Steamers: features, types and uses

Steam boiling is believed to retain all the beneficial properties of food, which makes it healthier and more nutritious. One of the devices for steam processing of food is a double boiler, which can often be found in Russian hostesses. This article will discuss the features, varieties and methods of using modern steam boilers.

In short, the steam cooker processes food due to the strong steam flow that is formed by heating water in one of the containers of the appliance. The device works as follows.

• The lower tank of the double boiler is filled with water, which heats up and boils under the influence of the heating element at the base of the double boiler.
• Above the water tank are additional tanks with grates through which steam will pass.
• After boiling water gradually forms a dense stream of steam, which is evenly distributed in all bowls, while thermally processes the food.
• During the whole procedure, a large amount of water or condensate forms on the walls of the bowls, which flows out through the holes and enters a special pan.
• As soon as the water runs out, the steam is released, and the device automatically ends.

Externally, the double boiler looks like this: the plastic or metal basis with the control panel, on the basis one or several tiers in which food is located settle down. On top of the design is closed with a dense glass or metal lid with holes that release excess steam.

Regardless of the variety of steamers, they are characterized by certain characteristics and functions, which are most often found in modern designs.

• Control. It happens mechanical and electronic. Mechanical control is simpler, and is present in domestic models. Devices on mechanics do not differ in large power or a variety of modes, however, they serve stably longer and do not need frequent prophylaxis. Models with electronic control (via a touch screen) are difficult to repair, they are more expensive, but there are a priori several modes that allow you to very accurately approach the preparation of even the most complex dishes.

• Number of programs. Electronic food steamers are equipped with several food processing programs. Standardly these are three programs: “defrosting”, “warming up” and “steaming”. In the more expensive models there are up to 5-7 separate programs, which include more than one hundred different recipes and cooking modes.

• Power. From the power depends on the efficiency of food processing. Standard power double boiler with 2 bowls should be 800-1000 watts. The most powerful steamers have a capacity of 2000 watts and contain 4 or 5 levels of baskets.

• Equipment. If you do not take into account additional accessories, the double boiler consists of a base (base with a control center), bowls or baskets, as well as pallets. The number of pallets and bowls depends on the power and control of the model.

• Temperature. The average temperature of steam in the device is 100 degrees Celsius, this temperature allows you to save all the useful properties of the products. In addition to the steaming mode, the complex steamers must have a frying mode that allows you to cook even a grill.

In addition to the general characteristics, electronic steamers, as well as some models on mechanical control, have a number of functions that facilitate the process of cooking.

• Auto-control of steam temperature, regardless of external atmospheric pressure. This means that the device can be used in absolutely any weather and atmospheric conditions.
• Auto-reminder about cleaning the heating element, as well as contamination of the bowls themselves.
• The delayed start function is a useful thing for those who do not have the ability to turn on the steamer at a certain time. For example, if you are going to work in the evening, you can set a timer for the middle of the day so that the food is cooked and warmed up to your arrival.
• Auto-cooking. In modern steamers there are several cooking modes, as well as at least 20 different recipes for cooking. All this allows the owner of the device not to bother with an independent selection of recipes and not lose time on determining the optimal temperature.
• In new models, there is also a function of quick heating of food, as in microwaves.
• The sound alert function helps to monitor the end of the cooking process with the help of beeps.
• In modern models there is a special hole with an indication through which you can monitor the water level in the tank for liquid and, if necessary, top it up. In some models, water can be added directly while cooking.
• Auto-off function in case of overheating, breakage or insufficient tightness of the baskets or base.

Today's market of kitchen appliances offers several varieties of steamers, depending on the material of manufacture, autonomy and the number of tiers.

Depending on the material, there are glass, metal and bamboo steamers.

A glass double boiler consists of two elements: a large deep pan or a pan (which plays the role of a heating element), and a glass bowl with holes at the bottom. Water is poured into the pan, which when heated creates the steam necessary for food processing. It should be said that this option is often sold exactly in the kit with a suitable frying pan.

The same stainless steel or cast iron can heat to significant temperatures that will damage the integrity of the glass element. It is believed that steamers made of glass bring many benefits, as they do not affect the taste and color of food, and also keep heat for a long time.

Metal double boilers are most often models made of stainless steel. The advantage of steel steamers is that they heat quickly, serve for a long time and do not saturate food with harmful elements. By design, this double boiler is a double bottom panwhere water is poured on the bottom bottom to generate steam, and food is placed on the top thin bottom to heat or process food.

Bamboo steamer is considered an environmentally friendly option that does not cause any harm to the body. In addition, bamboo is incredibly resistant to high temperatures, which does not allow it to deform or spoil food.Some housewives noticed that the food after cooking on the bamboo double boiler gives a pleasant vegetable flavor.

