In fact, with the help of a double boiler you can prepare delicious dishes, without a single drop of oil, that will please the most pampered gourmets. For baby food, a steamer is an indispensable thing; it is used to prepare the baby’s first complementary foods. Which steamer should you choose so that it does not disappoint and becomes a real assistant in the kitchen? We will tell you about this right now.

Types of steamers, advantages of each of them

The oldest type of double boiler is a kind of water bath in Russian cuisine. A lid with holes was placed on a pan of boiling water, onto which the food to be cooked was placed. “Manual” steamers can still be purchased today; they are very cheap and easy to use.

If you are not averse to purchasing a device that is more expensive and more interesting, then you should pay attention to electric steamers for your home.

These steamers differ in the way they are controlled. How to choose a double boiler correctly so that the first use does not become fatal? There are two types of control system, choose the most optimal one for yourself.

Mechanical control

Uncomplicated control panel. It has a standard power button and rotary levers for setting time and power. Very simple and intuitive, quite practical. The price for such a device is incredible. You can buy it within reason. This steamer perfectly copes with its main task - steaming without any extra hassle.

Electronic control

Electronically controlled steamers are not a cheap option. Display, touch control, built-in cooking programs, all this will allow you to properly prepare your favorite dish, practically without interfering with the process. Your task is only to prepare the food, and the electronic steamer itself will calculate the cooking time, steam strength, and upon completion will give a signal that the dish is ready and turn off.

Steamer device: pay attention to details

Before choosing a device for your home, you should know what kind of item it is and what parts it consists of. This knowledge will help you navigate your choice easier. The electric steamer consists of 3 parts:

• The basic element is designed to heat water and convert it into steam. Base power above 1000 W - your food will be ready faster, more dishes can be cooked at the same time;
• A water reservoir, usually located just above the base. The deeper the tank, the less often you need to add water to it;
• The tray collects condensation that forms during cooking. There is most often one tray, but there may be several trays under each steam basket. You can choose a suitable tray using simple logic - if you plan to cook several dishes at once in a steamer, then it is better to take a device with a tray under each container, so that the juice from the upper baskets does not fall onto the food from the lower ones;
• A steam basket is an installation designed directly for placing products on it. Multiple basket settings per basket allow you to cook 2-3 dishes at the same time. Choose baskets of at least 1 liter, so that a family of 3 people can cook food in one turn on the appliance.

Steamer functionality

This is the most important point for potential buyers who are already on the threshold of the store and are about to purchase a steamer. A manufacturer can integrate more than 20 functions into a particular model, but the most valuable ones will be those that will bring you positive emotions, thanks to which the steamer will become a truly necessary device for you. We list the most important characteristics that will be completely useful in a kitchen unit.

1. Function of adding water to the tank

If the water in the steamer suddenly evaporates, the device will automatically turn off and all modes will have to be set up again. But if the steamer has a function for adding water directly during the cooking process, you can safely add 100-200 ml at a time, the device will continue to cook your lunch without stopping.

2. Overheat protection

This function was given special attention in the program “Test Purchase” on Channel 1. Safety comes first, especially in the kitchen. A steamer is a household appliance that gets very hot when used for a long time. If you don’t turn it off in time, then next time the steamer may refuse to work. It is worth choosing a steamer with protection against overheating, and then at the slightest risk it will turn off from the network.

3. Food heating function

The steamer cooked the dish a long time ago, but you missed the moment and now a cold lunch awaits you. This can be avoided by choosing a device with a food heating function. Having prepared the dish, the steamer will automatically turn on the food heating mode and keep the dish warm for a time that you determine yourself.

4. Delayed start

Need to steam vegetables for breakfast? No problem. A steamer with a delayed start function will give you the opportunity to choose exactly the time to start cooking, which you set yourself.

If you know that the boss is planning an important meeting today, then you can prepare a simple dish for your loved ones without even being at home. Just cut the potatoes and champignons into cubes in advance and add some salt to the appliance basket. Turn on the delayed start function, for example, at 17.00. And in just an hour, your family at home will be able to dine on delicious steamed potatoes and mushrooms.

