What a steamer. How to choose a steamer: an overview and practical tips

I'm glad to introduce you information about steamers, their features, functions, and how to choose the right steamer for you. So…

Steamer ( English food steamer) - fixture or household appliance for steam cooking.

I want to note that in the future, under the term "steamer", I will mean an electric double boiler.

Steam dishes are the basis of any diet menu. Eating steamed food without adding fat is recommended for diseases of the digestive system. The steam diet reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and is a great way to lose weight.

Steamed food is the recommended food for children, pregnant women and the elderly. One of the main arguments in favor of double boilers is the preservation of maximum nutrients. The steamer is considered optimal for cooking fish, minced meat, vegetables, soufflés and puddings. But this cooking method, ideal in many respects, is not suitable for all categories of products. Foods that require a long cooking time (such as large pieces of meat) and foods that need to be boiled in intensely boiling water, such as pasta, are not suitable for cooking in a double boiler.

Steam cooking eliminates such troubles as drying out or burning food, so a double boiler is an indispensable device for heating and defrosting food. For the same reason, washing the steamer is not difficult.

History of steamers

In different cultures of the world, there were recipes that required steaming products, and, accordingly, a variety of devices for this purpose. It is generally accepted that the Chinese invented this method of processing food, but there is also an opinion that the Chinese adopted it from the Arabs, who in turn borrowed this custom from the Berbers, the indigenous population of North Africa.

The oldest steamed dish is traditionally considered couscous (dishes prepared on the basis of semolina or other types of cereals, as well as durum wheat). The largest number of recipes for steaming comes from the Southeastern culinary tradition, due to the popularity of rice as a staple food in Asia (rice and rice flour are high in gluten and simply do not provide for a different cooking method). The traditional Asian steamer is a woven bamboo straw basket with a lid.

Baskets are placed one on top of the other on a container of boiling water. In order to control the water level, coins are placed at the bottom of the tank, the tinkling of which signals a sufficient amount of water. In such double boilers, the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans still cook rice dough products, fish and dumplings - both at home and in restaurants.

In the West, and in Russia as well, steam cooking has not received such significant distribution as in the East. For the preparation of dishes requiring gentle heat treatment, not a steam bath was used, but a water bath. The difference is that the container with food is placed in a vessel with boiling water, which heats the walls of the container. For example, classic English pudding is cooked in a water bath. In the historical Russian culinary tradition, steam processing has not gained mass popularity. So, in the famous book by Elena Molokhovets “A Gift to Young Housewives”, published in 1861, a steam bath was recommended exclusively for cooking puddings. And in the main cookbook of the Soviet era - "The Book of Tasty and Healthy Food" - there was a whole chapter "Steam fish", where this method of cooking fish was recommended as the best: "Steamed fish is tastier than ordinary boiled fish, since it contains much more flavor is retained.”

For steam cooking, a special pan with a perforated insert was used, on which food was placed. It was this pan that was the prototype of modern electric steamers, which appeared in the early 90s in the wake of growing interest in Asian cuisine, and wide use received thanks to the mass of advantages of this method of cooking and the fashion for healthy lifestyle life.

Types of steamer

There are two main types of steamers:

— pots with a perforated inlay or grate for cooking on a gas or electric stove.

— electric steamers , which are household electrical appliances. Electric steamers, in turn, are divided into: stand-alone (desktop) And built-in steamers.

Built-in steamers- a separate category of embedded technology. These are quite expensive multifunctional devices. They allow you to adjust the temperature of the water, have many automatic modes for cooking and defrosting food. The chamber of such a steamer is equipped with a built-in powerful heating element or steam generator. Built-in steamers have a tank for water and for collecting condensate, in special versions "plumbed in", which are connected directly to the water supply. They have cleaning programs, water quality control, multi-stage security systems and many more additional features inherent in expensive high-end equipment.

— Additional tray for cooking eggs;

- Function to turn off the device without water. This function is a protection against overheating of the steamer if it was turned on without water or the water evaporated completely.

- Automatic cooking mode according to the recipes stored in the steamer's memory.

How much does a steamer cost

The cost of steamers famous brands fluctuates - from 50 c.u. co standard features, and up to 200 c.u. more powerful and functional. Of course, there are steamers that are more expensive, but these are usually already built-in steamers, or professional ones, the capacities and functions of which are more designed for establishments. Catering than for home.

