How to choose a double boiler: a brief overview and practical tips.

Today, many people are concerned about healthy eating. And this applies not only to the products themselves, but also to the method of their preparation. What happens if there is demand? That's right, a proposal. This is the basic law of economics, which also works in this particular case. The desire to eat healthy has led to the fact that most manufacturers of small household appliances began producing a relatively new device. This is how the steamer appeared. Rating of the best, review of models, photographs of prepared dishes - all this information appeared in large volumes in various sources.

What is a steamer for?

A steamer allows you to cook healthy food quickly and efficiently. True, preference is given more to quality than speed of preparation. But if the device model is really good, then it will allow you to combine both of these indicators. This is the main difference in which, for example, a multicooker and a double boiler differ. The rating of the best devices will allow you to choose the most optimal option.

Functions that steamers can have

IN Lately Many housewives now have such an interesting device in their kitchen as a double boiler. The ranking of the best of them is created taking into account certain specific characteristics. But in order to compare models, you need to know exactly what functions a double boiler may have. Among the functions of the device are:

• Timer. It is found in almost all models. The hostess sets the time during the cooking process. When it passes, the device will beep or turn off the steamer. This way the prepared dish will not burn.

• Thermostat, thanks to which the temperature is maintained at the level set by the user.

• Possibility to add water to the container during cooking. There is no need to turn off the steamer and interrupt the cooking process.

• "Fast Steam" This function allows you to prepare the device for operating mode in just thirty seconds.

• The control can be mechanical or electronic. The last option allows you to configure more parameters.

• Switches off the steamer automatically when there is not enough water. This function will keep the device in good condition.

• Delayed start. It will help in cases where the cooking process needs to start after a specific period of time in automatic mode.

This is a list of options that the most “sophisticated” steamer has. The rating of the best, user reviews are created based on the presence and proper operation of these functions. Let's look at a few lists compiled by experts and users with these options in mind.

Budget steamer

• Zauber X-560 is made of of stainless steel with comfortable handles. Three tiers will allow you to cook a large family at once. It is possible to add water if necessary without turning off the steamer.
• Sinbo SFS 5703 allows you not only to cook, but also to defrost, reheat, and sterilize. The power is only four hundred watts. But this ensures that the food does not burn. The case is made of stainless steel. Timer for one hour.

• SUPRA FSS-201 has a shutdown function when there is no water. Internal volume is three and a half liters. Power 750 watts. Timer for one hour.
• "Ladomir 502K" has the best price among analogues with two tiers. The steamer is made of stainless steel. The model is easy to assemble. There is a water level indicator.
• Smile SC 1703 is characterized by good cooking speed. The power of eight hundred watts allows you to cook any food. Three tiers that can be swapped.

The best inexpensive steamers according to users

What should an inexpensive steamer be like? The rating of the best models, compiled taking into account customer reviews, includes the following models.

• "Moulinex MV 1401". Includes two baskets that can be swapped, two removable racks, a recess for boiling eggs. The only noticeable drawback is the small volume (only six liters).
• "Vitek VT 1560" is one of the most spacious models with a volume of eleven liters. The power of 1650 W is enough to cook four dishes at the same time. Four, since the kit includes two baskets and two grids.
• "Scarlet SL 1550" has a volume of ten liters. Its power is 800 watts. There are three baskets, but there are removable grids. Due to this, you can cook up to six dishes at once.

The best devices in the mid-price category according to experts

"Philips ND 9124" allows you to prepare aromatic dishes due to the presence of containers for spices and herbs. In addition, there is a recess for eggs, a bowl for rice. The steamer turns off automatically when the water level is insufficient. The “Top up” option works even during cooking.

"Tefal VC 1301 multicompact" is very small in size. But at the same time, the working volume is seven liters, divided into three bowls. There is a special container for rice. When the water level is low, an audible signal sounds.

"Vitek VN-1560" is distinguished by the presence of a liquid crystal screen. Two bowls and two removable racks are included. It has such functions as delayed start, auto cooking, water level indicator, spice bowl, “fast steam”.

Average price category

Here we will try to determine which is the best steamer in this price category. Rating of the best, photos, characteristics - just below. It is worth noting that this rating was compiled not by experts, but by users.

• "Philips ND 9170" with a basket volume of 8.6 liters and a power of 2 kW. Baskets of different capacities. You can add water. But there is no timer.
• "Brown FS 20" with a capacity of 6.2 liters and a relatively low power of 850 W. Made from high quality plastic. There is a separate bowl for coloring products. But there is no function for adding water.

• Polaris PFS 0410 has a tank volume of 8 liters. Its power is 1360 W. The main difference is as many as 4 baskets. Egg niche, rice bowl, delayed start, water volume indicator. But, as in the previous model, there is no function for adding water.

Dear steamer. Rating of the best according to experts

This includes the following models.

• Braun FS 5100 is distinguished by the presence of a steam accelerator. The water boils within a minute. The internal volume of the baskets is 6.3 liters. Made of tinted plastic. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher. The model is equipped with such options as sterilization, a cavity for boiling eggs, and a container for preparing porridge.

