Topic: Is this the Foker?

[Salvador Dhali]

Hi SD

Was just thinking about ordering this version too. I believe you have now had a chance to use it. Do you think it is the right tool for the job?

Did you have paint issues and have to implement the solution as kindly suggested by DalPuri?

Thanks

I have indeed used the beast, Solar. In fact I was a very naughty boy and brought it indoors while the missus was out, and have a vague, alcohol fuelled memory of posting a pic in Phil's curry powder as nucleus Madras thread.

As a hater of electric hobs I absolutely love it. It's actually not as fierce as I imagined (but obviously much hotter than my old one, which was around 4kw), but that said I don't think I'd want it any more powerful. On full heat you just daren't leave the pan unattended for more than a few seconds.

I'm using the remains of my old butane canister before switching to propane, and despite advice to the contrary I'm using a standard low pressure regulator (37mb), which the literature says it's designed for, and it works perfectly well with this setup.   

The pan sits a fair distance from the burner, so although the full area of my 26cm pan gets properly heated, the flames don't lick over the edges of the pan. This would no doubt happen with smaller pans.

Did I have paint issues?

Yes, as described by DalPuri.

Did I implement the solution as kindly suggested by DalPuri?

Did I buggery! Being an inherently impatient sod I couldn't wait to get going, so, employing my characteristically optimistic "F**k it. It'll be all right", I got stuck in.

Okay, yes, the paint does come off a bit. (Well, okay, a lot), but it only comes off once, and it doesn't take too much work with a scourer to denude your pan's base of the stuff.

Is it the right tool for the job?

In so much as it produces a decent intensity and spread of heat and gets all of your pan hot, then yes.

However, it is a basic, cheap and cheerful number (how they make them in Italy, get them over here and still manage to sell them for that price is beyond me), and if I had the money I'd have gone for the more expensive cast iron (9.2kw) model. The pan is closer to the flame, and the three valves offer a greater degree of control:

http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/Foker_Triple_Burner_Cast_Iron_Gas_Boiling_Ring.html

Or, as I love cooking with woks, maybe this:

http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Foker_Cast_Iron_Gas_Wok_Burner.html

In fact, as soon as finances allow, I think I'll be doing that very thing.

In the meantime this one will do nicely...

[DalPuri]

I seem to have tattooed my cast iron skillet  :




Frank. 

[solarsplace]

snip...

In fact, as soon as finances allow, I think I'll be doing that very thing.

@SD

Many thanks for a superb response. Agree, will probably do what you are planning too!

Thanks again

Regards

@Frank

Interesting shape your iron skillet? do you cook breads on that?

Cheers

[DalPuri]

Hi Solar,
Yes i make artisan breads, chapatis AND now, naans with it. ;D
Definately no good on the electric hob though. Doubted myself and tried again yesterday.  :
It just doesn't get hot enough. Too thick.
Its an old AGA skillet i use with my rayburn and now with the gas burner. It weighs a tonne, about 15kg!

I'm thinking of buying another slightly thinner one for the electric from here:

http://www.cookingmarvellous.com/14-cast-iron-griddle.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250786850027?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649



The shop isn't too far from me, so i can save on the postage.
Its a good size and allows plenty of room for slapping chaps or naans without hitting the sides or the ends curling over. 

Cheers, Frank.