— The steamer used must be placed on a flat, hard, non-flammable surface. The distance from the surrounding furniture must be at least 20 cm. The free distance above the steamer must be at least 1 meter. Please note that steam emitted during operation will rise up and to the sides and settle on furniture and walls, which may adversely affect their condition.

— Do not carry or move the steamer during operation to avoid spilling water.

- Do not cover the steamer with a rag or towel.

- Exercise caution. During operation, parts of the steamer become very hot. The steam is very hot and the steam burn can be severe.

- Do not leave children in a room with a working double boiler, so that the constant interest of the little ones in the world around them does not bring problems to your family.

How to care for a steamer

Before first use. Remove labels, films, and possible foam residues from the packaging from the device. Wash the lid, rice bowl, steam baskets and drip tray thoroughly in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry all parts. Wipe the inside of the water tank with a damp cloth.

Cleaning. Before cleaning the appliance, always unplug it from the mains socket. With the exception of the base (base), all parts can be washed in dishwasher or manually using commercially available household detergents. The perforated bottom of the steam baskets is easier to clean with a brush. The base should be wiped with a damp cloth. Do not clean the steamer with abrasives.

Scale removal. After you have used your steamer several times (depending on the hardness of the water in your area), a layer of scale will form on the heating element, which must be removed. Therefore, after 7-10 uses, pour 2 cups of 5% vinegar into the water tank and add water until maximum level(so that the vinegar solution completely covers the heating element. Instead of vinegar, you can use special means- Antinakipin. Then replace the tray, one steam basket, close the appliance and turn on the steamer for 10 minutes. If after this time a layer of scale is still visible, set an additional time. After the appliance and the vinegar solution have cooled sufficiently, drain the vinegar and rinse the water tank several times. Additional anti-scale products can be read.

How to choose a steamer - video

Well, that's all, now you and I know everything that will help us in choosing a double boiler.

Good luck with your purchase!

Eating healthy food today is not only useful, but also fashionable. Appliances that help us prepare delicious, varied and harmless dishes have flooded the domestic market, and it can be difficult for an ordinary consumer to navigate this variety. Fortunately, our experts are not asleep - we are ready to tell you which steamer is the best according to the rating of 2017-2018, based on user reviews and statistics of selling sites.

A few words about the device itself

A steamer is a fairly simple device. Water is poured into the bottom tank. heating elements boil water, after which it turns into steam and affects the products that are placed on the upper tiers. The products retain all their beneficial features and original flavors. No cholesterol or carcinogens.

It’s good if your steamer has the ability to rearrange food baskets - for example, you can speed up cooking if you move the top tier to the very bottom, where the temperature and intensity of steam exposure are much higher.

Types of steamers

Steamers are round and oval. Designed for different volumes - from 0.2 to 40 liters. Made of plastic or metal. The former are light and cheap, the latter are practical and durable. Some models of food baskets have removable bottoms - this is very convenient if you often steam poultry.

Steamers also differ in the number of tiers. The more of them - the more functional the device becomes - you can cook several different dishes at the same time. For example, meat and a side dish for it. If you plan to cook several dishes at the same time - look for steamers with separate trays for each tier - this way you will prevent the mixing of taste and smell of products and you will be able to prepare a complete set meal with dessert.

And, of course, you should not ignore the division into stand-alone and built-in devices. For those, who Special attention pays to the appearance of his kitchen, hidden behind a neat furniture facade the double boiler will become both a reliable and inconspicuous household helper.

What you should pay attention to in the store - which steamer is better to buy? Here are a few simple tips to help you right choice. Also, it was these criteria that served as the determining factors for those models of steamers that were included in our rating of the best.

1. Power is the primary indicator that will help you choose a functional and productive model. The range of indicators is from 400 W to 5 kW. The higher the power, the better, then the products cook faster and do not risk falling apart. However, remember - your wiring must withstand such loads.
2. The number of tiers. Requires special attention to this parameter. On the one side - large quantity baskets will allow you to cook several dishes at the same time, and this is saving time and effort. On the other hand, calculate right time required for food preparation different height- a rather difficult task, especially for a novice cook.
3. Management and functionality. As with any appliance, you can control the operation of steamers using mechanical or electronic controls. The mechanics are simple and reliable. Electronics - more versatile and convenient. Which steamer is right for you depends on your personal preferences. The functionality of different models can also be standard or advanced. Delay start, timer, automatic shutdown, power controls, operation indicators - this is what is needed for the comfortable use of such a device at home.