• Philips AVENT SCF870 includes both the functions of a steamer and a blender. It not only cooks food, but also chops it. The model was produced mainly for families with small children.

Users' choice among expensive steamers

Let's see what, according to buyers, is the best expensive steamer. Rating of the best, review of their functions below.

• Bork F700 with a power of 1650 watts. The volume of the baskets is eight liters. The maximum timer time is sixty minutes. Equipped with the function of adding water during cooking.

• “Tefal VS 4003” has the unique ability to cook not only by steaming. In a special tray you can cook food in own juice or any sauce.
• Kenwood FS 620 is suitable for the largest families. This model holds twelve liters. There is a noise regulator and the ability to add water. The special Boost function allows you to cook at an accelerated pace.

The most reliable devices

When choosing any product, you need to consider the price-quality ratio. The selected steamer must correspond to this indicator. The rating of the best models taking into account this criterion includes the following devices.

• Tefal VC 1002 Ultra Compact has three baskets. Their total size is nine liters. Control occurs only mechanically. The body is made of durable plastic. The timer counts down no more than one hour. You can add water during cooking.

• REDMOND RST-M1106. All three baskets of this model have a volume of 4.7 liters. The result is a value due to which the model can be used in big family. Power: one kilowatt. Made from stainless steel. It has such functions as: delayed start, adding water during cooking, “fast steam”.
• Tefal VC 3008 Steam"n"light has three tiers, which form a total volume of ten liters. The cooking duration is checked by a timer for one hour. Even large volumes of food can be cooked. The power of nine hundred kilowatts allows this to be done. With this model you can defrost any food. In addition to standard bowls and baskets, the delivery package includes special ones, etc.). It is characterized by high reliability and lack of noise.
• Zauber - X-570 is made of food steel. It has three tiers with a total volume of nine liters. It is convenient to monitor the cooking process through transparent plastic, which was used to make bowls.

Steamer – irreplaceable assistant in preparing tasty and healthy, enriched with vitamins and useful substances dishes. With a steamer you can forget about the “tasteless” boiled diets and unhealthy fried foods, and feel free to switch to healthy foods steamed in their own juices. Using a double boiler, you can cook first courses, side dishes, amazing meats and even desserts at the same time, significantly saving valuable time and energy.

If you have never used a steamer or want to replace your old one with a more efficient new one, you should pay attention to the types of steamers (in this article we will talk about electric steamers):

— tabletop steamers- the heroes of our rating of the best steamers 2019. They are used at home, are easy to use, and have a simplified, intuitive interface.

There are a lot of parameters for selecting steamers, so you should familiarize yourself with the main technical characteristics:

This device includes:

• Base– main working part, a heating element and a container for water, which is subsequently converted into steam.
• Cells- so-called steam baskets - round (less often oval) bowls with a perforated bottom into which products are loaded. Usually there are 2-3 cells in a steamer; they are placed one on top of the other, then covered with a lid.

1-2 baskets are suitable for a small family, 3 - for a large one. When choosing, you should take into account the direct dependence of the cooking speed on the number of cells: the fewer there are, the faster the cooking time.

Usually, the steamer also comes with a “rice bowl” - a special container for cooking cereals and soups.

The average volume of a cooking bowl ranges from 1.5 to 4 liters, and a rice bowl - from 0.7 to 2 liters. Particular attention should be paid to the volume of the container for cereals and soups.

The best types are glass or stainless steel bowls. In glass and metal, food holds its temperature faster; plastic is more unstable to temperature changes and breaks more often.

• Pallet for condensation and broth draining from the cells during cooking. Pulling out a pan covered with droplets of greasy hot broth and pouring the condensation out of it is a very complex and lengthy process. That is why the size of the tray is one of the fundamental factors in choosing steamers. The most optimal height– 2-3 centimeters.

One more important factor The choice of a pallet is whether it has handles. The absence of handles makes short (up to 2 cm) trays dangerous for the user: when emptying a hot tank, it is very easy to get burned.

Water level indicator

The function of the signal about complete boiling of water is rather imperfect: usually the steamer begins to signal 5-10 minutes after boiling, during which time the dish may partially deteriorate. Thanks to the visible water indicator, you can monitor the liquid level and adjust it (for example, add water through a special hole).

Reservoir for adding water during operation

Some designs do not have a special hole for adding liquid, so during operation you have to turn off and disassemble the steamer. Models that support the function of raising the liquid level directly while the device is operating are more in demand.

Power– the cooking speed directly depends on the power. In ordinary home steamers, the power is not lower than 600 W and not higher than 2000 W.

Control type:

• Mechanical– all modes are set manually by manipulating the buttons. One of the advantages is the quick start and ease of setting the cooking time.
• Electronic– the steamer is equipped with buttons and an electronic display that displays information about ongoing processes. This configuration outperforms the previous one thanks to its extensive functionality and the option of heating food after cooking.

Operating modes:

• Steam cooking.
• Defrosting (using steam).
• Steam boost – sterilization (warming) of food.
• Additional modes (in more expensive models).

