We have compiled a rating of steamers in 2020, which includes the best models with electronic and mechanical control. When choosing a steamer, many factors should be taken into account: the number of tiers, the volume of the baskets, the power on which the heating speed and the duration of cooking depend. Equipping with additional bowls for cereals and sauces is also important. The control method, automatic programs for cooking common dishes, and protective functions (shutdown in the absence of water, notification of its end) are also of great importance. Considering all these factors, I have prepared the TOP 10 best steamers for home for 2020. It includes both simple models with a minimum of capabilities, and steamers with intelligent controls and a large set. I collected the advantages and disadvantages from reviews of real owners.
The best steamers for home
Morphy Richards 470006
Morphy Richards 470006 deservedly takes the first place in the rating - a steamer with intelligent control for preparing healthy dishes for a healthy diet. Unlike most models, which consist of slotted baskets that mix flavors, Morphy Richards is equipped with independent containers. One of them is divided into two parts, which are also separated from each other and have different controls. This allows you to cook three different dishes at the same time, requiring different cooking times and temperatures. The containers are not located vertically, but horizontally. This improves the quality of the food, since the flavors do not mix, and the juice from some products does not get onto others. It also makes storage easier. There is no need to look for a high shelf for a multi-tiered structure. The total volume of the tiers is 6.8 liters. The set includes two slotted containers made of stainless steel, one long and two mini pots, a rice bowl. A feature of the model is the local heating of water to create steam. Less than a minute after switching on, steam is already entering the compartments. You do not need to wait until the water heats up. You can control the preparation of dishes in each container separately: set the mode for each, select the time, delay the start by timer. There are 8 preset modes for different foods (fish, chicken, vegetables, sauce, rice, eggs, beans). There is also a user program that allows you to set the cooking time at your discretion. Convenience in using the steamer is added by non-heating handles, a water level indicator, a safety shutdown when overheating or in the absence of water. Also worth noting is the high power of the steamer - 1600 W (the highest among the models included in the rating). This ensures fast heating of water and speed of cooking. Read more about the steamer in the review IntelliSteam 470006.
Benefits:
- Rapid heating of water.
- The water tray is spacious. Enough for a long time.
- Convenient form of trays.
- Easy maintenance. The containers are easy to remove and clean.
- There is a synchronization function that allows you to cook all products at the same time.
- Convenient management.
- Doesn't require much storage space.
- Easy topping up with water (no need to remove containers during cooking).
Disadvantages:
- Short wire.
- The maximum time to keep warm after cooking is only 40 minutes.
- Some users find the cost too high.
Morphy Richards 470006 costs about 15,000 rubles. The steamer from the British manufacturer is distinguished by high-quality materials: environmentally friendly plastic, stainless steel trays, a lid made of impact-resistant glass, non-slip legs. The model with horizontal tiers is more compact. Morphy Richards has three containers so you can prepare different dishes without worrying about mixing flavors. Thanks to the independent control system, different settings can be made in each container. The cost is higher than that of standard steamers, so 75% of buyers recommend it.
Tefal VC1451
The rest of the steamers included in the rating are 2-3 times cheaper than Morphy Richards 470006, have a standard vertical arrangement of tiers and do not provide for the control of each of them separately. Therefore, it makes no sense to compare them with the leader of the rating. So, the second place of the TOP or the first among the more affordable models is occupied by Tefal. This steamer is equipped with just two stainless steel containers with non-heating handles and glass lids. The total volume is 6 liters. Bowls and lids are dishwasher safe. At the bottom of the appliance there is a compartment for adding water, which allows you to add liquid without interrupting the cooking process. The end of water is indicated by the indicator. The control is performed by a timer. It is necessary to set the required time for cooking. At the end of the set time, the steamer switches off and beeps. Steamer power - 900 W.
Benefits:
- Beautiful, compact.
- Metal bowls (easy to clean, easy to clean, do not lose their appearance over time, like plastic).