5. Fast cooking function

This will probably be one of your most frequently used features. When you don't have enough time, preparing a meal quickly is not an easy task. Some steamers have a "fast steam" function. It doubles the cooking time by raising the temperature higher and producing more steam. It is important to remember here that water with this function will also evaporate faster, and it is worth adding it more often.

In conclusion, we note that the choice of the optimal steamer is largely influenced by the number of your family members.

For a large family, it is a good idea to choose a home steamer with three tiers, a large water tank and several trays. For a family of 2 people, or for one person, a steamer with 1-2 baskets, mechanical control is suitable, and the size of the tray does not matter here.

Choose a steamer that suits your tastes, and it doesn’t matter what brand is listed on the label - the main thing is that you enjoy the device and serve you well for many years.

Eating healthy food today is not only healthy, but also fashionable. Devices that help us prepare delicious, varied and harmless dishes have flooded the domestic market and it can be difficult for the average consumer to navigate this variety. Fortunately, our experts are not asleep - we are ready to tell you which steamer is better according to the 2017-2018 rating, based on user reviews and statistics from selling sites.

A few words about the device itself

A steamer is a fairly simple device. Water is poured into the lowest reservoir. Heating elements boil water, after which it turns into steam and acts on the products that are placed on the upper tiers. The products retain all their beneficial properties and original taste. No cholesterol or carcinogens.

It’s good if your steamer has the ability to rearrange the food baskets - so, you can speed up the preparation of the dish if you move the top tier to the very bottom, where the temperature and intensity of steam exposure are much higher.

Types of steamers

Steamers come in round and oval shapes. Designed for different volumes - from 0.2 to 40 liters. Made of plastic or metal. The first ones are light and cheap, the second ones are practical and durable. Some models of food baskets have removable bottoms - this is very convenient if you often steam poultry.

Steamers also differ in the number of tiers. The more there are, the more functional the device becomes - you can cook several different dishes at the same time. For example, meat and side dishes. If you plan to cook several dishes at the same time, pay attention to steamers with separate trays for each tier - this way you will prevent the taste and smell of the products from mixing and you will be able to prepare a complete set meal with dessert.

And, of course, you should not ignore the division into stand-alone and built-in devices. For those who pay special attention to the appearance of their kitchen, a steamer hidden behind a neat furniture façade will become a reliable and discreet housekeeper.

What should you pay attention to in the store - which steamer is better to buy? Here are some simple recommendations to help you make the right choice. Also, it was these criteria that served as the determining factors for those models of steamers that were included in our rating of the best.

1. Power is the primary indicator that will help you choose a functional and productive model. The range of indicators is from 400 W to 5 kW. The higher the power, the better, then the food cooks faster and does not risk falling apart. However, remember - your wiring must withstand such loads.
2. Number of tiers. Requires special attention to this parameter. On the one hand, a larger number of baskets will allow you to cook several dishes at the same time, and this will save effort and time. But on the other hand, calculating the correct time required to cook food at different heights is quite a difficult task, especially for a novice cook.
3. Management and functionality. As with any devices, you can control the operation of steamers using mechanical or electronic controls. The mechanics are simple and reliable. Electronics are more versatile and convenient. Which steamer is right for you depends only on your personal preferences. The functionality of different models can also be standard or extended. Delay start, timer, automatic shutdown, power regulators, operation indicators - these are what you need for comfortable use of such a device at home.

Well, now it’s time to find out which steamer is the best in 2018.

Rating of the most successful steamer models

We will consider the most popular models of steamers in ascending order of price and tell you both the advantages and disadvantages, if any, were described in consumer reviews.

Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

This is a model that attracts attention, primarily due to its low cost and excellent build quality. It has 3 tiers, volume – 9 l, power – 900 W. Features include a 60-minute timer, auto shut-off, modes for cooking and defrosting food, and sterilizing dishes. The disadvantages are that you cannot add water while the device is operating, and there is no delay start. But in general, reviews from owners are positive; they note the following advantages: good volume; simple controls; Convenient to wash, mainly only the removable bottom.

Zauber X-560

Another good model with a reasonable price tag. 3 tiers, power 700 W, electronic control. Despite its low cost, this steamer boasts an impressive range of options and capabilities - timer, delay start, thermostat, quick steam mode, autocooking. One of the most frequently purchased gifts for older people is a simple menu, easy to care for, and a full set of functions for steaming various dishes. Some owners complain about the short service life, but these are isolated cases; for the most part, the steamer works for a long time and works properly.

