Choose a good steamer. Double boiler. Description, functions, types and choice of steamer. Which brand of steamer is better?

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

A few words about the device itself

A steamer is a fairly simple device. Water is poured into the lowest reservoir. Heating elements boil water, after which it turns into steam and acts on the products that are placed on the upper tiers. The products retain all their beneficial properties and original taste. No cholesterol or carcinogens.

It’s good if your steamer has the ability to rearrange food baskets - so, you can speed up the preparation of the dish 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 come in round and oval shapes. Designed for different volumes - from 0.2 to 40 liters. Made of plastic or metal. The first ones are light and cheap, the second ones 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 there are, the more functional the device becomes - you can cook several different dishes at the same time. For example, meat and side dishes. If you plan to cook several dishes at the same time, pay attention to steamers with separate trays for each tier - this way you will prevent the taste and smell of the products from mixing 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 pay special attention to the appearance of their kitchen, a steamer hidden behind a neat furniture façade will become a reliable and discreet housekeeper.

What should you pay attention to in the store - which steamer is better to buy? Here are some simple recommendations to help you make the 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 food cooks faster and does not risk falling apart. However, remember - your wiring must withstand such loads.
2. Number of tiers. Requires special attention to this parameter. On the one hand, a larger number of baskets will allow you to cook several dishes at the same time, and this will save effort and time. But on the other hand, calculating the correct time required to cook food at different heights is quite a difficult task, especially for a novice cook.
3. Management and functionality. As with any devices, you can control the operation of steamers using mechanical or electronic controls. The mechanics are simple and reliable. Electronics are more versatile and convenient. Which steamer is right for you depends only on your personal preferences. The functionality of different models can also be standard or extended. Delay start, timer, automatic shutdown, power regulators, operation indicators - these are what you need for comfortable use of such a device at home.

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

Rating of the most successful steamer models

We will consider the most popular models of steamers in ascending order of price and tell you 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 l, power – 900 W. Features include a 60-minute timer, auto shut-off, modes for cooking and defrosting food, and sterilizing dishes. The disadvantages are that you cannot add water while the device is operating, and there is no delay start. But in general, reviews from owners are positive; they note the following advantages: good volume; simple controls; Convenient to wash, mainly only the removable bottom.

Zauber X-560

Another good model with a reasonable price tag. 3 tiers, power 700 W, electronic control. Despite its low cost, this steamer boasts an impressive range of options and capabilities - timer, delay start, thermostat, quick steam mode, autocooking. One of the most frequently purchased gifts for older people is a simple menu, easy to care for, and a full set of functions for steaming various dishes. Some owners complain about the short service life, but these are isolated cases; for the most part, the steamer works for a long time and works properly.

Braun FS 3000

The next position, which continues our ranking of the best. Spacious, multifunctional and 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, volume of the entire steamer – 6.2 l, water tank – 2 l. There is a security system (auto shut-off, water level indicator, temperature regulator), timer, “fast steam” mode and temperature and time settings for 6 recipes. One of the significant shortcomings described in the reviews is the flow of fat into the water tank. This makes the steamer more difficult to maintain.

Philips HD9140

One of the most popular models, which combines a wide range of options, a fair price and decent workmanship. Without a doubt, this steamer will continue to occupy high positions in sales rankings in 2018. This steamer has 3 vertical tiers, a power of 900 W, and 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 5 operating modes (steamer, boiling, stewing, egg boiler, heating), and not worry about food burning.

Tefal VS 4003 Vita Cuisine Compact

Pleasant to the eye, compact and at the same time quite roomy steamer. The total volume of the device is 10 liters, three tiers, mesh bowls and trays for dishes of different consistencies. Functional advantages - timer, delay start, mode for keeping food hot. You can add water directly while cooking and not worry about safety - the device will turn off if all the water from the tank has boiled 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 clean and pleasant to use - thanks to the “vitamin+” mode, products reach readiness 2 times faster and do not lose their natural taste, color, or smell. By the way, you can safely cook such disparate dishes as meat, side dishes and baked fruits at the same time, and not be afraid that the smells will mix. This steamer will last for a very long time, because it is assembled, as they say, “to last a long time.”