Well, now is the time to find out which steamer is the best in 2018.

Rating of the most successful models of steamers

We will consider the most popular models of steamers in ascending order of price and tell you about both the advantages and disadvantages, if any, were described in consumer reviews.

Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

This is a model that attracts attention, primarily due to its low cost and excellent build quality. It has 3 tiers, volume - 9 liters, power - 900 watts. Of the possibilities - a timer for 60 minutes, auto-off, cooking and defrosting food, sterilizing dishes. Of the shortcomings - you can not add water during the operation of the device, and there is no delay start. But in general, the feedback from the owners is positive, they note such advantages: good volume; simple control; convenient to wash, basically, only a removable bottom.

Zauber X-560

Another good model with a democratic price tag. 3 tiers, power 700W, electronic control. With its low cost, this steamer boasts an impressive range of options and features - a timer, a delay start, a thermostat, a fast steam mode, autocooking. One of the most frequently purchased gifts for the elderly is a simple menu, easy care, full set steam cooking functions. Some owners complain about a short service life, but these are isolated cases, for the most part - the double boiler works for a long time and properly.

Braun FS 3000

The next position, which continues our ranking of the best. Roomy, versatile and at the same time - not very expensive. The model is assembled from only two tiers, but thanks to the divider, you can cook 4 dishes in it at once. Power - 850 W, the volume of the entire steamer - 6.2 liters, water tank - 2 liters. There is a security system (auto-off, water level indicator, temperature controller), timer, "quick steam" mode and temperature and time settings for 6 recipes. Of the significant flaws described in the reviews - the flow of fat into the water tank. This complicates the care of the steamer.

Philips HD9140

One of the most popular models, which combines a wide range of options, a fair price and decent workmanship. Without a doubt, in 2018 this steamer will continue to occupy high positions in the sales ratings. This steamer has 3 vertical tiers, 900 W power, electronic control. In it you can cook both side dishes and meat, as well as first courses. You can add water during cooking, use one of the 5 operating modes (steamer, boil, stew, egg cooker, reheat), do not worry about burning food.

Tefal VS 4003 Vita Cuisine Compact

Pleasant to the eye, compact and at the same time - quite a roomy double boiler. The total volume of the device is 10 l, three tiers, mesh bowls and trays for dishes of various consistency. Functional advantages - timer, delayed start, keep food hot mode. You can add water right in the process of cooking and not worry about safety - the device will turn off if all the water from the tank boils away. However, according to users, during cooking, the water in the tank does not decrease by less than half. The owners of this particular steamer note that it is easy to wash and pleasant to use - thanks to the “vitamin +” mode, the products reach readiness 2 times faster and do not lose their natural taste, color, or smell. By the way, you can fearlessly cook at the same time such disparate dishes as meat, side dishes and baked fruits, and not be afraid that the smells will mix. Such a double boiler will last for a very long time, because it is assembled, as they say, “in good faith”.

Philips AVENT SCF870

Steamer blender. Interesting solution for those who want to save on the purchase of two devices. Convenient, compact and durable, a smart purchase for a small, young family with a small child. Sterilizing baby dishes, making a variety of porridges and purees, steamed meatballs and fish dishes are all easy to prepare if you have the AVENT SCF870 in your kitchen. Power - only 400 W, one tier for cooking, timer for 20 minutes, small water tank - only 0.2 liters. However, this steamer is almost impossible to disable with intense loads, it is also easy to clean and convenient to store even in conditions small kitchen or rented apartment.

Braun FS 5100

Reliable, functional and stylish steamer with a round shape for quick and easy cooking of delicious and healthy meals. The materials from which the cooking containers are made are absolutely safe and non-toxic. What's more, they have a tinted dark color to keep foods like beets, spinach, carrots, etc. did not paint the plastic and the device as a whole looked neat. The steamer has two tiers, power - 850 W, durable and simple mechanical control. The manufacturer has taken care of comfort and practicality - in this steamer you can interchange the baskets, there are also operation indicators, an extra steam mode and the ability to wash the baskets in the dishwasher. Each basket has its own tray, which means that the smells of different products will not affect each other. However, as some owners note, for such a cost of a double boiler, the functionality could be expanded. However, for those who do not plan to often steam culinary delights, this is the best steamer.

