Useful water bath: how to do it right at home. What is a water bath at home How to cook a water bath


Very often, when reading any recipe for a cream, tender dough or cosmetic mask, we come across the expression "water bath". It would seem that everyone has known what it is since childhood, but, nevertheless, the question of how to make a water bath correctly does not lose its relevance, especially for young housewives who are just starting to learn the basics of culinary art.

So, let's try to understand the intricacies of this process. The first question is when and why a water bath is needed. It is worth paying attention to this method of heating and cooking in cases where:

  • it is required to melt food sensitive to high temperatures in such a way as to prevent them from burning and sticking to the walls of the dish. Using a water bath melt chocolate, butter or soap base for homemade soap making.
  • It is necessary to heat any ingredients to a relatively low temperature (50-60 °). This is often necessary in the manufacture of masks for hair or face, which include natural oils - when heated, they are better absorbed and have a much more noticeable effect.
  • It is necessary to prepare decoctions or infusions of herbs without losing a large amount of useful ingredients that are destroyed by boiling.
  • There is a need to heat products that are prone to change in structure under the influence of temperature - the yolk, gelatin, etc.

In all the cases listed above, as in a number of others, it is very important to know how to make a water bath. It also has its own subtleties and rules, the knowledge of which will allow you to avoid common mistakes.

First of all, a water bath will turn out well if the dishes are chosen correctly, but these are not all the details that you should pay attention to.

  • The lower pan or bowl should be with a thick bottom and, if possible, thick walls. In this case, the boiling will not be so violent and drops of water will not fall into the mass you are preparing.
  • Be sure to cover the bottom of the lower dish with a clean linen or cotton towel - this will make the boil even smoother, and it is this that is the key to how to make a water bath.
  • The upper dish should be of such a diameter that its bottom touches the water column, but the walls remain in the air. In this position, the effect will be maximum - the upper bowl will be processed with hot steam, and the water will practically not touch it. In advance, select dishes that fit each other in diameter, and remember this “pair” - next time you will save time searching for suitable vessels.
  • A water bath at home involves constant stirring of the mixture in the upper bowl. This helps to control all changes in consistency and not miss the moment when the bowl needs to be removed from the heat.
  • The bowl should be lowered into a large saucepan only after boiling water in it, otherwise the process of heating the prepared mixture will be disrupted, and the result may turn out to be completely different from what we would like.
  • When preparing decoctions of medicinal plants, you can not stir the mixture continuously, since burning will not happen here. It is better to cover it with a lid to prevent essential oils from evaporating, which are often the main active ingredients of traditional medicine.
  • If the diameter of the upper pan almost coincides with the lower pan, you should worry in advance about how it can be pulled out after heating. Perhaps you should hang it above the water with a thick thread or make impromptu handles, if there are none.

These are the basic rules for how to make a water bath without making mistakes. But even if something doesn’t work out the first time, don’t worry. Two - three times - and you will develop the necessary skill that allows you to do everything easily and quickly.

Sometimes, after reading a recipe in a cookbook, you get the impression that you read some strange encryption for special agents. Blanch, stew a little with butter, boil until “soft ball” - and these are not all the terms used by chefs. But perhaps the most popular among them is the “water bath”.

It is used in cases where you need delicate cooking and heating the dish to no more than 100 degrees. The easiest way to make a water bath is to pour water into one pan, and put a second, smaller one in it. This is where the food that needs to be cooked is placed.

Another option on how to make a water bath is an impromptu steamer. To do this, you need to stretch cheesecloth on a pot of water at a height of 3-4 centimeters from the latter. In this way, you can cook steamed dishes - vegetables, fish and even meat. In fact, electric steamers work on this principle, which today can be bought at any home appliance store. Before their appearance, they used special pans with a double bottom. This method of cooking is considered the most dietary and healthy.

Many, however, believe that the steam menu is only suitable for children or for those who adhere to a strict diet. In fact, you can cook a lot of original and tasty dishes with steam. It can be a variety of soufflés, omelettes and even muffins. Cooking in a water bath saturates them with extra moisture and makes them juicy, while retaining all the benefits of the products. So the steam menu can be very diverse and not only dietary.

Young housewives, meeting the phrase “water bath” in the descriptions of various recipes, are at a loss - what it is!

And meanwhile, this is a completely simple thing that does not have any wisdom behind it.

From this article, dear hostesses, you will learn what a “water bath” is and how best to make it at home.

What is a "water bath"?

When is a water bath used?

A water bath is used, for example, to melt chocolate or butter, or to make a soap base for making soap at home. In a water bath, the necessary ingredients are heated to a certain, usually relatively low (50-70 degrees) temperature.

This technology is necessary for or hair: natural essential oils used in cosmetology do not withstand high temperatures, but when heated, they are absorbed much better and produce a more intense effect. The same applies to honey: when heated strongly, honey loses its medicinal properties, therefore, if necessary (for example, when making a honey cake for warming the nose with sinusitis or chest with bronchitis), honey is heated in a water bath - this way all its properties are preserved and at the same time the desired temperature is reached.

Various infusions and decoctions of herbs are prepared according to the same principle: it is impossible to boil the grass on an open fire - it becomes useless, and it is possible and necessary to sweat in a water bath. And some products - such as gelatin and egg yolk - change their structure when heated, and to prevent this from happening, they can also be heated only in a water bath.

How to make a water bath?

The action is very simple, but it has its own rules and subtleties. A water bath is a structure of two containers inserted one into the other. Usually these are two pots or two bowls, one of which is smaller, the other is larger. A smaller saucepan (bowl) is placed in a large one, in which water is already poured and boiling.

Pay attention to the fact that the lower pan should be with a thick bottom and thick walls, so that the boil is not so violent, and when boiling, drops of water would not fall into the upper dish with the ingredients. The bottom of the lower vessel must be covered with a napkin - linen or cotton, this is necessary so that the boil is even more moderate. The bottom of the upper vessel should only touch the water boiling in the lower vessel, while the walls should remain open and not come into contact with the walls of the lower vessel. It turns out the following: the upper vessel is treated with hot steam, and the water practically does not touch it.

You should also pay attention to the fact that you need to lower the upper bowl into the lower one only after the water boils in the latter, so as not to disrupt the desired heating process and not spoil the result. Top pots or bowls can be covered with a lid.

Pay attention to such a trifle: if the top dish barely fits into the bottom one, then pulling it out when it gets very hot will be inconvenient. Maybe you should hang it over the second pan or come up with some kind of handles, that is, think over this moment in advance. In any case, after a while you will definitely adapt, and there will be no problems and difficulties.

What does it mean - a water bath and how to do it at home? This is discussed in our article.

In various recipes for the preparation of home cosmetics, we can often find the phrase "melt in a water bath." What this means - not everyone knows. But even those who understand what is at stake are not always aware of how to properly make a water bath.

The key word here is "water". Those. we heat the product or substance we need not on fire, but on water. The fact is that water boils at a temperature of no more than + 100 ° C. At this temperature, the products that we need to heat in a water bath do not burn, they warm up more slowly and evenly, while retaining all their useful substances.

In a water bath, they usually melt - honey, gelatin, chocolate, propolis, wax, paraffin, lard, soap. These substances are often used to make homemade masks, body wraps, etc.

It is also very good to brew herbs in a water bath, herbalists highly recommend this particular method of brewing, as the most effective.

Therefore, if the recipe clearly says - melt or brew in a water bath, we strictly follow this instruction. How is a water bath done at home? What dishes or pots are needed for a water bath?

There is nothing complicated here. Just take 2 pans of different sizes - bigger and smaller. That saucepan, which is smaller, should completely enter, like a nesting doll, into a larger saucepan. By the way, instead of a large saucepan, you can use a basin or a large bowl.

What material should the utensils for a water bath be made of?

As for the large pot (or basin), there are no special requirements, the main thing is that it be metal.

The small pot can also be made from any metal, except when we are brewing herbs. For brewing herbs, use enameled or glassware.

How to heat in a water bath?

It's very simple - you need to put a wooden circle or a small board on the bottom of a large saucepan.

Then carefully pour water into a large bowl. This is a very important point. Do not pour too much water into a large pot. The water level should be about halfway up the height of the small pot.

Then we load the product we need into a small saucepan and cover with a lid. Where required by the recipe - add water to the product.

We are waiting for the water to boil in a large saucepan, reduce the heat to the temperature recommended in the recipe. We put a small saucepan in a large one. We warm the necessary time.

If it seemed difficult for you to cook in a water bath in the way that we described, then we can advise you on special appliances for a water bath at home, which are sold in the store. In particular, for brewing herbs, you can use the electric Herbalist (see photo).

And now more about how to heat various products in a water bath:

Honey in a water bath

Honey has excellent anti-aging properties, so it is often added to anti-aging homemade masks.

But, honey tends to be candied and become hard. Solid honey cannot be applied to the skin or hair, it must be heated - then it will become liquid again.

To melt honey in a water bath, heat a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a minimum. Then we put a small saucepan with honey in a large one with water. Constantly stirring, melt the honey in a water bath, as soon as the honey becomes liquid, immediately remove the saucepan with honey from the water bath.

Important: do not heat honey above +50-60°C. When heated at higher temperatures, honey loses all its beneficial properties.

Gelatin in a water bath

Gelatin can be used to make luxurious face and hair masks (see the list of gelatin mask recipes).

