Healthy eating is one of the components of quality of life. Cooking food with steam preserves the taste and minimizes the loss of vitamins and microelements necessary for the body. In addition, steamers allow you to save time significantly, making it possible to cook several dishes at the same time.
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Advantages of steamers for home
Fried and baked food tastes good, but you should remember about the harm of such food. Steam processing during cooking perfectly balances the taste and usefulness of the prepared products. There are many advantages of the kitchen appliance:
- the food at the exit is dietary and healthy;
- preservation of most of the nutrients;
- speed and ease of preparation;
- the ability to sterilize utensils for infants while cooking;
- simple design combined with multifunctionality;
- food does not burn (automatic shutdown is provided);
- the ability to prepare several dishes at the same time;
- simple and easy to maintain – food residues do not stick to the baskets when steamed;
- safety during operation (no electromagnetic waves compared to microwave ovens);
- Steamed dishes are easy to prepare and do not require any special skills;
- The delay function in some models allows you to automatically start the cooking process at a convenient time;
- does not require constant presence in the kitchen and monitoring of what is happening on the stove.
What is the device?
The best steamer is multifunctional, easy to maintain and reliable. All models are similar in design. At the base is the base, which is the main working part with the electrical filling enclosed in it. It has an outlet for connecting to the power grid. There is also a container here, in which, under the influence of a heating element, water is brought to a boil - this is the source of steam generation. Control panels can be located in front or on the side.
Steam baskets are located on top of the base. The containers have a perforated bottom, and it is in them that the cooking process takes place. Their number varies from two to three, and they are located on top of each other. The upper basket is closed with a lid. Each basket has a tray that collects condensate and juice.
What is a steamer used for?
A steamer is not only a healthy food, but also an opportunity to prepare a complex meal in one sitting. Products that require different cooking times will not be a problem either. It is necessary to follow one important rule. For a dish that requires long cooking, use the lower basket.
In addition to cooking, steamers have an excellent function for heating up already prepared delicious dishes. No need to use a gas stove or microwave. With enough water, the desired temperature of the delicacy can be maintained for several hours if guests come to you, and the feast turns into a long phase of pleasant gatherings with gradual tasting of culinary masterpieces.
How a steamer works
When the kitchen appliance is plugged into the network, the water in the tank heats up to boiling temperature with subsequent formation of steam. The presence of special holes allows it to rise up to the food compartments. With the help of a special ring-shaped element, the movement of steam masses is accelerated, which significantly saves electricity.
The body is equipped with a liquid level indicator. Some models also have a sound signal reminding you that you need to add water. The trays play an important role in the operation. They collect the condensate released during operation, preventing it from getting into the generator.
Important! The number of bowls in the device is the same as the number of trays, so as not to mix the smells from the dishes being prepared at the same time.
The design of the kitchen appliance is standard for most models and may differ only in the different configuration of additional elements.
How to choose the right professional steamer
When choosing equipment for your home kitchen, you should be guided by several aspects when deciding how to choose a steamer:
- Design. If you plan to use the unit regularly, the shades should be universal with minimal decor and maximum functionality. Small and compact ones will be convenient for occasional use. Large kitchens with a certain style require a corresponding style of steamer. If there is a limitation in space, then pay attention to the transparent weightless material of the body.
- Technical parameters. This component directly depends on the number of people to feed. A capacious model with high power for a large family.
- Control type. Process control modules can be mechanical or electronic. And here everything depends on your own preferences. Mechanics are simpler, the electronic type requires attention when entering button combinations.
- Water level control. Constant immersion of the heater in water is a condition for correct operation. If there is not enough water, it switches off automatically. The presence of a hole for adding water and a warning signal about it is a plus to the design.
- Equipment. Two capacious trays will be enough for large families. But if you plan to cook several dishes at the same time, then a third basket is also needed. There are models with fans built into the lid to speed up the process, but their cost is somewhat higher.
- Operating modes. Standard options are designed for 3 modes. In a higher price category, their number reaches five.
Important! Units with electronic control have an interesting and useful delay function, which allows you to program the start at a convenient time, even if the cook is not at home.
Types of devices by control type
You will have to choose between electric, built-in and compact devices, which in turn have their own control types.
Additional information! Compact models look like saucepans with grates and perforated inserts, which allow them to be used on electric and gas stoves.
