Which steamer is better to choose? How to choose a steamer? Rating of steamers and customer reviews. Dear steamer. Rating of the best according to experts

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, what power should it have, should it have additional functions, what type of control is preferable to you, what you want to cook in a double boiler.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 bottoms made of of stainless steel and with 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 recesses 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 a heating element brings 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 attention Special attention to the height of the pallet. 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 exhibit right time, you just 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 alarm about the beginning and end 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 glass ceramic hob. In this case, only the lids of the round or oval steam baskets and the control panel are visible. 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 devices, have an auto-cooking function, which includes several simple functions and is found in models with electronically controlled. 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 passionate about cooking. We hope this article will help you in choosing a steamer.

IN modern house in some cases, such a thing as a double boiler will be simply irreplaceable. This is a technique that allows you to steam food, allowing the food to be digested the best way, the safest for the body. Food from a steamer is indicated for children, pregnant and lactating women, people with diseases gastrointestinal tract and simply to all those who want to take care of their health. Food from a steamer is the least difficult for the stomach - it is easily digested, and steam processing allows you to preserve the maximum amount of useful components in the food. Which steamer is the right one to choose for your home?

Before deciding which device is best to buy in a store, you should find out what a double boiler is and what the principles and features of its operation are. This technique looks like this: at the bottom of the device there is a control panel, in the upper part there is one or more compartments for cooking, into which steam is supplied. The evaporated water envelops the food from all sides, so it cooks evenly and absolutely without the use of fat. This is both economical and important for people who want to reduce the amount of fat used in their diet.

For a steamer to work, the main element is water - you must pour liquid into the device from time to time, because without water it is impossible to get steam for cooking.

It is worth noting here that it is better to use special, prepared water in a double boiler. Ideally, this should be liquid passed through a filter. Otherwise, when using ordinary tap water, they will settle on the walls of the device various deposits. You will have to take them out from time to time. For example, limescale should be removed with a vinegar solution.

Some modern models Steamers have a system for cleaning the walls of the device. Others boast an alert system that reminds you of the importance of cleaning the walls. Be that as it may, the most modern models always have their advantages.

Appearance of a reliable device: what a double boiler looks like

What types of steamers are there, and what does a high-quality device look like? First of all, steamers are distinguished by their control panel - it can be either mechanical or electronic. The mechanical panel is more reliable and easier to operate; basically, you only have to turn one knob, which is responsible for the operating time of the equipment. In the case of an electronic display, everything is a little more complicated, but you can set more subtle cooking control parameters. This may be a special or even proprietary operating mode from the manufacturer.

In general, mechanical panels have a number of advantages over electronic ones, for example, they:

• Easier to operate;
• More reliable;
• Cheaper;
• They break less often.

The second thing you need to know about steamers is the power of the device. Everything is simpler here - the larger the steamer, the more baskets it has, the higher the power it requires. For a large steamer for the whole family, a power of 1200 - 1500 W is needed. For a small steamer with one basket, 400-600 W is enough.

Most interesting review steamers concerns the number and shape of their baskets. This is the most important nuance, distinguishing this category technology. The simplest steamers have one or two small baskets. Large steamers can have six or even eight baskets, each of which has a volume of 1-3 liters. Why does a steamer need so many baskets at once? It's simple, in each separate basket you can cook different dishes at the same time. If you want a steamer for non big family, then a model with two bowls is suitable for you, which copes with most of the tasks.

The most convenient to use transparent bowl, thanks to which you can monitor the readiness of the dish. The second important nuance is whether the bowl is removable; in the best case, you can conveniently remove the bowl and use it as a dish for storing food.

Well, don’t forget that the steamer bowl must have a high-quality bottom. Best bottom in in this case- made of non-stick coating that will last you the longest.

Nuances and selection criteria: how to choose a double boiler for your home

If you want to make the most informed choice of a steamer, then you should take into account many parameters, characteristics and nuances.

Namely:

• Control;
• Bowl volume;
• Availability of indicators;
• Power;
• Price.