- Deep condensate tray.
- Large bowl for water.
Disadvantages:
- There are cases of timer breakdown.
- Silent sound signal at the end of cooking.
- Small bowl for rice.
- There is no temperature maintenance (heating) mode.
The cost of Tefal VC1451 is 6500 rubles. It is distinguished by its simplicity and minimal equipment, as well as the absence of preset modes and programs, but, on the other hand, it consists of reliable and durable steel containers, not plastic ones. This is the best option in terms of price-quality ratio. It has easy operation, folding baskets for compact storage, the ability to add water during cooking without attention to the tiers. The only drawback is that it is not suitable for simultaneous cooking of different types of products, since it is equipped with only two bowls. 93% of owners of such a steamer recommend it for purchase.
Kitfort KT-2035
In third place in the TOP is Kitfort KT-2035 - a five-tier model with 1.6 liter stainless steel containers and a glass lid. Two baskets have a solid bottom and are suitable for making soups, cereals and casseroles, the rest are equipped with juice drain holes. They also have egg recesses. The water tank is large enough - 1 liter. When it evaporates, the device automatically turns off. This electronically controlled model is equipped with a timer. Has a fast heating mode.
Benefits:
- Reliable stainless steel containers.
- Clear control.
- In the absence of water, it does not turn on.
- Many bowls for different types of food.
- The water boils quickly. The reservoir is spacious.
Disadvantages:
- The shutdown sound is not very loud.
- No auto programs.
- Concise instruction.
The cost of Kitfort KT-2035 is 5200 rubles. Despite the low price, the model has excellent technical equipment and equipment. It is inferior to Tefal VC1451 in power (600 W), but surpasses the number of tiers. Although, in the upper cooking is slower than in the lower ones, like other steamers of this type. And the same disadvantage, characteristic of all similar models, is that juice from the upper tier will flow into the lower one.
Tefal Steam N'Light VC 3008
The next TOP position is taken by Tefal Steam N'Light VC 3008.Model with electronic control and more complete set and functionality than Tefal VC1451. She gets less space for the material of containers and lids - they are made of plastic, which means they are less durable. This is a three-tiered steamer with wide baskets, with a volume of 3.3 liters. Just like Tefal VC1451, it is equipped with a water indicator and a spout for filling it directly during operation. The advantage of Steam N'Light VC 3008 is the ability to heat food after cooking. The steamer has 6 built-in modes for cooking fish, chicken, hard and soft vegetables, cereals and desserts. For the latter, the set comes with a bowl for rice and a mold for muffins and muffins. There are cavities at the bottom of the containers for boiling eggs. The steamer is equipped with a defrost function that allows you to defrost and cook frozen food. Also, like Tefal VC1451, the model is equipped with a timer that allows you to independently select the cooking time.
Benefits:
- Quality materials.
- Clear control.
- The backlight is on during operation (when cooking is over, it flashes).
- Convenience of storage (all baskets are put into each other).
- Dishwasher safe.
Disadvantages:
- Condensation accumulates on the upper bumpers.
- The water level is not visible.
- In the upper tier, food is cooked more slowly.
- After several years of operation, the baskets may crack, lose their transparency and attractive appearance.
- The slots in the bottom are too small. They are inconvenient to wash, and when they are fully loaded, the steam runs out worse.
- There are no handles on the condensation tray.
Tefal Steam N'Light VC 3008 costs 8900 rubles. The steamer surpasses Tefal in many ways: auto modes, defrost function, thermostat for keeping ready meals warm. It also has a larger configuration and a large number of tiers. But the highest step in the Tefal Steam rating could not be obtained due to a number of shortcomings. 82% of buyers are satisfied with the operation of the steamer.