Manufacturer:

Of course, brand does not always equal quality, but most famous companies We try to maintain a decent level of quality from year to year, providing the user with high-quality service and, in the event of a breakdown, troubleshooting.

Rating of the best steamers 2019

5th place – ENDEVER Vita 160/161 (1340 rubles)

ENDEVER Vita 160/161 is a very nice and compact steamer. This model is a budget model, so it doesn’t have a condensate tray, and you can’t cook cereal in it either. Suitable for attentive housewives who know how to handle equipment carefully. When the water boils away, an automatic shutdown is triggered.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 800 W;
• Number of tiers: 2;
• Control type: mechanical;
• Housing: plastic;
• Steam baskets: transparent plastic;
• Dimensions: 230*265*215 mm.

Extra options:

• power-on indication;
• defrosting function;
• disinfection of dishes;
• There is a choice of colors: green, white, gray.

Pros:

• low price;
• Ease of use;
• powerful, cooks quickly;
• there is an emergency shutdown;
• attractive design;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• Small;
• Mechanical;
• has only 2 tiers;
• difficult to wash;
• It takes a long time for the water to heat up;
• plastic containers made of thin plastic;
• no container for rice/cereals;
• Do not add water during cooking;
• a mechanical timer requires careful handling;
• There is no pan for draining condensate and grease (a significant disadvantage).

4th place - Dobrynya DO-3201 (from RUB 1,800)

Dobrynya steamers are remembered by users for their simplicity, affordable price and “good” quality of work. Very simple and accessible interface; Despite the fact that there are only 2 cells, they are not inferior in volume to systems with 3 cells. They are chosen mainly by undemanding, thrifty housewives for several years in advance. The downside is its fragility; the power of such a steamer is only enough for a few years of operation in medium mode. However, if you use a double boiler much less often than a frying pan, then this option is just for you.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 600 W
• Number of tiers: 2
• Control type: mechanical (rotary switches)
• Timer: 60 minutes, auto power off
• Housing: plastic
• Steam baskets: plastic

Extra options:

• recesses for boiling eggs;
• 1000 ml rice bowl.

Pros:

• suitable for large families;
• good price with above average quality.

Minuses:

• no display;
• there is no delay start;
• only two tiers for cooking;
• fragility.

3rd place - Tefal VC1451 (4920 rubles)

In this model, Tefal pleased customers with steel bowls; they are the main advantage of this fairly simple and compact steamer.

The water level indicator shows when topping up is necessary, and this can be done without turning off the steamer. A sound signal will inform you when the dish is ready.

In addition to traditional steamed dishes, the Tefal VC1451 has the ability to cook rice, other cereals or soup. There are convenient tips on the body for choosing temperatures for cooking various products.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 860-900 W;
• Number of tiers: 2;
• Control type: mechanical;
• Timer: 60 min, with shutdown;
• Housing: plastic;
• Steam baskets: stainless steel;
• Dimensions: 335×275×205 mm;
• The total volume of the bowls is 6 l (3+3 l);
• Water tank – 1.5 l.

Extra options:

• water level indication;
• interchangeable baskets;
• two separators;
• rice bowl included;
• descaling system;
• adding water during cooking.

Pros:

• attractive price;
• steel bowls;
• high power;
• quality of food preparation;
• high-quality assembly;
• easy to clean and assemble;
• compactness and convenient storage.

Minuses:

• small;
• mechanical;
• has only 2 tiers;
• the new steamer smells like plastic;
• stains remain on metal bowls and dividers after washing;
• the timer cannot be turned off manually, as this may damage the steamer;
• imperfect descaling system;
• no thermostat;
• no cooking booklet included.

2nd place - Philips HD9190 (from RUB 11,990)

Modern, powerful, reliable, multifunctional - a steamer from the manufacturer Philips is ready to do anything for you. With its help, you can create real culinary masterpieces and delight your loved ones with them. Its advantages are most clearly manifested in a large family, where it is necessary to short time prepare maximum tasty, nutritious and healthy food. The price justifies the quality.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 2000 W
• Number of tiers: 3
• Control type: electronic
• Housing: stainless steel
• Steam baskets: transparent plastic
• Included:
  • container for adding herbs and spices;
  • soup bowl.

Extra options:

• 1100 ml rice bowl;
• water level indicator;
• power-on indication;
• removable grilles;
• adding water during operation;
• sound signal;
• shutdown due to lack of water;
• recesses for boiling eggs;
• auto cooking;
• thermostat;

Pros:

• presence of a display;
• compact storage;
• cable storage compartment;
• special compartment for adding spices (makes cooking easier and distributes spices evenly in the dish);
• comfortable and spacious bowls;
• a lot of additional functionality compared to previous models.

Minuses:

• short-lived plastic bowls;
• lack of condensate tray for the entire cooking session;
• uneven cooking of dishes at different temperatures (for example, fresh minced meat and frozen vegetables);
• the water level is not visible;
• The software is slow.