Philips AVENT SCF870

Steamer-blender. An interesting solution for those who want to save on purchasing two devices. A convenient, compact and durable option, a reasonable purchase for a small, young family with a small child. Sterilizing baby dishes, preparing a variety of cereals and purees, steamed meatballs and fish dishes - all this is easy to prepare if you have AVENT SCF870 in your kitchen. Power - only 400 W, one tier for cooking, timer for 20 minutes, small water tank - only 0.2 l. However, this steamer is almost impossible to damage due to intense loads; it is also easy to clean and convenient to store even in a small kitchen or rented apartment.

Braun FS 5100

A reliable, functional and stylish round-shaped steamer for quick and easy cooking of delicious and healthy dishes. The materials from which the cooking containers are made are absolutely safe and non-toxic. Moreover, they are tinted and darkened in color so that foods such as beets, spinach, carrots, etc. The plastic was not painted 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 the baskets can be interchanged, 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 under it, which means that the smells of different products will not affect each other. However, as some owners note, for the cost of the steamer, the functionality could have been expanded. However, for those who do not plan to steam their culinary delights often, this is the best steamer.

Bosch Serie 8 CDG 634 BS1/BB1

One of the most budget models of 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 operating modes. It is protected from accidental pressing, has an automatic self-cleaning mode and a low water level indicator in the tank. Anyone who buys this type of equipment will be able to recreate any design in their kitchen without fear of ruining the look with one or another device. This Bosch steamer can be easily compared with an oven; also, this model is distinguished by its interesting design, wide range of functions and highly professional execution.

Smeg SC745VAO/VPO

In 2017, it became a hit among built-in steamers. Total volume – 35 liters, power – 3200 W, easy-to-use electronic controls, bright informative display. Can reheat, defrost, sterilize, boil or stew. The safety system has been carefully thought out and executed - control locking during cooking, stopping the steam supply 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 auto-cooking mode, you can use one of 15 ready-made recipes. Overall, this is a stylish, modern and efficient steamer that will pleasantly surprise you with a variety of healthy delicacies for many years to come.

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

Nowadays, steamers have taken their rightful place in our kitchen. Increasingly, we are resorting to a healthy lifestyle with healthy nutrition at its core. Therefore, instead of fried and baked foods, we choose to cook healthy steamed foods.

After all, with this method of preparation, products retain as many vitamins and beneficial properties as possible. Especially if there are small children or people on 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 we go to the supermarket to buy this equipment, we will be presented with quite a selection. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at their types and how to choose a steamer for your home?

What types of steamers are there?

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

Depending on the installation method, devices are distinguished:

• Built-in.
• Autonomous.

The built-in type is very convenient because it saves space; the device has a specially designated corner. As a rule, they are built into the kitchen set (countertop), only the food containers remain visible. In such options, buttons are placed on the sidebar. It also requires the installation of a water container nearby. In appearance, this technique is somewhat similar to an electric stove.

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

The most primitive options include the following functions:

1. Heating.
2. Defrosting.
3. Steam cooking.

More expensive models may have expanded functionality and include 5–10 programs.

Free-standing (autonomous) steamers. Their installation is very simple. You can install this unit 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 knocked over in the hustle and bustle of cooking. These steamers also have more modest functionality.

By control method:

Mechanical - equipped with a button (on/off) and a rotary lever, which regulates (sets) the cooking time. They have automatic shutdown after cooking is complete. Copes well with the main task and is affordable.

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

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

Slab - the simplest mechanism. It is a tall pan with several partitions on which food is laid out. Water is poured into the bottom of the pan. After which such a steamer is placed on the stove (gas or electric). When the water heats up, steam is released and steaming occurs. The simplest and most affordable method, but it requires monitoring the cooking process on your part to ensure readiness. In terms of price, these steamers are the cheapest.

How does it work and what can you prepare?

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

Cooking in a steamer is a real pleasure. After all, with its help it is easy to prepare most products:

• Meat.
• Fish.
• Vegetables.
• Porridge.
• Other products.