To prepare masks, we need gelatin in liquid form. And in stores it is sold either in powder form or in the form of plates. To make gelatin liquid, you need to dissolve it in a water bath.

Gelatin powder (or plates) must first be filled with water in a ratio of approximately 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry gelatin for 2 tbsp. spoons of water. Mix everything. Allow to swell for the time indicated on the package of gelatin.

Then put the swollen gelatin into a small saucepan and place it in a large saucepan with water. Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan, then reduce the heat and, stirring constantly, melt the gelatin until liquid.

Water bath and herbs

As mentioned above, herbs in a water bath are brewed with the highest quality. Use for any infusions and decoctions of herbs you need only glass or enameled dishes.

Prepare 2 pots for a water bath. Large - fill with water and set to heat up. In a small saucepan, put the herbs or other plant materials you need. Pour boiling water over the herbs at the rate of 1-2 tbsp. tablespoons of dry herbs in 1 cup of boiling water.

Place a small pot of herbs into a large pot of boiling water. Reduce the heat a little and boil the decoction of herbs in a water bath for about 20 minutes.

Water bath for chocolate

We need chocolate not only for cooking, but also for our beauty. From chocolate, for example, you can make wonderful masks or a body wrap (we wrote how to make a chocolate body wrap).

For these purposes, we need chocolate in liquid form. To get liquid chocolate, you need to make a water bath for it.
First, break the chocolate into small pieces and then put it in a small saucepan. You can add a few drops of water to the chocolate. After we put a small saucepan with chocolate in a large one with boiling water, and, stirring constantly, bring the chocolate in a water bath to a liquid state.

How to melt soap in a water bath
Sometimes we need to melt the soap in a water bath for a recipe. Everything is done, as in the case of chocolate.

Water bath for wax

Wax is a natural product found in many cosmetic products. But to introduce it into a homemade cream, mask, lipstick, etc. available only in liquid form. To acquire a liquid consistency - the wax must be melted in a water bath.

A water bath is made for wax in the same way as for honey. Water is never added to wax. It stirs continuously.

Propolis in a water bath

Propolis is another bee product often used in cosmetics. Propolis is melted in a water bath in the same way as wax.

Salo in a water bath

Few people know that interior lard is a gift of nature for our beauty. It perfectly softens and nourishes the skin. Therefore, beauty recipes with lard are not a joke, but an ideal care, especially for dry or rough skin.

But raw interior fat is not suitable for cosmetic purposes, it must be melted in a water bath.

First, cut the fat into very small pieces - the smaller, the better. We fall asleep fat in a small saucepan and put it in a large saucepan with boiling water. Reduce the fire slightly and wait until the fat is completely melted.

Water bath for paraffin

Paraffin masks are a super product for self-care. They can easily be made at home. Cosmetic paraffin is sold in specialized stores in solid form.

Before applying to the skin, paraffin must be melted in a water bath. Never add water to paraffin. The paraffin water bath should not be too hot. No more than +50. When using and reprinting the material, an active link to the site

Water bath is a method of cooking products in which (heating) the liquid occurs without direct contact of the container with the fire. This method is used when the temperature of the prepared solution is required, which does not exceed 100°C.

Basically, in a water bath, it is customary to cook some types of delicate creams for cakes, certain ones that are served with fish and meat dishes. In addition, a water bath is used to melt or soften, and. Thus, medicinal herbal decoctions are often prepared.

There are two types of water bath, which directly depend on such indicators as the name and quantity of the products used, as well as the place of their preparation. Thus, it stands out water bath cooking and cooking in a water bath.

Cooking food in a water bath

In this case, cooking is carried out on a stove using the so-called double pan ban-mari, which is considered the most ancient. Water is poured into the lower container of the dishes, and the product is placed in the upper one, which will be cooked on water bath.

In fact, this method of cooking is quite simple. Structurally, it looks like two larger and smaller containers that are inserted one into the other. At the same time, a small one in height should be smaller in order to leave room for boiling water. During the boiling process, the water in the first container heats the liquid in the second. Moreover, the water in a larger bowl should not seethe - ideally, cooking in a water bath involves boiling a little over moderate heat.

Cooking food in a water bath

The second way or cooking food in water bath is suitable for baking in the oven or heating on the stove when a slightly different design is used. Outwardly, this is a container (or containers) that are placed in a large size form, preferably on a grate, which provides the necessary circulation of water under the bottom of the inner container.

When cooking in a water bath, hot water is poured into a large container, which should reach the middle of the height of the inner mold. It is noteworthy that this whole structure can remain open at the top, but it can also be closed (for example,) - it depends on the requirements. Sometimes the water bath itself is left open, and the inner mold is covered with foil.

A large bain-marie dish is selected so that its height is more than 2/3 of the height of the inner container. Too high a shape is also not suitable, since its walls will not only block heat flows, but the water temperature may not even rise to 83 ° C, which will not allow the product to reach readiness.

For cooking in a water bath, the material from which the large form is made is also important. For example, glass is a poor conductor of heat, while thin steel is characterized by high heat transfer. Thick cast iron, on the contrary, is able to accumulate heat. Thus, the most suitable form for cooking food in a water bath is quite thick aluminum.

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Quite often, when studying a new recipe, young housewives are faced with such a concept as " water bath». If you turn to Wikipedia for its interpretation, then you come into a state of complete trance and fear that you won’t be able to cook a tasty and interesting dish, due to the lack of special technical education. In fact, this method of heating food is elementary, and any woman, even a completely inexperienced woman in cooking, can handle it.

What is a water bath for?

The need for this facility arises in the following cases:

  • It is necessary to melt those ingredients of the future dish that are prone to burning and sticking if they are heated over an open fire;
  • There is a need to warm up the products to a temperature equal to + 50- + 60 degrees. This is true when making cosmetic masks with your own hands;
  • It is necessary to personally prepare healing herbal infusions or decoctions from plants that lose their medicinal capabilities due to the influence of high temperatures;
  • It is necessary to heat foods that, when heated strongly, can change their original structure, gelatin or yolk, for example.

A few basic rules for organizing and using a water bath

To make the dish not only tasty, but also reminiscent of its original, seen in the picture in the recipe book, it is important to follow a few recommendations on how to make a water bath at home:

  • The lower container should have thick walls and the same bottom, which will avoid violent boiling and the ingress of water drops into the product to be melted;
  • Before melting chocolate in a water bath, line the bottom of the main, that is, lower, container with a piece of thick towel or linen material, which will also smooth out the boiling intensity;
  • The vessel on top should be selected in such a way that its walls can hang in the air, and the bottom barely touches the surface of the water;
  • When preparing a cream or other product in this way, it must be constantly stirred, avoiding burning, and not missing the moment when it is necessary to stop heating, having achieved the required consistency;
  • Honey or butter will be melted correctly if the upper container is lowered into the lower one only after the water in the latter has boiled;
  • At school, we were shown how a laboratory water bath works. Then the teachers insisted that the upper vessel should not be closed, otherwise it would not interfere with its contents and monitor its condition. In the case of decoctions of medicinal herbs, a lid is needed, since it is she who will prevent the essential oils of plants from evaporating;
  • If you have to deal with vessels of the same size, you need to attach at least some semblance of handles to the top, or try to hang it from the railing. Otherwise, getting it out in time and not getting burned simply will not work.

Examples of using a water bath

To begin with, we give detailed instructions on how to make a honey cake with cream in a water bath.

The list of required products is as follows:

  • a glass of milk;
  • half a glass of sour cream;
  • butter in the amount of 360 g;
  • a couple of glasses of granulated sugar;
  • two tablespoons of natural honey;
  • 4 fresh eggs;
  • 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder;
  • 2-3 cups, filled to the top with wheat flour;
  • a bag of vanilla sugar and 2 tsp. kitchen soda.
  • To make cream, in a bowl you need to mix and beat one egg, half a glass of sugar, vanilla and flour. Then pour milk into the mixture, and stir everything until smooth;
  • Then the cream is placed in a water bath, slowly brought to a boil and removed. Sour cream and 200 g of pre-softened butter are added to it;
  • Before melting honey in an impromptu water bath, it must be mixed with 100 g of butter, a glass of granulated sugar and one egg. All this must be heated until the mass becomes one consistency;
  • Then the dough is removed, the two remaining eggs are quickly mixed into it, and it all warms up again for 4 minutes;
  • Now baking soda is added to the dough, causing a threefold increase in the initial volume of the contents of the bowl. As soon as the sweet mixture stops rising, you can add enough flour so that the dough becomes the same as on dumplings, or even much softer;
  • The base for the honey cake should be allowed to “rest” under the film for 20 minutes.
  • During this time, you should prepare a glaze consisting of 4 tablespoons of sour cream, 4 tablespoons of cocoa and sugar, 60 g of butter. All this must also be brought to a boil in a water bath;
  • From the "rested" dough, 6-8 cakes are formed, which are baked in the oven at a temperature of +200 degrees. Each cake is baked no longer than 10 minutes.

After baking, it remains only to give the cakes the same and neat shape, smear with cream and pour the icing on the cake.

To complete the picture, we give a recipe for a biscuit, which is also prepared in a water bath. From the products you will need:

  • flour - 130 g;
  • sugar or powder from it - 140 g;
  • potato starch - 50 g;
  • eggs - 5 pcs.