Let's look at the nuances of choosing a double boiler in more detail. So, test purchase can be done primarily if you are satisfied with the operation of the device. The convenience of daily use of technology depends on it. We recommend choosing a mechanical control type with a timer knob. In this case, to start the device, you just need to turn the knob, setting it to the desired period of time. An electronic display is suitable for those who like to take control of all the nuances of cooking, for example, by setting a delayed start mode or heating food after cooking is completed.

As for the volume of bowls, it all depends on the needs of a particular family. For a large family, it is better to take bowls with a volume of about 2-3 liters, so that you can cook a large dish for everyone in a double boiler. Pay attention to the shape of the bowls; it is better if they are the same, in this case you can change the dishes right while preparing food.

If the dish on the lower tray is already ready, you can remove it and move the upper bowl to this place, speeding up the cooking process.

Well, don’t forget about water, without which the steamer simply won’t work. In order for the device to be in an active state, the heating element must be immersed in water. IN good models Steamers have a water level indicator, thanks to which you don’t have to guess how much liquid is left and whether it is enough to finish cooking the dish. In addition, it is convenient when there is a special hole for adding water while cooking.

Brief overview of steamers

In general, modern steamers on the market differ in many ways, which we discussed above, but for many of us it is always the most important point still is the price. Domestic manufacturers They offer equipment at the lowest price, but its durability is always comparable to the cost of the device.

Among the good domestic companies, Vitek is worth highlighting; Philips, Moulinex and Tefal are considered the best imported devices. It is also worth highlighting the Redmond company, without which no review of steamers today would be complete - the models are cheap and quite durable.

Expert answer: how to choose a double boiler (video)

The rules for choosing steamers are not much different from choosing other household electrical appliances. Besides appearance, it is important to take into account the ease of use of the model, which is quite difficult to determine at the time of purchase. Having looked at a certain model that fits the parameters, it is advisable to find out reviews about it. To choose a durable and convenient steamer for your home, you will have to spend a little effort.

Everyone knows that steamed food differs in its taste 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 traditional way- boil, fry, bake. For some reason, steamed foods were considered tasteless, and many people even sympathized with the “unfortunates” who had to eat exclusively steam food. Nowadays, most housewives appreciate the steamer, and the device has taken pride of place in many kitchens. And not only because of the cult 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 quick cooking products occurs due to the fact that hot steam envelops the products 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

Steamers with electronic control are usually presented in the middle and high price categories

Most often, steamers have mechanical type management. They are easily recognized by the 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 one-bowl steamer is quite suitable for 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 big 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 steamer models have baskets with different diameters bottom, which is very convenient for storing the device (it takes 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 convenient for washing in dishwasher. They are very convenient to store, which is important if you have 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 warns about the need to add water to the steamer sound signal. 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

In many modern kitchen sets It is possible 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 You can bring back the taste of freshly prepared. 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).

In a double boiler you can quickly prepare yeast dough for pies, creating optimal conditions to lift it. You can also blanch vegetables, sterilize jars for home canning and dishes for baby food.

Choosing a steamer by price

Steamers of the same brand can be made in different 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 steamed dietary dishes. 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 large fish in them.

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.

Price of this device depends on its brand and design. Dimensions, power and equipment affect the price to a lesser extent. On the Russian market there are models of tabletop steamers, the price of which ranges 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

Steamer - reliable assistant in the kitchen of supporters of healthy eating and delicious 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.

In fact, with the help of a double boiler you can prepare delicious dishes, without a single drop of oil, that will please the most pampered gourmets. For baby food, a steamer is an indispensable thing; it is used to prepare the baby’s first complementary foods. Which steamer should you choose so that it does not disappoint and becomes a real assistant in the kitchen? We will tell you about this right now.

Types of steamers, advantages of each of them

The oldest type of double boiler is a kind of water bath in Russian cuisine. A lid with holes was placed on a pan of boiling water, onto which the food to be cooked was placed. “Manual” steamers can still be purchased today; they are very cheap and easy to use.

If you are not averse to purchasing a device that is more expensive and more interesting, then you should pay attention to electric steamers for your home.

