Today, these devices occupy a special place in the kitchen of almost any housewife. They are a great helper for preparing culinary masterpieces. It rarely happens that there are two devices in the kitchen at once. Therefore, as a rule, the choice falls on one of them depending on the preferred dishes. What exactly is the difference between a multicooker and a steamer?

what is better steamer or multicooker
Most housewives strive to save free space in the kitchen so as not to overload it with household appliances.

Features of the devices

A multicooker is a device with a huge number of advantages and features. It combines all types of cooking: boiling, frying, baking, steaming. Many modern devices have about 20 different modes in their functional range. For the preparation of many dishes, virtually no human intervention is required.

Multicooker with pilaf
For most people, the main criterion in choosing household appliances for the kitchen is the healthiness of the food prepared with the help of a particular device.

The multicooker is very easy to use and requires almost no special knowledge. Such a device has a special timer that can independently start cooking at a scheduled time. Also, all functions include heating modes that will not allow the dish to cool down.

Multicooker with food
A multicooker is a type of kitchen equipment that combines an oven, rice cooker, pressure cooker, and some models even have a steamer function.

The steamer is a more narrowly focused device, which is also popular among consumers. The number of dishes prepared in it is huge, but they will be prepared exclusively with steam.

Working with such a device is very simple and does not cause any difficulties. The lower part is equipped with water, in the upper part you need to put all the products that you need to cook. The cooking time is set on the timer and the cooking process itself begins. You can add all sorts of additional spices at your discretion during the cooking process. One of the main and decisive advantages is that you can cook several dishes at once. And also, none of the dishes can burn in the steamer.

Steamer in the kitchen
A steamer is a device designed for cooking food using steam.

Today, the market has a wide range of different models, which have a wide range of functions: temperature control, start timer, food heating mode.

Steamer on the table with food
The design of the unit is equipped with a water tank located on the base.

Advantages and disadvantages of a multicooker and a steamer

These cooking appliances undoubtedly have many advantages.

The multicooker provides you with almost complete freedom of action and frees you from cooking. When using this device, you do not need to carefully monitor and watch everything. The equipment will do everything necessary for you. Also, the range of all functions includes heating. The temperature of the dish remains unchanged until it is removed from the device.

Multicooker in the kitchen
This device includes a heating element that is powered by electricity, a steam structure, a processor that makes the system work automatically, and cooking pots.

In addition, the timer is a great addition. Having set the required time, you can immediately get a ready, and most importantly, delicious breakfast. All the available functionality will replace a huge number of different devices, since the multicooker will do everything itself. And what is most interesting is the ease of use, since no additional knowledge is required for operation at all. The device itself is very convenient and compact, so you can move it wherever it is convenient for you.

Photo of a multicooker on the table
The technical characteristics of this miracle of technology speak in favor of it, allowing you to completely eliminate the use of fats in cooking.

But a multicooker, like any other appliance, has its drawbacks. You can only cook one dish at a time. Cooking several dishes at the same time is impossible. You also need to thoroughly wash the bowls before each use. Some may find this a very energy-consuming action. It is also worth noting that the volume of the dish you cook will not be large, since the volume of the bowl is significantly limited. The prepared dish will not last for a long time.

Multicooker with smartphone control
It is impossible to make pilaf or roast in a steamer, unlike a multicooker.

For some people, it will be a significant disadvantage that the heating of dishes cannot be switched off. The material from which the bowl is made requires very careful attention. Small deformations in the form of scratches will lead to the fact that food will start to stick to this place. Well, with the help of such equipment, you will definitely not be able to improve your skills in independently preparing culinary masterpieces.

As for the steamer, there are also advantages and disadvantages. The steamer can perform a large number of tasks, and is also very convenient to use. Due to the fact that there is a huge number of all kinds of baskets in the set for the device, you have the opportunity to cook several different dishes at once. When cooking, it is worth noting that the food does not lose its beneficial properties, and all the food is defrosted in a matter of seconds. As in a multicooker, cooking any dish with this device does not require special knowledge and skills. All food is cooked in steam. Products do not have the ability to burn, so in order to completely wash the basket, just rinsing is enough.

Steamer with food in the kitchen
According to experts, it is better to use a steamer for a dietary diet, because only it allows you to preserve vitamins and other useful substances in products in the maximum amount.

There are not many disadvantages of such a device and they are practically insignificant. The taste of food can be called specific, since there is no crust on it and the food seems raw and bland. And also cooking food takes much more time than in any other way.

Photo of a steamer Braun
With the help of a steamer, you can cook several different dishes at the same time, because this unit is equipped with several special containers for different products.

But there is another universal device in the form of a multicooker with steamer functions. This device has a steam cooking function. And the operating principle is quite simple.

multicooker with steamer function
You don’t always want to stick to a healthy diet all the time, in this case a multicooker-steamer, i.e. a device with a steam cooking function, will come to the rescue.

The best models of steamers and multicookers

The store's assortment includes a large number of different models that have significant differences between them. Some of them are the best option in terms of use.

Hitachi RZ-DMR18Y

A beautiful and impressive model that has high quality. It has quite impressive characteristics that will be useful as a result of operation. The bowl for the dish is designed for 8 liters. This volume is quite impressive compared to other models. The functionality of Hitachi includes 11 different modes, and the power of the machine reaches 1000 watts.

Multicooker Hitachi RZ-DMR18Y
There is also a timer, which is very convenient and practical.

Vitesse VS 590

The devices of this model are amazing in that they have an excellent visual appearance, but also have excellent characteristics.

  • The bowl has a capacity of 5 liters. And the device itself includes 6 cooking functions. As in many modern models, the basic functions of the timer and heating of the dish are available.
  • Steamer models are capable of providing you with steam cooking, thus providing a wide variety of different dishes.
  • It is very convenient to sterilize baby bottles in a steamer. Pay special attention to the presented models.
multicooker Vitesse VS 590
Such devices are usually purchased by families with small children, as they are very convenient and practical.

SUPRA FSS-310

This steamer is distinguished by its price tag. It is not very expensive, but nevertheless has good quality.

  • Its capacity is 15 liters, which is a very large figure. And the range of modes includes about 6 different functions that will make your cooking process easier.
  • The power of this model of the device reaches 800 watts. Like most analogues, the functions include a timer, which provides control during cooking.
steamer SUPRA FSS-310
In order to make the right choice, you have to take into account such a criterion as cost.

Tefal Steam'n'light VC3008

Unlike a multicooker, a steamer has a distinctive function that seems very interesting. Models have light indication functions depending on the degree of cooking of the dish and the program you have chosen.

steamer Tefal Steam'n'light VC3008
Having several baskets allows you to cook different dishes at the same time.

The characteristics of this model are not inferior to others, and in some moments even surpass them. The capacity of the products is 10 liters. Also, this model has 6 different functions. The power is large and reaches 900 watts. A very attractive function is the function of defrosting and automatic shutdown in case of lack of water.

Steamer Braun with products
The lower basket should contain products that take a long time to cook, and the upper basket should contain quick-cooking products.

Let's get back to the question of what is better, a multicooker or a steamer? The choice of buying one or another device depends on various factors. For example, on the tastes and preferences of the family. If your family prefers a variety of different tastes, then the choice should be in favor of a steamer, and if a rich menu is a more preferable aspect, then feel free to buy a multicooker. A steamer is a choice in favor of healthy and proper food, and a multicooker will be the preferred choice of gourmets.

VIDEO: Pros and cons of steamers and multicookers.