Bosch Serie 8 CDG 634 BS1/BB1

One of the most budget models built-in steamers. Total volume - 38 l, power - 1900 W, made of stainless steel and enamel. It has four types of heating and twenty automatic modes of operation. Protected from accidental clicks, has an automatic self-cleaning mode and an indicator low level water in the tank. Those who buy this type of equipment will be able to recreate any design in their kitchen without fear of spoiling the look with one or another appliance. This Bosch steamer can be safely compared with an oven; also, this model compares favorably with an interesting design, a wide range of functions and high professional performance.

Smeg SC745VAO/VPO

In 2017, it became a hit among built-in steamers. Total volume - 35 l, power - 3200 W, electronic clear control, bright informative display. Can reheat, defrost, sterilize, boil or stew. The security system was carefully thought out and executed - blocking the control during cooking, stopping the supply of steam if the door is not closed, indicating the water level in the tank. The set includes a baking sheet, wire rack, cleaning agent and a special sponge. In the auto-cooking mode, you can use one of 15 ready-made recipes. In general, a stylish, modern and efficient steamer that will pleasantly surprise you with a variety of healthy delicacies for many years to come.

Now, you are aware of which steamer is better according to the rating of 2017-2018, we hope that answered all your questions that you might have when choosing the most suitable model such an important kitchen appliance. Happy shopping and healthy gastronomic delights - with a good steamer, it's easy and simple!

In fact, with the help of a double boiler, you can cook delicious dishes, without a single drop of oil, which will appeal to the most spoiled gourmets. For baby food, a double boiler is an indispensable thing, it prepares the first complementary foods for a baby. Which steamer to choose so that it does not disappoint and becomes a real helper in the kitchen? We will talk about this right now.

Types of steamers, the 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 installed on a pot of boiling water, on which the products for cooking were laid out. "Manual" steamers can be purchased to this day, they are very cheap in price, easy to operate.

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 the home.

These steamers differ from each other in the way they are controlled. How to choose the right steamer so that the first use does not become fatal? There are two types of control system, choose the most optimal for yourself.

Mechanical control

Uncomplicated control panel. It has a power button, rotary levers for setting the time and power as standard. Very simple and intuitive, quite practical. The price for such a device does not bite. You can buy within reason. Such a double boiler perfectly copes with its main task - steaming without any hassle.

Electronic control

Electronically controlled steamers are not a cheap option. Display, touch control, built-in cooking programs, all this will allow you to properly cook your favorite dish, practically without interfering with the process. Your task is only to prepare the food, and the electronic steamer will calculate the cooking time, the strength of the steam, 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 the home, you should know what kind of object it is and what parts it consists of. This knowledge will help you navigate the selection easier. The electric steamer consists of 3 parts:

• The base element is designed to heat water and convert it into steam. The power of the base is above 1000 W - your food will be ready faster, more dishes can be cooked at the same time;
• A water tank, usually located just above the base. The deeper the tank, the less often you need to add water to it;
• The drip tray collects the 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 double boiler, 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 on the products from the lower ones;
• A steam basket is an installation designed directly for placing food on it. Several installations of the basket on the 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 can cook food with one switch on.

Functionality of the steamer

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

1. The function of adding water to the tank

If the water in the double boiler suddenly evaporates all, the device will automatically turn off, and all modes will have to be set up again. But if the double boiler has the function of adding water right during the cooking process - you can safely add 100-200 ml each, the device will continue to cook your dinner without stopping.

2. Overheat protection

This function was given special attention in the program "Test Purchase" on Channel 1. Safety is paramount, especially in the kitchen. A steamer is a household appliance that long work gets very hot. If you do not have time to turn it off in time, then the next time the steamer may refuse to work. It is worth choosing a steamer with overheating protection, and then at the slightest risk it will turn off from the mains.

3. Food warming function

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

4. Delayed start

Do you 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 that you set yourself.

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

5. Fast cooking function

This will probably be one of the most frequently used functions by you. With a lack of time to quickly prepare a meal is not an easy task. Some steamers have a "Quick steam" function. It doubles the cooking time by raising the heat and producing more steam. 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 steamer for a house 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, mechanically controlled, is suitable, and the size of the pallet does not matter here.

Choose a steamer to your liking, and it doesn’t matter which company is listed on the label - the main thing is that the device is a joy to you and has served you well for many years.

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

What is a steamer for?

The 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 slow cooker and a double boiler differ. Rating best devices will allow you to choose the best option.

