Dairy products are an essential part of every person's diet. However, its wide selection on the market makes many think about the quality of the product. Against this background, the demand for the products of private farmers is increasing, who produce not only milk, but also fermented baked milk, cheeses and cream from natural raw materials. The greatest interest of true connoisseurs of high-quality milk is caused by technologies that can be used to process it at home. In particular, this allows you to make a household milk separator in various modifications and configurations. Today, both manual models with a simple device and electrical devices that save the user from unnecessary labor are in demand.
Functions of the milk separator
The main task of such units is the separation of milk and cream. The output, respectively, is a low-fat natural drink, which is environmentally friendly. Even in subsistence farming, there is a risk of getting contaminated milk. In turn, the household cream separator removes various impurities and harmful elements from the product. In order to save money, many farmersstill use homemade straining devices. Rural craftsmen improve such devices, but their technological level is still inferior to special separators.
The process of home milk processing is also relevant for those who regularly purchase store products. In this case, the cleaning process eliminates preservatives, thickeners, hardeners and various chemical dyes. As a result, the household milk separator provides a truly valuable and he althy product. By the way, in the future, high quality sour cream, butter, buttermilk and whey can be obtained from the obtained raw materials.
Separator device
Despite the variety of designs and sizes, the general principles of creating such devices remain the same. The basis of the unit is a bowl, on which milk is supplied. Next, the liquid enters through the faucet into a special drum. During operation, it rotates, under the influence of which inertia is formed. As it moves, the liquid is distributed over special plates - in them the process of separation and concentration of fat and cream takes place. Also, the separator device provides for the presence of jets in the upper part. Cream passes through it and is collected in a special receiver. At the same time, skimmed milk separates - by the way, it is considered the heavier part of the product. Contaminants and unwanted particles formed during the processing process settle on the lid of the rotating drum. In the future, they should be thoroughly washed from surfaces.separator.
Manual separators
Such models of separators are the most common due to their low price and, as many believe, high reliability. This is a mechanical unit, the bowl of which the user spins with his own hands. As standard, the manual separator is supplied with a bowl with a capacity of 5.5 liters. Taking into account the fact that the productivity of the devices is 80 liters per hour, it is necessary to pour milk every 4 minutes. For this reason, for ease of use, experts recommend purchasing devices with a large capacity. For example, today you can find models that can hold up to 12 liters at a time. But in this case, you should be prepared for another nuance. The fact is that manual models with large bowls are less mobile due to their large weight.
Another feature that you should be aware of when buying such models is the material of manufacture. In electrical devices, this choice only matters in terms of reliability, but a manual type household milk separator can require a lot of effort during operation if its bowl is made of metal. Therefore, it is worth considering options made of plastic - such devices are more practical and more convenient, although, again, they are not so durable.
Electric models
Until recently, only manual units were included in the household separator category. Models equipped with electric motors were mainly used in industries and catering establishments. Today it will not be difficult to find a household milk separator,running on electricity. Actually, the main attention in the process of choosing such equipment should be given to its motor. In addition to the fact that the power plant must meet the performance requirements, it is important to consider the means of protection against voltage surges. To do this, manufacturers supply devices with stabilization systems, which, however, increases their cost.
Also, in order to increase reliability and safety, electric models are supplied mainly with metal bowls. If financial resources are limited, then it is worth purchasing a more affordable plastic separator. A household cream separator in this design is not inferior in efficiency to metal modifications, but the working life in this case will be lower.
Rules for the operation of separators
First of all, consider the requirements for milk. Before separation, it should be filtered, heated and the film removed, if present. It is also not recommended to use colostrum - this is fresh milk that was obtained within a week from the moment of calving. Further, the apparatus is installed in the working position and the drum is started. It usually takes 2-3 minutes for the device to reach its operating performance, after which 1 liter of water should be passed through the bowl. Then the household milk separator can be used for its intended purpose. Milk is poured up to the indicated level. As you process, you should monitor the output of the product from the tap. First, the separation of the cream will take place, and then the flow of skimmed milk into the corresponding receiver. Importanttake care in advance of the container for draining the products received.
Separator maintenance
Before and after working operations, the unit should be washed with hot water and soda solution. In the process of washing, it is not recommended to use strong detergents, as well as abrasives and metal sponges. This may damage the protective coatings of the bowl and auxiliary utensils of the appliance. You should also regularly inspect the reliability of fastening the drum and cymbals. Usually these elements can be disassembled, so there will be no problems with the technical revision.
How much?
The cost of such a unit is generally comparable to the prices of other types of home kitchen appliances. The cheapest is a mechanical household separator. The price of such equipment can be 2-3 thousand rubles. Of course, if a model with high performance and made of metal is chosen, then you can also find options for 5-6 thousand rubles. At this level, prices for electric models also start. But their upper range can reach 10 thousand rubles. The fact is that separators with a motor are more functional and can provide many additional options and capabilities, which, in turn, increases the cost of the devices.
Feedback on separators
Most of the negative reviews about separators are related to problems in the operation of dishes. Especially plastic bowls are the most difficult to clean. But metal counterparts have their drawbacks. For example, mostexperienced farmers have doubts about the aluminum separator. Reviews note that the milk obtained with its help is endowed with an unpleasant aftertaste. Therefore, it is better to purchase models made of stainless steel or polycarbonate. In terms of reliability and durability, manual units cause the least complaints, but, subject to high-quality assembly and a powerful motor, electrical devices do not fail either.
Conclusion
Modern kitchen facilities, even in small apartments, require a variety of appliances for cooking and keeping different products. Therefore, before including new equipment in the list of household utensils, many housewives carefully weigh its pros and cons. However, the benefits that a household milk separator brings can hardly be overestimated. The milk processing technology itself is quite old, but the need for it is undeniable. Obtaining a quality product in the form of butter, fermented baked milk and skim milk is only a part of the advantages that the separator has. Another thing is that before acquiring it, it is necessary to determine the characteristics that are optimal for performing specific tasks. And there will be no problems with this, since modern manufacturers produce models for both modest private needs and for work on large farmsteads.
