Steamers: features, types and uses

It is believed that steaming preserves all the useful properties of food than makes it more healthy and nutritious. One of the devices for steaming food is a double boiler, which can often be found in Russian housewives. This article will discuss the features, varieties and methods of using modern double boiler.

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

• The lower reservoir of the double boiler is filled with water, which is heated and boils under the influence of the heating element at the base of the double boiler.
• Above the water tank are additional containers with grates through which steam will pass.
• After boiling water, a dense steam stream gradually forms, which is evenly distributed over all bowls, while thermally processing food.
• Throughout the procedure, a large amount of water or condensation forms on the walls of the bowls, which flows out through the holes and enters a special tray.
• As soon as the water ends, the steam stops and the device automatically ends.

Externally, the double boiler looks like this: a plastic or metal base with a control panel, on the base there are one or more tiers in which food is placed. From above, the structure is closed with a dense glass or metal lid with openings releasing excess steam.

Regardless of the type of double boiler, they are characterized by some 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. Instruments on the mechanics do not differ in either great power or a variety of modes, however, they serve longer stably and do not need frequent prevention. Electronic control models (via the touch screen) are difficult to repair on their own, they are more expensive, but here a priori there are several modes that allow you to very accurately approach the preparation of even the most complex dishes.

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

• Power. The effectiveness of food processing depends on the power. The standard capacity of a double boiler with 2 bowls should be 800-1000 watts. The most powerful double boiler has 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 the steam in the operation of 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, in complex steamers there must be a frying mode, which allows you to cook even a grill.

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

• 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 of 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 opportunity to turn on the double boiler at a specific time. For example, if you are going to work in the evening, you can set a timer in the middle of the day so that the food is cooked and warmed up at your arrival.
• Auto cooking. In modern double boiler there are several cooking modes, as well as at least 20 different cooking recipes. All this allows the owner of the device not to bother with self-selection of recipes and not to waste time determining the optimal temperature.
• The new models also have the function of quick heating of food, as in microwave ovens.
• The sound alert function helps you monitor the end of the cooking process with the help of sound signals.
• In modern models, there is a special hole with an indication through which you can monitor the water level in the liquid tank and add it if necessary. On some models, water can be added directly during cooking.
• Auto-off function when overheating, breaking or insufficient tightness of baskets or base.

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

Depending on the material of manufacture, there are glass, metal and bamboo double boiler.

A glass double boiler consists of two elements: a large deep frying pan or a pan (which plays the role of a heating element), as well as 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 precisely in a set with a suitable frying pan.

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

Metal steamers are most often stainless steel models. The advantage of steel steamers is that they quickly heat up, serve for a long time and do not saturate food with harmful elements. By design, such a double boiler is a pan with a double bottomwhere water is poured onto the lower bottom to produce steam, and food is placed on the upper thin bottom to heat or process the food.

A bamboo double boiler is considered an environmentally friendly option that does no 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 food after cooking on a bamboo double boiler gives a pleasant vegetable aroma.

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

Wooden steamers, like bamboo steamers, when properly processed, can withstand significant temperatures, and even steam. These models are considered as safe, in addition, they are absolutely identical in their design.

Depending on the autonomy, double boiler are divided into the following varieties.

• Fully self-contained steamer with clear functions. The usual version of the double boiler, which is most often found in the markets for kitchen appliances. It is a base with 1-2 bowls and 1 pallet.

• Double boiler blender. A variant of a multifunctional double boiler, which, after heating or processing food, grinds it into a mixture of the indicated consistency. Typically, such steamers cook vegetables or fruits for young children.

• Double boiler-slow cooker. One of the very common options for a double boiler, which combines several separate functions at once: cooking, stewing, frying and steaming food.

• Steam frying pan. It is a deep frying pan up to 3-3.5 liters in volume. Such a frying pan combines several elements: a grill for food, a lid with holes for steam, and also the pan itself (where the bottom acts as a heating element). In this case, you can achieve the frying of 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, at a medium level, there is a metal grill, the lower tier is filled with water. The peculiarity of this double boiler is that this form allows the heat to disperse evenly along all walls. Consequently, water heats water faster, and food is infused with steam and heat from all sides. To create such a double boiler, ceramic or cast iron is used.

Steam cookers also vary in the number of tiers.

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

Modern housewives ascribe many positive and negative points to the double boiler, which in one way or another affect the convenience of cooking or its taste.

First, consider the advantages of such devices.

• Food cooked in a double boiler remains heated and warm for a very long time thanks to the special hermetic arrangement of this appliance. In a normal room with an average temperature, food in a double boiler can remain warm for 14 hours after cooking. If you want to cool the food, keeping it for a long time, the bowls together with the food can be placed in freezers.
• None of the other modern electronic devices has such functions as a double boiler - thanks to the multi-level cooking method, food can be saturated with the 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 should initially be set. This means that you do not have to monitor the operation of the device - just pick up already cooked healthy food.
• It is believed that steam processing of food does not harm her in any way. This is the most gentle type of heating that can heat food without aggressive heat treatment.
• A double boiler allows you to more finely approach the preparation of a variety of foods, while the owner of the device does not need to know the features of this preparation.

Nevertheless, the device also has disadvantages.