Braun FS 5100
Braun FS 5100 differs from other models in the same fast water heating as the leader of the rating - 45 seconds. It is completed with two baskets of 3.1 liters and a separate bowl for rice with a capacity of 2 liters (which is an indisputable advantage, since most steamers have much smaller cups for cereals). The set also includes a 2 L bowl for colored products (eg beets), made of dark plastic. All baskets are made of food safe plastic, approved for the preparation of baby food. They have not only slots for eliminating condensation, but also recesses for boiling eggs. The water tank is quite spacious - 1.2 liters. The control is carried out using a rotary timer, the maximum time is 60 minutes. At the end of the preset period, the steamer switches off and beeps. In terms of power, it is slightly inferior to Tefal - 850 W.
Benefits:
- Beautiful view.
- High quality durable plastic.
- Convenient roomy baskets. There is a possibility of boiling eggs, cooking cereals, casseroles.
- Simple controls.
- Large water tank. Enough for most meals without topping.
Disadvantages:
- There are cases of breakdown of the timer rotary mechanism.
- No water indicator.
- Does not turn off if the container runs out of water.
Braun costs 7,000 rubles. The two-tier model is equipped with additional bowls, which expands its functionality. Also, like Tefal, it does not provide separate modes for cooking the most common products. It is inferior to Tefal due to the lack of an indicator and the inability to add water during cooking. Nevertheless, for high-quality performance and functionality, 93% of users recommend it for purchase.
Russell Hobbs 23560-56
In last place in the Russell Hobbs rating is 23560-56 - a simple budget model with three tiers. Baskets with a capacity of 3.5 liters are made of food grade plastic. Complete with a bowl for cooking cereals and a container for spices. The control is carried out using a timer. In this case, you can not only set the cooking time with subsequent shutdown, but also postpone the start.The power of the steamer is the highest among the models included in the review (excluding the leader) - 1000 W.
Benefits:
- Stainless steel body.
- There is a water indicator.
- Easy care.
- Clear control.
Disadvantages:
- Water is topped up from the back (not very convenient).
- You cannot remove the bottom of the previous tier, like Tefal (for cooking large products or sterilizing jars).
Russell Hobbs 23560-56 costs only 3700 rubles. The steamer is made quite efficiently and reliably. But it has a simple device that limits functionality - a non-removable bottom, no recesses for eggs. The model surpasses others in power, thanks to which it quickly heats up the water. It has not the most convenient location of the spout for pouring water. Due to the low cost and reliability, 92% of buyers are ready to recommend Russell Hobbs 23560-56 for purchase.
The best blender steamers
Happy baby fusion
Appliance in a pleasant blue and white color with the functions of a blender and a double boiler. If you take out the container, the knife will chop the pureed food. If you pour water and insert a container with vegetables, it steams them (if the appropriate mode is selected). It is positioned by the manufacturer as a cooking device for babies. The control is mechanical, which is typical for all models described below. Price: 3 466 rubles.
Benefits:
- stylish design;
- the ability to make mashed potatoes in a blender;
- simplicity of work;
- all parts are easy to clean and wash;
- easy assembly and preparation;
- good price.
Disadvantages:
- there is no sound warning about the end of water.
See also - Choosing a blender from the best company
Kitfort KT-2305
Combined device measuring 24x24.5x16 cm. One basket included. Blue and white plastic case with dark blue edging. 0.23 liter water container. There is no power indicator. Power consumption 400 watts. Weight 2.1 kg. Power cord 0.84 m. Price: 3 750 rubles.
Benefits:
- small, comfortable, stable;
- ease of care;
- the required functionality;
- high-quality assembly;
- cooks quickly;
- grinds well;
- low noise level;
- high-quality grinding and cooking;
- you can control the degree of grinding;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- the volume is too small;
- there is not enough timer;
- no measuring cup for water;
- lack of a signal to end work;
- condensation drains and a puddle forms under the steamer;
- quality of plastic.
