Any healthy eater ever thinks about how easy it is to make healthy food preparation easier with a good steamer. 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: “Which is better to buy a double boiler?”, “Do I need a double boiler at home?” and “Which would still be better: a slow cooker 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 pastries are often used, then you should take a closer look at the slow cooker. If only steam food is a priority, 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 indispensable assistant in the kitchen. Its advantages are obvious, because it guards health, protects against the use of harmful dishes. During the cooking process, nutrients and vitamins from the products do not disappear, but are preserved. A double boiler allows you not only to create delicious and healthy food, but can also help in heating dishes, sterilizing children's dishes.
It is very convenient that the dishes from the double boiler will not be 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 culinary specialist, you do not need any special knowledge, because everything is incredibly simple.You just need to take your favorite products, pack them into the steam basket, add water, start the unit and that's it, after a while you will have an amazingly tasty meal filled with goodness and pleasure.
The principle of operation of any steamer is absolutely simple. The device has a heating element, thanks to which the water boils and steam is formed, gradually rising up and enveloping the products. This steam also cooks goodies lying in a bowl. When juice is released from the products, it, flowing down the walls of the double boiler, falls into a tray specially designed for this.
Raising the question: “How to choose a double boiler?”, You need to carefully designate for yourself the desired functions in the device and deal with the selection criteria.
There are two types of steamer control: mechanical control and electronic control type. In the first case, to stop the steamer, you just need to turn the switch. The advantages of this type of control are that switching on, switching off and setting the required parameters takes place by elementary rotation of the switch. In the second case, when the electronic type of control, then the steamer functions with the help of a special panel, where the display with buttons is located. This type of control is not as simple as the first one, but with it you can afford to keep the dish hot or delay cooking for several hours.
Bowls come in different sizes and, as a rule, their volume ranges from 1.5 liters to 3.5 liters. Ideally, when they are the same size. Often in double boilers there are a couple or three bowls, but there are models that have only one single bowl.
The standard power for steamers ranges from 600-2000 watts. Usually, the higher the power of the device, the faster the cooking process.
When choosing a steamer, one of the key points is the tray. Like, what's so special about it? But, if it turns out to be too tiny, then there will be problems due to the accumulation of condensate. Therefore, pay attention to what sides the pallet has. Their ideal height is 2-2.5 cm.
Video tips on how to choose a steamer and care for it:
Puzzling with the question, which of the manufacturers is the most worthy and is included in the rating of quality goods, it is worth relying on the reviews of people who have already become acquainted with the equipment from these brands. Among the most popular and most reputable companies are the international brand Tefal, the German brand Braun, the Dutch company Philips, the Russian-Chinese brand Scarlett and the French brand Moulinex. True, the last brand is almost never found on sale.
Nevertheless, other manufacturers also have models that consumers love.
All existing double boilers can be divided into those that are pans with a perforated tab or grate and into an electric type.
The first option is always installed on the stove. But the second option can either stand separately, such as a multicooker, or these are built-in double boilers. Ideally, the most advanced technology is built-in, but it has a significant disadvantage, since the price of such a pleasure is over one hundred thousand rubles.
Often buyers ask for steamers with glass bowls, but such models are also fabulously expensive and difficult to find on sale.
Steamers are made 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 high-quality double boilers opens with a little-known model, but already loved by many buyers. This is a steamer MagnitRMC-3130. Its advantages are that if you sum up all the important criteria when choosing, then it will turn out to be not only of high quality, but also of budget. Its cost varies between 600-700 rubles.
This model of a double boiler includes two baskets, there is a timer and a sound signal. Mechanical control of the device. You can cook two different dishes at the same time without fear that the flavors will mix. It is suitable for baby food and for creating any dishes suitable for a healthy diet.
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 there is an indication of inclusion. It has 3 tiers and comes with a rice bowl as a bonus. Power as much as 900 watts. Product weight 2.3 kg. The average price is about 8000 rubles.