Braun FS 3000

The next position, which continues our ranking of the best. Spacious, multifunctional and not very expensive. The model is assembled from only two tiers, but thanks to the divider, you can cook 4 dishes in it at once. Power – 850 W, volume of the entire steamer – 6.2 l, water tank – 2 l. There is a security system (auto shut-off, water level indicator, temperature regulator), timer, “fast steam” mode and temperature and time settings for 6 recipes. One of the significant shortcomings described in the reviews is the flow of fat into the water tank. This makes the steamer more difficult to maintain.

Philips HD9140

One of the most popular models, which combines a wide range of options, a fair price and decent workmanship. Without a doubt, this steamer will continue to occupy high positions in sales rankings in 2018. This steamer has 3 vertical tiers, a power of 900 W, and electronic control. In it you can cook both side dishes and meat, as well as first courses. You can add water during cooking, use one of 5 operating modes (steamer, boiling, stewing, egg boiler, heating), and not worry about food burning.

Tefal VS 4003 Vita Cuisine Compact

Pleasant to the eye, compact and at the same time quite roomy steamer. The total volume of the device is 10 liters, three tiers, mesh bowls and trays for dishes of different consistencies. Functional advantages - timer, delay start, mode for keeping food hot. You can add water directly while cooking and not worry about safety - the device will turn off if all the water from the reservoir has boiled away. However, according to users, during cooking the water in the tank does not decrease by less than half. The owners of this particular steamer note that it is easy to clean and pleasant to use - thanks to the “vitamin+” mode, products reach readiness 2 times faster and do not lose their natural taste, color, or smell. By the way, you can safely cook such disparate dishes as meat, side dishes and baked fruits at the same time, and not be afraid that the smells will mix. This steamer will last for a very long time, because it is assembled, as they say, “to last a long time.”

Philips AVENT SCF870

Steamer-blender. An interesting solution for those who want to save on purchasing two devices. A convenient, compact and durable option, a reasonable purchase for a small, young family with a small child. Sterilizing baby dishes, preparing a variety of cereals and purees, steamed meatballs and fish dishes - all this is easy to prepare if you have AVENT SCF870 in your kitchen. Power - only 400 W, one tier for cooking, timer for 20 minutes, small water tank - only 0.2 l. However, this steamer is almost impossible to damage due to intense loads; it is also easy to clean and convenient to store even in a small kitchen or rented apartment.

Braun FS 5100

A reliable, functional and stylish round-shaped steamer for quick and easy cooking of delicious and healthy dishes. The materials from which the cooking containers are made are absolutely safe and non-toxic. Moreover, they are tinted and darkened in color so that foods such as beets, spinach, carrots, etc. The plastic was not painted and the device as a whole looked neat. The steamer has two tiers, power - 850 W, durable and simple mechanical control. The manufacturer has taken care of comfort and practicality - in this steamer the baskets can be interchanged, there are also operation indicators, an extra steam mode and the ability to wash the baskets in the dishwasher. Each basket has its own tray under it, which means that the smells of different products will not affect each other. However, as some owners note, for the cost of the steamer, the functionality could have been expanded. However, for those who do not plan to steam their culinary delights often, this is the best steamer.

Bosch Serie 8 CDG 634 BS1/BB1

One of the most budget models of built-in steamers. Total volume – 38 l, power – 1900 W, made of stainless steel and enamel. It has four types of heating and twenty automatic operating modes. It is protected from accidental pressing, has an automatic self-cleaning mode and a low water level indicator in the tank. Anyone who buys this type of equipment will be able to recreate any design in their kitchen without fear of spoiling the look with one or another device. This Bosch steamer can be easily compared with an oven; also, this model is distinguished by its interesting design, wide range of functions and highly professional execution.