Mechanical
On the front panels of such devices there is a round knob designed to set the operating time. To do this, simply turn it to the desired number.
Electronic
A characteristic feature is the display with a push-button panel. It takes more time to get familiar with the modes, but this will more than compensate for the accuracy of the cooking modes.
Electromechanical – the middle option, distinguished by its simplicity (to turn it off, just turn the handle).
Power
The parameter affects the cooking speed. A large number of baskets implies an increase in power. The average figures for three 4-liter containers are 1200 W. For one bowl, 500 W will be enough.
Number and shape of steam bowls (baskets)
Most models have 2-3 containers. Different bottom diameters allow the device to be compactly folded for closed storage (but they cannot be swapped during operation). Small ones can be washed in dishwashers. The presence of a bottom with a non-stick coating makes cleaning much easier.
Number of pallets
The presence of only one tray assumes the collection of liquids from all the products being prepared (the lower ones will be soaked with the entire bouquet of the upper dishes). Capacious trays exclude their overflow during all the time of work. Choose models with handles to prevent burning your hands during manipulations.
Water indicator and refilling
An extremely convenient function that allows you to control the amount of water with the ability to add more. This is important and convenient, since there may not be enough liquid for dishes with a long cooking time. An audible or visual signal is designed to warn when to add more water into the funnel or the hollow handles of the baskets.
Special protection
It consists of turning off the unit if water is not added in time. In this case, the heating device is protected, and this directly contributes to safety. The operating status indicator will warn you that the steamer is ready for operation when connected to the network.
Attachments and add-ons
In stores you can find different configurations in addition to the basic ones:
- containers for side dishes, stands for boiling eggs;
- grates for bulk products;
- rice bowl;
- probes for monitoring food temperature;
- stands for products with strong natural dyes;
- culinary recipes.
Additional functions
Which steamers are better? Many models have advanced features:
- delayed start – a specific start time is set (and the temperature of the dish is maintained for the required time up to 12 hours);
- “fast steam” – maximum acceleration of the cooking process;
- “recipes” – manufacturers put standard recipes into the memory of electronic steamers;
- indication of cooking time and temperature in baskets;
- Sound notification of completion of work.
Helpful tips from experts on care and use
To keep the device in working order for a long time, you need to follow these rules:
- installation on a flat surface that can withstand high temperatures, there should be no furniture at a height of one meter;
- prevent movement in working condition;
- the device should not be covered with anything;
- Do not allow children near the steamer while it is running;
- Bottled water is ideal for use.
Use a soap solution for maintenance. The base is only wiped with a damp cloth (disconnect it from the network before doing this). Scale is removed from the heating element with a vinegar solution of water in the operating mode for 15 minutes.
Rating of the best models of steamers
When choosing, you can use the rating of steamers that have proven themselves to be good.
Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact
A device with three capacious bowls and a full functional set of an electronic steamer.
Zauber X-560
It has metal bowls, the water level in the tank is visually observed, it is easy to operate, compact for storage. The maximum timer is 60 min.
Braun FS 3000
Two-tier with mechanical control, 850 W power. 2-liter baskets, plastic body, additional elements.
Philips HD9140
Three tiers with different basket sizes and a rice bowl, egg wells. Most electronic control functions are present (except for delayed start). Power – 900 W.
Tefal VS 4003 Vitacuisine Compact
10 liters of total volume in three plastic baskets. Electronic control. Power 1800 W. The set includes trays for sauces and marinades, and a recipe
Philips AVENT SCF870
Children's steamer-blender with mechanical control and one container. Power - 400 W.
Braun FS 5100
Two baskets (3.1 l each) and a two-liter rice bowl. Power 850 W. Equipped with a steam accelerator. Mechanical control.
Bosch Series 8 CDG 634 BS1/BB1
Built-in steamer. Large-sized device with a power of 1.9 kW and electronic control with a child protection function.
Smeg SC745VAO/VPO
With electronic control, power 3900 W. Tank - 1.4 l (without the possibility of adding water), backlight, automatically stops working when the door is opened.
Conclusion
The steamer is a convenient and useful kitchen appliance. In the process of familiarization and studying the work process, you should make a choice in favor of the most convenient model. The cooking rules are simple, but you can also use your own innovations in cooking that do not contradict the operating conditions.