Among the advantages:

• There is no need to stir the food during cooking to prevent it from burning.
• Installing several containers allows you to cook several dishes at the same time.
• This device can also reheat food or defrost food.
• 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 also pay attention to its main technical characteristics.

1. The power of power. The speed of cooking will depend on this indicator. In this type of technology it varies from 600 to 200 W.
2. Number of operating modes, programs. The basic functions are absolutely sufficient for cooking, defrosting or reheating. However, their number can be much larger - 5, 10 and even up to 20. Here you should decide how important they are for you and whether they will be used at all. After all, the more special functions, the more expensive the equipment.
3. Number of containers. This is an important point when choosing a steamer. In particular, it depends on how much food you can prepare. Approximately 2-3 containers are enough for a family of up to 3 people. If your family is large and you actively steam a variety of foods, then you should choose more containers. But note, the greater their number, the more powerful the technology should be. Keep in mind that almost all kits have a container for cooking rice, but it can be used for different dishes (soup, porridge, pudding).
4. 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; having a separate tray for each basket prevents smells from mixing while preparing different dishes. The depth of the tray matters. Its recommended height is 2–2.5 cm. And if it is too flat, then you will need to drain the accumulated condensate more than once during cooking.

Additional functions

Complex and expensive types of steamers can be equipped with additional functions. To understand for ourselves their importance during operation, let’s look at them 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 won't burn and nothing will catch fire. Under such conditions, you can safely leave the steamer unattended.
• Delayed start. This function allows you, for example, to set a program in the morning, add groceries and delay the start time. You can also set a timer so that when you return from work, you have already prepared food waiting for you.
• Express steam. Characterized by rapid steam formation, which ensures fast cooking.
• Recipes - smart offline cooking. Provides the preparation of an independent dish according to a recipe already stored in the device. Housewives only need to lay out the required quantities of specific ingredients and choose the right recipe.
• “Add water into the container” function. This function allows you to add water during cooking. Allows you not to interrupt the cooking process and then start it again.
• “Maintain 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 steamer, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. A trusted manufacturer provides warranty service through an existing network of service centers. Many manufacturers, along with kits, produce additional components for steamers. In particular, bowls, baskets, trays. The top most common brands that represent good options for this technique will help you navigate the question of how to choose a steamer for your home.

Tefal

Leading the way in kitchen equipment. Has the best reviews from both consumers and experts. Steamers from this company are characterized by spacious trays and baskets with non-stick coating. Most models are equipped with great functionality. The manufacturer is ready to offer options in different price categories. From cheap to premium.

Philips

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

Moulinex

It represents good steamers, in particular, with two baskets, which also have the function of adding water.

Braun

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

Scarlett

Cheap brand, however, decent 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 contain, etc. Therefore, you can go to the supermarket specifically for a steamer with specific requirements for it.

A steamer is an indispensable assistant in preparing tasty and healthy dishes enriched with vitamins and nutrients. With a steamer, you can forget about “tasteless” boiled diets and unhealthy fried foods, and feel free to switch to healthy foods steamed in their own juices. Using a double boiler, you can cook first courses, side dishes, amazing meats and even desserts at the same time, significantly saving valuable time and energy.

If you have never used a steamer or want to replace your old one with a more efficient new one, you should pay attention to the types of steamers (in this article we will talk about electric steamers):

— tabletop steamers- the heroes of our rating of the best steamers of 2019. They are used at home, are easy to use, and have a simplified, intuitive interface.

There are a lot of parameters for selecting steamers, so you should familiarize yourself with the main technical characteristics:

This device includes:

• Base– the main working part, a heating element and a container for water, which is later converted into steam.
• Cells- so-called steam baskets - round (less often oval) bowls with a perforated bottom into which products are loaded. Usually there are 2-3 cells in a steamer; they are placed one on top of the other, then covered with a lid.

1-2 baskets are suitable for a small family, 3 - for a large one. When choosing, you should take into account the direct dependence of the cooking speed on the number of cells: the fewer there are, the faster the cooking time.

