The stove is a stove used to heat, cook, toast or melt.
A stove is a small oven that is usually portable : that is, it can be moved. Anafe is a term that derives from the Hispanic Arabic annáfiẖ , in turn from the classical Arabic nāfiẖ (which translates as "blower" ).
At a general level, any stove that can be used to heat, cook, toast or melt is called a stove. Nowadays, however, the concept is mainly associated with the stove intended for cooking food or heating food .
Types of cooktops
- Electric cooktops : They work by connecting them to a source of electricity . They use electrical resistances or heating coils to generate heat. They are usually portable and easy to use, and offer temperature control options to adjust the heat as needed. They are also available in different sizes and designs, including single- and multi-burner cooktops;
- Gas stoves – operate with natural gas or propane as a fuel source, depending on availability and user preference. They tend to be more common in professional kitchen settings, but are also used in homes. They provide powerful heat and can be easily adjusted to control the intensity of the flame. Some models include multiple burners ;
- Induction cooktops : use electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat the cooking vessel. They do not generate heat on the surface of the cooktop itself, but instead heat the container by creating an electromagnetic field. They are fast, efficient and safe, since their surface does not get as hot as other types. However, it is necessary to use induction compatible cookware that is magnetic;
- Glass-ceramic cooktops : They have a heat-resistant glass-ceramic surface. They use electrical resistances below the surface to generate heat. They are easy to clean and offer an attractive aesthetic appearance. Like electric ones, they provide temperature control options.
In addition to the types mentioned, there are combination cooktops that offer multiple cooking options in a single unit, such as gas and electric or ceramic and induction . It is important to note that its availability may vary by region and country, as well as local regulations and preferences regarding the energy source used.
Arab stoves
Modern cooktops have their historical antecedent in the Arab stoves that the Muslims introduced to the European continent with the invasions of the 8th century . These anafes or anafres , which in turn are linked to objects from Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire , were made with clay and contained embers that allowed casseroles or pots to be heated.
The cooktops had a flat base and handles to facilitate their transportation and manipulation. In addition, they often had a side opening or mouth. This is because some of the first stoves worked by using blown air to fan the flames. These devices were basically a metal structure with holes at the bottom where hot embers or coals were inserted. The food was placed over the holes and cooked thanks to the heat emanating from the embers.
There are different types of stoves, including those that run on gas.
The history of anafes goes back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, they were used for cooking in homes. Representations of these stoves have been found in tombs and temples , indicating their importance in daily life at the time. In the Arab world, they were widely used for centuries, becoming an essential part of cuisine , both in homes and in restaurants and street food stalls.
One of the distinctive characteristics of Arab cooktops is their ability to distribute heat evenly. This is due to its design and the strategic arrangement of the holes. In addition, some stoves had a ventilation system that allowed the intensity of the heat to be adjusted.