Smeg SC745VAO/VPO

In 2017, it became a hit among built-in steamers. Total volume – 35 liters, power – 3200 W, easy-to-use electronic controls, bright informative display. Can reheat, defrost, sterilize, boil or stew. The safety system has been carefully thought out and executed - control blocking during cooking, stopping the steam supply if the door is not closed, indicating the water level in the tank. The set includes a baking sheet, wire rack, cleaning agent and a special sponge. In auto-cooking mode, you can use one of 15 ready-made recipes. Overall, this is a stylish, modern and efficient steamer that will pleasantly surprise you with a variety of healthy delicacies for many years to come.

Now, you know which steamer is better according to the 2017-2018 rating; we hope it has answered all your questions that you might have when choosing the most suitable model of such an important kitchen device. Happy shopping and healthy gastronomic delights - with a good steamer it’s easy and simple!

A steamer is a special kitchen appliance designed for preparing healthy dishes from fish, meat, vegetables and other products. Its main advantage is cooking without adding fat. Experts note another important fact - food in a double boiler never burns. The products are processed with steam, due to which all useful minerals, vitamins and other elements are preserved, and the percentage of animal fats and cholesterol is significantly reduced.

When choosing a high-quality double boiler, you need to take into account a number of points; if you do not take them into account, then it will turn out to be not entirely suitable or not at all suitable for a particular housewife.

The main ones among these factors are the following:

• Control method: mechanical or electronic. In the first case, the model will cost much less, but the cooking temperature will need to be set manually. Electronic control makes the steamer more expensive, but it has much wider functionality. Usually there is a small display on the body, which indicates the main cooking parameters;
• Power – generally ranges from 800 to 2000 W. This parameter does not affect the quality of cooking, only the speed;
• The volume of the bowl is selected depending on the number of family members - for 3-4 people a 5-6 liter bowl will be enough;
• What is the device made of - the body and the bowl itself. In most cases, the case is plastic, however, you can also find models made of stainless steel. It is best if the lid is transparent - this will make it much easier to monitor the cooking process. The bowl is made from materials that can withstand high temperatures well;
• Design features - it is advisable to give preference to models that have a special funnel that allows you to add water directly during cooking;
• Device kit - the more items it includes, the more expensive the steamer will cost. In the most expensive models you can find recesses for boiling eggs, jars for storing spices, and so on;
• Availability of additional useful options - fast steam, delayed start, additional heating after cooking, timer;
• The company that produced the product. It is best to give preference to well-known brands - they will break less often.

In our rating of the best steamers, we have collected only the most reliable products that are perfect for most housewives. When compiling this top 10, we additionally took into account reviews from users and experts, value for money. We hope that after reading this review, it will be much easier for you to choose a model that is ideal for your requirements.

List of the best steam oven models of 2019

This is a small steamer that will fit perfectly into the interior of a small kitchen. The bowl volume is only 3.5 liters - this allows you to prepare about two medium servings of food. You will have to cook in it much more often, but the food will always be fresh. The power of the equipment is only 750 W, and the set includes two removable bowls made of heat-resistant plastic that has no foreign smell. It is controlled mechanically using appropriate levers. There is a work indicator.

The volume of the water tank is 0.7 liters, and it begins to boil approximately 10 minutes after starting the device. The operation timer is designed for one hour of continuous operation, there is an automatic shutdown system, and reliable protection is also provided. The device will not start working if the lid is open or there is no water in the container. The case has a high degree of thermal insulation, it will not heat up during operation, and is made of reliable plastic. The build quality is excellent, there are no extraneous squeaks even after several years of use.

Advantages:

• Reasonable cost;
• Durability;
• Almost silent;
• Automatic shutdown system.

Flaws:

• Mechanical control system;
• There is no funnel for adding water during operation;
• There is no thermostat or delayed start system.

This is a fairly modern design, complete with two bowls for preparing various products, a tray for condensation, a special container for rice, buckwheat and other cereals, as well as a container for coloring products such as beets. The model has two tiers where direct cooking takes place, and their total volume is 6.2 liters; the cereal container holds about 2 liters.

The device has a timer for one hour with subsequent automatic shutdown, a “fast steam” mode and an operation indicator. There is a special sensor that ensures that the device turns off in case of water shortage. The body is made of plastic, the food containers are also plastic. When stored, the device takes up a minimum amount of free space. The bowls can be placed in the dishwasher; there is a niche for storing the power cable.