Usually, the steamer also comes with a “rice bowl” - a special container for cooking cereals and soups.

The average volume of a cooking bowl ranges from 1.5 to 4 liters, and a rice bowl - from 0.7 to 2 liters. Particular attention should be paid to the volume of the container for cereals and soups.

The best types are glass or stainless steel bowls. In glass and metal, food holds its temperature faster; plastic is more unstable to temperature changes and breaks more often.

• Pallet for condensation and broth draining from the cells during cooking. Pulling out a tray covered with droplets of greasy hot broth and pouring the condensation out of it is a very complicated and lengthy process. That is why the size of the tray is one of the fundamental factors in choosing steamers. The most optimal height is 2-3 centimeters.

Another important factor in choosing a tray is whether it has handles. The absence of handles makes short (up to 2 cm) trays dangerous for the user: when emptying a hot tank, it is very easy to get burned.

Water level indicator

The function of the signal about complete boiling of water is rather imperfect: usually the steamer begins to signal 5-10 minutes after boiling, during which time the dish may partially deteriorate. Thanks to the visible water indicator, you can monitor the liquid level and adjust it (for example, add water through a special hole).

Reservoir for adding water during operation

Some designs do not have a special hole for adding liquid, so during operation you have to turn off and disassemble the steamer. Models that support the function of raising the liquid level directly while the device is operating are more in demand.

Power– the cooking speed directly depends on the power. In ordinary home steamers, the power is not lower than 600 W and not higher than 2000 W.

Control type:

• Mechanical– all modes are set manually by manipulating the buttons. One of the advantages is the quick start and ease of setting the cooking time.
• Electronic– the steamer is equipped with buttons and an electronic display that displays information about ongoing processes. This configuration outperforms the previous one thanks to its extensive functionality and the option of heating food after cooking.

Operating modes:

• Steam cooking.
• Defrosting (using steam).
• Steam boost – sterilization (warming) of food.
• Additional modes (in more expensive models).

Manufacturer:

Of course, brand does not always equal quality, but most well-known companies try to maintain a decent level of quality from year to year, providing the user with high-quality service and, in the event of a breakdown, troubleshooting.

Rating of the best steamers 2019

5th place – ENDEVER Vita 160/161 (1340 rubles)

ENDEVER Vita 160/161 is a very nice and compact steamer. This model is a budget model, so it doesn’t have a condensate tray, and you can’t cook cereal in it either. Suitable for attentive housewives who know how to handle equipment carefully. When the water boils away, an automatic shutdown is triggered.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 800 W;
• Number of tiers: 2;
• Control type: mechanical;
• Housing: plastic;
• Steam baskets: transparent plastic;
• Dimensions: 230*265*215 mm.

Extra options:

• power-on indication;
• defrosting function;
• disinfection of dishes;
• There is a choice of colors: green, white, gray.

Pros:

• low price;
• Ease of use;
• powerful, cooks quickly;
• there is an emergency shutdown;
• attractive design;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• Small;
• Mechanical;
• has only 2 tiers;
• difficult to wash;
• It takes a long time for the water to heat up;
• plastic containers made of thin plastic;
• no container for rice/cereals;
• Do not add water during cooking;
• a mechanical timer requires careful handling;
• There is no pan for draining condensate and grease (a significant disadvantage).

4th place - Dobrynya DO-3201 (from RUB 1,800)

Dobrynya steamers are remembered by users for their simplicity, affordable price and “good” quality of work. Very simple and accessible interface; Despite the fact that there are only 2 cells, they are not inferior in volume to systems with 3 cells. They are chosen mainly by undemanding, thrifty housewives for several years in advance. The downside is its fragility; the power of such a steamer is only enough for a few years of operation in medium mode. However, if you use a double boiler much less often than a frying pan, then this option is just for you.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 600 W
• Number of tiers: 2
• Control type: mechanical (rotary switches)
• Timer: 60 minutes, auto power off
• Housing: plastic
• Steam baskets: plastic

Extra options:

• recesses for boiling eggs;
• 1000 ml rice bowl.

