How to choose the right steamer for your home

Content:

What kind of steamers are there?
How does it work and what can you cook?
Criterias of choice
Additional functions
Rating of the best manufacturers
Conclusion

Nowadays, steamers have taken their rightful place in our kitchen. Increasingly, we are adopting a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet at its core. Therefore, instead of fried and baked, we choose to cook healthy food with steam.

Indeed, with this method of preparation, products retain as many vitamins and useful properties as possible. Especially if there are small children or people with a certain diet in the house. But even despite the specific need, it can be noted that such food will be useful for every person.

If you go to a supermarket to buy this technique, we will be presented with a large selection. Therefore, let's take a closer look at their types and how to choose a double boiler for your home?

What kind of steamers are there?

All steamers are different. From the method of installation in the functions they perform.

By the installation method, devices are distinguished:

Built-in.
Autonomous.

The built-in type is very convenient in that it saves space, the device has a specially designated corner. As a rule, they are built into a kitchen set (countertop), only containers for food remain visible. In such variants, buttons are located on the side panel. And also requires the installation of a water tank next to it. In appearance, this technique is somewhat similar to an electric stove.

Higher-end models allow connection to a common pipeline, which eliminates the need to manually fill the container with water each time.

The most primitive options include functions:

Heating.
Defrosting.
Steam cooking.

More expensive models can have advanced functionality and have 5-10 programs.

Freestanding (autonomous) steamers. Their installation is very simple. This unit can be installed anywhere in the kitchen where there is access to an outlet.

In general, it performs the main task properly. However, its disadvantages are that the freestanding type is more likely to be accidentally flipped over in the rush of cooking. And also in such steamers more modest functionality.

By control method:

Mechanical - equipped with a button (on / off) and a rotary lever that adjusts (sets) the cooking time. They have an automatic shutdown after the end of cooking. It copes well with the main task and is affordable.

Electric - equipped with an electrical panel, touch control. The display itself shows the set functions: temperature, cooking time, the amount of liquid in the tank.

Such a device will in the full sense satisfy your wishes for an autonomous cooking process. It is necessary to prepare food and select a cooking program. No further control is required, the installation will operate in the required mode for the correct preparation of the dish without your participation. True, such steamers are somewhat more expensive at a price, but this is completely justified.

Slabs are the simplest mechanism.It is a tall pan with several partitions on which food is laid out. Water is poured onto the bottom of the pan. After that, such a double boiler is placed on a stove (gas or electric). Heating the water produces steam and steam cooking. The easiest and most affordable way, but it requires on your part to control the cooking process for readiness. For the price, these steamers are the cheapest.

See also - How to use a steamer

How does it work and what can you cook?

The principle of the steamer is very simple. Water is poured into the lower compartment. The device is equipped with a heating element that brings water to a high temperature, which, in turn, turns into steam. The steam spreads from the bottom up, under its action, the products are brought to readiness.

Steamer cooking is a real delight. Indeed, with its help it is easy to prepare most products:

Meat.
Fish.
Vegetables.
Porridge.
Other products.

Among the advantages:

During cooking, you do not need to stir the food so as not to burn.
Installation of several containers allows you to cook several dishes at the same time.
Reheating food or defrosting food is also within the power of this device.
Some models have a delayed start function.

Criterias of choice

In addition to the brand, design and type of this unit, when choosing, you should pay attention to its main technical characteristics.

The power of power. The speed of cooking will depend on this indicator. In technology of this type, it varies from 600 to 200 watts.
The number of operating modes, programs. The basic functions are absolutely sufficient for cooking, defrosting or heating. However, their number can be much more - 5, 10, and even up to 20. Here you should decide how important they are to you and whether they will be used at all. After all, the more special functions the more expensive the equipment.
The number of containers. This is an important point when choosing a steamer. In particular, how much food you can cook depends on it. Approximately 2-3 containers are enough for a family of up to 3 people. If the family is large and you are actively steaming a variety of foods, then you should choose more containers. But note, the more their number, the more powerful the technique should be. Keep in mind that almost all sets have a container for cooking rice, but you can use it for different dishes (soup, porridge, pudding).
The number of pallets and their depth. A steamer may have one tray at the bottom. Or maybe installed separately under each container. This makes sense, the presence of a separate tray for each basket does not allow odors to mix during the preparation of different dishes. The depth of the pallet matters. Its recommended height is 2–2.5 cm. And if it is too flat, it will be necessary to drain the accumulated condensate more than once during cooking.

See also - How to choose an electric kettle?

Additional functions

Sophisticated and expensive types of steamers can be equipped with additional features. In order to understand for ourselves their importance in the process of operation, let's figure it out in detail.

Self-shutdown (auto shutdown). This function will secure the cooking process. When all the water has evaporated, the steamer will simply turn off. This way the food will not burn and nothing will burn. Under such conditions, you can safely leave the steamer unattended.
Delayed start. This function allows, for example, to set a program in the morning, put food in and delay the start time. You can also set the timer so that when you return from work, there is already prepared food waiting for you.
Express steam. They are characterized by fast steam generation, which will ensure fast cooking.
The recipes are smart stand-alone cooking. Provides the preparation of an independent dish according to the recipe already included in the device.The hostess only needs to lay out the specific ingredients in the required amount and choose the right recipe.
Function "topping up water in a container". This function provides the ability to top up water while cooking. Allows you not to interrupt the cooking process, and then turn it on again.
"Maintaining the temperature" allows you to keep already cooked food warm for a long time - up to 13 hours.

Rating of the best manufacturers

When choosing a double boiler, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. A proven manufacturer provides the possibility of warranty service through the existing network of service centers. Many manufacturers, along with kits, produce additional accessories for steamers. In particular, bowls, baskets, pallets. The top of the most common brands that represent good options for this technique will help guide you on how to choose a steamer for your home.

Tefal

Leading the way in kitchen equipment. Has the best reviews from both consumers and experts. The steamers of this company are characterized by spacious trays and baskets, with a non-stick coating. Most of the models are endowed with great functionality. The manufacturer is ready to offer an option in a different price category. From cheap to premium.

See also - 5 best Tefal steamers of 2019

Philips

This company is ready to offer good steamers for three sections, which are characterized by high power and low price. At the same time, the steamers are made with maximum comfort for consumers. Equipped with a variety of handles (holders), compartments for seasoning, the ability to refill water and the like.

Moulinex

Represents good steamers, in particular for two baskets, which also have the function of adding water.

Braun

A proven brand, for a reasonable price, it represents quality equipment. Some models of steamers have a dark bowl, which is important for products that can stain the container.

Scarlett

A cheap brand, however, decent in quality. Provides the necessary functionality and has an attractive design.

Conclusion

As it became known, steamers can be very diverse according to various criteria. They all have their own characteristics, endowed with various functions and have their own advantages. Actually, a detailed description of all these options will help you make the right choice for your home. In particular, now we clearly know what types they can be, what functions they can accommodate, etc. Therefore, you can go to the supermarket aiming, for a double boiler with specific requirements for it.

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