Functions that steamers can have

Recently, many hostesses in the kitchen have such an interesting device as a double boiler. The rating of the best of them is created taking into account some specific characteristics. But in order to compare models, you need to know exactly what functions a double boiler can have in general. 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. So the cooked dish will not burn.

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

• The ability to add water to the container during cooking. In this case, 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 thirty seconds.

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

• Switching off the steamer at automatic mode with a lack of water. This function will keep the device in good condition.

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

This is a list of options that the most “tricked out” steamer has. The rating of the best, user reviews are created on the basis of the availability and proper operation of these particular 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 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 to not only cook, but also defrost, reheat, sterilize. The power is only four hundred watts. But this ensures that the food does not burn. The body is made of stainless steel. Timer for one hour.

• SUPRA FSS-201 has a shutdown function in the absence of water. The internal volume is three and a half liters. Power 750 watts. Timer for one hour.
• "Ladomir 502K" has the best cost 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 a good cooking speed. Power of eight hundred watts allows you to cook any dish. Three tiers that can be interchanged.

The best inexpensive steamers according to users

What should be an inexpensive double boiler? Rating best models, based on customer feedback, includes the following models.

• "Mulineks MV 1401". Includes two interchangeable baskets, two removable racks, egg-boiling recess. The only drawback noticed is the small volume (only six liters).
• Vitek VT 1560 is one of the most capacious 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 set includes two baskets and two grids.
• "Skarlet SL 1550" has a volume of ten liters. Its power is 800 watts. There are three baskets, but there are removable grills. Due to this, you can cook up to six dishes at once.

The best devices in the middle price category according to experts

"Philips ND 9124" allows you to cook fragrant dishes due to the presence of containers for spices and herbs. In addition, there is a deepening for eggs, a bowl for rice. The steamer switches off automatically when the water level is insufficient. The "Refill" option works even during cooking.

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

"Vitek VN-1560" is distinguished by the presence of a liquid crystal screen. Two bowls and two removable grids are included. It has such functions as delayed start, auto cooking, water level indicator, spice bowl, quick 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 - a little lower. It should be noted 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 small power of 850 watts. Made from quality plastic. There is a separate bowl for coloring products. But there is no function of topping up water.

• Polaris PFS 0410 has a tank volume of 8 liters. Its power is 1360 watts. 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 water topping function.

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 from tinted plastic. You can wash the baskets in the dishwasher. The model is equipped with such options as sterilization, a deepening for boiling eggs, a container for making cereals.

• Philips AVENT SCF870 includes steamer and blender functions at the same time. Not only cooks food, but also grinds them. The model was produced mostly for families with small children.

Users' choice among expensive steamers

Let's see which, according to buyers, is the best expensive double boiler. Rating of the best, an overview of their functions further.

• Bork F700 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 a unique opportunity to cook not only for a couple. In a special tray, you can cook food in your own juice or any sauce.
• Kenwood FS 620 is suitable for the largest families. This model holds twelve liters. There is a noise regulator, the possibility of adding water. The special "Bost" function allows you to cook at an accelerated pace.

The most reliable devices

When choosing any products, you need to consider value for money. This indicator must correspond to the selected double boiler. The rating of the best models, taking into account this criterion, includes the following devices.

• Tefal VC 1002 Ultra Compact has three baskets. Them overall size nine liters. Management occurs only mechanically. The body is made of durable plastic. The timer counts down no more than one hour. During cooking, you can add water.

• 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, "quick steam".
• Tefal VC 3008 Steam "n" light has three tiers, which form a total volume of ten liters. The duration of cooking is checked by a timer for one hour. Even large quantities of food can be cooked. The power of nine hundred kilowatts allows you to do this. With this model, you can defrost any food. In addition to standard bowls and baskets, the package includes special ones and so on). Differs in high reliability, absence of noise.
• Zauber - X-570 is made of food grade steel. It has three tiers with a total volume of nine liters. It is convenient to follow the cooking process through the transparent plastic that was used to make the bowls.

Today in stores you can see a huge variety of kitchen appliances. Sometimes choosing exactly what you need becomes an impossible task even for the most experienced hostess.

Our article will talk about such a kitchen assistant as a double boiler. You don't know what it is yet? Or are you thinking about how to choose a steamer? Well, you've definitely come to the right place! We will help you not to make a mistake and buy a unit that will delight you for many years and will meet all your needs and desires.

Why do you need a steamer?

