Small Cookers for Small Homes

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 40, 17 April 1930, Page 25

Small Cookers for Small Homes

Electric Cooking for All :

OVER twenty thousand women are using electric ranges in this Dominion to-day, At a mild estimate there are easily another twenty thousand earnestly desiring to do so, who, for perfectly valid: reasons, have not installed one of the standard size and type. Probably the first reason why ranges are not installed when they might be is insecutity of tenure. A rather high-sounding phrase, it is true, meaning that many of us are for the

time being beholden to the powers that be with regard to. the place in which we shall live, and not only where, but for how long in that particular place. In these circumstances, we do not feel justified in investing in the range of our dreams, when it means not only the cost of it, but also the cost of instalation, be it only from > a to £8. AGAIN, the question of space is one that has to be considered with so many families living in flats, small apartments, and small houses. Kitchens and kitchenettes in many cases are not built to accommodate a full-sized range even if one were necessary. Happily, a full-sized range is not necessary to eater for the cooking wants of .the average-sized family, and since supply is created by demand, manufacturers have become alive to the fact that people of fluctuating abode, bachelors of both sexes, and lesser households are, given the means, prepared to take advantage of cooking electrically. And so springs into being, as the result of such demand, the. smaller electrical stove, that will in fact do all that we shall ask of it. . Do All That is Required. ALES of electric ranges would not f increase so rapidly if the ranges were not all that ‘is claimed for them. That many more will be sold now that the needs of smaller households have been studied to such ggod effect is easily forseen, There are still housewives who think that a big stove is necessary, but it is not. Years ago a key of a gaol was a ponderous affair. Now a Yale key serves the purpose. Years ago a good watch was a big watch. Now efficient timekeepers are made of an inch diameter, and as thin as a wafer, . . Women using these smaller stoves know that they are economical, su perfectly "lagged" that much of the €ooking is accomplished on stored heat. that they bake pastry as efficiently as the larger stoves at three times the price, that they are fitted with a reliable heat indicator, in fact, that they will take care of a whole dinner efficiently and independent of the temper

of the cook, on which so‘ much has hitherto depended for the perfection or otherwise of the meal. | Individual Types. FIANDSOME in appearance, finished in most cases in white enamel, with nickel or percelain finished top, the ranges can be placed on bench or table at the right height for the individual operator; they save space in themselves, and also eliminate the necessity for space for the storage of fuel. ~ With a boiling ring on the top plate, — three pans or two pans and a steamer — can be used at the same time, the oven with upper and lower element will take a joint the size of a leg of mutton, and either a pan of potatoes ot a baking dish, thus providing a complete dinner. When we remember that these smaller ranges can be moved as easily as an electric iron are delivered ready for use, and that they work from any heat-ing-point, is there any. reason why any woman should not cook electrically? Food so cooked is cleaner, more wholesome, with less shrinkage, the natural juices of meats are conserved, the health-giving properties of vegetables. The appearance of the range. matching the lay-out of the modern kitchen or kitchenette is a joy in ifself, , Another great point in these times of national stress is that all the models — now on sale are of Empire: make, one

excellent example being of New Zeafand manufacture, another from Great Britain, and still others from Canada and Australia. Is it any wonder then that these same electric stoves are finding their way in increased numbers every day not only into flats and "baches," but also into larger households, where they make perfect adjuncts to the tiresome old-fashioned range, which ‘is thus relegated to occasional use, until such time as the ideal of the larger electric range can be achieved. Useful Little Appliances. STILL smaller appliances are avail able for those who, for some rea son or other, must still bake ahd roast in the old-fashioned way, enabling them to grill, fry, boil, or toast, even at the table itself, with cleanliness, ease. andeconomy. As breakfast cookers they are ideal, effecting an immense saving of time at the time of day when time is itself most valuable. Single hotplates of neat appearance will cook many tempting dishes, while the double ones on stands will take an ovenette,’ which in its turn will take a toast and vegetables,