Simmering argument. Who is right?

It's nothing to do with the setting on your hob, it's when the water is just barely boiling - not a rolling boil

I think it's gently bubbling...after all, if you turn it down to the lowest setting it often doesn't do anything .

The second one for me. My simmering is usually electric hob mark 2 or 3.

Thanks Hazel.

Basically, should there be any bubbles in a simmer?

I know how ridiculous this must sound!

Yes but not rolling bubbles breaking the surface - that would be boiling not simmering. With simmering you'd get a few bubbles coming to the surface but not violently.

It's physically more gentle than boiling but also slower to reduce sauces etc as less water will be evaporating.

It's when it's beginning to boil, with gentle bubbles. the Second one.

Yes!

Thank you, everyone! I'm pleased to report that you have proved me right. H is sulking and still refusing to admit it. If you'd all said HE was right I'm sure it would be different!

The ridiculous things we find to squabble over never ceases to amaze me.

In the grand scheme of things, squabbling is healthy. Full blown rows are not. Keep squabblingdebating! ?

If it's going 'blup' every so often it's simmering, in my book. Dead technical when it comes to cookery terms, me. ?