With all these ingredients, you need to do the following:

  • To get biscuit dough, you need to mix sugar and eggs in a container, place it in a water bath and constantly beat with a whisk until the mixture heats up to + 40- + 50 degrees;
  • Without ceasing to beat, the container is removed from the bath, and starch and flour are introduced into it;
  • In this version of the biscuit, ground nuts, poppy seeds or raisins can be added to the base;
  • The dough is laid out in a mold, greased with butter, sprinkled with breadcrumbs or dry semolina;
  • The biscuit is immediately placed in the oven, heated to 200-220 degrees, and baked for half an hour.

For decoration, you can prepare a protein cream, and all in the same water bath. It is prepared from a pair of eggs, 10 g of vanilla sugar, 120 g of regular sugar and 1 pinch of citric acid. Initially, we need to carefully separate the proteins from the yolks, since the latter are not included in the protein cream. Both types of sugar and citric acid are poured into a bowl of proteins.

What does it mean to heat in a water bath, because many recipes require it, but do not explain how to do it? It's easy and you don't have to buy anything special, we'll show you how to do it below.

What is it and how does it work?

This technology is used in many areas where you need to cook something. It can be cooking, making healing decoctions, cosmetics.

The principle of the technique is simple: water is taken into a larger vessel and brought to a boil on the stove, when it boils, a smaller container is placed in it and the necessary product is already prepared in it. It turns out that it is heated evenly at a constant temperature - 100 degrees.

This is the maximum useful processing method, products do not burn, do not stick to the walls, retain a maximum of useful properties.

This is how it is usually prepared:

  • Creams for cakes;
  • Sauces;
  • Melt chocolate, honey, wax;
  • Medicinal herbal teas.

If you often have to resort to this method of cooking, buy yourself a special unit, and these are now on sale. However, it will take up extra space in the kitchen and is not cheap, and the result is the same as from conventional pans. So think before you spend money on it.

How to make a water bath at home?

As you already understood, there is nothing complicated here, the main thing is not to get burned and observe some subtleties:

  1. Take dishes with thick walls, it will heat up more evenly;
  2. If the recipe says that you only need to heat the substance - do not bring to a boil, it is enough that its surface steams a little;
  3. Sometimes you need to build a structure in the oven. The principle is the same, there are only some differences - in this case, the inner dishes should be closed or wrapped in two layers of foil and do not take a very high container, you risk undercooking the contents;
  4. Position the inner pot so that it just touches the bottom of the outer one.

You can lower the dishes intended directly for the broth only when the water boils. And be careful if there is too much liquid - it can spill out when another vessel is immersed in it, let it be a little less better - estimate how much volume you will lower the cup with the substance and how much water it will displace, leave the required amount of free space for it.

Melt honey and wax in a water bath

Many cosmetic masks require the presence of liquid honey or wax in the composition. This is understandable, honey is good for the skin, like nothing else it smoothes, cleanses and nourishes, in addition, it acts as a moisturizer due to the fact that it tightly clogs pores and moisture evaporates more slowly.

And if your skin is prone to inflammation, honey will soothe it, because it has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. To prepare a mask based on honey, it must be melted, while it is important to try to keep the maximum of usefulness, here's how to do it:

  • We put the required amount of the product in a small mug or bowl (preferably metal);
  • We heat (just heat) water in a larger saucepan and put honey there;
  • We heat it in this way until cooked.

Do not boil in this case, it is enough to heat the honey a little, and it will melt, and the beneficial ingredients will retain their properties.

Wax is often added to medical masks, for example, for arthritis or for foot care - epilation. It is necessary to drown it, as described above - the main thing is to warm it up slightly, and it will retain maximum nutrients.

Chamomile decoction: how to prepare it?

Not a single herbal collection can do without chamomile, it disinfects and soothes, and also eliminates spasms, allergies, and convulsions. You cannot enumerate all its virtues. But in order not to lose all the useful properties, it is better to prepare tea from it using the named technology. For this:

  • Pour 2 tablespoons of dry matter into a mug, pour water into the same place;
  • Cover with a lid;
  • We put in a water bath, as usual, for about 20 minutes;
  • Then remove and let it brew under the lid;
  • We live through everything.

If, after cooking, the container with chamomile is very empty due to evaporation of the liquid, you can dilute the medicine by adding a little boiled water to it.

Use the finished product for its intended purpose - it is good to rinse your mouth, throat, wipe your face before going to bed or treat wounds. If you suffer from stomach problems, drink 2 times a day.

In this way, brew other teas based on medicinal herbs.

How to heat oil in a water bath?

And if you need to heat the oil, can it be done in this way, because it simply won’t work in a different way? Often, warm sunflower oil or any other is required, for example, burdock for cosmetic purposes. You can put the bubble in a mug of hot water, but in this way you will only make it slightly warm, and to warm it up means to bring it to a temperature of at least 40 degrees:

  • Pour some liquid into a mug;
  • We put it in boiling water, here it is better in boiling water, since the oil is very thick, in order to heat it up, a higher temperature is required;
  • Make sure that water does not get into the inner container;
  • We are waiting for it to begin to become covered with small bubbles;
  • After we turn off.

Everything is ready. Why is this needed, why won't the cold fit? If you want to use burdock oil as a hair mask, it works best when warm. Its regular application to the hair will make them strong and thick.

So, almost anything can be heated in a water bath, the process will not take much time and effort. Therefore, if the recipe requires - do not hesitate and do not look for other methods. Some advise using a microwave in this case, it is difficult to prove whether it will be beneficial or harmful, but the option we have described will definitely keep all the beneficial substances intact, which microwave cannot guarantee.

Very often, when reading any recipe for a cream, tender dough or cosmetic mask, we come across the expression "water bath". It would seem that everyone has known what it is since childhood, but, nevertheless, the question of how to make a water bath correctly does not lose its relevance, especially for young housewives who are just starting to learn the basics of culinary art. So, let's try to understand the intricacies of this process.

The first question is when and why a water bath is needed. It is worth paying attention to this method of heating and cooking in cases where:

  • it is required to melt food sensitive to high temperatures in such a way as to prevent them from burning and sticking to the walls of the dish.
  • Using a water bath melt chocolate, butter or soap base for homemade soap making.
  • It is necessary to heat any ingredients to a relatively low temperature (50-60 °). This is often necessary in the manufacture of masks for hair or face, which include natural oils - when heated, they are better absorbed and have a much more noticeable effect.
  • It is necessary to prepare decoctions or infusions of herbs without losing a large amount of useful ingredients that are destroyed by boiling.
  • There is a need to heat products that are prone to change in structure under the influence of temperature - the yolk, gelatin, etc.

In all the cases listed above, as in a number of others, it is very important to know how to make a water bath. It also has its own subtleties and rules, the knowledge of which will allow you to avoid common mistakes. First of all, a water bath will turn out well if the dishes are chosen correctly, but these are not all the details that you should pay attention to. The lower pan or bowl should be with a thick bottom and, if possible, thick walls. In this case, the boiling will not be so violent and drops of water will not fall into the mass you are preparing.

Be sure to cover the bottom of the bottom dish with a clean linen or cotton towel - this will make the boil even smoother, and it is this that is the key to how to make a water bath. The upper dish should be of such a diameter that its bottom touches the water column, but the walls remain in the air. In this position, the effect will be maximum - the upper bowl will be processed with hot steam, and the water will practically not touch it. In advance, select dishes that fit each other in diameter, and remember this “pair” - next time you will save time searching for suitable vessels.

A water bath at home involves constant stirring of the mixture in the upper bowl. This helps to control all changes in consistency and not miss the moment when the bowl needs to be removed from the heat. The bowl should be lowered into a large saucepan only after boiling water in it, otherwise the process of heating the prepared mixture will be disrupted, and the result may turn out to be completely different from what we would like.

When preparing decoctions of medicinal plants, you can not stir the mixture continuously, since burning will not happen here. It is better to cover it with a lid to prevent essential oils from evaporating, which are often the main active ingredients of traditional medicine.

If the diameter of the upper pan almost coincides with the lower pan, you should worry in advance about how it can be pulled out after heating. Perhaps you should hang it above the water with a thick thread or make impromptu handles, if there are none.

These are the basic rules for how to make a water bath without making mistakes. But even if something doesn’t work out the first time, don’t worry. Two or three times - and you will develop the necessary skill that allows you to do everything easily and quickly.

Very often, when reading any recipe for a cream, tender dough or cosmetic mask, we come across the expression "water bath". It would seem that everyone has known what it is since childhood, but, nevertheless, the question of how to make a water bath correctly does not lose its relevance, especially for young housewives who are just starting to learn the basics of culinary art.

So, let's try to understand the intricacies of this process. The first question is when and why a water bath is needed. It is worth paying attention to this method of heating and cooking in cases where:

  • it is required to melt food sensitive to high temperatures in such a way as to prevent them from burning and sticking to the walls of the dish. Using a water bath melt chocolate, butter or soap base for homemade soap making.
  • It is necessary to heat any ingredients to a relatively low temperature (50-60 °). This is often necessary in the manufacture of masks for hair or face, which include natural oils - when heated, they are better absorbed and have a much more noticeable effect.
  • It is necessary to prepare decoctions or infusions of herbs without losing a large amount of useful ingredients that are destroyed by boiling.
  • There is a need to heat products that are prone to change in structure under the influence of temperature - the yolk, gelatin, etc.