Now a huge number of people are paying increased attention to the food they eat. This is very correct. As you know, the healthiest food is the one that is steamed. With this processing method, all useful material, minerals and vitamins. When frying and boiling, they are destroyed, and people end up eating "dead" food. To prevent this from happening, get a double boiler.

Such a kitchen unit is also a great helper in the household. Sterilize dishes? Please! Defrost food? Not a problem! Reheat cold food? Easily! See how many functions this real “kitchen treasure” has collected! It turns out that one device can easily replace a sterilizer and a microwave. What else is a steamer good for?

In it, you can cook not one dish, but three at once. And in such portions that it is enough for a whole horde of guests. Another plus is that in a double boiler your culinary delights will never burn and become tasteless. And one more thing: to wash this miracle, you do not need to make titanic efforts, as, for example, in the case of a frying pan after frying. If the above arguments convinced you to run to the store tomorrow for a purchase, all that remains is to find out how to choose the right steamer. That's what we'll talk about.

What kind of food can be cooked in a steamer?

This is a versatile unit in which you can cook almost everything! Fish, meat, cereals and vegetables - the "queen of the kitchen" can easily cope with all this diversity. And if you add spices to the dish, it will become even tastier and more aromatic. A huge advantage of a double boiler is that the products cooked in it remain very juicy and tasty, they retain their color and appetizing appearance.

At the same time, there is no need to constantly “on duty” in the kitchen. This alone is reason enough to buy it. And to make it even more pleasant to cook, we will tell you which steamer to choose. Reviews of people who, due to their health, are forced to eat only dietary products, confirm that for these purposes the mentioned unit is simply necessary and 100% ideal.

Device device

One of the main advantages of a steamer is its simplicity. There are no sophisticated devices here, and even a teenager can deal with it. What is a steamer made of? Let's figure it out.

1. Base. In this section (the lowest) there is a water tank and a control panel, which can be mechanical or electronic.

2. Steam tanks. There may be several (up to three) or just one. The material for their manufacture is high quality plastic. It is edible, and therefore does not pose any threat to health. At the bottom of these containers there are holes through which steam enters. The uppermost section is tightly closed with a lid.

3. Pallets. There can also be several of them (for each container) or one common.

Gas steamer: pros and cons. How to choose a gas steamer?

The simplest steamer is gas. It does not have an electric “filling”, and in order to cook food in it, you just need to pour water and put it on gas stove. The question of choice is also quite simple. Here it is worth paying attention only to the number and volume of bowls, based on the needs of the family. But is everything so great? Let's look at its pros and cons.

Advantages:

• Simplicity.
• Lifetime. Since there is simply nothing to break in it, it can serve faithfully for many years.
• Profitability. After all natural gas in our country is much cheaper than electricity.

Disadvantages:

• Requires supervision when cooking.
• Insufficient functionality.

Based on this, it becomes clear that a gas steamer has much fewer options than an electric one, and often simply cannot compete with it. For this reason, further material will cover the question of how to choose the right steamer, taking into account only electric models.

Electronic or mechanical control?

Mechanical control is the simplest. This is its main merit. You just need to turn the lever to required amount minutes of cooking and the process will begin. Steamers with such a panel are the cheapest.

More expensive models have electronic control, their capabilities are much wider. On such a panel, you can turn on the timer, delay the start of the vaporization process, set the required operating mode.

Which steamer to choose (with which control panel) - according to by and large depends on the desired set of functions and financial possibilities.

Pallet: what exactly to pay attention to?

In order to answer this question, you need to understand: why do you need a tray in a double boiler? During cooking, it "collects" condensate and juice from food.

There can be one pallet, then it is installed under the lowest bowl, and juices from all available containers fall into it. In this case, a through construction is obtained, and moisture with odors from the upper bowls enters the lower one.

If you want to avoid this, then you should choose a double boiler with several trays, i.e. they should be installed under each bowl. Then the isolation of each dish is ensured.

If the liquid from the bottom pan overflows over its edges, this may cause damage to the unit. Accordingly, the height of its sides should be sufficient, 2-3 cm is good indicator. You will be able to calmly deal with current affairs and not run to the kitchen every 10 minutes.

You should also pay attention to the presence of handles on the pallet. Then it will be almost impossible to get burned.

Now you know how to choose a steamer wisely. It turns out that such an insignificant detail as a pallet should also be taken very carefully.

Steam bowls (baskets): which ones to choose?