1st place - Tefal VC 3008 Steam’n’light (from RUB 6,750)

Better - only built-in steamers. From them this model took all its irreplaceable functionality, which is suitable for both an experienced housewife and a chef in a restaurant. The most pleasant addition that persuades customers to choose this particular model is the ability to bake muffins and cupcakes from any material with any filling and any taste - they will all be equally ideal, just like from a pastry shop counter. Preparation of muffins and cupcakes;

easy to clean;

intuitive interface;

odors from different cells do not mix;

automatic shutdown and heating for half an hour after shutdown;

you can cook several dishes at once;

high quality.

Minuses:

• lack of display;
• no delay start;
• overcharge;
• there is no signal about complete evaporation of water;
• the dough is not always baked;
• bottom latches break quickly;
• it is difficult to completely assemble the entire system (the bowls slide and fit into the grooves with difficulty);
• the bottoms are inconvenient to wash;
• The water level is not visible.

Let's sum it up

Steamers open up a sea of ​​opportunities for housewives to create culinary masterpieces or maximize healthy dishes. Modest and thrifty Russian women most often choose inexpensive, simple and reliable models that cope well with constant loads; the choice of culinary improvisers who need a steamer to expand their creative culinary activities falls on more powerful and professional models; For business users who are constantly in a hurry, powerful volumetric steamers with delayed start capabilities and auto-cooking modes are suitable. In our rating of the best steamers in 2018, you will find the model most suitable for you.

Who else will help modern kitchen? In terms of “warm up quickly”, of course. Modern ones can do more and more every year affordable price, and the new look will become a truly indispensable assistant for a young mother. The main thing that is important is not only the quality of the products for cooking, but also seemingly banal water: you can wash the dishes under running water, but it is recommended to cook with. Be healthy!

Updated January 2019

Rostislav Kuzmin

Good afternoon, dear readers. Steamed dishes are especially healthy and have excellent taste. This food is great for baby food, the diet of pregnant women, the elderly and people who care about their health. A steamer will help in preparing healthy culinary products. In today’s article I will try to understand how to choose a double boiler, what it is, what its functions and design features are.

The most indispensable kitchen unit in which you can simultaneously prepare several low-fat, low-calorie dishes(meat, vegetables, desserts) is a steamer. It is easy to use and easy to clean, so it is in great demand among people who value healthy, tasty food.

The most frequently asked question that I hear is, help me choose a high-quality and inexpensive steamer for home use.

Here you need to understand that the functionality, performance and cost of the device directly depend on its parameters and power, so when choosing a steamer for your home, you need to pay attention to the following selection criteria:

By following these selection rules, you will always be able to choose the right steamer for home use or as a gift to friends. After going through the device parameters, you can choose the most productive, multifunctional or, conversely, a budget unit.

TOP 6 best steamers of 2017

If you care about your health, proper nutrition, your figure and are thinking about buying a steamer, then you need to find out how to choose a high-quality, productive device that is ready to cook quickly and tasty healthy food. Function sets modern devices so varied that it is quite difficult to make a choice. The most common functions include heat support, liquid level indicator, overheating protection, automatic shutdown. The equipment of kitchen assistants also differs. How not to make a mistake in choosing and not overpay for unnecessary functions?

Especially for you, I made a review of the most popular inexpensive, average models, as well as premium class devices among buyers. Based on this data, I selected the most popular steamers and a rating of the best.

Rating of inexpensive steamers

Not every buyer has the opportunity to choose an expensive multifunctional steamer from a leading brand. Surely you are interested in the question: are there inexpensive, functional and high-quality steamers on our kitchen appliances market?

Of course, they exist; the most popular budget devices include:

Both options fully correspond to the price-quality parameter, so you shouldn’t expect anything supernatural from these steamers, although they are quite suitable for rare home use.

The best average steamers

If you are not satisfied with appliances for infrequent use, and you are looking for an average steamer that differs good set functions, high quality and good appearance, then this rating of mid-category units is especially for you.

The model range would also be a good option trademark VITEK, they are relatively inexpensive, aesthetic, functional and spacious. Any of these steamers will good choice for preparing healthy food for the whole family in good quantities.

Top best premium steamers

If you prefer modern, multifunctional kitchen appliances equipped with various bells and whistles, then the rating of the most popular luxury steamers will help you make the right choice.

These include:

Both models will become indispensable assistants in the home kitchen in preparing healthy meals for the whole family.

Regardless of which device you choose, you will gain a good friend who guards your health. If you still have any doubts about the benefits of cooking in a double boiler, welcome. On this positive note, it is time for us to say goodbye. I hope that the selection rules and rating of the best steamers of 2017 will help you decide and make right choice. Subscribe, remain regular readers and invite your friends, I have many more useful information for you.

Thank you for your attention! See you again on my blog. Sincerely, Rostislav Kuzmin.

Cool

It is mainly the devotees who often think about buying a steamer. healthy image life and people forced to diet. However, with the help of this device you can prepare a lot of tasty and healthy dishes even for people who are not keen on healthy eating. However, the steamer has many detractors and skeptical critics who claim that steamed food, no matter how healthy it is, lacks taste.