Pros:

• suitable for large families;
• good price with above average quality.

Minuses:

• no display;
• there is no delay start;
• only two tiers for cooking;
• fragility.

3rd place - Tefal VC1451 (4920 rubles)

In this model, Tefal pleased customers with steel bowls; they are the main advantage of this fairly simple and compact steamer.

The water level indicator shows when topping up is necessary, and this can be done without turning off the steamer while it is running. A sound signal will inform you when the dish is ready.

In addition to traditional steamed dishes, the Tefal VC1451 has the ability to cook rice, other cereals or soup. There are convenient tips on the body for choosing temperatures for cooking various products.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 860-900 W;
• Number of tiers: 2;
• Control type: mechanical;
• Timer: 60 min, with switch off;
• Housing: plastic;
• Steam baskets: stainless steel;
• Dimensions: 335×275×205 mm;
• The total volume of the bowls is 6 l (3+3 l);
• Water tank – 1.5 l.

Extra options:

• water level indication;
• interchangeable baskets;
• two separators;
• rice bowl included;
• descaling system;
• adding water during cooking.

Pros:

• attractive price;
• steel bowls;
• high power;
• quality of food preparation;
• high-quality assembly;
• easy to clean and assemble;
• compactness and convenient storage.

Minuses:

• small;
• mechanical;
• has only 2 tiers;
• the new steamer smells like plastic;
• stains remain on metal bowls and dividers after washing;
• the timer cannot be turned off manually, as this may damage the steamer;
• imperfect descaling system;
• no thermostat;
• no cooking booklet included.

2nd place - Philips HD9190 (from RUB 11,990)

Modern, powerful, reliable, multifunctional - a steamer from the manufacturer Philips is ready to do anything for you. With its help, you can create real culinary masterpieces and delight your loved ones with them. Its advantages are most clearly manifested in a large family, where it is necessary to prepare the maximum of tasty, nutritious and healthy food in a short time. The price justifies the quality.

Specifications:

• Power consumption: 2000 W
• Number of tiers: 3
• Control type: electronic
• Housing: stainless steel
• Steam baskets: transparent plastic
• Included:
  • container for adding herbs and spices;
  • soup bowl.

Extra options:

• 1100 ml rice bowl;
• water level indicator;
• power-on indication;
• removable grilles;
• adding water during operation;
• sound signal;
• shutdown due to lack of water;
• recesses for boiling eggs;
• auto cooking;
• thermostat;

Pros:

• presence of a display;
• compact storage;
• cable storage compartment;
• a special compartment for adding spices (makes cooking easier and distributes spices evenly in the dish);
• comfortable and spacious bowls;
• a lot of additional functionality compared to previous models.

Minuses:

• short-lived plastic bowls;
• lack of condensate tray for the entire cooking session;
• uneven cooking of dishes at different temperatures (for example, fresh minced meat and frozen vegetables);
• the water level is not visible;
• the software is slow.

1st place - Tefal VC 3008 Steam’n’light (from RUB 6,750)

Better - only built-in steamers. From them, this model took all its irreplaceable functionality, which is suitable for both an experienced housewife and a chef in a restaurant. The most pleasant addition that persuades customers to choose this particular model is the ability to bake muffins and cupcakes from any material with any filling and any taste - they will all be equally ideal, just like from a pastry shop counter. Preparation of muffins and cupcakes;

Minuses:

• lack of display;
• no delay start;
• overcharge;
• there is no signal about complete evaporation of water;
• the dough is not always baked;
• bottom latches break quickly;
• it is difficult to completely assemble the entire system (the bowls slide and fit into the grooves with difficulty);
• the bottoms are inconvenient to wash;
• The water level is not visible.

Let's sum it up

Steamers open up a sea of ​​possibilities for housewives to create culinary masterpieces or the most healthy dishes possible. Modest and thrifty Russian women most often choose inexpensive, simple and reliable models that cope well with constant loads; the choice of culinary improvisers who need a steamer to expand their creative culinary activities falls on more powerful and professional models; For business users who are constantly in a hurry, powerful volumetric steamers with delayed start and auto-cooking modes are suitable. In our rating of the best steamers in 2018, you will find the model that is most suitable for you.