These steamers differ in the way they are controlled. How to choose a double boiler correctly so that the first use does not become fatal? There are two types of control system, choose the most optimal one for yourself.

Mechanical control

Uncomplicated control panel. It has a standard power button and rotary levers for setting time and power. Very simple and intuitive, quite practical. The price for such a device is incredible. You can buy it within reason. This steamer perfectly copes with its main task - steaming without any extra hassle.

Electronic control

Electronically controlled steamers are not a cheap option. Display, touch control, built-in cooking programs, all this will allow you to cook correctly favorite dish, practically without interfering with the process. Your task is only to prepare the food, and the electronic steamer itself will calculate the cooking time, steam strength, and upon completion will give a signal that the dish is ready and turn off.

Steamer device: pay attention to details

Before choosing a device for your home, you should know what kind of item it is and what parts it consists of. This knowledge will help you navigate your choice easier. The electric steamer consists of 3 parts:

• The basic element is designed to heat water and convert it into steam. Base power above 1000 W - your food will be ready faster, large quantity dishes can be prepared at the same time;
• A water reservoir, usually located just above the base. The deeper the tank, the less often you need to add water to it;
• The tray collects condensation that forms during cooking. There is most often one tray, but there may be several trays under each steam basket. You can choose a suitable tray using simple logic - if you plan to cook several dishes at once in a steamer, then it is better to take a device with a tray under each container, so that the juice from the upper baskets does not fall onto the food from the lower ones;
• A steam basket is an installation designed directly for placing products on it. Multiple basket settings per basket allow you to cook 2-3 dishes at the same time. Choose baskets of at least 1 liter, so that a family of 3 people can cook food in one turn on the appliance.

Steamer functionality

This is the most important point for potential buyers who are already on the threshold of the store and are about to purchase a steamer. A manufacturer can integrate more than 20 functions into a particular model, but the most valuable will be those that will bring you positive emotions, thanks to which the steamer will really become for you the necessary device. We list the most important characteristics that will be completely useful in a kitchen unit.

1. Function of adding water to the tank

If the water in the steamer suddenly evaporates, the device will automatically turn off and all modes will have to be set up again. But if the steamer has a function for adding water directly during the cooking process, you can safely add 100-200 ml at a time, the device will continue to cook your lunch without stopping.

2. Overheat protection

This function was given special attention in the program “Test Purchase” on Channel 1. Safety comes first, especially in the kitchen. A steamer is a household appliance that long work gets very hot. If you don’t turn it off in time, then next time the steamer may refuse to work. It is worth choosing a steamer with protection against overheating, and then at the slightest risk it will turn off from the network.

3. Food heating function

The steamer cooked the dish a long time ago, but you missed the moment and now a cold lunch awaits you. This can be avoided by choosing a device with a food heating function. Having prepared the dish, the steamer will automatically turn on the food heating mode and keep the dish warm for a time that you determine yourself.

4. Delayed start

Need to steam vegetables for breakfast? No problem. A steamer with a delayed start function will give you the opportunity to choose exactly the time to start cooking, which you set yourself.

If you know that the boss is planning an important meeting today, then you can prepare a simple dish for your loved ones without even being at home. Just cut the potatoes and champignons into cubes in advance and add some salt to the appliance basket. Turn on the delayed start function, for example, at 17.00. And in just an hour, your family at home will be able to dine on delicious steamed potatoes and mushrooms.

5. Fast cooking function

This will probably be one of your most frequently used features. When you don't have enough time, preparing a meal quickly is not an easy task. Some steamers have a "fast steam" function. It doubles the cooking time by raising high temperature and greater steam production. It is important to remember here that water with this function will also evaporate faster, and it is worth adding it more often.

In conclusion, we note that the choice of the optimal steamer is largely influenced by the number of your family members.

For a large family, it is a good idea to choose a home steamer with three tiers, a large water tank and several trays. For a family of 2 people, or for one person, a steamer with 1-2 baskets, mechanical control is suitable, and the size of the tray does not matter here.

Choose a steamer that suits your tastes, and it doesn’t matter what brand is listed on the label - the main thing is that you enjoy the device and serve you well for many years.