We will refrain from commenting on the taste preferences of opponents of steamers. As a rule, the insipid taste of dishes, so vehemently condemned by them, is not the fault of the appliance, but of the cook. Steaming is just a way of processing food, and a steamer is just a tool in the hands of a person that should be learned to operate. Without knowing the intricacies of using a double boiler, you cannot prepare a tasty dish.

Before you start choosing a steamer, you need to decide on your desires. How many tiers should a steamer contain, how powerful should it be, should it have additional functions, what type of control is preferable to you, what do you want to cook in a steamer.Power

Let us note right away that the power of the steamer heater is not the main parameter of the device, although it affects the speed of cooking products. The fact is that the time it takes to cook food depends on the design features and volume of the steam baskets. The power rating of steamers designed for cooking at home varies from 400 to 5100 W. The most powerful steamers are also the largest in size. However, when purchasing such a steamer, you need to make sure that the condition of the electrical network in the house allows it to withstand such loads. Most steamers have one power level - about 1 kW, but there are steamers with 2 levels - 650 W and 2000 W.

Design

A steamer consists of a body into which water is poured, a heating element and steam baskets for products, the number of which can vary from 1 to 3. The volume of one steam basket ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 liters, the volume of a rice bowl - from 07 to 3.5 liters. 2 liters. The rice basket is not perforated, it has a volume of 0.7 to 1 liter, is inserted into the main bowl with a perforated bottom and is intended for cooking rice, buckwheat, beans and other cereals. The water that fills the contents of the bowl is heated by steam.

Users are often surprised by the difference in steamer volumes - from 0.4 to 38 liters. However, the increase in volume comes from the total volume of 2 or 3 perforated steam baskets for food. In most cases, the capacity of the steamer does not exceed 10 liters.

Steamer baskets come in round and oval, transparent and opaque. For many models, they differ in volume and, accordingly, have different bottom diameters. Therefore, they can be inserted into one another, which is convenient for storage. Some steamers have identical baskets so that they can be swapped if necessary. Thus, the user can move an undercooked dish to a lower level, where the steam temperature is higher and thereby speed up the cooking process.

Large oval baskets with removable stainless steel bottoms and non-stick coating, for example, are good for cooking poultry. If the bird is too large and will not fit in one basket, then you can increase the volume of the basket by removing the bottom from one of them and docking one with the other. Thanks to the non-stick coating, the dish does not burn, which allows you to simmer food in its own juices. By the way, such baskets are easier to care for.

Many users prefer steamers with transparent baskets, sincerely believing that the cooking process will be visible in them. In fact, the walls of the device fog up so much that it becomes impossible to see anything inside, so in terms of functionality, such baskets are no different from opaque ones. Some steamers are also equipped with baskets with indentations for placing eggs, which are heated by steam during cooking, and the special design of the grates allows them to be placed most conveniently.

Principle of operation
The user loads the products into steam baskets, pours water into a tray with a volume of 0.45 to 6 liters, sets the required mode, and the heating element brings the water to a boil. The steam generated during boiling rises and through the holes in the bottom of the bowl begins to affect the food. The “spent” steam condenses on the walls of the steamer and flows into a drip tray.

During operation, the liquid evaporates and the steamer automatically turns off if the heating element is not in the water. In order for the steamer to continue working, you need to add water. On some models, to do this, you need to remove all the steam baskets, but there are models equipped with a special hole through which you can add water without removing the bowls, even when the steamer is running.

In fact, you can do without such a hole. If you add water to the external water level indicator before each use of the steamer, you will not have to do this during the cooking process. If the water has already evaporated, then before adding a new portion, you will need to empty the tray, which by this time will be full, so the user will still have to turn off the steamer for a while and remove the baskets.

When purchasing a steamer, you need to pay special attention to the height of the tray. If it is too fine, you will have to drain the accumulated condensate several times during the cooking process. If this is not done, the pan will overflow and its contents will fall on the heating element. A capacious tray should have a height of 1.5 cm to 2-2.5 cm. In this case, you can be sure that during the time required to prepare most dishes (up to 1 hour), it will not overflow. It is advisable that the tray have handles, since it is easy to get burned when draining hot broth. If the tray is shallow, then the handles are even more important, since it will fill to the very brim.

Most steamers have only one tray into which food juices and condensation drain. If several dishes are cooked in a double boiler at the same time, then the lower dishes are saturated with the juice and smell of those on top. Some users don't like this because the flavor combination may be undesirable. However, in some cases, this happens, by the way. For example, rice cooked in meat broth is a delicious dish.

There are models with a separate tray for each bowl. In addition to the fact that this design prevents mixing of odors, it has another undeniable advantage. The user can use the contents of different trays to prepare different sauces, for example, vegetable, mushroom and meat broths.

Control type

Modern steamers have 2 types of control:

Mechanical;

Electronic.

The operating time of a device with a mechanical type of control is set using a round timer switch. To set the desired time, you simply need to turn the knob the appropriate number of divisions. It is believed that this type of control is more convenient due to its simplicity.
Steamers with electronic controls have a keypad and a display that shows the operation of the device. Such devices are equipped with a large number of functions. So they have a delay start function (up to 12 hours), the steamer will start cooking on its own and will turn off at the right time. This is convenient if you want to prepare a dish by a specified time without personal participation. In addition, such steamers have the function of keeping food warm. It is believed that such steamers are more complex and the user needs more time to understand their controls. So if you don't need additional features, buy a steamer with a mechanical control type.