First of all, you should pay attention to the number of containers. They, as already mentioned earlier, can be from one to three. The more people in the family, the more you will need.

In addition, there are different volumes of bowls. It varies from 1 to 3.5 liters.

An important factor, which, however, not everyone knows about, is the shape of the baskets. The fact is that there are models of steamers that have different diameter bowls. The bottom one is the largest, the middle one is smaller, and the top one is the smallest. It is not comfortable. Owners who leave reviews of this type of double boiler do not recommend purchasing these models. And the reason for this is simple: different kind products, the cooking time is different.

In the case when the food from the lower bowl is already ready, but not from the upper one, you just need to rearrange the baskets. As you may have guessed, this cannot be done in double boilers of the latter type precisely because of the design of the containers. Therefore, the shape, size and volume of the bowls must be approached thoroughly and responsibly. Pay attention to the presence of handles for each container. With them, the likelihood of getting burned will be reduced to a minimum.

Keep Warm - What is it?

Translated from English, keep warm means "keep warm". This is exactly what happens to the contents if the steamer has this function. That is, after the dish is cooked, the unit will not turn off, but will keep the food warm, suitable for consumption. Agree, this is a very nice little thing. Especially in combination with the delayed start function, which will be discussed below.

"Delayed start" - a necessity or a nice bonus?

With this wonderful feature, food can be cooked by itself in your absence. You just need to plug the steamer into the outlet, put food in it in advance, pour water and set the delay timer for the desired time. It can be from one to twelve hours. This function is simply necessary for very busy people when, upon returning home, they want to see a ready-made dinner on the table, and not raw semi-finished products.

This nice button on the control panel of your electric "cook" will save a lot of free time, so it's definitely worth remembering when asking in the store how to choose a steamer. Customer reviews unanimously confirm this, characterizing the delayed start function only positively.

Quick steam function

In modern double boilers with an electronic control panel, you can often find the presence of such a function as "Quick Steam". What it is? Why is she needed? And is it possible to do without it? This issue needs to be sorted out. Then you will understand even more clearly how to choose the right steamer and which unit you need.

We already know that this kitchen appliance cooks food quite quickly, while maintaining their useful properties. And with the "Quick Steam" function, dishes will appear on your table 2 times faster and will be even more useful. So says the manufacturer. The principle is simple: the fact is that when you press the corresponding button, the steamer starts to heat up even before the food gets into it. That is, they immediately and immediately find themselves in a "hot bath".

Do you need such a nice little thing? Probably, yes, when you are expecting guests, and there is catastrophically little time left for cooking.

What are the important things to pay attention to?

In addition to the functions discussed above, the steamer may have other useful little things. Of course, you can live without them. But they add comfort and thoughtfulness to the cooking process. And this, you see, is always pleasant. So this is:

• The possibility of adding water during the operation of the unit, thanks to a special hole. That is, you do not have to remove all the bowls of food for this.
• Steamer water level indicator.
• Overheat protection.

Power. Which one to choose?

How to choose a steamer for home? What power should you give preference to? This is perhaps one of the most important parameters, because it is no secret that the smaller it is, the slower the food will be cooked.

In stores you can find very different models, with power from 500 to 2000 watts. There are also those who have this parameter adjustable.

It is not necessary to choose the unit with the highest power. Actually here the most important point is its optimal ratio with the number and volume of baskets. For example, if a double boiler has only one bowl with a capacity of 1 liter, then 500 watts will be enough. If there are three bowls, and the volume of each of them is 2.5–3 liters, then, of course, it is better to play it safe and take more power (so as not to bite your elbows later). But, as practice shows, even 900 watts is usually enough with the head.

How to choose a steamer for home? Reviews. Rating of the best models

Today, steamers are produced by a huge number of companies. Manufacturers compete with each other to come up with original design, new highlights and functions. Sometimes the question “which company to choose a double boiler” seems insoluble. To make it easier to find the answer, we present to your attention a table that presents the seven most popular models of steamers with a description of their advantages and disadvantages (according to consumers).

Now you know how to choose a double boiler. This wonderful device will make your food tasty and healthy without any hassle! As for the criteria for choosing an ideal unit ... There is no specific answer to this question. Yes, double boiler reviews can clarify and help you choose a reliable manufacturer. But the final set of functions, control system and design can only be chosen by the hostess of the kitchen herself, knowing the needs and characteristics of her family. It is necessary to evaluate all the parameters together in order to select the ideal model for each individual case.