In all the cases listed above, as in a number of others, it is very important to know how to make a water bath. It also has its own subtleties and rules, the knowledge of which will allow you to avoid common mistakes.

First of all, a water bath will turn out well if the dishes are chosen correctly, but these are not all the details that you should pay attention to.

  • The lower pan or bowl should be with a thick bottom and, if possible, thick walls. In this case, the boiling will not be so violent and drops of water will not fall into the mass you are preparing.
  • Be sure to cover the bottom of the bottom dish with a clean linen or cotton towel - this will make the boil even smoother, and it is this that is the key to how to make a water bath.
  • The upper dish should be of such a diameter that its bottom touches the water column, but the walls remain in the air. In this position, the effect will be maximum - the upper bowl will be processed with hot steam, and the water will practically not touch it. In advance, select dishes that fit each other in diameter, and remember this “pair” - next time you will save time searching for suitable vessels.
  • A water bath at home involves constant stirring of the mixture in the upper bowl. This helps to control all changes in consistency and not miss the moment when the bowl needs to be removed from the heat.
  • The bowl should be lowered into a large saucepan only after boiling water in it, otherwise the process of heating the prepared mixture will be disrupted, and the result may turn out to be completely different from what we would like.
  • When preparing decoctions of medicinal plants, you can not stir the mixture continuously, since burning will not happen here. It is better to cover it with a lid to prevent essential oils from evaporating, which are often the main active ingredients of traditional medicine.
  • If the diameter of the upper pan almost coincides with the lower pan, you should worry in advance about how it can be pulled out after heating. Perhaps you should hang it above the water with a thick thread or make impromptu handles, if there are none.

These are the basic rules for how to make a water bath without making mistakes. But even if something doesn’t work out the first time, don’t worry. Two or three times - and you will develop the necessary skill that allows you to do everything easily and quickly.

How to make a water bath? All ways for home cooking

Sometimes, after reading a recipe in a cookbook, you get the impression that you read some strange encryption for special agents. Blanch, stew a little with butter, boil until the "soft ball" test - and these are not all the terms used by chefs. But perhaps the most popular among them is the "water bath". How to do it, many do not know, and therefore refuse such recipes. And absolutely in vain. It is easy to make, and dishes cooked in a water or steam bath are tasty and healthy.

It is used in cases where you need delicate cooking and heating the dish to no more than 100 degrees. The easiest way to make a water bath is to pour water into one pan, and put a second, smaller one in it. This is where the food that needs to be cooked is placed. Typically, this method is used to melt butter and chocolate, as well as the preparation of custards and biscuit dough on heating. Homemade cottage cheese is also made in a similar steam bath.


Another option on how to make a water bath is an impromptu steamer. To do this, you need to stretch cheesecloth on a pot of water at a height of 3-4 centimeters from the latter. Thus, you can cook steamed dishes - vegetables, fish and even meat. In fact, electric steamers work on this principle, which today can be bought at any home appliance store. Before their appearance, they used special pans with a double bottom. This method of cooking is considered the most dietary and healthy.

Many, however, believe that the steam menu is only suitable for children or for those who adhere to a strict diet. In fact, you can cook a lot of original and tasty dishes with steam. It can be a variety of soufflés, omelettes and even muffins. Cooking in a water bath saturates them with extra moisture and makes them juicy, while retaining all the benefits of the products. So the steam menu can be very diverse and not only dietary.


But this does not exhaust all the cases when you need to know how to make a water bath. To make a cheesecake, cake or soufflé in the oven, this cooking method is often used. This is due to the fact that for tender baking, you need to soften the high temperature of the oven and prevent cracking of the top. To do this, pour water into a deep baking sheet so that it reaches the middle of the baking dish. If a detachable form is used, it must be wrapped in foil so that moisture does not get in. It is advisable to wrap in several layers and overlap, and, of course, do not rush.

Knowing how to make a water bath at home, you can diversify your menu not only with dietary dishes. The preparation of many cakes, soufflés and cheesecakes will become a very common thing thanks to her. So, it will be possible to arrange small holidays for your family every day. And steamed cutlets, fish and vegetables often look much more attractive than fried or stewed ones. And most importantly, they combine a delicate taste and health benefits, as they are prepared without adding oil.

When and where is a water bath used?



Device for the procedure

At first glance, it seems that there is nothing in common between a bathhouse in the generally accepted sense of the word and the concept of a “steam bath”. But it is worth considering what happens to a person in a sauna and what effect is achieved. In the conditions of a water bath, a mixture is slowly heated, while the gentle action of the flame does not allow the product to burn. So the person in the sauna with each new entry into the steam room takes on an increasing temperature of the air. However, his condition is such that it does not harm the body.

The inhabitants most often associate the concept of “steam bath” with cooking. But this is not entirely true, because this principle of heating is also used in production. Moreover, the scope of the steam bath is quite wide. These are the industries:

  • food
  • petrochemical
  • Gas
  • Medical
  • Veterinary

It is clear that devices of different sizes are used to achieve different goals. It is one thing in the kitchen to prepare a cream for culinary masterpieces, another is to isolate the substance in a production environment. In the latter case, special laboratory devices are required, they must be made in factories.

Laboratory devices - the basis of experiments



After inhalation, the cold will recede

To maintain a certain temperature of the liquid according to GOST, you need a laboratory water bath. Thanks to it, it is possible to carry out thermostatic heating, distillation, evaporation, drying or enrichment of substances. Almost any liquid composition product must comply with GOST. This can be achieved by sampling. Then, special laboratory manipulations are carried out with these samples, the results of which show how the test substance complies with the approved standard.

When carrying out such procedures, it is impossible to replace the steam bath with anything. To isolate fat from milk and its products, the laboratory must have a set of necessary instruments. The water bath maintains a temperature of 65-75 degrees, creating conditions for testing. Thus, the conformity of products with the state standard specification of the food industry is confirmed.

The water temperature in the steam bath should not exceed 100 degrees. If, for research purposes, it needs to be raised a little higher, ordinary table salt is added to the water. Without such laboratory equipment, it is impossible to conduct many experiments, especially if you subsequently have to pass a test for compliance with GOST.

Advice from the master!

Water baths, designed in special factories, serve for various industrial purposes.

Such equipment can be very different both in volume and in principle of operation. Laboratory-type water baths can be very different. One specialist or several can work with them. At the same time, the equipment of such equipment is different. For example, a laboratory bath, in which an extractive substance, which is part of polyethylene, is determined, has six workplaces. Some containers provide space for a variety of flasks and other laboratory glassware. This makes the verification process much faster.
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Bath for beauty treatments

Water vapor effectively cleanses the skin

A water bath is an invaluable tool if you want to make your skin look better and healthier. She has many advantages. Steaming the skin, it opens the pores, dissolves fat in them. At the same time, moist air saturates the epithelium with water, gives it a tone. Under the influence of steam, the skin becomes elastic and tender. Thanks to moist warm air, more blood enters the epidermis, as evidenced by a blush on the face.

Expanding, the pores get rid of dirt. And if, during a water bath, cosmetic formulations are used, for example, wiped over the face with a cleansing solution, then you can easily get rid of such misfortune as black dots on the nose and chin. This is an excellent preventive remedy for acne. However, there are some limitations in its application. Such exposure is contraindicated for sensitive skin. But it works great for other skin types:

  • oily
  • Dry
  • Combined

However, it should be remembered that dry epithelium and some areas of combination skin must be treated with a greasy cream before using a water bath. So the epithelium will not be subjected to premature aging. You can replace part of the water in the steam bath with decoctions that are useful for the face. For example, parsley will help in skin whitening, and oak bark will slightly tighten the pores of oily epithelium.

Advice from the master!

A water bath is a great facial cleanser. Moreover, it is easy to prepare it at home, and the addition of medicinal herbs will make the procedure more effective.

The modern market offers a large set of factory-made water baths. For example, an inhaler that can be used as a medical and cosmetic device. In the first case, it relieves colds, in the second, it heals and cleanses the skin of the face. The frequency of the cosmetic procedure depends on the type of skin: for oily skin cleaning can be done once a week, for dry skin - once every two weeks. But still, more often, housewives use the home version of a water bath.
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How to make a steam bath at home?

Many women know how to make a water bath at home. You will need a small enamel pan, into which you should pour 1 liter of water and add a little baking soda. When the water in the pan boils, it must be removed from the heat and put on the table. Soda should be completely dissolved.



Consumables for the procedure

After the water has cooled a little, you need to sit on a chair in front of the pan and tilt your head so that the face is enveloped in steam. It is important not to overdo it and not burn your face. To enhance the effect, throw a towel or diaper over your head. In the first minutes it may seem that the steam is unbearable. You can fold back the towel a little so that the air cools the water a little.

Take a steam bath for the face for about 10 minutes. But if you feel unwell, you should immediately stop the procedure. To enhance the therapeutic effect, you can make herbal mixtures, which are added to the water at the boiling stage. For example, chamomile, linden flowers have excellent properties.

You need to choose herbs based on your skin type. So, oily skin will be grateful for a steam bath with rosemary, oak bark, sage, birch and willow leaves. But for dry, mint, birch buds, yarrow and lime blossom are more suitable. Fading skin can be supported by the addition of dry wormwood, yarrow and horsetail. Steam bath perfectly relieves stress, normalizes the state of the nervous system. To enhance this effect, you can use lemon oil, hop cones.