Advantages:

• Reliable assembly, which ensures the durability of the device;
• Attractive appearance;
• In the event of an emergency or when cooking is completed, the device emits a special sound signal;
• Volume bowl for cereals;
• Ease of management;
• Significant power.

Flaws:

• There are no recesses for boiling eggs;
• It will not be possible to add water during cooking;
• There is no delayed start function.

This is a very convenient and practical model, which comes with transparent bowls for food, which will allow you to observe the cooking process without interrupting it. This steamer is the first device with an electronic type of control - there is a small liquid crystal display and a timer, an operation indicator.

There are three tiers, so you can cook up to three dishes at the same time; the power of the device is 700 W. The body is made of stainless steel, the assembly is of high quality - there are no backlashes, even after several years of regular use the steamer will not make any extraneous sounds. The set includes a rice container and a removable grill.

Advantages:

• Electronic control system;
• Assembly reliability;
• Convenient and complete set;
• Reasonable cost;
• The set includes a recipe book.

Flaws:

• The cord is very short;
• Seals are not reliable everywhere - sometimes they lose their tightness;
• The display is not backlit.

This is a fairly compact, but at the same time, roomy model, with three levels for simultaneous preparation of various dishes. For cooking, there are mesh bowls or trays where you can place your favorite sauce or marinade, which will make the food even more delicious. The model is manufactured on the basis of the latest patented compact storage technology.

The control here is digital; the equipment has a timer for one hour; after cooking, the device will automatically turn off, but if necessary, it will maintain a high temperature of the food. The assembly is of very high quality; all bowls, racks and other removable elements can be washed in the dishwasher. The water capacity has a volume of one and a half liters, which is enough to cook three dishes at the same time. If there is not enough water, the device will turn off on its own, emitting a sound signal.

Advantages:

• Works absolutely silently;
• Capacious pallets;
• Attractive appearance;
• Takes up minimal free space;
• It quickly cooks even quite complex dishes.

Flaws:

• Heats water for a long time;
• The inner bowls are sometimes covered with a network of cracks;
• Unreliable plastic parts that quickly fail;
• Despite electronic control, there is no display.

This is one of the best electronic steamers in the rating. It looks very nice and has small overall dimensions. The weight of the device is only 2.3 kg, although it has three transparent plastic bowls. You can also cook with a removable bottom. The set includes a special attachment with indentations for boiling eggs, and there is also a small container for spices.

The device has an original Flavou Booster function, which evenly distributes spices throughout the internal volume of the bowl, giving dishes a unique taste. Once cooking is complete, the appliance will beep. The control is electronic; there are a huge number of different functions and automatic operating modes that you can adjust yourself. There is a Keep Warm system that keeps food hot for a long time, and there is a funnel for adding water. The power of the device is 900 W, there is reliable protection against overheating.

Advantages:

• The set includes a sufficient number of removable grills for various types of products;
• There is a liquid crystal display, a thermostat;
• The power cable is quite long;
• Insignificant mass;
• A large number of additional functions.

Flaws:

• There is no delayed start system;
• If food releases fat during cooking, it will drain into the lower tray.

This model has a special Vita Steam technology, which allows you not only to preserve all useful vitamins, trace elements and minerals, but also to cook using spices. Due to the high power level, steam begins to form within 15 seconds after starting the cooking program. The model has three bowls, located one above the other, their total volume is 11 liters. They are isolated from each other due to partitions made of heat-resistant silicone, which does not allow odors to penetrate from one bowl to another, and are snapped into place using special retaining grooves.

The control is electronic with a convenient and intellectually understandable menu that anyone can quickly understand. There is a large tray to collect condensation and fat; water is added to a special retractable mechanism without pauses during the cooking process.

Advantages:

• Cooking areas well isolated from each other;
• Large volume of each container;
• Beautiful appearance and reliable assembly;
• High power level;
• There is a delayed start timer.

Flaws:

• The grease tray is not very convenient to remove for cleaning;
• Short power cord.

In the top 10 best steamers, this model was in 4th place, largely due to the presence of a large number of automatic cooking functions. There are three tiers in total with a total bowl volume of 11 liters, the water tank has a volume of 1.2 liters, the device has an automatic timer for one hour, which will emit a corresponding signal after cooking is complete.