Both types of control panels may contain the following elements:

Operating status indicator;

indicator of the time required to prepare the dish;

Digital display showing heating temperature;

Alarm if there is no or insufficient amount of water in the steamer;

Sound and light signaling about the beginning and completion of the cooking process.

Built-in steamers

The main disadvantage of a freestanding steamer is that it needs to be stored somewhere. Appliances built into countertops and cabinets do not have such problems. Steamers for installation in kitchen furniture differ from conventional devices in design, size and price. Often such steamers are built into countertops next to a glass-ceramic stove. In this case, only the lids of the round or round steam baskets are visible. oval shape and control panel. A steamer built into furniture is similar to a built-in oven. With this type of installation, the door to access the steamer is made transparent.

The water in the built-in steamer comes from a special vessel attached to the front wall of the housing, which must be filled before cooking begins. Expensive models are connected to water supply and sewerage. Built-in steamers have at least 2 cooking programs: steaming and defrosting and cooking frozen foods. More expensive steamers have 5 automatic operating mode programs and up to 140 cooking recipes. Functions

Steamers, like many kitchen appliances, have an auto-cook function, which includes several simple functions and is found in models with electronic control. It is enough to set the type of dish being prepared and its weight, and the time required for cooking will be selected automatically by the steamer. This feature makes using the steamer more comfortable. The number of automatic cooking recipes stored in the steamer’s memory can range from 2 to 75. Advanced steamers are also equipped with a rapid steam generation function (in 30-35 s), which also reduces cooking time.

Set

Typically, the steamer delivery kit contains the following items:

Special small-capacity bowls for rice, buckwheat, beans and other cereals;

Containers for preparing side dishes; grills or stands for boiling eggs;

Grids for cooking bulky whole products;

stands for steaming dyed products;

Containers for liquid and bulk products;

Trays for collecting condensate drops;

Trays for collecting excess juices and fat leaking from food during cooking;

Probe for monitoring the temperature of the product during the cooking process;

A cookbook with diet options for every day of the week.

Conclusion
Despite the reputation of the steamer as a device exclusively for “dieters” and people passionate about a healthy lifestyle, it is a device with great culinary potential, which is also worth trying for people who are seriously interested in cooking. We hope this article will help you in choosing a steamer.

Everyone knows that steamed food has its own taste qualities and beneficial properties from traditional food. All people who care about their health are advised to use steamed dishes. This food is especially relevant for children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as people who are concerned about diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. We will tell you how to choose a steamer in which you can cook many delicious and healthy dishes.

A steamer is a device necessary for preparing quality food.

Why buy a steamer

Previously, steamed dishes were prepared only for those people who simply needed it for health reasons, while other lucky people who did not have stomach problems preferred to cook food in the traditional way - boiling, frying, baking. For some reason, steamed foods were considered tasteless, and many people even sympathized with the “unfortunates” who had to eat exclusively steamed food. Nowadays, most housewives appreciate the steamer, and the device has taken pride of place in many kitchens. And not only because the cult of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle has firmly penetrated our consciousness. A double boiler, preserving vitamins and microelements in products, cooks them quickly, and, most importantly, independently. And this frees up the hands of housewives and gives them free time, which they can spend at their own discretion. So, instead of spending several hours in the kitchen, a young mother loads three baskets of a steamer with fish, rice and vegetables, and goes for a walk with her child. Upon their return, a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner awaits them.

How the steamer works

In short, food in a steamer is cooked in a water bath. At the base of the device there is a special container for water. After turning on the steamer, the heating element quickly brings the water to a boil. Steam is generated, which is supplied to the bowls located below. Steam cooks food.

Uniform and fast cooking of food occurs due to the fact that hot steam envelops the food from all sides. Another advantage of a double boiler is that it allows you to cook without using fat. This is very important for people who are trying to limit their fat intake.

How to choose the perfect steamer

The steamer with mechanical control is very light and easy to use.

If you decide to purchase a double boiler, you should decide on the characteristics that this device must meet so that it is convenient for you to use it.

Whichever steamer you choose, remember that only soft water should be poured into the device. If you use tap water, it is advisable to pass it through a filter. Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium salts, which, when water boils, turn into steam and settle on the walls of the steamer during condensation. The device body is covered limescale, which must be removed periodically. It is better to do this by pouring a solution of table vinegar into the steamer and turning on the device in operating mode.

Expensive models of steamers have a reminder function about the need to clean the walls of the device. There are models in which the electronic display displays information about the number of cooking cycles before the next cleaning of the device. There are also models on sale that automatically dry the walls of the steamer after each cooking cycle.

Device control type

Electronically controlled steamers are usually available in medium and high price categories

Most often, steamers have mechanical type management. They are easily recognized by their characteristic round handle on the front panel. To set the operating time of the steamer, just turn this knob.

