resistance to mechanical damage depends on the shape of the container.
On cylindrical devices, samovars with a smooth surface, dents appear even as a result of a weak mechanical impact. Products in the form of various figures (acorns, glasses, vases) are protected from damage.
Which is better
Characteristics of the universal model, which should be guided by:
- The best version of the device is a universal model in which an electric and a flame heater are combined. The unit is suitable for both apartments and outdoor use.
- The optimal displacement is 5-7 liters.
- Give preference to products of complex shape to avoid mechanical damage.
- It is desirable to have the functions of automatic shutdown, maintain the temperature.
- The built-in thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of the liquid in the tank.
- Stainless steel units, decorated with artistic painting, are easy to care for.
How to use
The classic flame device needs proper kindling with fuel. For this, charcoal, pine cones, wood chips are used. Dry buds contain a high concentration of resin that can get into the water.
Ignition of fuel in the device occurs only after filling the main tank with water.
Charcoal is the most efficient fuel. The content of carbon (the main fuel element) is 95%. The volume of carbon burned is equal to the consumption of oxygen, so the intensity of combustion during the furnace is controlled by the air supply.
This process in the device depends on the grate and the slots in it. The grate is selected in such a way that the combustion of the fuel is moderately intense, otherwise heat losses will increase.
It is possible to fire a samovar with wood chocks, but only in the absence of coal. The main combustible components in wood are carbon and hydrogen. Dry wood is burned in two stages. At the first stage, the fuel is ignited up to 350°C.
At the second stage, the emitted volatile substances are burned. At this moment, a lack of wood chocks manifests itself: it is impossible to control the process of combustion of gases, so some of them go into the chimney without benefiting.
In order to make full use of gases, an additional air supply and a container in which air is mixed with gases are required. This is not provided for in the design of the flame device, so the firebox with wood chocks occurs with increased heat loss.
Regular care of the fryer will help to avoid premature restoration. A hot samovar must not be left empty. This leads to the soldering of the pipe located inside the structure, as a result of which the liquid enters the fuel.
In winter, the reservoir is freed from water, because when it freezes, it expands and increases in volume. Start kindling only after filling the container with water – this reduces wear on the brazier.
It is recommended to place hot coals in the furnace and add wood chips there. When using chips of cherry or birch trees, the water acquires a special aroma that improves the taste of the drink. Clean the inside of the container after each use.
To get rid of tar and soot deposits, use special products for cleaning metal surfaces. Features of care depend on the metal from which the samovar is made:
- Gold – for cleaning, soft cloths moistened with denatured alcohol, alcohol, turpentine are used. Tetraborate and ammonia give the surface a sheen.
- Silver – It is not recommended to use abrasive detergents, acids. For a shiny surface, use a sodium hyposulfite solution for cleaning.
- Stainless steel – Use vinegar or a chemical detergent for cleaning.
- brass/bronze – samovars made of these metals are treated with silver, chrome or nickel coating. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents to avoid damaging the finish.
Silica gel, chalk, diatomaceous earth are used for surface treatment. To polish brass, wipe the device with ammonia.
It is forbidden to immerse the electric samovar in water. When filling the housing, water should not spill onto the appliance plug (the part is wiped and dried). It is forbidden to connect the device to the mains if the water level is too low.
The liquid should cover the top of the electric heater. The device in the switched on state is installed on a stand made of a material resistant to combustion. The distance between a working samovar and flammable objects is at least 1 m.
Do not connect the unit to the mains if the cord or socket is damaged. If the device is connected to the mains, it is forbidden to pour out and add water.
Preparing the electric samovar for work:
- If the electrical device was outside at sub-zero temperatures, it starts up no earlier than 3 hours after being in a warm room.
- The socket and plug of the tap are wiped to remove foreign particles, dirt, and are lubricated with fat or vegetable oil.
- When installing the plug, make sure that it fits snugly into the faucet socket.
- The internal and external surfaces of the apparatus are washed and wiped dry.
- When filling the container with water, make sure that a distance of at least 4 cm remains between the upper edge and the liquid.
- After bringing the water to a boil, disconnect the unit from the mains, drain the water through the tap – it is unusable.
The device is kept clean. The outer surface is periodically rubbed to a shine. If the samovar is plated with nickel, a soft cloth and a special paste are used for cleaning.
If the surface is covered with varnish, artistic painting, then wet and dry fabrics are used alternately. It is important to avoid mechanical damage to the case.