In addition, there is a corresponding indicator that lights up when there is not enough water in the tank. The body is made of non-marking plastic, the trays are made of food grade stainless steel, and the bowls are made of transparent heat-resistant plastic. The device takes up little space during storage. The set includes a special bowl for preparing various cereals. The power of the device is 2 kW, due to which steam begins to form almost instantly after turning on the cooking program.

Advantages:

• Very reliable assembly;
• There is a “quick steam” function;
• A good protection system against overheating, burnout, and so on.

Flaws:

• Not all automatic cooking functions work as stated by the manufacturer;
• Sometimes the rim of the top cover may crack;
• The rim is not convenient - it makes pouring water into the tank problematic.

This model takes an honorable third place in our top 10 best steamers due to a number of advantages over previously reviewed devices. It, like most of the devices included in our rating, is equipped with three independent cooking zones. There is a special intellectual development IQ STEAM, which independently determines which products need longer heat treatment, and accordingly, they begin to cook earlier than others. Thanks to this function, all dishes will be cooked at approximately the same time.

There are seven automatic programs, and they can be adjusted manually. The control here is electronic, there is a convenient liquid crystal display that allows you to change the cooking temperature, select the optimal time, and so on. When the dish is cooked, the device automatically switches to heating mode, keeping the food at the optimal temperature for up to 40 minutes. The device has a reliable security system that extends its service life.

Advantages:

• The model is made of materials that are safe for human health and also look attractive;
• The design is beautiful and ergonomic;
• Availability of heating function;
• Reliability of the design.

Flaws:

• Not very convenient to wash;
• Large overall dimensions;
• Frequent use may cause the containers to crack.

This is an inexpensive, but very high-quality and multifunctional steamer design, and it has everything you need to prepare a large number of different dishes. There are two tiers of food preparation with a total volume of 2.5 liters, which is quite enough for a small family. The controls are mechanical, but this does not affect the convenience at all; there is a timer with an automatic shut-off system. It is designed for 60 minutes, there is a “fast steam” function that allows you to warm up the device to the required temperature in just a few seconds.

The body is made of high-quality plastic with a good thermal insulation system, the bowls are also made of transparent plastic. During storage, it takes up minimal free space. The power of the product is 800 W, there is a special bowl for cooking cereals, grooves for boiling eggs, the steamer weighs little - about one and a half kilograms.

Advantages:

• Sturdy body;
• Attractive appearance;
• Takes up little space;
• Economical in terms of energy consumption;
• Acceptable price.

Flaws:

• There is no niche for storing the power cable;
• Some elements fade over time.

This is one of the newest models of steamers, which appeared on the Russian household appliances market relatively recently. In terms of all its main characteristics, this steamer is the best among all those presented in the review. It has only one tier, so you can cook only one dish in it. The control type here is electronic, there is a power indicator, and a large touch display. The capacity is as much as 15 liters, although the external dimensions are not that large.

The device has a convection function, due to which you can prepare up to 15 different types of dishes. This feature will preserve the juiciness of meat, fish and other products due to the fact that heating is carried out as evenly as possible. The temperature is raised to one hundred degrees in just three minutes after starting; if necessary, you can even sterilize various items in the steamer - baby bottles, dishes, and so on.

Advantages:

• High build quality;
• Excellent capacity;
• Long service life;
• Convection function;
• Large capacity.

Flaws:

• Apart from the high price, nothing was found.

In conclusion, an interesting video

In the modern kitchen there are many appliances that make the life of housewives much easier. An example of such a technique is a double boiler. It is very popular among fans of healthy eating.

There are different types of steamers, so sometimes it can be too difficult to know which unit is ultimately worth buying. This article will help you understand all the differences between them and the intricacies of choosing steamers.

What is it: device and principle of operation

If you have never encountered such a technique, then first of all you should understand what it is. A steamer is a convenient electrical appliance that allows you to process food using hot steam. This cooking method is much healthier because it allows you to preserve all the important microelements in the food. The result is healthier and more nutritious food.

If you look at its description, you can understand that the technique consists of several components. The main base contains all the heating elements. When you turn on the steamer, it begins to heat the liquid poured into a container specially available for this purpose. You can pour water into it and when it warms up, steam will begin to release. This is what is used for processing products.