See also - How to choose the right steamer for your home
Philips AVENT SCF870
Blender-steamer with dimensions of 16.5x30.8x16.5 cm. The capacity of the steam basket is 0.8 liters. The volume of the water container is 0.2 liters. Plastic housing (white / green). It is possible to set the shutdown time using a timer (up to 20 minutes). The readiness of the dish is indicated by a sound signal. Includes measuring cup, spatula, recipe booklet. The equipment includes a system that controls the safety of closing the lid. Power 400 W. Weight 2 kg. Power cord 0.7 m. Price: 8,280 rubles.
Benefits:
- takes up little space, comfortable;
- 2 in 1, food is chopped immediately after cooking;
- cooking speed;
- sufficient bowl volume;
- measuring cup;
- book of recipes;
- timer;
- irreplaceable device for preparing food for a child;
- easy to clean.
Disadvantages:
- expensive;
- the cord is short;
- sharp inner plastic bowl.
See also - How to use a steamer
Philips AVENT SCF875
Steamer-blender with one 1 liter bowl. The plastic case is white and gray. There is a program for defrosting and heating. Allows you to set auto shutdown up to 30 minutes. The end of the cooking process is accompanied by a sound signal. Has a 750 ml chopping bowl. Power 400 W. Power cord 0.7 m. Price: 11 390 rubles.
Benefits:
- Beautiful design;
- compact;
- combined use (after a double boiler, turning the jug over, chopping occurs in a blender);
- defrosting;
- clear management;
- cooks quickly;
Disadvantages:
- the need to drain water before grinding, otherwise it gets into food;
- not entirely thought out bowl design;
- short wire;
- expensive.
See also - 6 best steamers under 5,000 rubles according to customer reviews
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a double boiler, you should know that they are similar in principle of operation, but may differ significantly in characteristics and functionality. Of course, the cost also depends on this. Key points to pay attention to:
- Power... The more powerful the steamer, the faster it will cook the dish. Accordingly, more nutrients will remain in it. But the power also depends on the number of tiers - in order to provide the optimal amount of steam for each of them, the device must be more powerful than for a single tier, for example. On average, two-tier equipment is presented in a power of 700-900 W.
- Number of tiers... The number of baskets and their capacity should be determined according to your needs. The convenience of several tiers is the ability to cook products of different types, differing in the cooking speed, at the same time. The containers can be of the same size, which allows them to be replaced with each other. If they are of different sizes, this makes storage easier, because they can be folded into each other. Some baskets have a removable bottom, which allows you to combine two tiers into one for cooking large foods (for example, whole chicken).
- Auto power off by timer... The function of self-switching off after a predetermined period of time makes cooking much easier. The models offer limited options: up to 20-60 minutes.
- Sound signal... A convenient addition is the sound notification of the readiness of the dish. But not all steamers are endowed with it.
- Delayed start. The presence of a timer allows you to set the switch-on time so that the dish is cooked by a certain date.
- Control type... Steamers with mechanical and electronic controls are on the market today. The first ones are easy to control - just turn the time regulator. The second, as a rule, are endowed with special modes, can include ready-made programs for cooking specific dishes, determine the cooking time taking into account the volume of products, etc. Some of them are equipped with a keep warm function and other features not available on mechanical models.
- On indication... Almost all steamers provide a light bulb on the body, which lights up when plugged into the network.
- Water level indicator... Since the work of the steamer is based on the evaporation of water, it is imperative to control its level. For this, many of them are equipped with an indication. This may be a light bulb that lights up when there is a lack of fluid. In other cases, the tank is made of transparent material to control the fill level. By the way, most steamers provide a safety shutdown when the liquid ends. This capability will ensure the safety of use.
- Reservoir for refilling water during operation... Since cooking can take a long time, and some models are presented with a small container for water, it is convenient to replenish the volume of liquid directly during cooking.
- Power cord length... This parameter is important if the outlet is located at a distance from the place where you plan to place the steamer. On average, models are presented with a wire of the order of 0.7-1 m.