Electromechanical is the simplest type of control, which has one advantage over electronic. To turn on the steamer, just one turn of the handle is enough. Electronic steamers are equipped with a button panel, which has a small display that displays the selected modes. It will take longer to understand the operating principle of such a steamer, but here you can more accurately set the cooking time. Housewives who have already used both types of steamers are advised to choose mechanical devices. Firstly, they are cheaper. Secondly, they break less often. Thirdly, the cooking time can be adjusted manually.

The electromechanical type of control is used in models of steamers in the middle and low price range. These are devices from Moulinex, Braun, Tefal, Atlanta, Binatone, Richards, Saturn, Viconte.

There are models in the middle and high price ranges with electronic control. Their price depends on the quality of the material from which the body and bowls are made, as well as on the number of additional functions. Some models of steamers from Siemens, Electrolux, Tefal, Scarlett, Vitek, AEG, De Dietrich, Gaggenau, Imperial, Kenwood, Kuppersbusch, Neff, Unit are equipped with electronic controls.

Device power

The cooking time in the double boiler depends on this parameter. The more bowls there are in the steamer you choose, the more power it should have. Typically the power of the device is from 400 to 1800 W. For a steamer with three baskets of 3-4 liters each, a power of 900-1200 W is sufficient. If you decide to buy a simple steamer with one bowl, a power of 400-500 W is enough to operate it.

Number and shape of steam baskets

An inexpensive steamer with one bowl is quite suitable for a small family with average income

Most often, steamers have two or three baskets, but there are models with one bowl. In models with two or three bowls, you can cook several dishes at the same time. If you have a large family, it is better to choose a steamer with three steam baskets. Be sure to check if there is a special bowl for rice.

Pay attention to the shape of the steam baskets. Most models of steamers have baskets with different bottom diameters, which is very convenient for storing the device (it takes up less space, since the baskets are inserted into one another). But baskets with different bottom diameters can be inconvenient to use, since it will not be possible to change the baskets during cooking if it turns out that in the lower part of the steamer the dish is almost ready, and in the upper part it is only half ready.

Bowls for steaming dishes are made of transparent heat-resistant plastic. You can monitor the cooking process.

Small bowls are very dishwasher safe. They are very convenient to store, which is important if you have a small kitchen with a minimum number of cabinets. Large bowls are necessary for cooking large foods (fish or whole chicken, and oval bowls are better suited for these products than round ones).

Bowls can have a collapsible or non-removable bottom. If the bottom is removable, you can assemble one large bowl from two small bowls. The bottom can be made of stainless steel or have a non-stick coating. The latter makes it much easier to clean the steamer and allows you to stew food in its own juice or marinade.

Steamers from Tefal, Bosch, Kenwood, Morphy Richards, Viconte, Unit, Binatone are equipped with collapsible bowls. At the same time, Tefal and Bosch steamers have a non-stick bottom.

Number of pallets

When choosing a steamer, be sure to find out how many trays are in the steamer model you choose. This is very important, because if the steamer has one tray (which is typical for most models), then steam condensate and juice from all products that are cooked in different bowls of the device flow into it. Consequently, the lower products will be soaked in the juice of the upper ones. Sometimes this is very good and sometimes not, depending on what foods are being cooked in your steamer at the same time.

It's better if the tray is deep. In this case, you do not have to turn off the steamer to pour out the accumulated liquid. A tray with a height of 1.5 cm is quite roomy, but it is better that the height be from 2 to 2.5 cm. By choosing a steamer with a deep tray, you will be sure that it will not overflow during the preparation of most dishes. Typically, dishes are cooked in a steamer for no longer than 60 minutes.

It is highly desirable that the tray have handles. This is especially true for trays that are not very deep - during the cooking process they will be filled almost to the brim, so it’s easy to get burned when pouring out water.

Water indicator and top-up option

If there is not enough water in the Kenwood mechanical steamer, you can add it without turning off the device

Some steamer models are equipped with an external water level indicator. This is very convenient because you can always check whether there is enough water in the device to form steam. After all, it is with the help of hot steam that dishes are prepared. The ability to add water during the cooking process is very important if you are using several tiers or steaming meat or fish. There may not be enough water in the pan for long-term operation of the device.

Water is added through a special funnel or through the hollow handles of the cooking basket. The ability to add water is not provided only in the cheapest models of steamers (Braun, Unit). Most devices are equipped with this function. These are steamers Tefal, Kenwood, Moulinex, Atlanta, Binatone, Saturn, Scarlett, Morphy Richards, Viconte, Vitek, Unit.

In expensive models, a sound signal warns of the need to add water to the steamer. There are also built-in steamers in which all processes are automated, including monitoring the water level and adding it. At the right time, purified water comes from the water supply, and the condensate is safely drained into the sewer.

