Microwave Steamers: How to choose and use?

Recently, healthy eating has come into vogue, and steaming is an integral part of it. Quick and tasty it can be done using a microwave oven. How to combine a microwave and a double boiler, what are the pros and cons of this method, we will tell in our article.

Some modern microwave ovens initially include steamers. However, this product can be purchased separately. Cooking in a similar way has several advantages.

• It takes much less time to cook food than when using a conventional double boiler. In addition, if the product is supplied, the oven is equipped with a function when self-cleaning is performed using steam. This allows you to facilitate the care of the device and not spend a lot of time cleaning its work surface.
• Also, there are no problems with washing the double boiler. It can be put in order, both independently and using a dishwasher. It also contributes to significant time savings.
• Microwave ovens having this function can be used to sterilize dishes. This is especially convenient with regard to containers for baby food and preservation cans. You can also handle the dishes, which uses a sick person, hot steam easily kills pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
• It is impossible to ignore the fact that the combination of these two devices can save space in the kitchen.

As for the drawbacks, it should be noted that a microwave oven with a similar function will have a higher price.

Steamers for microwave ovens are presented on the modern market in a large assortment. They may have differences in both appearance and configuration. Which one to choose, the consumer decides individually. The package may be of several types. Among them are single-tier, two-tier and non-standard. They all have their own characteristics.

• In the single-tier design there is a capacity for water, condensate, and only one level for the laying of products.
• Bunk has a second basket for the products and a tray in which the condensate is collected. This model is considered to be the most convenient, as it becomes possible to cook 2 different dishes at once.
• Non-standard steamers are distinguished by additional elements.

Steamer can be autonomous. In this case, it will need a separate place. If we are talking about an embedded model, it will already apply to electrical structures. When the double boiler is not included with the microwave oven, it can be purchased separately, focusing on the size of household appliances.

Usually steamers are made of food grade plastic. This plastic product has all the necessary characteristics and is great for microwave ovens. The material is quite durable, which allows it to serve for a long time without breaking or deforming. It is environmentally friendly, does not contain harmful substances that may pose a threat to health. And, finally, it is very easy to take care of and wash it, which is also an important condition.

Steamers for a microwave can have various form. The choice depends on the preferences of the buyer. On the shelves are presented round, square, oval and rectangular models. Consumers are advised to purchase round steamers, as they are more convenient than other models. When buying, you should pay attention to the size of the design, since too large can simply not enter into an existing microwave oven. You also need to consider how much you need to cook food.

Manufacturers offer a fairly large color palette of models and a diverse design. You can buy a steamer standard white or brighter colors.

There is usually no problem with the operation of the structure. However, for the beginning it is recommended to get acquainted with the instructions for use. It looks like this. After purchase, the product must be thoroughly washed. If provided by the instruction, then in the lower tank you need to pour water. However, there are models in which this action is not required.

On tiers laid pre-prepared products. It is recommended to use the lower basket for cooking meat and fish. The temperature there will be higher, and these products require a longer preparation. The top basket is laid with side dishes and vegetables, which are steaming fast enough. Everything is covered with a lid and placed in the microwave.

On the lid most often there is a steam pressure valve. It is necessary to control the speed of cooking and its quality. The excess liquid will drain into the pan, and the products themselves are steamed, retaining all the useful and nutritious elements. In order for vegetables to be cooked evenly, users of steam cookers are advised to first poke them in several places before placing them in the basket. If vegetables are cut, add a small amount of water.

The time required to prepare this or that dish is selected according to the instructions. On average, it ranges from 15 to 20 minutes. Vegetables can be prepared a little earlier, the meat will take about 25 minutes.

When the time is out and the dish is ready, the steamer should be removed from the microwave oven. It is necessary to use tacks or a towel, otherwise there is a risk of getting burned. When removing the lid, you must take precautions, as hot steam can also burn. After the products are laid out on a plate, the structure should be washed and dried.

Users can make some mistakes when cooking with a steamer. The most common of them are insufficient or excessive time spent on cooking, insufficient amount of water in the structure or its absence, when this is provided, as well as the addition of seasonings and spices to the liquid container. If you follow the basic recommendations, you can daily please yourself and your family with tasty and healthy food.

In the next video you will find a review of a two-tier steamer for the Microvap microwave oven.