Contraindications for the use of a steam bath are:

  • Hypertension
  • Metabolic disease

In other cases, this method of exposure to the skin of the face helps to get rid of many problems. And most importantly - to become beautiful and young. A woman with radiant, healthy skin always attracts attention.

Bath water heating

You can equip water heating in the bath yourself, starting from making a home-made boiler, laying out a wood-burning brick stove and ending with the installation of the “warm floor” system. The main thing is to clearly follow the technology at each of these stages. The issue of heating the bath must be dealt with after insulation work, before interior decoration. In compact buildings, it is easiest to build a heater, the power of which is enough to heat the steam room, washing compartment and dressing room. In large rooms, it is necessary to install full-fledged heating using a pipeline.

Types of fuel for a bath with water heating




To simplify the task, you can bring water heating to the bathhouse from the house. In winter, you can maintain the optimal temperature in the building in this way. However, in this case, the equipment of a separate circuit is still required for its heating in the summer.
Water heating of the bath can be carried out on different types of fuel:
  • Gas. In this case, to warm up the boiler, it is necessary to connect to the general gas supply system and install the appropriate equipment. But many settlements in our time are not gasified. And the use of liquefied fuel in cylinders is a fire hazard.
  • Electricity. For heating in this way, it is important to correctly calculate the required boiler power. The main advantage is the possibility of installation without a chimney. The disadvantages include the high cost and the need for a three-phase network for a boiler with a power of 12 kW or more.
  • Firewood. Such an oven is capable of heating all rooms with the highest quality. Wood is the traditional fuel for the steam room. However, the process of harvesting firewood and kindling the stove is quite laborious.
Liquid fuels are not economically viable and are highly flammable. Requires special precautions. Not recommended for bath heating.
After deciding on the type of fuel, select the appropriate stove. The market offers many production models of different quality in a wide price range. However, if you wish, you can build it yourself.
The most efficient and high-quality heating of the bath is possible with a wood-burning stove. Traditionally, a steel or brick structure is installed. In the first case, due to the large heat transfer and the thickness of the walls, the rooms warm up faster. The firebox of a brick oven takes more time, but the heat is stored longer due to the ability of the brick to accumulate it.

Making a water boiler for heating a bath




For these purposes, you can use ordinary cast-iron radiators M-140. We need 12 sections. Each of them has a capacity of 1.5 liters and an area of ​​0.254 m2. The total volume of the structure will be 18 liters, and the area will be 3 m2.
To use it, you need to convert the radiator according to the following instructions:
  1. We take out cardboard strips between the sections.
  2. We prepare a mixture of drying oil and graphite. We impregnate the asbestos cord with it and lay it instead of gaskets. This will prevent burning at high temperatures.
  3. We wash each section with a six percent hydrochloric acid solution, and then with a large amount of plain water. This is necessary for cleaning from dirt and rust.
  4. We assemble the individual parts into one structure in the reverse order, using nipples with right and left threads on the sides for fixing. The sections will be attracted by the scrolling of the nipple.
  5. When the distance between them reaches two centimeters, we wind the impregnated cord and make the final tightening of the fasteners.
After assembling the structure and waiting for the complete drying of the drying oil, it is necessary to apply liquid under pressure and check the tightness of the joints for the efficient and durable operation of the structure.

Wood-burning stove for a bath with water heating




It is desirable to consider a place for installing the furnace at the construction stage. Due to the heavy weight, an additional foundation is required for the stone structure.
We carry out work on the construction of a wood-burning stove for a bath with water heating in the following sequence:
  • We dig a pit with a depth of about 0.7 meters. We fall asleep a sand cushion 15 cm thick, spill it with water and carefully tamp. From above we make a layer of broken brick or rubble.
  • We install wooden formwork along the walls of the pit. We mount the frame from the reinforcement and insert it into the recess.
  • Pour concrete, leaving 15 cm to the top.
  • We dismantle the formwork and fill the resulting space with sand.
  • We cover the upper part with a roll waterproofer in two layers. The best option is ruberoid.
  • We check the horizontalness of the foundation. Small irregularities can be covered with intermediate dry brickwork.
  • We make a solution of clay and water, the consistency of thick sour cream. With complete dissolution, add sand in a one-to-one ratio with clay.
  • We wet the bricks with water and lay the first row tightly, checking the corners and horizontality.
  • On the third row, we fix the blower door with a galvanized wire or steel strip.
  • On the fourth - we equip the ash well.
  • On the sixth - we finally fix the blower door.
  • On the seventh - we install the grate. The size of the firebox must be calculated taking into account the installation of the boiler. On the first row of the firebox we form a special side and mount the corner. In the side walls we leave 2 openings for the outlet of pipes. Doors for the fuel compartment are best chosen from refractory durable cast iron.
  • On the eighth row, we build a partition to connect to the chimney and continue this installation until the fourteenth, on which you want to install channels.
  • We place at an angle halves of bricks from the fifteenth to the eighteenth rows. This will form the basis for the dividing wall.
  • On the next row, we make a door for the steam vent and lay thin metal strips that connect the twentieth and twenty-first brick rows. After that, close the door frame.
  • We begin to mount the chimney pipe from the 23rd row, forming channels for heat dissipation.
Please note that the wall inside the fuel compartment and chimney should be as even and smooth as possible. Every five rows you need to wipe the inner surface.

Installation of a boiler for water heating of a bath and piping




The cast-iron structure must be placed behind the firebox chamber. It will heat up not from the flame, but from the gas. To properly install the equipment, follow this procedure:
  1. We place a radiator on pre-made corners, observing a distance to the walls of about 5-6 mm. The gap will compensate for the thermal expansion of the structure.
  2. If the selected pipes for connection to the boiler have seams, then we additionally weld them before installation.
  3. We attach diagonally inch water supply and return pipes. In a place with a right-hand thread, we simply screw the product. On the left - we use a clutch with a drive and a nipple for fixing.
  4. We install the water supply pipe perpendicular to the floor at the top point, and equip the return line in the underground space and connect it from below. This is necessary for improved circulation.
  5. We close the two extra holes of the product with a plug.
  6. When welding pipes together, we remove the chamfer along the cut contour for high-quality filling with a welding seam of the entire thickness and reliable fixation of parts. If the steam room warms up infrequently in winter, then you can pour antifreeze into the system instead of water.

Installation of a water heated floor in a bath with water heating




Although this device will cost more, it is able to warm up the room as quickly and efficiently as possible. Heat goes around the entire perimeter of the room, and not from one source. In this case, the heated air rises.
You can equip underfloor heating in a bath with water heating yourself in this order:
  • We level the surface, carry out insulation work.
  • We lay aluminum foil on the rough coating, with a reflective coating overlapping upwards by 15-20 cm. We glue the joints with reinforced tape.
  • We install a collector cabinet, cutting a hole of 0.6x0.4x0.12 meters at the surface of the flooring.
  • We put supply and return pipes into it, fix metal shut-off valves to them using compression fittings.
  • We connect the circulation pump and the splitter. The latter is best equipped with an automatic air vent system and a drain valve.
  • Along the perimeter, we lay metal-plastic pipes with a diameter of 2 cm or more in a parallel or spiral way with a step of about 0.3 meters. For these purposes, we use clips and clamps. We observe the distance from the nearest wall - 7 cm.
  • We connect one end of the pipe to the general heating system (supply manifold). We connect the second edge with a return device.
  • We let in water at a pressure that is one and a half times the working pressure. If the system withstands, and the temperature is uniform everywhere, then we proceed to pouring the cement-sand screed.
The manifold cabinet assembly can be purchased from the respective retailers. Pipes must be selected from quality reputable manufacturers.
Watch a video about water heating baths:

Water heating in a bath is one of the most effective methods of heat supply. It is popular in large steam rooms. You can equip it yourself, but the process is time-consuming, requires strict adherence to the rules. And the combination of such a system with a high heat output of a wood-burning stove will allow you to maintain the optimum temperature in the room for a long time. Author: TutKnow.ru editors

The presence of water in the bath significantly increases the comfort of taking water procedures and facilitates the preparation of the bath. In addition, there is no need to allocate special places in the premises for water tanks, there is no need to periodically fill these tanks with water.



In the absence of plumbing, the barrels are filled with water with a margin, the excess after the bath is poured onto the floor, otherwise it will freeze in winter and the ice will damage the containers, and in summer, as a result of prolonged standing of water, various microorganisms and bacteria multiply in it - the water acquires an unpleasant color and smell.

There is another plus of plumbing in the bath - the amount of water poured under the bath is significantly reduced, and this is always a problem for wooden structures and foundations.



Water supply in the bath is convenient and economical

How can you bring water into the bath with your own hands, what equipment is required for this and what construction work should be done? In order to make the best decision in each specific case, you should familiarize yourself with the existing types and schemes of bath water supply.



Types of water supply

Depending on the frequency of use of the bath, water supply can be summer or all-weather.

Summer water supply

The easiest, but also the most inconvenient way of water supply.

