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

Almost all the housewives wonder what is better: a double boiler or a slow cooker, and is there a 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 describe in which cases you should buy this or that unit.

Slow cookers and steamers have become important helpers in any kitchen. They are able not only to cook a dish, but to completely change the cooking order. Consider the features of household appliances in more detail.

The crock-pot is a universal kitchen equipment designed for self-cooking. It combines several devices at once, so it does an excellent job with frying, baking, conventional cooking, steaming.

A slow cooker will be a great asset for people looking for variety in dishes. Almost all models boast a large number of cooking programs, each time you have a new dish on your table. A slow cooker does not require any labor from the hostess, the only thing you need is to prepare the ingredients.

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

The slow cooker is quite easy to learn, even a novice cook can figure it out. It provides an off timer and basic recipes. There is a function of delayed start of cooking, thanks to which the dish itself will start to cook at the specified time, and after cooking the multicooker will turn itself off. Thanks to this opportunity, you can be sure that dinner will be prepared on your own in your absence. Even if you are late at work, the dish still does not cool down thanks to the autonomous heating function.

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

Using this product is very easy. It is divided into two parts: water must be poured into the lower part, and the components of the dish into the upper part. There can be more than three upper bowls. On the front panel, you should set the cooking time. In the process of cooking, the hostess can open the lid, mix the ingredients, add water or seasonings. The most significant feature is that you can cook several different dishes at the same time according to different recipes. Plus, your ingredients will never burn.

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

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

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

Both a slow cooker and a double boiler have many 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 do not have to wait for the water to boil, you do not need to make sure that the dish does not burn, there is no need to stir and turn the components over. All you need to do is put the ingredients in the container and set the desired mode.
• Possibility of autonomous heating. The technique is able to keep the dish hot for up to 24 hours. Throughout the day, your lunch will not cool.
• Thanks to the delayed start function, you can lay the ingredients before going to 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, yoghurts. By purchasing a slow cooker, you save time, money and space in the kitchen. After all, it is able to replace a large number of kitchen appliances.
• Easy to learn. Everyone can learn 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 technique, this product also has negative sides.

• A slow cooker will not be able to cook several dishes at once. Therefore, if you are preparing to receive guests, then using such a technique is time-consuming. In this case, it is better to use a conventional stove.
• If the manufacturer does not provide an additional bowl, then you have to get it and wash it before each use.
• Not all models can turn off the temperature function.And this is sometimes very necessary, especially if you are cooking soup, which should be served cold.
• Low capacity If the characteristics of the model says that the capacity is 5 liters, then in reality it will be no more than four. Such a capacity is enough for one person, but it will not be enough for the whole family, especially for large families.
• The interior is ceramic, so handle the device very carefully. If even minor 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 how to cook well.

Below will be presented list of positive aspects.

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

Consider the negative side.

• Such dishes will not appeal to everyone, they seem fresh. Due to the lack of roasting, the products are not crusted. While eating, it seems that you eat raw food.
• Steamed products are brought to readiness much longer than those prepared on a standard cooker. The meat is cooked especially long.

Let's consider what models of crock-pots and steamers can be distinguished from a huge assortment of kitchen appliances.

Below you can find the most popular representatives of multicookers.

Country of origin Japan. The model boasts build quality. The capacity of the bowl is 8 liters, 11 autonomous cooking modes are provided, the power consumption is 1000 W. There is an additional Multi-Cook mode. There is the possibility of a delayed start.

The equipment is made in France, it has the most presentable design among competitors. The capacity of the bowl is 5 liters, 6 autonomous cooking modes are provided, power consumption is 700 W. There is no “Multipovar” mode.

Below will be considered the most common double boiler in Russia.

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

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

Summing up the above, we can say that when choosing between a slow cooker and a double boiler, several factors should be taken into account. A slow cooker is able to steam, but a double boiler can offer you more diet food. If you purchase equipment, and you have a large family, then buying the first option will be a reasonable decision. Plus, the multicooker offers the opportunity to cook a wide variety of dishes.

If the family is small and the simultaneous preparation of several dishes is an important need, then it is better to opt for a double boiler.

See how to choose a multicooker in the next video.