What is better: a double boiler or a slow cooker?

Almost all housewives are wondering what is better: a double boiler or a slow cooker, and is there any difference. Acquire kitchen appliances should be based on their needs. This article will discuss the features of each device, the positive and negative sides, and also tells you when to buy a particular unit.

Multicookers and steamers have become important assistants in any kitchen. They can not just cook the dish, but completely change the order of cooking. Consider the features of household appliances in more detail.

Multicooker is a universal kitchen appliances designed for self-cooking. It combines several devices at once, so it does an excellent job with roasting, baking, ordinary boiling, steaming.

The slow cooker will be an excellent acquisition for people looking for diversity in dishes. Almost all models can boast a large number of cooking programs, each time you will have a new dish on the table. The slow cooker does not require any effort from the hostess, the only thing you need is to prepare the ingredients.

Please note: if the recipe says that you need to fry the potatoes a little first and then bake, then the automatic program is not enough. You will need to first select the frying mode and fry the potatoes, then, adding all the other components of the dish, change the mode to “baking”.

The slow cooker is quite easy to learn, even an aspiring cook can deal with it. This includes the off timer and basic recipes. There is a delayed start of cooking function, thanks to which the dish itself will begin to boil at a specified time, and after cooking, the multicooker will turn itself off. Thanks to this opportunity, you can be sure that dinner will cook itself in your absence. Even if you stay at work, the dish will still not cool due to the autonomous heating function.

If you compare a slow cooker with a double boiler, then the second specializes only in cooking steamed dishes. Undoubtedly, this technique is able to prepare a huge number of recipes, but they will all be without roasting. This double boiler and inferior multicooker, which can cope with cooking almost any dish.

It is very easy to use this product. It is divided into two parts: in the lower part you need to pour water, and in the upper part - the components of the dish. The upper bowls can be more than three. On the front panel, set the cooking time. In the process of cooking the hostess can open the lid, interfere with the ingredients, add water or seasoning. The most significant feature is that you can simultaneously cook several different dishes according to different recipes. Plus, your ingredients will never burn.

In the modern world, you can find a huge number of steamers, but they all have the same basic set of functions:

• automatic and manual control of steam intensity;
• the possibility of delayed launch;
• function of maintaining the temperature inside the tank.

The difference between the double boiler is that the food, steamed, retains all the necessary vitamins and trace elements.Such dishes can be consumed by people on a strict diet, because the cooking process does not use butter. If you are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, then, most likely, only steamed dishes are included in your diet.

Both the multicooker and the double boiler have numerous positive aspects. Not without flaws. Consider all the pros and cons for each of the devices.

Let's start with the positives.

• The appearance of a large amount of free time, because you will not have to wait for boiling water, you do not need to make sure that the dish does not burn, you do not need to interfere and turn over the components. All you need is to put the ingredients in a container and set the desired mode.
• The possibility of autonomous heating. The equipment is able to keep the dish hot for up to 24 hours. All day long your lunch will not cool.
• Thanks to the delayed launch feature, you can lay down the ingredients before leaving for work, and in the evening get a fresh hot dinner.
• Almost all models have more than 15 cooking programs, including you can cook buns, dishes without roasting, yogurt. By purchasing a slow cooker, you save time, money and space in the kitchen. After all, it can replace a large number of kitchen appliances.
• Easy to learn. Everyone can study this technique. It will be especially useful for students who have neither the time nor the experience of cooking complex dishes.
• Due to its small size, the unit can be used not only in the kitchen, it can be taken with you on a trip.

Like any other technology, this product has negative sides.

• The slow cooker will not be able to cook several dishes at the same time. Therefore, if you are preparing to receive guests, the use of such technology takes a lot of time. In this case, it is better to use a conventional stove.
• If the manufacturer does not provide an extra bowl, then you will have to take it out and wash it before each use.
• Not all models can turn off the temperature maintenance function. And sometimes it is very necessary, especially if you are cooking soup, which should be served cold.
• Small capacity. If in the characteristics of the model it is written that the capacity is 5 liters, then in fact it will be no more than four. One person will have enough such capacity, but it will not be enough for the whole family, especially for large families.
• The interior is ceramic, therefore it is necessary to handle the device very carefully. When even minimal scratches appear, the food will start to burn or stick to the bottom of the bowl.
• It is undesirable to use a slow cooker if your culinary abilities are low. So you never learn to cook well.

Below will be presented list of positives.

• Ease of use, the ability to cook multiple dishes in parallel. Many models include several baskets. It is important to know that in baskets located in the lower tiers, you need to have the components of the dishes that are cooked the longest.
• Using a double boiler for cooking guarantees you a healthy diet without losing vitamins.
• Before using the ingredients do not have to defrost.
• Many steamed dishes do not require the intervention of the hostess.
• Ease of washing. Due to the lack of roasting, the components will never burn, and the basket will be absolutely clean even after a simple rinse with water.

Consider the negative side.

• Such dishes will not appeal to everyone, they seem bland. Due to the lack of roasting products are not covered with a crust. During the meal, it seems that you eat raw food.
• Products for a couple are brought to readiness much longer than those that are prepared on a standard plate.Meat is cooked especially long.

Consider which models of multicookers and steamers can be distinguished among a huge range of kitchen appliances.

Below you can see the most popular representatives of multicookers.

Manufacturing country Japan. The model boasts a build quality. The capacity of the bowl is 8 liters, 11 autonomous cooking modes are provided, and the power consumption is 1000 W. There is an additional “Multi-cook” mode. There is the possibility of delayed launch.

The equipment is made in France, differs the most presentable design among competitors. Bowl capacity is 5 liters, 6 autonomous cooking modes are provided, power consumption is 700 W. “Multipovar” mode is absent.

Below will be considered the most common steamers in Russia.

The company's headquarters is in Japan. Supra FSS-310 - one of the most budget options for this technology. The capacity of the tank is 15 liters, 6 autonomous cooking modes are provided, the power consumption is 800 W. There is a possibility of delayed start and a timer.

The manufacturer has provided an LED backlight, each cooking mode has its own color. At different stages of cooking the backlight will be different. The model is made in France. The capacity of the tank is 10 liters, there are 6 autonomous cooking modes, the power consumption is 900 W. There is a function of defrosting meat.

Summarizing the above, we can say that when choosing between a slow cooker and a double boiler, several factors should be taken into account. The slow cooker is capable of steaming, but a steam cooker can offer you more diet food. If you purchase equipment and you have a large family, then the purchase of the first option will be a reasonable solution. Plus, the multicooker offers the possibility of preparing a wide variety of dishes.

If the family is small and simultaneous cooking of several dishes is an important need, then it is better to stop your choice on a double boiler.

On how to choose the slow cooker, see the next video.