• A double boiler, like any other appliance, needs regular and painstaking care.
• Volumetric steamers that allow you to cook food for the whole family at once often take up a lot of space. And not every housewife can provide it.
• Steam, which has such a beneficial effect on food, can cause significant harm to furniture, paints and wallpaper on the walls, even whitewashing on the ceiling. This means adding the hassle of caring for the kitchen.
• Usually the baskets and bowls used for cooking are too bulky - they are difficult to put in the dishwasher.

The list of the best and most functional steamers is changed every year - below you can find a list of the steamers that are most popular today. In order of increasing quality, the top 5 best models on the market will be presented.

A Chinese double boiler popular among housewives, its price is quite high, but its power exceeds all expectations.

Advantages:

• excellent isolation of food processing areas;
• 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:

• strong assembly from a reliable manufacturer;
• fast steam function;
• better safety system: the device turns off in case of overheating or complete lack of fluid.

Disadvantages:

• inconvenient water filling;
• 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 a time.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

• big sizes;
• difficulties with cleaning and washing components;
• not particularly reliable containers.

A very easy-to-use model; the kit includes a rice bowl. On the mechanical control.

Advantages:

• housing made of high quality and durable material;
• interesting design;
• compactness of the bowl and the base itself;
• low cost;
• scanty electricity costs.

Disadvantages:

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

The best option for both price and technical terms today.

Advantages:

• perfectly strong assembly;
• large volume;
• long guarantee of service life;
• convection heating;
• preservation of all nutrients when heated and steamed;
• full isolation of products through a dense horizontal cover.

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

Choosing a quality double boiler is quite difficult, because it is far from always possible to independently verify the design of the model. In addition, choosing a double boiler should be based on the varieties of future food and the variety of dishes. Below you will find a list of parameters and components of the double boiler that you should pay attention to when buying.

• Bowls and baskets. This is the first thing to look at. How many food you can cook in them depends on the number, shape and volume of the baskets. Please note that it is impossible to remove the bowls during the cooking process, you can damage the mount, as well as violate the temperature and pressure formed inside the appliance. It is better to choose double boiler where baskets are slightly different in size - so it will be much more convenient to store them. If you want to follow the whole process of cooking, it is better to choose transparent baskets.

• Pallet. In each double boiler, at least one pan should be installed by default, in which excess fat, condensate or broth from the cooked food will accumulate. The height of pallets is usually up to 3 centimeters. The pan should be large enough to hold all the moisture that forms during cooking. It is better to choose pallets with handles - so it will be easier for you to drain the condensate and there will be no danger of getting burned.

• The bottom of the baskets. It happens solid or collapsible, baskets with a solid bottom segment a double boiler into several compartments. Models with collapsible bottom allow you to combine the basket into one for cooking more oversized food.

• Power. A lot in cooking depends on the power of the device itself. Keep in mind that the more baskets and bowls in your model, the more power it will require to process such an 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 1,500 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 steamers. Built-in are suitable for kitchens with limited space. The place to install such models can be a cabinet, countertop, shelf near the hood.

• Security. Some modern steam cookers have a special protective mechanism that is used to turn off when overheating or when there is no water, release steam when opening the lid, lock the lid at the time of cooking, and also lock the lid when a potentially dangerous temperature or pressure is formed in the appliance.

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

Any devices, especially electronic ones, need special operating conditions. Below you can familiarize yourself with how to use a modern autonomous double boiler.

• A place. A double boiler must always stand on level ground, with a refractory and resistant to high temperatures surface. That is why polymer or wooden surfaces with a thin coating are not suitable here. When arranging a double boiler, also pay attention to the distance to the nearest furniture. In order not to spoil the skin, wood and other materials, at least 20 centimeters of free space should be left. The same applies to the height to the ceiling - it should be at least 1 meter for unhindered release of steam and heat.
• Carriers and relocation. In no case do not try to move the double boiler at the time of cooking - so you can spill hot water and get serious burns. If we are talking about multi-type models, where the appliance is a combination of a multicooker and a double boiler, then this precaution can be neglected. Usually in multicookers very tightly closed lids that do not allow water to come out.
• Keep out of the reach of children. The device must be out of reach of children, this 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 the 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 be able to survive for a long time and to show itself well in cooking, some rules for caring for a double boiler should be followed. The most obvious ones are described below.

• Before turning on the device, it should be freed from packaging components, remove the film from levels and containers. Also, be sure to thoroughly rinse all the folding parts of the appliance and set to dry in a warm place.
• Clean and wash the containers of the double boiler after each cooking (pay particular attention to fats, which often accumulate in pallets). So you keep a pleasant and natural smell, get rid of the danger of rust formation. Any quality cleaning potentially increases the life of the appliance. For dry cleaning of baskets and containers, it is better to use brushes with frequent and hard fibers.
• During the washing process, do not forget to disconnect the device from the mains; in addition, try to rinse all parts of the device separately. A dishwasher will serve as a good dishwasher. The base of the double boiler itself is never washed, it should just be carefully wiped with a slightly dampened cloth.
• After several applications, the heating element of the device can be covered with a layer of scale. Most often this is due to poor water quality. The scale can be removed with vinegar - 1-2 cups of vinegar (5%) should be placed in a water tank, pour the rest of the space with water.We cover the heating element, install the pan and 1 container for food. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes, and then check if there is any scale left. This procedure can be repeated several times. After such cleaning, do not forget to thoroughly rinse the entire structure.

See how to choose a double boiler in the next video.