Before the invention and widespread adoption of electric stoves, people used various methods for cooking. Here are a few examples of cooking techniques and appliances used throughout history:
Open Fire: For centuries, cooking was primarily done over an open fire. People would build a fire using wood, coal, or other combustible materials and suspend pots or pans over the flames using tripods, grates, or simple supports. The heat intensity could be adjusted by adding or reducing the amount of fuel.
Hearth Cooking: In many homes, especially in earlier times, the hearth served as the central cooking area. A hearth typically consisted of a fire pit or fireplace with a chimney. Cooking was done in large pots or cauldrons hung over the fire or placed directly on hot coals. Baking could be done by placing food in covered pots nestled in the hot ashes.
Stoves: Before electric stoves, various types of stoves were used. Wood-burning stoves, also known as cookstoves, were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. These stoves featured an enclosed firebox and one or more cooking surfaces on top. They were designed to burn wood or other solid fuels, providing controlled heat for cooking.
Coal Stoves: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, coal-burning stoves became common. These stoves, similar in design to wood-burning stoves, were specifically designed to burn coal, a readily available and efficient fuel source at the time.
Gas Stoves: Gas stoves gained popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century. These stoves utilized natural gas or propane as a fuel source. Gas burners provided controlled and easily adjustable heat for cooking. Many homes still use gas stoves today.
It's important to note that these methods and appliances varied depending on geographical location, cultural practices, and technological advancements of each era. Cooking techniques have evolved significantly over time, driven by advancements in technology and the availability of different fuel sources.