On the same part there is also a control panel, which allows you to select different modes and simply turn the steamer on and off. Depending on how modern and multifunctional your steamer is, the number of modes varies.

Above are the steam baskets. They should be made of durable material, but not too heavy so that the pallet does not bend under pressure. Their number varies depending on what unit you have. There can be from one to three containers for products. This is very convenient, as you can place one basket on top of another, preparing several dishes at once. Since a power of 2000 W is not uncommon for steamers, the baskets are made of durable plastic, stainless steel or special glass so that they do not emit any harmful substances under the influence of high temperature.

At the bottom of the baskets, no matter how many there are, there must be special holes. They allow steam to pass through and allow you to get delicious and nutritious food.

Also, each steamer should have a tray. All excess liquid collects in it. After all, when food is processed with steam, condensation is released. As a rule, in steamers there is only one for all baskets. But there are also more expensive models in which their number is equal to the number of baskets. This option is more convenient, but also costs more.

Now that we have understood the basic technical points, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of this kitchen appliance.

First of all, such a steamer will, of course, please those who care about their health. At home, using this technique, you can prepare delicious and complex dishes without any effort. And steaming instead of frying makes any food more healthy, which has been confirmed by more than one study.

Another useful function of a steamer is that you can use it to defrost food and reheat food. And mothers will be pleasantly pleased with the fact that you can also sterilize baby dishes in it. Hot steam treatment instantly kills all bacteria, which is very convenient.

Another undoubted advantage is that when you buy a steamer with several massive baskets, you can cook several dishes at a time. This is convenient for large families and those who often host guests. This technique will make your life easier and save you a lot of time.

The temperature of the steam in the lower basket will always be higher, so if you put what takes longer to cook there and what will be ready faster on top, you will get your food almost at the same time. So, you can put meat in the lower container and vegetables in the upper one, and get a tasty and satisfying dinner for the whole family, prepared at the same time.

The steamer is very easy to use, because nothing burns in it, even for those who are not very good at cooking. The fact is that when the time required to prepare a certain dish expires, the device automatically turns off or goes into heat preservation mode. This means that even if you are distracted by other things, your dish will still not burn.

In addition, under the influence of steam, food always turns out juicy and very tasty. So, if your dishes often turn out a little dry, then a double boiler will definitely save you.

This technique is also very easy to clean. To do this, simply open the steamer and wash the grate and containers with warm water and detergent. After washing, the parts of the steamer must be thoroughly dried, and only then closed. This way you will extend the life of your equipment by several months, or even years.

Another useful function of a steamer that is worth paying attention to is the function of delayed cooking or heating of food. With a simple steamer, you can let your food cook in slow motion first thing in the morning. And it will be ready just in time for your arrival home. The maximum time for which the complete cooking process can be delayed is twelve hours.

You can also cook food immediately and set it on a timer. This way it will cook right away, but will not cool down when you return home. This is a very convenient feature. It will save both busy women and those who cook for the whole family. If you have dinner and lunch at different times, then this feature will be very useful for you.

Students also liked such steamers. Electric stoves are always prohibited in dormitories, but a steamer will allow you to cook delicious food without the risk of starting a fire or being evicted. In this case, it is not necessary to buy a multi-level model. One basket will be enough for you to prepare delicious food for yourself.

As is clear from the description, a high-quality steamer is a very multifunctional unit. It can be used in any home. Its characteristics make the steamer suitable for both young girls and experienced housewives. The main thing here is to choose the right technique.

What is good about induction steamers with a mechanical or electronic control system will be discussed further.

Varieties: advantages and disadvantages

Among the many varieties of steamers, there are different types of units. The main thing where they differ is power and control features. It is precisely these characteristics that it is recommended to pay attention to when purchasing.

In most steamers, power is a parameter that can be adjusted. But remember when purchasing that it should not be lower than 650 W. In this case, the food will cook too slowly.

The speed of cooking is also affected by the size of the baskets. In a large container, food will cook much longer. Even if you do not completely fill the container with products. But too compact baskets or containers made of low-quality material are not the best option for a double boiler.