In eighth place in the ranking is an electronically controlled steamer. The Zauber X-570 model consumes up to 700 watts of power. 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 performs not only its standard functions, but is also a blender steamer. Mechanical control type, low power 350 watts. There is only one tier, but this does not prevent the double boiler from delighting with brilliant, or rather tasty, 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 review of the steamer:
Loved by many customers, the Tefal VC 3008 Steam’n’light steamer attracts attention with its 900 W power, auto-cooking function, the ability to defrost food, make dishes from frozen food and other important points. The device has three tiers, which makes it functional. The average price is about 8000 rubles.
Read more about the benefits of a double boiler - 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 cooking healthy food, and if the buyer does not require special bells and whistles, then it is worth taking a closer look. Model with the simplest mechanical control. Consumes power of 750 W. Tiers two. 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 structure is made of plastic. The average price is 1300 rubles.
This model has great features. The device can be operated by mechanical control. Power is 850 watts. There is a function with a timer, and there is a signal announcing the end of work. Tiers in model 2. Basket for rice is available. The average price is about 8000 rubles.
In third place is the proven Philips AVENT SC875 steamer blender. It is controlled by mechanical adjustment. It consumes 400 watts. There is a timer function. There is also a sound signal. The structure is made of plastic. A bonus to the double boiler is the additional function of heating dishes and defrosting food.This steamer eliminates unnecessary hassle and additional equipment.
Video demonstration of using the steamer:
It is worth highlighting the excellent TefalVC 1301 Minicompact. The model may well get the title of "ultra-compact" and this despite the fact that it has the standard 3 tiers and there is a bowl for rice. The control unit is mechanical. Power is 650 watts. Plastic construction. The average price of such a model is about 3000 rubles.
The Braun FS5100 model completes the Top-rating of the best models of steamers. This steamer attracts attention with its unsurpassed functionality. The water in it boils almost instantly. The device is controlled by mechanical adjustment. Power 850 W. There is a sound signal that notifies you of cooking. There are two tiers and a bowl is additionally attached to cook rice. This model can be safely washed in the dishwasher. The average price is about 9000 rubles.
This category includes devices costing up to 5000 rubles. According to buyers, they have a good technical base, reliable and affordable.
The fourth place was won by the KT-2035 electronically controlled 5-tier equipment - a godsend for large families and lovers of delicious food without compromising 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 a "Quick Cooking" mode. There are recesses for boiling eggs, a leveling glass, a steam basket without holes.
The average cost of the product is 3990 rubles.
The third place is occupied by the Braun FS 3000 model, it is considered one of the representatives of modern technical development, which serves for fast cooking of healthy food. Its frame and baskets are made of smooth plastic, which can be cleaned with a dishwasher. Foldable design on two tiers takes up little space, equipped with a timer, "Quick steam" mode, a compartment for a power cord and sensors that will notify the user of a lack of water (spontaneous shutdown). The problem can be seen on a special indicator.
The set includes a two-liter rice bowl, a drip tray for each basket and a container for coloring products. And all this design will cost the buyer only 3750 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 cooking. The body is made of stainless steel, equipped with a timer with a shutdown, an audible signal, a start indication, a water level indicator and recesses for boiling eggs. The set includes a rice bowl. The advantage of this model lies in its versatility and reliability at a low cost - only 2800 rubles.
The leading position is occupied by the Tefal VC1451 model with a mechanical control system. It is equipped with two stainless steel containers, which will please 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 the function of adding liquid during cooking. Metal containers replace each other. Power of the unit is 900 W, provides fast heating of water. The average cost of equipment is 3900 rubles.
A rich variety of models and brands of steamers allows you to find the technique of your dreams, one that will not gather dust somewhere in the corner, but will become a daily assistant in preparing mouth-watering and healthy meals. Even a schoolboy can handle the preparation of healthy meals in a double boiler, since there is nothing complicated in managing this technique. Steam dishes will increase the health of any family.