Any healthy food fanatic will ever think about how easy it is to make healthy food preparation simpler with a successful steamer model. Thanks to this technique, you can diversify your home menu, turning every meal into a gastronomic delight.
The main task is to deal with the questions: "What is the best steamer to buy?", "Do I need a steamer home?" and "What will be better: a multicooker or a double boiler?" When choosing between two types of modern technology, it is worth considering such a moment as dishes that are often planned in cooking.
So, for example, if fried, stewed foods or baked goods are often used, then you should take a closer look at the multicooker. If the priority is exclusively steam food, then it is better to give preference to a double boiler. For people suffering from gastrointestinal problems, pregnant women, mothers of young creatures, individuals who care about the figure, a double boiler will be the best purchase.
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The steamer has not just turned into an irreplaceable assistant in the kitchen. Its advantages are obvious, because it is the guardian of health, protects against the use of harmful dishes. During the cooking process, nutrients and vitamins from food do not evaporate, but are preserved. The steamer allows you not only to create delicious and healthy food, but can also help in warming up dishes, sterilizing children's dishes.
It is very convenient that food from the steamer will not upset by burning, so there will be no problems with washing the device.
To cook in a double boiler, you do not need to be an inveterate cook, you do not need any special knowledge, because everything is incredibly simple. You just need to take your favorite products, tamp them into the steam basket, add water, start the unit in operation and that's it, after a while you will have an awesomely tasty meal filled with benefits and pleasure.
The principle of operation of any steamer is absolutely simple. The device has a heating element, due to which the water boils and steam is generated, gradually rising up and enveloping the food. This steam also cooks the goodies in the bowl. When juice is released from the food, it, flowing down the walls of the steamer, falls into a specially designed tray.
Raising the question: "How to choose a steamer?", You need to carefully identify for yourself the desired functions in the device and understand the selection criteria.
There are two types of steamer control: mechanical control and electronic control. In the first case, to stop the operation of the steamer, you just need to turn the switch. The advantages of this type of control are that turning on, turning off and setting the required parameters occurs by simply rotating the switch. In the second case, when the electronic type of control, the steamer operates with the help of a special panel, where the display with buttons is located. This type of control is not as easy as the first one, but with it you can afford to keep the dish hot or delay cooking for several hours.
Bowls come in a variety of sizes and typically range in volume from 1.5L to 3.5L. Ideally when they are the same size. Often there are steam or triple bowls in steamers, but there are models that have only one single bowl.
The standard wattage for steamers ranges from 600 to 2000 watts. Typically, the higher the power of the appliance, the faster the cooking process.
When choosing a steamer, one of the key points is the pan. It seems, but what is special about it? But, if it turns out to be too miniature, then problems will arise due to the accumulation of condensate. Therefore, pay attention to what kind of sides the pallet has. Their ideal height is 2-2.5 cm.
Video tips on how to choose and maintain a steamer:
When puzzled by the question, which of the manufacturers is the most worthy and is included in the rating of quality goods, then you should rely on the reviews of people who have already got acquainted with the equipment from these brands. The most popular and most reputable companies are the international brand Tefal, the German brand Braun, the Dutch company Philips, the Russian-Chinese trademark Scarlett and the French brand Moulinex. True, the latter brand is almost never on sale.
Nevertheless, other manufacturers also have models that consumers love.
All existing steamers can be divided into pots with a perforated insert or wire rack and into an electric type.
The first option is always installed on the stove. But the second option can either stand alone, such as a multicooker, or it is a built-in double boiler. Ideally, the most advanced technology is built-in, but it has a significant disadvantage, since the price for such a pleasure is over one hundred thousand rubles.
Customers often ask for steamers with glass bowls, but such models are also fabulously expensive and difficult to find on sale.
Build steamers out of durable heat-resistant plastic and metal. Plastic, of course, will cost less and it is convenient to observe the cooking process in them, but metal steamers will last much longer and they store heat better.
The rating of quality steamers is opened by a little-known model, but already loved by many buyers. This is a MagnitRMC-3130 steamer. Its advantages are that if you summarize all the important criteria when choosing, then it will turn out to be not only of high quality, but also budgetary. Its cost varies between 600-700 rubles.
This steamer model includes two baskets, a timer and a sound signal. The device is controlled mechanically. You can cook two different dishes at the same time without fear of mixing up the flavors. It is suitable both for baby food and for creating any dishes suitable for a healthy diet.
While studying popular models, it is impossible not to pay attention to the Philips HD9140 steamer. It is controlled electronically. An audible signal is present, as well as the presence of an indication of inclusion. It has 3 tiers and a rice bowl is included as a bonus. Power as much as 900 watts. Product weight 2.3 kg. The average price is about 8,000 rubles.
