The way kitchens work

The WAY KITCHENS W RK The WAY KITCHENS W The Science Behind the Microwave, Teflon Pan, Garbage Disposal, and More ED SOBEY RK Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Sobey, Edwin J C., 1948– The way kitchens work : the science behind the microwave, teflon pan, garbage disposal, and more / Ed Sobey p cm Includes bibliographical references (p ) ISBN 978-1-56976-281-3 Cookery—Equipment and supplies Kitchens—Equipment and supplies I Title TX656.S656 2010 643′.3—dc22 2010007250 Cover design, interior design, and interior illustrations: Scott Rattray Cover photos: iStock.com © 2010 by Ed Sobey All rights reserved Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated 814 North Franklin Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 ISBN 978-1-56976-281-3 Printed in the United States of America To Aunt Jean—remembering wonderful meals C ONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ix INTRODUCTION xi Aluminum Foil Bag Sealer Blender Bread Machine 11 Can Opener 15 Coffee Grinder 18 Coffee Maker 20 Coffee Roaster 25 Coffee Urn 28 Cork Remover 31 Crock-Pot 34 Deep Fat Fryer 36 Dishwasher 40 Dustbuster 44 Electric Grill 47 Electric Knife 51 Electric Teapot 55 Espresso Maker 57 Faucet 61 Fire Extinguisher 65 Food Processor 69 Garbage Disposal 73 Garlic Chopper 77 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Switch 79 Hot Plate 83 Ice Maker 86 Juicer 91 Kitchen Torch 95 Knife 99 Microwave Oven 103 Mixer 108 Oven (Electric) 111 Oven (Gas) 115 Pepper Mill 118 Popcorn Popper 121 Pressure Cooker 125 Range Hood 128 Refrigerator 131 Refrigerator Magnet 137 Salad Shooter 139 Salad Spinner 142 Saran Wrap 145 Smoke Detector 147 Steamer 150 Stove 154 Teflon-Coated Frying Pan 159 Timer 161 Toaster 165 Toaster Oven 171 Trash Compactor 176 Turkey Timer 179 Waffle Iron 182 Water Filter 186 Watercooler 192 Wine Saver 198 BIBLIOGRAPHY 203 A CKNOWLEDGMENTS ike several of my other books, The Way Kitchens Work benefits from photographs taken by Rich Sidwa I have learned to ask for his help just after we finish a long run through the Watershed Nature Preserve, when he is feeling good but has weakened resistance Dave Wilson of Appliance Recycling Outlet in Snohomish, Washington, allowed me to take photos of appliances being repaired or recycled He introduced me to Ron Gale, a wonderful guy from Forks, Washington, who took me on a tour of the recycling center and helped me take photographs of several kitchen devices Ron grew up in the hardware and appliance business in Forks and was a fountain of knowledge for a science writer who had a lot to learn about major appliances Frank Slagle contributed his ancient toaster for me to take apart and photograph They don’t make them like this—either Frank or his toaster—anymore Metal Ware Corporation, manufacturers of Nesco products, sent the photo of their beautiful coffee roaster The Fire House in Redmond, Washington, provided me with two fire extinguishers to take apart Thanks, Christian Woody, my son and coauthor on The Way Toys Work, provided information about and photographs of homemade coffee roasters Sue Maybee loaned her electric knife for a photo shoot Thank you all L ix ... and other tools Ancient Greeks had open-air kitchens in the center of their homes Most Roman cooks met at communal kitchens to prepare meals, while the wealthy among them had their own kitchens. . .The WAY KITCHENS W RK The WAY KITCHENS W The Science Behind the Microwave, Teflon Pan, Garbage Disposal, and More ED SOBEY RK... rooms in their mansions In medieval times, kitchens were located in the center of a home’s living area Families would gather there to enjoy the warmth of the smoky fire as well as each other’s