Advantages

Water pipes are laid on the surface of the site, it is not required to perform a large amount of earthwork for digging trenches. You can use cheap soft hoses, the number of expensive plumbing fixtures is significantly reduced, hoses can be laid along the shortest route from the water source to the bath. And the main advantage is the cheapness of arranging summer water supply.





disadvantages

Every season, the hoses must be removed to a warm room, and water must be completely drained from the surface pipes. If night frosts suddenly hit, then hoses and pipes can fail, and a considerable amount of money will be required to buy new ones. But the main drawback is the inability to take bath procedures in winter. If there is a need to use the bath in the winter, then you need to install containers under the water in the premises and carry it in buckets.



Summer water supply is done in extreme cases, and then only as a temporary solution to the problem. There are several reasons that do not allow you to immediately make a winter supply of water, and this is not only a lack of finance. For example, construction work may continue at other sites on the site, which does not allow digging trenches in the necessary places or it is possible to connect to general engineering networks, but it takes time to agree on various permits, etc.



As practice shows, even those owners of baths, who at first did summer water supply, over time, must redo it for winter. Therefore, we advise you to immediately make a winter version, do not waste time and money on temporary water pipes.



Advantages

The main thing is the uninterrupted availability of water at any time of the year. There is no need to monitor the air temperature and worry about the safety of pipes and hoses during sudden frosts. In addition, there is no time wasted on the periodic dismantling of equipment and its reconnection.



disadvantages

The main disadvantage is the increase in the estimated cost of work and purchase of equipment. The second drawback is a rather large amount of excavation work and the occurrence of problems associated with such work.

Conclusion - still do winter water supply, in the end it will give you the opportunity to save money and time. It is better to spend money on real water supply once than to first install a temporary one, and then switch to winter anyway.



Now consider what equipment is used to supply the bath.

Pumps and pipes for water supply

There are a huge number of household pumps for supplying water, they differ widely in technical characteristics. When choosing a specific model and type, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the water supply of the bath: the depth of water intake, the height of the supply, the length of the pipelines and the need to automate the water intake. Consider each type of pump in more detail.

float



Are established on a surface of a water intake of open sources of water: a pond, the river or a well. Suitable only for summer water supply.



disadvantages- relatively low power and the absence of built-in automatic on / off systems, can only work at positive temperatures, require the installation of containers under water.

Advantages- independence from the water level in the source, float pumps float on the surface of the water intake, the suction pipe is always under water, rises / falls with it.

Submersible



They are immersed under water to a shallow depth, after immersion they are fixed with stainless steel cables or strong polyamide ropes.



Advantages- use at negative temperatures is allowed - they are constantly under the surface of the water.

The same advantage can be disadvantage- with a significant decrease in the water level in the source, the suction pipe is exposed, the pump stops. They do not differ in high power, require separate water storage devices, do not have built-in control electronics.



Float and submersible pumps, unlike other types, can supply water with flexible hoses; they do not have vacuum lines. As for automation, it can be done independently or purchased separately in specialized stores. These two types of pumps are among the cheapest and are used mainly during the installation of the summer bath water supply. They are easy to maintain and repair, they are always in the zone of quick access.



Pretty new equipment, universal use.



Advantages

They have built-in on / off automatics depending on the pressure in the accumulator - it is possible to connect any equipment, the water pressure has stable performance. They are significantly superior in power to those described above, they do not require additional water tanks. They can both suck in water from a certain depth, and supply it to a calculated height. When choosing a specific brand, carefully study the instructions for the pumps, pay attention to the suction depth and delivery height, these are very important criteria. Pumps with hydraulic accumulators can take water from both open sources and shallow wells.



disadvantages

Rather high cost, installation is allowed only in warm rooms. If there is a possibility of freezing of the bath, then you need to resolve issues with the insulation of the pump or drain the water from it. It takes quite a long time to drain / fill water, in addition, you will have to install additional water shut-off valves to drain water from vertical risers of pipelines. Another drawback is that the units are quite noisy, the constant switching on / off of the electric motor can cause discomfort.

deep

The most expensive, reliable and powerful pumps. They are used for installation in deep wells, have their own multi-stage protection against silting and short circuits. It is not economically viable to use for only one bath; it is recommended to purchase such pumps for plumbing in all buildings available in the summer cottage. Flaw- a water storage tank is required, in most cases a Rozhnovsky water tower is used for this purpose.



Downhole pumps are lowered into wells only on metal pipes, the use of plastic ones is excluded.





Where can you get water

SourceDescriptionIllustration
Open sources: river or pond. Unless, of course, they are on the site. Benefits - zero cost. Disadvantages - there may be issues with water quality, the risks of pump clogging increase.
For most baths - the best solution. The quality is suitable for cooking - water from wells can be used not only for a bath, but also for a residential building.
They can be shallow (on sand) or deep (on limestone). The gubina of the first does not exceed 20 meters, the specific values ​​​​depend on the geodetic features of the area and the water balance of the soil. The advantages of small wells are relatively low cost. Disadvantages - low water debit, high risks of mudding the well and clogging the pump. If water is taken from wells regularly, the risks of silting are reduced, the sludge is sucked up by the pump, the strainer is cleaned. But if the well is used very rarely, then silting occurs quickly. The second wells have the highest performance in all respects. But they also have a significant drawback - the high cost of work. The drilling depth can be several tens of meters or more.

When choosing a specific water intake site, take into account the maximum number of individual factors - this is an axiom of any planning. Our extra tip is to plan a few steps ahead, don't live for today. If at the moment it is enough for you to take water for a bath from a pond, then keep in mind that in a few years no one will want to use such water. Why do the same job twice? Do a normal water supply right away, this will greatly expand its capabilities.

How to make a bath water supply with your own hands

Consider one of the options that is quite successful in all respects - a winter water supply from a well using a pumping station and a hydraulic accumulator.



Step 1. Preliminary planning and purchase of equipment.

First of all, draw a diagram of the plumbing. Indicate exactly where the pumping station will be installed in the bathhouse, to which consumers the water is connected, from where the intake is made. We are considering the case when there is already a well on the site, if it is not there, you will have to dig. These are quite complex works, we will tell you how to properly dig a well in our next article.



An additional filter must be installed near the pump. The pump has one filter as standard on the submersible check valve, but the mesh sizes can only hold coarse sand. And the pump is also afraid of small abrasive particles, such a filter does not catch them.

Video - Filter for a pump in a well, well

Video - Calculation of a pump for water supply

For water supply, you can use flexible polyethylene pipes connected by collapsible couplings or plastic pipes connected by a special welding machine.







We recommend using the first option for laying pipes in a trench, such connections are quite reliable, in the event of breaking loads, the pipe is slightly pulled out of the rubber seal, this is provided for by the coupling device. The tightness of the connection is not broken, which is very important if the water supply is in a trench.

In the bath, you can use plastic pipes, to connect them you need to have a special welding machine, it is inexpensive, it will always come in handy on the farm. The diameter of the intake and main pipes is at least two inches, the wiring around the room can be done with pipes of a smaller diameter. To change from one pipe diameter to another, use special adapters.







Now you can go to the store, experienced sales assistants will give you additional advice on the optimal configuration of the selected equipment. The configuration depends on the manufacturer and type of equipment.



The expansion tank (hydraulic accumulator) is horizontal. Calculation of the accumulator

The fact is that those installed at the pumping station have a small storage volume, in most cases it does not exceed five liters. It is impossible to say more precisely, the volume of accumulated water depends on the set pressure. A small supply of water causes frequent switching on / off of the electric motor. This creates discomfort and adversely affects the stator and rotor windings. For a bath, it is quite enough to install an additional fifty-liter hydraulic accumulator.



Step 2. Mark out and dig a trench

Try not to lay the pipe in places where other buildings are planned in the future. Your pipe, of course, is not a gas pipeline, but you should not create additional difficulties for yourself. The depth of the trench is not lower than the freezing level of the soil. In order to eliminate the risks of damage to plastic pipes by stones, a sand cushion about 5 centimeters thick should be poured into the bottom of the trench, and the pipes are also covered from above with sand first, and then with earth. If your land does not have stones, you can not do sand protection.



Dig one of the rings of the well, using a perforator, make a through hole in the ring for the pipe, the hole should be 10 ÷ 20 centimeters above the water level. The size of the hole should allow you to work in it with your hands; before filling the trench with soil, a large hole will be closed with any piece of thick-walled galvanized metal or plastic. The entry of the pipeline into the bath depends on the type of foundation; the tape will have to be dug up.



The open section of the pipe from the ground to the floor of the bath must be carefully insulated. There are excellent industrial heaters for pipelines, but we recommend strengthening them - making a wooden box around the pipe and filling it with glass wool. The dimensions of the box along the perimeter are at least 50 × 50 centimeters.



Step 3. Measure the water depth in the well

To do this, you need to tie any load to the end of a long rope and lower it into the well until it stops with the bottom. Cut the vertical riser in such a way that the grid of the non-return valve does not reach the bottom of 20÷30 cm. This is necessary so that during seasonal fluctuations in the water level, the valve is always in the water. A slight rise above the bottom will prevent the mule from being sucked in.

Step 4. Lower the intake pipe into the well

Complete with the pump, a check valve with a strainer is implemented, fix it at the end of the pipe section.



Important. Do not purchase Chinese plastic check valves. They work no more than a year, low-quality plastic breaks. To replace the check valve, you will have to dig a trench. This is quite difficult even in summer, but what if a breakdown happens in winter? Responsible manufacturers make such valves from bronze or brass, buy only them.