In eighth place in the ranking is an electronically controlled steamer. Model Zauber X-570 draws power up to 700 watts. The device has a timer, which greatly facilitates the cooking process. The material from which the equipment is made is stainless steel. The steamer has 3 tiers and a bowl for cooking rice. Product weight 3.8 kg.
The reliable BeabaBabycook Steamer continues to win the love of consumers, which is not surprising given its functionality. This steamer not only fulfills its standard functions, but is also a steamer blender. Mechanical control type, low power 350 W. There is only one tier, but this does not prevent the double boiler from delighting with brilliant, or rather delicious results. The material is plastic. The product is compact, which is important for small kitchen parameters. The average price is about 11,000 rubles.
Video review and practical feedback on the steamer:
Beloved by many buyers, the Tefal VC 3008 Steam'n'light steamer attracts attention with its 900 W power, auto-cook function, the ability to defrost food, make dishes from frozen foods and other important moments. The device has three tiers, which makes it functional. The average price is about 8,000 rubles.
Learn more about the benefits of a steamer in the video:
A successful model from the manufacturer SUPRAFSS-201, which pleases with its budget prices. This steamer does a great job with the basic function of preparing healthy food, and if the customer does not require any special bells and whistles, then it is worth taking a closer look. Model with the simplest mechanical control. Power consumption 750 W. There are two tiers. There is a timer function. If it suddenly turns out that there is not enough water in the device, the device will turn off. The construction is made of plastic. The average price is 1,300 rubles.
This model has great functionality. The device can be operated mechanically. The power is 850 watts. There is a function with a timer, and there is a signal indicating the end of work. Tiers in model 2. Rice basket is available. The average price is about 8,000 rubles.
In third place is the well-proven Philips AVENT SC875 blender steamer. It is controlled by mechanical adjustment. It consumes 400 watts. There is a timer function. An audible signal is also present. The construction is made of plastic.As a bonus to the steamer, there is an additional function of heating food and defrosting food. This steamer eliminates the hassle and extra equipment.
Video demonstration of using the steamer:
The excellent TefalVC 1301 Minicompact is worth highlighting. The model may well receive the title of "ultra-compact" and this despite the fact that it has standard 3 tiers and there is a bowl for rice. The control unit is mechanical. The power is 650 watts. Plastic construction. The average price of such a model is about 3000 rubles.
The Braun FS5100 completes the Top-ranking of the best steamers. This steamer attracts attention with its unrivaled functionality. The water in it boils almost instantly. The apparatus is controlled by mechanical adjustment. Power 850 W. There is a sound signal that notifies about cooking. Tier two and an optional bowl for cooking rice. This model can be safely washed in the dishwasher. The average price is about 9,000 rubles.
This category includes devices worth up to 5,000 rubles. According to buyers, they have a good technical base, are reliable and affordable.
The fourth place was taken by the “KT-2035” equipment with electronic control for 5 tiers - a godsend for large families and those who like to eat tasty food without harming their health. All baskets are made of food grade stainless steel. The frame is plastic, equipped with a display where information is displayed during cooking. There is a timer, a shutdown function in the absence or lack of liquid and the "Quick cooking" mode. There are pockets for boiling eggs, a leveling glass, a steam basket without holes.
The average cost of a product is 3990 rubles.
The third place is taken by the Braun FS 3000 model, it is considered one of the representatives of modern technical development, which serves for quick preparation of healthy food. Its frame and baskets are made of smooth plastic, which can be cleaned in a dishwasher. The foldable design on two tiers takes up little space, is equipped with a timer, “Fast steam” mode, a compartment for the power cord and sensors that will notify the user of a lack of water (spontaneous shutdown). The problem can be seen by a special indicator.
The delivery set includes a 2 liter rice bowl, a drip tray for each basket and a container for coloring products. And all this design will cost the buyer only 3,750 rubles.
In second place is the little-known company Russell Hobbs with its three-tier appliances, mechanical controls and glass containers that allow you to monitor the cooking. The body is made of stainless steel, equipped with a timer with shutdown, sound signal, start indication, water level indicator and cavities for boiling eggs. The set includes a bowl for rice.The advantage of this model is its versatility and reliability at a low cost - only 2800 rubles.
The leading position is taken by the Tefal VC1451 model with a mechanical control system. It is equipped with two stainless steel containers, which will delight housewives for a long time and a bowl for rice. There is also a timer up to 1 hour with automatic shutdown, a water level indicator and a function to add liquid during cooking. Metal containers replace each other. Unit power 900 W, provides fast water heating. The average cost for equipment is 3900 rubles.
A wide variety of models and brands of steamers allows you to find the equipment of your dreams, one that will not gather dust somewhere in the corner, but will become your daily assistant in the preparation of delicious and healthy dishes. Even a schoolboy can handle the preparation of healthy meals in a double boiler, since there is nothing difficult in operating this technique. Steam dishes will enhance the health of any family.