Usually, all food that is considered healthy does not look very good and seems absolutely unappetizing. But this can be easily fixed if you turn to special devices during cooking. For example, these can be pressure cookers or steamers. A steamer pan is very practical and capacious. Thanks to the use of such a tool, you can cook large portions that will be enough for the whole family. You can also cook several dishes at once.
Content
What is a “pressure cooker” and “steam cooker”
- A steamer is a special pot needed for preparing various dishes using steam.
- A pressure cooker is a kitchen tool that allows food to be cooked much faster due to the pressure created under a sealed lid.
A steamer is much more complex than a pressure cooker.
- There are many compartments inside the appliance, while the pressure cooker resembles a regular saucepan.
- The difference with a pressure cooker is that products are able to retain their natural color, as well as all their beneficial properties.
- Remember that adding or removing food during pressure cooking is strictly prohibited. This is only possible when using a steamer.
When working, the steamer cooks food using steam generated during the boiling of water in the container. It is also unique in that it allows you to cook dishes not only with steam, but also by stewing.
Types of steam pans by design
The usual old analogue of a steamer works on the principle of a bath. It consists of several tiers of dishes. All products are prepared due to the fact that steam processing occurs. There is no need to use water or fats. All dishes are healthy. Steamers are classified according to a number of parameters.
Steamer from several saucepans
This device resembles a pyramid in appearance. Each tier is a special saucepan that allows steam to circulate freely. Depending on how many tiers your device contains, the maximum possible number of products that can be cooked at the same time is determined.
The perforation can be done either on the bottom or on the entire surface. It all depends on the design of your steamer. Some devices are designed in such a way that the tiers are inside the steamer pan, creating the impression that they are hanging. And others simply stand on trays.
The saucepan type is considered more convenient due to the fact that there is access to the container that you need. You do not have to disassemble the entire structure to get to the middle link. You can safely pour in finely chopped greens without worrying about everything falling.
It is very practical if you can use as many tiers as you need. When choosing a model, be sure to think about this aspect. Almost all models have identically shaped links, so their installation order is absolutely not important. The cover included in the kit will fit any tier.
Steamers with inserts
Gas steamers have separate compartments called mantovarkas. The cooking principle is no different from other types, but the device itself is slightly different. Only one pan is used for cooking. Inside there are special inserts that are installed one above the other at a distance.
Some models have fixed tiers equipped with handles. Such links are removed and installed with just a hand movement. No extra effort is required, everything is very simple.
There are universal models equipped with special low-tiered pots. You can cook not only manti on such devices. You can cook amazing cutlets, meat, vegetables. All this is not only very tasty, but also healthy.
Special types of steamer pans
The shops sell not only classic types of pots, but also expensive cookware, which also allows cooking dishes with steam. This type includes pots, cauldrons, stewpans, duck pans. Such cookware is mostly intended for combined cooking. It is more practical and convenient.
The steamer, which is designed for cooking corn, is distinguished by its height. They are very similar to those pots that are designed for cooking pasta. The set includes a tall pot and an additional insert in the form of a basket.
Vegetable cookers, which are double pots, can also be classified as special varieties. One of them is significantly smaller. Water is poured into the pot in such a way that the insert does not touch the surface of the water.
Characteristics of steamer pans
Each model has its own unique features, so there are certain selection criteria. The main thing is to understand what their differences are and learn to compare.
By volume and diameter
First of all, the main thing is to determine the dimensions. The diameter of your device should be selected depending on the size of your burner.
In the product description, manufacturers always indicate the diameters of the lower and upper parts of the device. The upper diameter is usually larger. People mistakenly use it as a guide, but it does not play a major role. The lower diameter is the determining factor.
If you are choosing a steamer for an electric stove, then the dimensions play a decisive role. It may happen that the bottom of the pan goes beyond the burner, then each time the cooking time, cooking dishes will take much longer. And the cost of electricity will increase several times.
Manufacturers prefer to talk about the volume of the cookware in their own way. Some inform only about the total volume, some only talk about the volume of the lower part. But when buying, be sure to find out how many liters the lower pan can hold. This factor will affect whether you will have to add water during cooking or you can leave it alone and not be afraid that the container will burn out after all the water has evaporated.
What materials are they made from?
Such a structure itself is very large and bulky. Therefore, the material of manufacture, as a rule, is light metals. Such material is stainless steel and aluminum.
Made of stainless steel
Such cookware is expensive, but it has enough useful qualities. You can safely cook any preferred dish. The main thing to remember is that some products can stick to the surface of the steamer pan made of stainless steel.
If you want to completely avoid such problems, then lubricate the surface with oil and adjust the intensity of the water boiling.
Aluminum steamers
Such models are distinguished by their lightness, they are also able to heat up quickly, which is why the water in them boils many times faster. It is interesting that the metal is not subject to corrosion, and temperature changes are not scary for it at all. Devices for gas and electric stoves are made of such material.
In production conditions, models are created with an anodized layer, which resembles not a layer, but a special assembly. It is more durable and is ready to serve you for a long time. It is not subject to corrosion. And if destroyed, the film can be restored.
Non-stick coating is usually applied to the entire surface or to inserts. It makes the cookware more convenient. You can forget about such problems as food sticking.
If you are choosing between these two types, trust your habits. Non-stick models are best suited for cooking cutlets, meat, fish. Aluminum appliances are best suited for cooking vegetables, dough products. And meat products are best wrapped in foil.
Depending on the type of stove
Depending on what kind of fire distributor is in your kitchen, you need to focus on the type of steamer. This factor cannot be ignored, because there are a number of nuances that need to be taken into account.
For electric stove
If your saucepan is intended for an electric stove, pay attention to the surface of the bottom. It should be even and smooth. This nuance is necessary for the closest possible contact of the bottom with the burner.
This will affect the speed of cooking. Heating will occur many times faster. This approach will help you save on electricity.
For gas stove
If you need a steamer designed for a gas stove, then pay attention to the thickness of the bottom, because it should not be thin under any circumstances. You can ignore other factors. Such stoves are compatible with all materials. Regardless of the diameter, the flame will be able to heat the device.
Rules for using a steamer
When cooking, pay attention to the intensity of boiling, if it is too strong, then reduce the heating level. This is due to the fact that the dishes begin to deteriorate after all the moisture has boiled away.
Leave a space of 2-4 cm between the water and the food. If your appliance is multi-tiered, please note that it is better to place the food in a checkerboard pattern. This is so that the steam envelops from all sides.
A steamer is a useful tool that should be present in every home if possible. Food cooked with the device is not only tasty, but also healthy. There are no difficulties when using the model. The rules of operation and maintenance are very simple. And to make the right choice, you need to focus mainly on your preferences. Turn cooking into a real pleasure. No more racking your brains over what and how to cook, the answer is right before your eyes. The steamer will become your main assistant in the kitchen.