A plastic pipe can be cut with a hacksaw or grinder. For deburring and chamfering, special devices are sold in stores, but you should not buy them. The fact is that they can only chamfer if the cut is perfectly perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, it is impossible to achieve this manually. The chamfer is perfectly removed with a sharp knife or is done with a grinder from the flat side of the disk. Without a chamfer, the rubber seal of the coupling can be damaged, and even a slight air leak can cause the pump to fail. You will have to look for a place for suction and change the coupling or o-rings.



The vertical intake pipe is connected to a horizontal connecting elbow, it is quite inconvenient to do this, you have to stick both hands into the hole in the concrete ring of the well. Make sure the connection is absolutely tight.

Video - Pump installation

Step 5. Attach a horizontal pipe to the elbow outlet that lies in the trench

Step 6. The pumping station needs to be insulated

We recommend additionally preparing a pit in the ground for it, this will significantly reduce the risk of freezing. The pit should be closed with a tight lid, all surfaces can be upholstered with sheets of foam about ten centimeters thick.





The pipe is brought to the pump, the pump is installed in the bath. This completes the external work, you can make internal piping. For internal wiring, it is better to use plastic pipes, the connection is made with a special welding machine.

Until the trench is backfilled, you need to check the operation of the pump. Pour water into it, the water should fill the entire pipeline in the trench and displace the air. This can take quite a lot of time. During the first start-up of the pump, pumping should be facilitated, there may still be air in the pipes, the pump should expel it. Before turning on the engine, open the valve from the accumulator, let the water and air escape without pressure. In this way, you will be able to speed up the pumping of the pipeline, completely remove air from the system and reduce the load on the pump.

Important. When laying a pipeline in a trench, try to keep it lying evenly along the entire route. Otherwise, air congestion will inevitably appear, it will be difficult to remove them.

Video - Selection, piping and installation of the pump in the well

How to regulate the pumping station

The accumulator pump can be adjusted for engine on/off pressure. Factory settings do not quite meet the requirements of the bath, they are designed to connect household appliances operating at a water pressure of approximately 2.2 atm. We recommend reducing the pressure, this will significantly reduce the load on the engine and increase the capacity of the hydraulic accumulator. How it's done?

  1. Remove the terminal cover, under the cover there are two adjusting bolts with springs. The large one regulates the on pressure, the small one regulates the off pressure of the pump.
  2. When turning the bolts, clicks will be heard, which indicate the operation of a mechanical trigger.
  3. Adjust the control bolts so that the pump turns on when the pressure drops to about 0.7 atm., and turns off when the pressure rises to 1.2 atm.

We guarantee that such simple changes in the technical characteristics of the operation will increase the life of the pump by at least one and a half times. In addition, noise during operation will be significantly reduced. Be sure to install an additional water filter before entering the pump.

Video - The first launch of a pumping station based on a submersible pump

Internal piping



It is necessary to act according to the drawn scheme, do the work slowly. The fact is that after an error is detected, the soldered connection will have to be cut off and a new one made, for this you need to use additional couplings, but they do not decorate the water supply. Do not weld all the segments in a row, sometimes you need to skip one connection, weld the next, and then return to the previous one. It is impossible to tell all the solutions in the article, especially without knowing your scheme. Again, we repeat the previous advice - think a few steps or technological operations ahead.



How to make water in the bath

How to make water in the bath in the absence of centralized water supply? Of course, you can use the old-fashioned method - apply it from the nearest well into a barrel and water yourself with a ladle. However, in our time, most bath owners prefer comfort, and the question is broader: how to make hot water in a bath, and in continuous mode and at any time of the year. Everything can be arranged with your own hands. Naturally, certain costs will be required, but everything pays off with the convenience and great benefits of bath procedures. One thing to remember is that when organizing a bath plumbing, it is necessary to simultaneously solve the question of how to properly drain the water from the bath. Without the organization of wastewater collection, you can get into conflict with the law, violating sanitary standards.



When organizing a bath plumbing, it is necessary to simultaneously solve the question of how to properly drain the water from the bath

Problem Features

Why do you need water in the bath, it is clear to any person. With its help, steam is created in the main bath room - the steam room. A well-equipped washing room assumes the presence of a shower cabin, where you can wash off all the dirt from the body after steaming. Finally, comfort also implies the presence of a toilet bowl and sinks with taps in a modern bath. In other words, there is a need for the availability of cold and hot water. If the supply of cold water consists only in the forced supply of it from the source, then in order to receive it in a hot form, it will be necessary to decide how to heat the water in the bath, because. transporting it from the outside is simply irrational.

The main water sources in suburban areas or in rural areas are a well or a well. With year-round use of the institution, a natural problem arises: how to make water in the bathhouse in winter. After all, it is not in constant use, and during breaks the water should not freeze in the pipes. This issue requires special study.

On a note! To ensure reliable and efficient operation of your own bath plumbing, you should not forget about the storage system.

Firstly, the presence of a storage tank allows you to stabilize the operation of the pumping station, maintaining the desired pressure in the system. Secondly, one cannot rely on "maybe", i.e. in the event of an unexpected power outage, it is necessary to have a water reserve. So another task appears: how to make a tank for water in the bath.



The scheme of the centralized water supply system in the bath

Finally, sanitary requirements dictate the need to resolve the issue of how to drain water from the bath. The arrangement of drainage and collection of wastewater is a prerequisite. Without the construction of such a system, it is impossible to operate a bath, especially if there are increased environmental requirements.

Source of water supply

A source of water is rarely built exclusively for a bath. In the absence of a centralized water supply system, a water supply system is needed primarily for a residential building and household needs. Therefore, as a rule, the bath water supply system is built into an already existing own water supply. To do this, a collector wiring is installed, where the pipe is diverted to the bath building.

The most common source of water is a well. It most often reaches the second aquifer, and its depth is 10-30 m, depending on the depth of groundwater. If the task is specifically to make water in a bath of wooden or other construction, then a drinking degree of purification is not necessary, which means that it is enough to open the uppermost water carrier at a depth of 5-10 m. Such water should not be used for cooking, but for bathing is quite suitable.



Well water supply scheme

The depth of the well shaft is important for choosing the type of pumping equipment. The fact is that when lifting from depths up to 12-15 m, you can safely use conventional centrifugal, surface pumps. With a deeper fence, you will have to lower the deep, submersible installation, which is somewhat more expensive and more difficult to operate.

Another option for a water source is a well. Its depth is 30-50 m, which makes it possible to reach the lower artesian layers, which provide especially clean water, and most importantly, a large and stable volume of liquid for a long time. It is the inexhaustibility of the borehole source that is considered its main advantage, because wells tend to dry out periodically. The rise of water from the well is provided only by deep pumps.

In principle, a third option is also possible - pumping water from a natural reservoir. However, such a system is used quite rarely, and most often unofficially, because. requires approval from the relevant authorities. Most importantly, in this case, it will be necessary to solve the problem of installing a rather complex treatment plant.

Design features of the system

The water supply system includes the following main elements:

  • water source, i.e. a well or well with an equipped water intake and head;
  • pumping unit: the pump itself, pumping station, water intake mechanism, protective and control equipment;
  • a pipe line of a water supply system with shutoff equipment and elements of connection and wiring, which ensures the transportation of water from a source to a bath;
  • a storage or hydroaccumulating device that provides a stable pressure in the system and creates a basic volume of water consumption, as well as a water reserve in the event of a power outage or repair measures;
  • filtering device to eliminate the risk of equipment clogging and water pollution;
  • heating devices that decide how to make warm water in a bath (electric heaters, boiler, etc.);
  • water drainage system, i.e. local sewerage;
  • additional elements for the pipeline (inspection, rotary and other wells).


Bath water supply system

Ensuring winter water supply

What is the problem with winter water supply? Firstly, in severe frosts, water can freeze at the mouth of a source (well or well) or in pipes if they are not laid correctly. Secondly, during the periods between the operation of the bath, moisture residues in valves, valves, and other locking elements can freeze, which blocks their work when necessary. A serious danger exists for pipes (especially polymer pipes), because. When water freezes, it expands, which creates a risk of rupture. Ice can damage sensors, relays and control devices.

These impacts require special preparation of the water supply system for operation in winter conditions. So, the insulation of the head must be provided, i.e. ground water source. The connection of the outlet pipe of the water supply to the pipe through which water rises in the mine must be located below the level of winter freezing of the soil. All elements of pumping equipment are placed in an insulated enclosed space (caisson, cellar, pavilion, etc.).



Scheme of winter water supply in the bath

The depth of the pipeline from the source to the bath is important. If in the summer version it is enough to place pipes at a depth of 40-60 cm, then to eliminate winter problems they should be located below the level of soil freezing, which depends on the region and varies between 1.2-2.3 m. For the reliability of the pipe, the pipeline trench is specially settles down. A sand-gravel cushion is poured to the bottom, and it is recommended to wrap the pipes themselves with heat-insulating material (roofing material, mineral wool, etc.)

Drive Features

As noted above, to maintain a stable water pressure in the system and provide a reserve volume, such an important element as the storage system is used. In fact, it is a container in which the required level of liquid is constantly maintained. This volume is monitored by sensors, and when the level drops below the norm, the pump is turned on to replenish it. With such a system, there is no need to start the installation at any opening of the tap, the risk of hydraulic shock on the locking elements is eliminated.