Another important point is that the steamer should have the simplest possible control system. It can be mechanical or electronic. Professional steamers are always equipped with an electronic control system. This is what allows you to use such convenient functions as delayed cooking. This technique has a display that shows which mode is selected and how much time is left until the end of cooking.

Another option is a unit with a mechanical control system. These steamers are easier to operate. When cooking, you just need to press a few buttons to turn on the steamer and set the cooking time. And she herself will do everything for you.

There are also steamers with additional functions. If you need a smoker, convection oven or food processor, then a double boiler may well be a replacement for all the previously listed units. The main thing is to select equipment with the modes you need. After all, a folding steamer with a chopper, no matter how versatile it may be, will not be needed in every kitchen.

Another convenient option for a pressure cooker is a folding travel model. A mini steamer is the thing that will save you when traveling to another city or on vacation. A good compact steamer, taken on the road, will save you from having to spend a lot of money on food in public places.

An important point when choosing is the number of baskets in the steamer. As already mentioned, they come in single-tier, two-tier and three-tier. The most convenient option is a technique that has 3 tiers at once, and each of them is supplemented with a pallet. This allows you to cook several dishes at once without mixing their tastes and smells.

After all, if a three-level steamer does not have a separate tray for each tier, then the food from the bottom will be soaked in condensation or broth. And an insert in the form of a tray in which all the liquid is collected will easily prevent this.

At first glance, a multi-level steamer seems too bulky. But considering how many functions it performs at once, this is quite justified. By installing such a multifunctional item in your kitchen, you can get rid of a frying pan, microwave, and even an air fryer. So, despite the fact that a multi-level steamer is quite large, you should not refuse it for this reason alone.

But if you have too little space in your kitchen, and you are just beginning to be interested in proper nutrition, then you can buy a two-level steamer. This is a kind of golden mean. It doesn’t look too bulky and allows you to cook a little more than a regular single-level model.

Material and accessories

Just like the number of baskets, the material from which they are made also plays an important role. Most often, the containers in steamers are transparent. This is both aesthetically attractive and very convenient, because you will constantly see what is happening inside your steamer and control these processes.

Such baskets can be made of glass or plastic. But these materials are far from the most durable. In addition, they lose their attractiveness over time, and may not survive mechanical damage at all. Both glass and plastic can easily crack under the pressure of the top container.

A more durable option is a stainless steel steamer. It is more durable than glass. In addition, a metal basket retains its visual appeal longer than a glass product.

By the way, the shape of the baskets also plays an important role. They can be square or round, but that's not what's important here. What matters much more is whether they are all the same size. If one of the baskets is smaller and the other is larger, then you will not be able to swap them. And this very often saves when food is cooked at different speeds.

In addition, such dishes can have different volumes. For a large family, a 12-liter capacity is suitable, but for those who live alone, you can choose a smaller steamer, with a basket the size of a small deep plate.

But not only the bowls, but also the mesh through which the steam passes must be durable and resistant to damage. The sieve must be of high quality so that the food does not taste like cheap plastic.

This technique is often supplemented with additional attachments and all sorts of functions. The most popular functions are slow cooking and reheating.

A less useful feature is the water indicator. It allows you to determine how much liquid is in the tank. But you will still add water before each cooking process, so this detail is not particularly important.

Some models are also equipped with a special hole that allows you to add water to the tank directly during the cooking process. So, if you notice that the liquid is evaporating and the food is not cooked at all, then this problem can be solved. When you're not using it, it can be hidden by an inconspicuous flap.

New models: reviews

Technical progress does not stand still, and manufacturers are constantly releasing more and more modern and multifunctional steamers. It is difficult to decide which of the new models is the best. It's even harder to know whether the next new feature will be useful to you. Customer reviews help make the process of finding the perfect equipment easier.

Today, among experienced housewives and fans of proper nutrition, steam products from five leading brands are popular. If you want to find good equipment, we recommend looking at technical innovations from the brands Braun, Moulinex, Philips, Tefal and Scarlett.

Let's take a look at them so you can compare and decide which one is best for you.

Let's start with Tefal. This brand has recently been delighting its fans with high-quality steamers that can do a little more than their predecessors. Among them, it is worth highlighting options with the ability to maintain heat, delay the start of cooking and quickly heat up food with hot steam.