Additional functions of the device

The TEFAL steamer with non-stick coating in all respects confirms the high reputation of its creators

In addition to the water level indicator and the ability to top it up during cooking, many models of steamers have the following additional functions:

• shutting off when there is no water in the steamer is a very important function, thanks to which the device is protected from overheating. Your comfort and safety when using a double boiler depends on it;
• delayed start – the ability to set the time after which the steamer will start working. A very useful feature if you need to prepare food by a certain time. In combination with the function of keeping the dish warm, the delayed start gives the housewife enormous opportunities;
• keeping the dish warm (Keep warm). This mode allows you not to turn off the steamer after finishing cooking. It can keep food warm for 12 hours. This is very convenient: you go for a walk, and when you return, a warm lunch will be waiting for you, even if you were late;
• “fast steam” is a function that allows you to speed up the cooking process as much as possible. Steam is generated very quickly - depending on the steamer model, in 30-40 seconds. Manufacturers claim that more vitamins are preserved this way. And the creators of the Vitamin+ steamer, Tefal specialists, claim that when this function is turned on, food cooks twice as fast;
• “recipes” or “automatic cooking” function. Available only in steamers with electronic control. The manufacturing company has stored several standard cooking recipes in the device’s memory. This is very convenient for those who do not know how to cook. It is enough to indicate the mass and product, and the steamer will independently select the desired program;
• steamer operating status indicator. This function is available in all models except the cheapest steamers from unknown Chinese manufacturers. It is clear that it is not recommended to buy these: it is not known what quality the plastic is in, what condition it is in electric wires;
• indicator of the time required to prepare the dish and a digital display showing the heating temperature. This function is only available in electronic steamers;
• sound alarm about the beginning and end of the cooking process.

Steamer built into hob, convenient and practical

Various models steamers are equipped differently. Thus, in addition to the required bowls for preparing food, supply kits usually include:

• container for side dishes, grid or stand for boiling eggs (steamers Tefal, Moulinex, Binatone, Unit, Saturn, Scarlett, Vigor, Vitek);
• a special bowl for cooking rice (steamers Moulinex, Tefal, Kenwood, Atlanta, Binatone, Braun, Saturn, Scarlett, Viconte, Vitek, Unit);
• a special grill for cooking entirely bulk products (Tefal steamer);
• trays for collecting condensate drops (Tefal, Kenwood, Saturn, Unit, Braun, Vitek);
• a container for bulk and liquid products and trays for collecting juice or fat that flows out of products during the cooking process (Vigor steamer);
• stand for steaming products that color other products (Braun steamer);
• probe that controls the temperature of the dish during the cooking process (can be purchased additionally at service center);
• a cookbook with recipes and recommendations for preparing dishes in this steamer (books are included with many steamers, but the device from Tefal has the most volume).

Other advantages of steamers

Many modern kitchen sets provide the ability to install a built-in steamer

In addition to the fact that the steamer is capable of cooking several dishes at the same time, preserving beneficial features products, it can warm up a cold dish, pastry or bread.

Thanks to the steamer, cold meat dishes can be restored to the taste of freshly cooked dishes. Cutlets and meat rolls will be juicy and very tasty.

In a double boiler you can not only cook food, but also defrost it. Thawed food retains moisture (unlike defrosting in microwave oven, where meat or fish dry out in some places).

You can quickly cook it in a steamer yeast dough for pies, creating optimal conditions to lift it. You can also blanch vegetables, sterilize home canning jars and baby food containers.

Choosing a steamer by price

Steamers of the same brand can be made in various variations, have different prices and various consumer indicators. Moreover, prices for steamers can differ several times.

Devices whose price is up to 1000 rubles are considered steamers in the low price range. They are suitable for preparing simple dietary dishes for a couple. In an average-priced steamer (2-3 thousand rubles) you can cook meat and fish dishes, side dishes (porridge, pasta, omelet). They tend to have fairly large cooking containers, so you can cook a whole chicken or big fish.

Steamers in the high price range (3,000 rubles and above) are steamers and multicookers in which you can not only steam, but also stew and bake. Expensive steamers can cook up to three dishes at the same time. But remember: the more dishes you cook, the more time it will take.

Expensive steamers select the temperature and cooking time according to the parameters specified by the user: the product itself and its weight.

The price of this device depends on its brand and design. Dimensions, power and equipment affect the price to a lesser extent. On Russian market models of tabletop steamers are presented, the price of which is from 1000 to 6000 rubles. Models Moulinex, Kenwood, Scarlett, Unit can be purchased at prices up to 1.5 thousand rubles. Steamers from Bork, Panasonic, Tefal, Braun, Kenwood, Morphy Richards cost from 2 to 6 thousand rubles. Built-in steamers are much more expensive.

Summary

A steamer is a reliable assistant in the kitchen for healthy eating enthusiasts and tasty food

Boiled and fried foods are devoid of vitamins and minerals, but this is not its main drawback. It can be hazardous to health, since, according to studies, long-term heat treatment of products (especially frying) leads to the formation of carcinogens - substances that have extremely harmful effects. Negative influence on human health (according to some data, they cause cancer).

If you have never used a double boiler before, be sure to give it a try. There is no doubt that you will be satisfied. After all, using this device is extremely easy: pour some water, add food, turn on the timer - and that’s it, you’re free. Go about your business until the signal calls you to the kitchen when everything is ready. There is no need to stir or turn the food, and you can only watch the cooking out of idle curiosity. You can also defrost food in a double boiler and prepare it for canning.