The storage system can be used in two types: storage tanks and hydraulic accumulator. In the first option, a separate container is installed, and at such an elevation that water can flow by gravity to the point of consumption. The volume of the container is selected taking into account the needs of the steam room and the washing department in case of an unexpected power outage. A level switch is mounted in the tank, which, depending on the actual liquid level, starts or stops the installation. Such a system is more typical when pumping water using deep pumps.

Hydraulic accumulators, which, as a rule, are equipped with standard pumping stations for water supply, have gained great popularity. They are a small container, the main task of which is to maintain the desired pressure in the system. At the outlet of the device there is a pressure switch, adjusted so that when the pressure drops to 1.2-1.4 atm, the pump turns on, and when it reaches 2.8-3 atm, it turns off.



Hydraulic accumulators, which, as a rule, are equipped with standard pumping stations for water supply, have become very popular.

Features of the heating system

Very important for water supply is the question of how to make water heating in the bath. Heating must be provided directly in the bath area, so as not to face the problem of maintaining heat. In principle, hot water can be provided in the following ways:

  • installation of a solid fuel heating column, usually with a wood-burning firebox;
  • installation of a standard geyser, which can be powered from a centralized line or gas cylinder;
  • the use of electric heating elements of the required power;
  • heating water in a sauna stove.


In modern baths, electric heating is popular.

Since ancient times, heating water in a sauna stove has been considered the traditional way. In this case, 2 options can be used: a tank installed on the furnace, or a pipe system passing through the furnace, in which water is heated according to the “pass through” principle. Sometimes another method is used - a chimney heating tank, which uses the heat of the smoke removed from the furnace.

In modern baths, electric heating is popular. Its main advantage: the ability to control the temperature of heating and warming up water in winter when the system freezes. The design of electric heaters can be of two types: capacitive and flow. Heating water in a container looks preferable, because. requires the inclusion of heating elements only for the period of heating to the desired temperature, and then, only periodic maintenance of it will be required.



The main advantage of electric heating is the ability to control the temperature of heating and warming up water in winter when the system freezes

Drain system

How to make a drain in the bath? This is a paramount issue, without which it is impossible to equip your own water supply. All water from the bath rooms should be removed outside the building and collected in special containers. First of all, in the steam room and the washing room, drain holes with a ladder are equipped on the floor, and the floor itself has a slope for sewage to flow to these holes. A liquid drainage system in the form of pipes or trays is equipped under the floor.

The question of how to make a drain of water in a bath also provides a solution to the problem of its disposal. Wastewater must not be discharged into the ground without treatment. To ensure it, special filtering septic tanks are being built, in which mechanical, chemical and biological treatment of the liquid takes place. As a rule, a septic tank system consists of 2-3 wells with filters, after passing through which water can be discharged into the ground. The drain is provided by gravity, for which the pipes are laid with the desired slope.

On a note! If it is inadmissible to discharge water into the ground, storage septic tanks are used.



The scheme of draining water from the bath

These are sealed containers of the required volume, in which water drained from the bath accumulates. When they are filled, the liquid is pumped out and removed. When arranging the sewage system, it is important to remember that it must also function in winter, therefore, it is necessary to use the same methods as when installing a water supply system - deepening below the freezing level, thermal insulation of pipes, insulation of septic tanks.

The water supply of a bath in the absence of a centralized water supply is a rather complicated, but quite solvable problem. When arranging such a system, technical recommendations and sanitary requirements should be observed. When using electric or gas appliances, fire safety must not be forgotten.

In cooking recipes, the term "water bath" is often mentioned. Any housewife will answer the question "what is a water bath?" without hesitation: a saucepan in a saucepan!

A water bath is a device in which a particular product is heated through an "intermediary" - boiling water. Such systems are used not only in the kitchen: there are devices for industrial use.

A water bath for a laboratory is a structure with water in which a flask or test tube with a substance is placed.

Such devices are used not only for heating, but also for temperature control of the contents of containers in the process of laboratory research (or analysis).

Water at normal atmospheric pressure above 100 degrees does not heat up, which allows you to organize automatic control of the heating temperature of the test substance.

But not all studies proceed at maximum heating temperatures. In many cases, it is required to heat the substance to a low temperature. In such cases, electric water baths are used, equipped with an automatic heating control system.

There is another type of laboratory water baths: rotary heater. Thanks to the rotor, the flask placed in a container of water rotates evenly. This technique provides uniform heating and more active evaporation of the substance.

Laboratory baths, like all industrial equipment, are expensive: from 20 thousand rubles(simplest design) up to 140 thousand rubles(for example, a device equipped with a shaker).

Food warmers ^

Water-heated food warmers can also be safely attributed to the group of industrial water baths. They are a bathtub designed to fit standard sizes of gastronomic containers.

By capacity, these baths can be designed for one or more containers with ready meals. Such devices are used in restaurants, cafes, catering departments of medical institutions, etc.

Water is heated to a predetermined temperature in food warmers most often with the help of electric heating elements. The food placed in the food warmer does not burn and does not dry out. The taste qualities of the dishes are preserved without any changes.

Food warmers are inexpensive, but, as a rule, they are not equipped with gastronorm containers.

For example, food warmer 1.4 kW will cost the buyer 15500 rubles, and the power 3.6 kW - 21 thousand rubles.

Domestic water baths ^

The most popular devices that work on the principle of a water bath are infant formula warmers.

All of them are equipped with temperature controllers, which vigilantly monitor the constancy of the water heating temperature.

True, their dimensions allow you to heat either a bottle or a jar of baby food: large dishes simply will not fit in them.

Water baths of this type cost from 1200 to 3000 rubles.

When using a water bath, you must be extremely careful not to burn yourself with steam. Do you know what are the stages? This is useful to know and just interesting!

Did you know that there is an allergy to sea water? You can read how it manifests itself and what to do to avoid it, we protect our health!

Water bath for chocolate ^

You can melt chocolate for culinary needs only in a water bath: it does not tolerate direct contact with heaters.

On sale there are special small devices designed for this delicate procedure. In particular, the Matinox water bath.

It is a vessel consisting of inner and outer shells. The space between them is filled with water. The diameter of the vessel is only 16 cm, and its height is 12.5 cm.

A somewhat larger size is the company's water bath de Buyer. Its diameter is 17 cm, and height (outer) - 15 cm.

The device has a hemispherical bottom; a visual plastic indicator is provided to monitor the water level.

Such a water bath is very convenient for performing the following operations:

  • preparation of custards, sauces;
  • heating the first and second courses;
  • porridge preparations from various cereals, etc.

Costs this "unit" only 1500 rubles.

"Ben Marie" ^

Such a mysterious name is given to a wide, low saucepan, tightly closed with a lid.

A quarter-full of water and placed on the hob, this pot holds smaller saucepans containing sauces, soups, and other dishes.

Benmari is intended for dishes that should be served hot to the table.

Water bath at home ^

What to do if you were not lucky enough to be the owner of a water bath? Experienced housewives act very simply: they take two saucepans, pour water into one, and place the other inside the first one.

It turns out a water bath, for which you do not have to pay a single ruble. But everything is not so simple: there are some nuances here that must be taken into account so that instead of a delicious sauce, you do not get serious steam burns.

1. If a water bath is needed only to heat a dish or prepare a decoction of herbs, and this process does not require periodic stirring, then in principle it does not matter what the ratio of the diameters of the pots will be.

A wooden stand or a napkin (fabric) folded several times is placed on the bottom of the outer pan, on which the inner container with the product is installed.

The process is controlled by the clock, the inner container with the finished product is removed only after the cessation of water vaporization.

2. If the recipe provides for any actions with the product in a water bath (for example, whipping the proteins or stirring the product regularly), then the selection of pots must be approached responsibly:

the upper pan should have the most rounded bottom and be installed in the outer container in such a way that so that there is no gap between them.

Otherwise, doing various manipulations with the prepared mass will be very dangerous, and simply physically impossible: steam and splashes of boiling water will not allow you to keep your hands in the working area.

Bowls with rounded walls are best suited for the role of an internal container;

between the bottoms of the upper and inner pans there should be a gap of at least four centimeters;

it is desirable that the outer and inner containers have handles;

Already a fifth of the inhabitants of Europe use water mattresses, these are very healthy devices. Do you know why you need to go to the store, and not just walk by, what do you get for your money?

An interesting article about Charcot's shower, its benefits for weight loss, reviews, price for this procedure, make your appearance irresistible!

Water bath for oven ^

The water bath for the oven is arranged somewhat differently:

  • water is poured into a large container up to half its height;
  • the grate is placed there;
  • a smaller capacity is installed on the grate;
  • depending on the recipe, the containers are left open or covered with food foil. Sometimes it is required to tightly close the inner container, and leave the outer one open. In this case, foil can also be used;
  • the height of the outer container must be greater than or equal to two-thirds of the height of the inner mold. At the same time, it should be noted that too high external forms worsen the temperature regime inside the structure;
  • the inner form must be solid. If you have to use a detachable form, then you must first wrap it well with foil;

Not every material is suitable for a water bath in the oven. Tanks made of thin sheet steel have too much heat transfer, and glass, on the contrary, does not conduct heat well.

The best option is thick aluminum cookware.

Another important point: if a dish is being cooked in a water bath in the oven, you can’t sharply open its door and stand right in front of it.

In this way, you can steam your hands and face. The correct action is to stand on the side of the oven and carefully and slowly open the door.

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