By design, this double boiler is a metal skillet or pan with one tier of bamboo container instead of a lid. In this capacity there is a large number of holes through which steam and enters the food.

Wooden steamers, like bamboo, with proper processing capable of withstanding significant temperatures, and even steam. These models are considered to be equally safe, moreover, they are absolutely identical in design.

Depending on autonomy, steamers are divided into the following types.

• Completely autonomous double boiler with accurate functions. The usual version of the double boiler, which is most often found in the markets of kitchen appliances. Represents the basis with 1-2 bowls and 1 pallet.

• Steamer blender. A variant of a multifunctional steamer, which, after heating or processing food, grinds it into a mixture of the indicated consistency. Usually in such steamers vegetables or fruits are prepared for small children.

• Steamer-multicooker. One of the very common variants of the double boiler, which combines several separate functions at once: cooking, stewing, frying and steam processing of food.

• Steamer frying pan. It is a deep pan up to 3-3.5 liters by volume. Such a pan combines several elements: a food grate, a lid with holes for steam, as well as the pan itself (where the bottom acts as a heating element). In this case, you can achieve roasting food, however, it is extremely difficult to control the amount of water.

• Wok-double boiler. Such a double boiler is a semicircular cauldron, covered with a tight lid. Inside on the middle level is a metal grill, the lower tier is filled with water. The peculiarity of this double boiler is that this form allows heat to evenly diverge along all the walls. Consequently, water heats the water faster, and food is given to steam and heat from all sides. To create such steamers used ceramics or cast iron.

Steamers differ in the number of tiers.

• A three-tier and four-tier steam cooker is a volumetric version of the device for large families.
• A two-tier steamer with 2 bowls is suitable for cooking medium-sized meat, soups and cereals.
• Single or mini-double boiler - a compact version of a small structure with only 1 level. Suitable for cooking snacks, as well as small portions of the second and first courses.

Modern housewives attribute to the steamers a lot of positive and negative aspects that somehow affect the convenience of cooking or its taste.

First, consider the advantages of such devices.

• The food cooked in a double boiler, remains very hot and warm thanks to the special tight device of this device. In a typical room with an average temperature, food in a double boiler can stay warm for 14 hours after cooking. If you wish to cool the food, keeping it for a long time, the bowl with food can be placed in freezers.
• None of the other modern electronic devices have such functions as a double boiler - thanks to a multi-level method of cooking, food can be soaked with aromas of spices, vegetables and herbs, located in other bowls.
• As in any kitchen electronic appliance, in a double boiler, several cooking modes with set timers and steam temperature must initially be configured. This means that you do not have to monitor the operation of the device - just pick up already prepared healthy food.
• It is believed that the steam treatment of food does not harm her. This is the most gentle type of heating that is able to heat food without aggressive heat treatment.
• The double boiler allows you to more subtly approach the preparation of the most varied food, while the owner of the device does not necessarily know the features of this preparation.

However, there is a device and cons.

• Steamer, like any other device, needs regular and painstaking care.
• Bulky steamers that allow you to cook food for a whole family at once, often take up a lot of space. And it can provide, not every hostess.
• Steam, which has a favorable effect on food, is capable of causing significant damage to furniture, paints and wallpaper on the walls, even whitewashing on the ceiling. This means adding to the hassle of caring for the kitchen.
• Usually, baskets and bowls used for cooking are too bulky - they are difficult to put in a dishwasher.

The list of the best and most functional steam cookers changes every year - below you can see the list of steam cookers most popular today. In order of increasing quality, the top 5 best models on the market will be presented.

Popular among Chinese housewives steamer, the price of it is quite high, but now the power exceeds all expectations.

Advantages:

• excellent insulation food processing zones;
• 3 bulk containers for food;
• interesting design;
• impressive power;
• delayed start function.

Disadvantages:

• cost;
• short and not particularly strong cord.

One of the most powerful models on the market today.

Advantages:

• sturdy build from reliable manufacturer;
• quick steam function;
• better security system: the device shuts down in case of overheating or no liquid.

Disadvantages:

• inconvenient pouring water;
• fragile top cover;
• There are problems with the execution of the declared commands in the "auto" mode.

Another product made in China. You can cook up to three dishes at the same time.

Advantages:

• remarkable appearance;
• budgeted cost;
• pleasant segmentation of containers for simultaneous cooking of different sizes;
• reliable assembly.

Disadvantages:

• big sizes;
• difficulty in washing and cleaning components;
• not particularly reliable containers.

Very easy to manage model, complete with a bowl for rice. On motor operation.

Advantages:

• body of quality and durable material;
• interesting design;
• compactness of the bowl and the base itself;
• low cost;
• meager electricity costs.

Disadvantages:

• over time, the color of the niches and the base itself significantly dims, the general appearance of the model is lost;
• not particularly convenient containers for washing in the dishwasher.

The best option in both price and technical terms to date.