Who else can help in a modern kitchen? In terms of “warm up quickly”, of course. Modern ones can do more and more every year at an affordable price, and the new look will become a truly indispensable assistant for a young mother. The main thing that is important is not only the quality of the products for cooking, but also seemingly banal water: you can wash the dishes under running water, but it is recommended to cook with. Be healthy!

Updated January 2019

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

Steamer ( English food steamer) - a device or household appliance for steaming food.

I would like to note that in what follows, by the term “steamer,” I will mean an electric steamer.

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

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

Steaming eliminates such troubles as drying out or burning of food, so a steamer 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 foods, and, accordingly, a variety of devices for these purposes. 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 to be couscous (a dish prepared with semolina or other types of cereals, as well as durum wheat). The largest number of recipes for steaming comes from the southeastern culinary tradition, which is explained by the popularity of rice as a staple food in Asia (rice and rice flour contain a large amount of gluten and simply do not provide for any other cooking method). The traditional Asian steamer is a basket woven from bamboo straw with a lid.

The 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 container, the jingling of which signals that there is enough water. In such steamers, the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans still cook rice dough products, fish and dumplings - both at home and in restaurants.

In the West, including Russia, steaming has not become as widespread as in the East. To prepare dishes requiring gentle heat treatment, a water bath rather than a steam bath was used. The difference is that the container with the food is placed in a vessel with boiling water, which heats the walls of the container. For example, classic English pudding is prepared in a water bath. In the historical Russian culinary tradition, steaming has not gained mass popularity. Thus, in Elena Molokhovets’s famous book “A Gift for 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 an entire chapter “Steam fish”, where this method of preparing fish was recommended as the best: “Steamed fish is tastier than ordinary boiled fish, because it contains Much more flavor is retained.”

For steaming, there was a special pan with a perforated insert 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 became widespread due to the many advantages of this method of cooking and the fashion for a healthy lifestyle.

Types of steamer

There are two main types of steamers:

— pans with perforated insert or rack for cooking on a gas or electric stove.

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

Built-in steamers- a separate category of built-in equipment. These are quite expensive multifunctional devices. They allow you to regulate the water temperature and 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 reservoir for water and for collecting condensate, in special “plumbed in” versions, which are connected directly to the water supply system. 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 protects against overheating of the steamer if it was turned on without water or the water has evaporated completely.

— Automatic cooking mode according to recipes stored in the steamer’s memory.

How much does a steamer cost?

The cost of steamers from well-known brands ranges from 50 USD. with standard functions, and up to 200 USD more powerful and functional. Of course, there are steamers that are more expensive, but these are usually built-in steamers, or professional ones, the power and functions of which are more designed for catering establishments than for the home.

— The steamer being used must be placed on a flat, hard, non-flammable surface. The distance from surrounding furniture must be at least 20 cm. The free distance above the steamer must be at least 1 meter. Please note that the steam emanating 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 water spillage.

— Do not cover the steamer with a cloth or towel.

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

— Do not leave children in the room with the steamer running, so that the little ones’ constant interest in the world around them does not bring problems to your family.

How to care for your steamer

Before first use. Remove labels, films, and any remaining foam from the packaging from the device. Wash the lid, rice bowl, steam baskets and 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 an electrical appliance, you should always remove the plug from the electrical outlet. With the exception of the base (base), all parts can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand using commercial household detergents. The perforated bottom of 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.

Descaling. 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 and must be removed. Therefore, after 7-10 uses, pour 2 cups of 5% vinegar into the water tank and add water to the maximum level (so that the vinegar solution completely covers the heating element. Instead of vinegar, you can use special products - “Antiscale”. Then you should set it to place a tray, one steam basket, close the appliance and turn on the steamer for 10 minutes. If after this time the layer of scale is still visible, set additional time. After the appliance and the vinegar solution have cooled sufficiently, drain the vinegar several times. Rinse the water tank. Read more about anti-scale measures.

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.

Happy shopping!