Fuels Used in Kitchen PDF

# Fuels Used in Kitchen - **Heat:** Heat is a source of energy, which is obtained by the combustion of the fuels. This heat is then transferred and utilized to cook the food. - **Fuels:** Fuels are the sources for heat to be generated. - In order to cook the food in the kitchen, this heat needs...

# Fuels Used in Kitchen - **Heat:** Heat is a source of energy, which is obtained by the combustion of the fuels. This heat is then transferred and utilized to cook the food. - **Fuels:** Fuels are the sources for heat to be generated. - In order to cook the food in the kitchen, this heat needs to be obtained, and to obtain this heat, an fuel is important. Thus it is essential for a chef to understand and study these heat sources with their characteristic. ## Classification of Fuels | Type of Fuel | Examples | | --- | --- | | **Solid Fuels** | Wood, Charcoal, Coal | | **Liquid Fuels** | LPG, CNG, Carocin, Petrol/Diesel | | **Gases Fuels** | Biogas, Steam | | **Electricity** | - | | ** Natural Resources** | Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Wave Energy | ### Solid Fuels #### 1. Wood - **Wood:** It is used as a fuel for wood fired pizza ovens; The pizza ovens have LPG fire, but wood is also kept inside to impart a smoky flavor to the food. - **Advantages:** - Cheap and easily available. - **Disadvantages:** - Ecological disaster; non-renewable source of energy. - Large storage space required. - Takes long time to reach the ignition point. - Not suitable for all kinds of cooking equipment, e.g. bratt pan, deep fat fryer. #### 2. Charcoal - **Charcoal:** - **Advantages:** - Cheap and easily available. - No question of shortages. - **Disadvantages:** - Pollutes atmosphere. - Flames cannot be regulated. - Cleaning operations are required to clean vessels due to the formation of soot. - It is hydroscopic (absorbs water). - It takes long time to reach the ignition point. - Labor cost to move fuel. ### Liquid Fuels #### 1. LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas - **LPG (Liquid petroleum gas):** It is a generic name for commercial propane and butane composed fuel used in the kitchens to fuel gas burners. - **This gas is supplied in industrial cylinders to hotels. It is supplied to the kitchen through pipelines.** - **LPG cylinders are stored in a separate place, usually known as gas bank and are usually operated by kitchen stewarding department.** - **A certain gas pressure is maintained by the stewarding as certain ranges require high pressure for cooking.** - **LPG is liquefied under pressure and converts into when the pressure is released.** - **It is almost smokeless & easy to handle.** - **LPG should be handled with at most care as being a transparent gas its leakage is not easily detectable & it is also highly combustible(flammable). ** - **As per govt. regulations LPG cannot be used in basement kitchens or below the sea level.** - **Usage:** It is one of the most essential fuels used in the kitchen & is known for its efficiency. It is used as a fuel for cooking ranges, ovens, & salamanders. Some tandoors used in Indian cooking are also fired by LPG. - **Advantages:** - It is usable for fast cooking by the controlled increase of the flame pressure. - Equipment and labor saving. It helps to reduce labor cost. - There is no pollution in the form of smoke and dirt. - Special utensils not required. - Easily controlled with immediate fuel heat and the flames are visible - **Disadvantages:** - Highly inflammable (which easily catches fire). - Some heat is lost in the kitchen. - Frequent maintenance and regular cleaning necessary for efficiency. - Requires lots of space. - Gas bank should be at least 150m away from hotel according to by law. - There may be shortages in supply which will cause work stoppages. - Installing can be expensive because piping, valves, regulators are to be provided. - **Precautions:** - There must be a department to take care of these. - Firefighting equipment has to be purchased. - All pipes have to colored red, and a warning sign must be kept. #### 2. CNG - **Compressed natural gas is slowly gaining popularity for its fuel efficiency & environment friendly properties.** - **Usage:** Used in ecofriendly hotels as fuel in many types of equipment's such as ovens, gas ranges etc. ### Gases Fuels #### 1. Biogas - **It is also one of the natural fuel obtained by the fermentation of the animal, human waste or the garbage.** - **Also used for various purposes and highly ecofriendly fuel.** #### 2. Steam - **Most of the hotels produce steam, which is used to cook or operate equipment.** - **Steam is supplied to the kitchen through insulated pipes.** - **Usage:** Used in the equipment's such as dishwashers & steam jacket kettles. ### Electricity - **Also used as fuel to operate many types of equipment.** - **Care should be taken while ordering such equipment to ensure the requirement of voltage.** - **Some of the heavy duty equipment use three phase electric current & some use only single phase.** - **Usage:** Is generally used to operate most of the equipments in the kitchen. It is popular because it is easy to control electric equipment. - **Advantages:** - Usages and maintenance are easy and clean. - It is very economical as it can be switched off instantly after use and also does not require storage space. - Easily controlled and labor saving. - Very little heat is lost. - A good working atmosphere for kitchen staff as no oxygen is required to burn electricity. - Thermostatic controlled are available and temperature can be regulated sharply. - Utilized for all cooking equipment. - Supply can be easily maintained if a generator is installed. - **Disadvantages:** - Time is taken to head up. A lot of energy is wasted, as it's lost into the environment. - Installation and maintenance are high. - Special utensils are required. - Electrical hazard such as leakages, fire. Electrocution may occur if proper precaution are not taken. ### Natural Resources - **Solar Energy:** It is obtained by the rays of the sun. Used to produce energy. - **Wind Power** - **Wave Power**