Advantages:

• Ideally sturdy build;
• large amount;
• long warranty period of service;
• convection heating;
• preservation of all nutrients during heating and steam treatment;
• full isolation of products through a dense horizontal cover.

There is only one drawback here - far from the budget cost.

It is rather difficult to choose a quality steamer, because it is not always possible to check the model's own construction alone.In addition, choose a double boiler should be based on the varieties of future food and a variety of dishes. Below is a list of parameters and components of the double boiler, which should pay attention to when buying.

• Bowls and baskets. This is the first thing to watch. From the number, shape and volume of the baskets depends on how much food you can cook in them at the same time. Keep in mind that it is impossible to remove the cups in the cooking process itself, you can damage the fixture, as well as break the temperature and pressure formed inside the appliance. It is better to choose steamers, where the baskets are slightly different in size - so it will be much easier to store them. If you want to monitor the entire cooking process, it is better to choose transparent baskets.

• Pallet. In each double boiler, by default, at least one pan should be installed in which excess fat, condensate or broth from cooked food will accumulate. Pallet height is usually up to 3 centimeters. The tray must be large enough to hold all the moisture that is formed during the cooking process. It is better to choose pallets with handles - it will be easier for you to drain condensate and the danger of burning will disappear.

• The bottom of the baskets. It happens solid or collapsible, baskets with a solid bottom segment the steamer into several compartments. Models with a folding bottom allow to unite a basket in one for preparation of more dimensional food.

• Power. Very much in cooking depends on the power of the device itself. Keep in mind that the more baskets and bowls you have in your model, the more power it will need to handle this amount of food. If we are talking about one bowl, then there will be enough a double boiler with a capacity of 500 watts, if about three baskets of 3 liters each - up to 1500 watts. Models with 4 or more baskets should have a capacity of at least 1600-1700 watts.

• The size of the kitchen. There are individual or built-in models of double boilers Recessed suitable for kitchens with limited space. A place to install such models can serve as a locker, tabletop, shelf near the hood.

• Security. Some modern steam cookers have a special protective mechanism that is used to shut off when overheated or out of water, to release steam when the lid is opened, to fix the lid at the time of cooking, and to lock the lid when a potentially dangerous temperature or pressure is formed in the device.

• The wire. Try to choose models of steamers with only a long wire. The fact is that not all extenders are able to withstand the power required by a double boiler with 3 or more baskets.

Any devices, especially electronic ones, need special operating conditions. Below you can find out how to properly use a modern stand-alone steamer.

• A place. The steamer must always stand on level ground, with a surface refractory and resistant to high temperatures. That is why polymer or wooden surfaces with a thin coating will not fit here. When positioning the double boiler, also pay attention to the distance to the nearest furniture. In order not to spoil the skin, wood and other materials, should be left at least 20 centimeters of free space. The same applies to the height to the ceiling - it must be at least 1 meter for unobstructed release of steam and heat.
• Moving and changing places. Do not attempt to move the steamer at the very moment of its preparation - you can spill hot water and get serious burns.If we are talking about multi-type models, where the device is a combination of a multicooker and a double boiler, then this precaution can be ignored. Usually in multicookers, lids are very tightly closed, which do not allow water to go out.
• Keep away from children. The device should be in a hard-to-reach place for children, it will help to avoid serious injuries and burns.
• Water quality The fact is that the quality of food cooked in a double boiler directly depends on the steam itself, which, in turn, depends on the quality of your water. Due to the fact that water in some regions may be too heavy or harmful, it is recommended to buy a special filtered liquid.

In order for the appliance to survive for a long time and show itself well in cooking, you should follow some rules of care for a double boiler. The most obvious ones are described below.

• Before turning on the device, it should be released from the packaging components, remove the film from the levels and containers. Also, be sure to thoroughly rinse all folding parts of the device and put to dry in a warm place.
• Clean and wash the double boiler after each cooking (pay special attention to the fats that often accumulate in the trays). So you keep a pleasant and natural smell, get rid of the danger of rust. Any quality cleaning potentially increases the life of the device. For dry cleaning of baskets and containers, it is better to use brushes with frequent and hard villi.
• In the process of washing do not forget to disconnect the device from the network, in addition, try to wash all the parts of the device separately. For washing such devices will serve well as a dishwasher. The very basis of the double boiler never wash, it should just be carefully wiped with a slightly damp cloth.
• After several applications, the heating element of the device can become covered with a scale. Most often this is due to poor water quality. Scale can be removed using vinegar - in a water tank should be placed 1-2 cups of vinegar (5%), the rest of the space is filled with water. We shelter a heating element, we establish the pallet and 1 capacity for food. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes, then check whether the scale has remained. This procedure can be repeated several times. After this cleaning, do not forget to thoroughly rinse the entire structure.

How to choose a double boiler, see the next video.