Over time, scale builds up on the electric heating element, which should be removed regularly. In this case, you can not use metal objects, sandpaper.
The float in the thermal switch uses thin sheet metal, be extremely careful when cleaning. If the samovar will not be used for a long period of time, prepare it for storage.
Wipe the outer and inner surfaces with a cloth, grease the cork. The device is stored in a heated dry room at a temperature of +13°C and above. It is forbidden to store the device in the same room as corrosive substances (alkalis, acids).
After using the combined samovar, do the following:
- Assemble the cap with the handle.
- Wipe the faucet of the device.
- Install the plug.
- Rinse the lid and body with hot water.
- Wipe the device with a dry cloth.
Guarantee
The guarantee for flame devices is issued for a period of one to 5 years (depending on the manufacturer). For electrical devices, the warranty period is 1 year, starting from the date of purchase.
Storage is guaranteed for a period of 3 years from the date of manufacture. By purchasing the device, the buyer receives a manual for use, which indicates the date of purchase.
To use the warranty, you must have a document confirming the fact and date of purchase of the samovar (cash / sales receipt, operating instructions). Otherwise, the start of use of the device is considered the date of manufacture.
Manufacturers are not responsible for goods with malfunctions if they have arisen as a result of violations of the rules of operation, storage, transportation.
The warranty does not apply to samovars that are out of order due to natural and man-made disasters, actions of third parties.
Faults and repairs
Typical breakdowns:
- leakage in the faucet area;
- unscrewing nuts;
- instability;
- deformation of the brackets on the handles.
The flow of fluid in the faucet occurs due to damage to the surface of the plug or faucet, installation of a plug of the wrong size. To eliminate the malfunction, the surface of the plug is treated with a lapping mixture, after which the part is lapped to the tap.
Unscrewing the blind nuts may occur when transporting the instrument. To install the nut in the correct position, screw it onto the stud, place the roller in the bracket. Then the stud with the screwed nut is inserted into the roller and the second nut is screwed on.
The instability of the structure occurs when the rules for transporting the device are violated – there is a gap between the horizontal surface and the legs of the pallet.
To eliminate the rocking of the samovar, put it on a flat surface, determine exactly where the gap is formed. With light tapping, set the legs at the same height, thereby eliminating the gap.
The deformation of the handle brackets also occurs due to incorrect loading and transportation operations. To repair the parts, disconnect the rollers and fix the brackets with pliers.
Samovar manufacturers
Centek is a company specializing in the production of household and climatic appliances. The model range of samovars is represented by electrical appliances with hidden heating elements.
All devices of the manufacturer are distinguished by a 4-liter tank, a maximum power of up to 2300 W, a metal case, a temperature indicator, and an exclusive design. The set includes a ceramic teapot.
Delta is engaged in the production of household appliances, tools, equipment. The range of samovars is represented by electric units with a volume of 3-4 liters. The body is made of stainless steel and plastic.
The devices are equipped with additional functions of maintaining the temperature, multi-level protection, light indicators, and a built-in thermometer.
Dobrynia is a manufacturer of home appliances and accessories. The model range is represented by 4-liter stainless steel devices, which are supplied with ceramic teapots. Products are decorated with artistic painting.
Equipped with a temperature maintenance function, overheating protection, light indication of operation.
ELIS manufactures household appliances and utensils. Appliances with electric heaters with a capacity of 4 liters operate at a maximum power of 2200 W. The main material is stainless steel.
Included with the devices are ceramic teapots with a volume of 1 liter.
The devices maintain a high temperature of the liquid, are equipped with an operation indicator, an automatic and manual switch, an automatic shutdown system during boiling water.
Energy produces household appliances, in particular electric samovars. The devices are equipped with a plastic case. The set comes with glass teapots. The volume of the tank is from 3 liters. There is an automatic shutdown function.
Marta is engaged in the manufacture of appliances for the kitchen and for the home. The company’s samovars are represented by electric devices with a power of 2200 W. The capacity is 4 liters. The set comes with a porcelain teapot.
The product maintains a high water temperature.
Pullman is a manufacturer of home appliances. The company’s samovars are made of stainless steel. They are equipped with a built-in thermometer, an electric heating element of a hidden type. The devices operate at a power of 2300 watts.
Supplied with ceramic teapots. There are auto-shutoff and temperature support functions.
Zimber manufactures small household and kitchen appliances. The range of samovars is represented by stainless steel devices. There are teapots included. Tank volume – 3.2 / 4 l. Products are decorated with artistic painting or a unique coating.
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