Samovar is a device for boiling water. It can rightfully be considered a truly Russian invention. The place of this valuable subject in national culture is equated with nesting dolls and balalaikas.
Samovar device
All samovars were built on the same principle, despite their diversity. Each samovar has a wall. This is the basis of the device. Water is poured here, which must be boiled. On top of the wall is a fused ring - a circle.
A plate - a repeater is attached to the wall of the device. The crane begins with it. The faucet handle is called a branch. This is one of the ornaments of the samovar, as the branch is made in unusual forms.
Inside the samovar is a tube called a jug. They add fuel to it. The jug has a plug with which it is closed. The bottom of the device is called the neck. The base is a pallet. Also, at each samovar you will see handles.
A stuffing box (a small hole in the lid) releases steam during boiling. A burner is also located on top. It is needed to install a teapot. A current of air passes through a closed burner.
Views
By the shape of the samovar, you can determine the term "life" of the product. The relief and faceted shape speaks of a strong, strong frame. Such a samovar will last ten years and will delight you for a long time with its unchanging appearance.
Smooth and round devices cannot boast of longevity. Such samovars are subject to mechanical damage: dents and scratches. Therefore, spherical forms of devices are not very popular. Until now, few such specimens have survived.
There are three types of samovars:
- The fire samovar is a classic Russian device. To heat the water, fuel of wood origin is used: charcoal, dry chips, cones. A heat samovar must have a tube inside. The volume and shape of such devices are different.
- An electric samovar is the most convenient to use today. It works from the mains. The forms of these devices are also different. The maximum volume reaches 45 liters.
- The combined samovar is the golden mean. The device combines electric and heat (coal) samovars.
Etymology
Historians still argue about the origin of the word "samovar". This device was called differently in Russia: in Kursk it was called “self-killer”, in Yaroslavl - “samogar”, in Vyatka land - “self-heating.” However, the idea is the same - “it cooks itself”.
Some researchers believe that the word is borrowed from the Tatar. In this language, a “kettle” sounds like “snodar”. However, the first version of the supporters is still much more.
First samovars
The history of the samovar is almost unknown. The invention of this device was attributed to the ancient Romans, and Russia, and even China. In China, there really is a similar fixture called "Ho-Go." It is made of metal or porcelain. Soups are served in ho-go in China.
Legend has it that Peter the Great brought the samovar to Russia. And he acquired this outlandish device in Holland. According to another version, the samovar was created by the blacksmith Demidov. He himself was a Tula resident, but he made the apparatus while in the Urals.
According to the documents, the following is known: in the city of Tula in 1778, the first production of devices for boiling water began. The producers were the Lisitsyn brothers. Due to this historical fact, Tula is considered the birthplace of samovars. However, back in 1740, at the property list , Demidov found a samovar! It turns out that at first the devices were used in the Urals, then in Tula, Moscow and St. Petersburg.
In the middle of the 19th century, 30 samovar factories were opened in Russia. 100 thousand devices of various sizes, shapes and colors were produced in Russia annually. Over time, they mutated, but did not go out of fashion. Even today, people continue to buy these devices. And not only electric, but also generally accepted Tula heat samovars.
Traditional samovar: device and work
A wood samovar is considered a classic. It is also called heat. Tea from this machine acquires the aroma of haze. They value him for this property. How does a heat samovar work? Smoldering charcoal or firewood is placed in the pipe. Due to the flow of air, coal flames up. When heated, the air goes up and heats the water in the wall.
As soon as the water begins to boil, put on top a kettle for brewing tea. As a result, air draft decreases, and boiling water slows down. The kettle begins to boil, and tea is brewed.
Pros and Cons of a Heat Samovar
Advantages of the classic model:
- Tribute to tradition. The heat samovar is a symbol of Russia. This is the option that our ancestors used.
- High thermal insulation. Water in a coal samovar stays hot longer.
- The taste of tea. The drink acquires a taste and aroma of haze.
Cons coal samovar:
- Price. A coal device is more expensive than an electric one. Although if you adore antiques, the price will not be a hindrance.
- Limitation of places of use. Such a device is ignited only outdoors or in a room with an extractor fan.
- Difficulties in the process. If the device goes out, light it again - a headache. You will have to pour out the water, remove the coals, refill the water again and only then start to melt again.
Selection advice and cost
If you decide to buy a wood samovar, then you need to remember the following recommendations:
- Check all components of the product, especially the pipe.
- Choose a product with a thick iron jug. Unsuitable metal will not withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This will cause the device to deteriorate quickly and you will have to repair it.
- Give preference to embossed shapes of the product. Spherical structures are easy to damage. For a long time they will not serve you.
The price of a product depends on three indicators: material, shape and volume. When choosing a wood-fired samovar, you need to remember that brass products are cheaper than devices of the same shape, but made from other materials. Nickel-plated is more expensive, as they are easy to care for and use. Tompak designs (double brass) are even more expensive.
For antique products up to 3 liters, you have to pay more than for products from 3 to 8 liters. This is because the release of small samovar was less than the release of their voluminous counterparts. Now you know everything about samovars and how they differ. Follow the recommendations and you will not be mistaken.