What is the best power for a steamer. How to choose the right steamer (expert advice, video Test purchase)

Plushkin For kitchen

An indispensable assistant in the preparation of healthy food is a double boiler. This is a device that allows you to cook food for a couple.

The device consists of a support base, a steam basket and a tray to collect fat and excess liquid.

At the base of the steamer there is a container for water, a heating element and control buttons. Products are placed in a basket, where they are steamed.

Classification and types of steamers

According to the installation method, built-in and independent steamers are distinguished. The former require a permanent, allotted only place in the kitchen for them.

The latter can be rearranged, moved, carried and transported. And in terms of design, they are in no way inferior to embedded devices.

Depending on the functionality, there are compact steamers (conventional appliances with a standard set of functions) and solo steamers (they have rich functionality). By type of control devices are mechanical and electronic.

The mechanical regulator is simple and easy to use, does not require much mental effort. As a rule, those models are supplied with electronic regulators, in which you can set not only the time, but also a certain mode (for example, a delayed start). Next, we will analyze what a double boiler is and how to choose it.

Steamer: pros and cons

A lot has already been said about the benefits of steamed food. This is the most important advantage of the steamer and the most main reason purchases.

The food is low-calorie, vitamins and trace elements are better preserved when steamed (rather than when boiled or frying).

Dishes are juicy and tender. Products in a double boiler do not need to be turned over, mixed. The dish is prepared automatically, without the direct participation of the chef. In addition, after cooking, the kitchen remains clean and without unpleasant odors burnt oil or fat.

But working with a double boiler requires special care: when lifting the lid, you can burn yourself with steam. In many models, food placed on the second and subsequent tiers cooks more slowly. This point must be taken into account when cooking.

Steamer: how to choose?

Before going to the store, you need to decide which device your family needs. Let us designate the main selection parameters.

1. Power. This parameter affects the cooking speed. Most modern models have an operating power of six hundred to two thousand watts. But it is not worth establishing a direct relationship between power and cooking speed: the time spent on cooking also depends on the design, volume of baskets, etc.
2. Control type. If the modes of delay and keeping the dish warm are not really needed, then it is better to buy a double boiler with a mechanical type of control. It is simpler and therefore more reliable.
3. Filling hole water during the operation of the steamer. During cooking, it may be necessary to add water to the required level. So there must be a hole. If it is not there, you will have to remove the steam baskets. And this is fraught with burns to the hands.
4. Water level indicator. Highly handy thing. You can, without stopping cooking, see if there is enough water.
5. Number of steam baskets. Choose according to the number of family members. Usually two or three baskets are sufficient. In a multi-tiered steamer, you can cook several dishes at the same time. Note also the presence of a bowl for rice. Any cereals and cereals are prepared in it, which is very convenient. The volume of the bowl is from 0.7 to 2 liters. An important selection parameter, because a small rice container may not be enough for the whole family.
6. steam baskets may be the same shape and differ in diameter. In the first case, during cooking, you can safely swap the containers in places so that the dishes are cooked evenly and equally. But storing a steamer with such baskets requires a lot of free space. The different diameter of the bottom allows you to insert the baskets one into the other. This is convenient during storage, but not during operation (it is problematic to swap such baskets). Therefore, it is recommended to choose a model with baskets of the same diameter.
7. Pallet height. At least - one and a half centimeters, best of all - two or two and a half. The higher the pan, the less often you will have to drain the condensate during the operation of the steamer.
8. Tray handles. They must be in order to avoid injury during the draining of the liquid accumulated on the sump.

Model range of steamers

Braun MultiGourmet FS-20

An unremarkable model. However, she has everything she needs: two steam baskets and two drip trays for collecting condensate. This allows you to cook separately different dishes.

For example, vegetables and meat or meat and fish. No odors or liquids will mix.

The model also has a rice bowl with a volume of more than 2 liters.

True, there is no external hole for pouring water. But German quality and reasonable price have made MultiGourmet FS-20 popular among consumers.

What is a steamer? This is a device that allows you to cook food through the action of steam. Products processed in this way retain a maximum of useful substances and are perfect combination taste and quality. Of course, steamed food takes some getting used to, as fried or baked ingredients are traditionally considered to be tastier. However, once you appreciate the benefits and the incomparable natural taste of the products, you will certainly make this appliance your indispensable assistant in the kitchen, which you will turn to more and more often. Let's try to figure out how to choose a double boiler for your home, and what criteria you should pay special attention to.

There are the following types of steamers.

Embedded and standalone

Built-in models are very space-saving, as a rule, they are built into the countertop, only bowls for laying vegetables will be visible. Control buttons will be located side. If the case is effectively covered with wood or plastic decor, access will be from below. On the side it is necessary to mount a vessel designed for water. In general, a similar version of steamers according to appearance similar to electric stove. The most expensive models even allow you to connect to the water supply, but in this case there is no need to fill the container manually.

Simple models of built-in steamers have three programs: defrosting, heating and, in fact, steaming itself. For more advanced options, the functionality is significantly expanded - 5-10 or more programs.

Standalone steamers are easier to install. Enough to choose appropriate place and plug the plug into the socket. Among the disadvantages of such options, one can single out the inconvenience associated with the possibility of dropping or damaging the device by inadvertent movement, as well as the fact that the functionality of such models is most often limited.

Electronic or mechanical control

Mechanical control is realized by turning the switch by the amount of time required for cooking. Switching off occurs automatically. The simplest option control, provided in models with low cost.

Electronic control is more difficult. It provides for work with touch panel and buttons located on it, as well as with a display. On the display, you can see the set parameters regarding the time remaining until the end of cooking, temperature, the remaining liquid in the tank, and others.

The electronic version of the control of the steamer allows you to cook dishes almost automatically.

Criterias of choice

To do right choice, it is necessary to evaluate what functional features priority for you:

Power. Perhaps one of the key parameters. It depends on her to a greater extent how quickly the dishes will be prepared. Basically, this parameter varies in the range from 600 to 2000 watts.
Number of operating modes. The standard option is 2-3 modes, for models with a higher price - 3-5 or more. In fact, three modes, as a rule, are enough for the full use of a double boiler without claims for advanced functionality. You can safely steam, defrost and reheat. All other features (automatic inclusion, thermal shock, etc.) you may not need at all, and therefore why overpay for them?
Number of baskets and their size. If you have a small family, 1-2 baskets will be enough for you, if the number of family members is more than three and, plus, you often use the steamer when cooking, choose models with three baskets. This will expand the possibilities, but will affect the speed. A rice bowl comes standard with any set, although, in fact, it is not only for him. With this container, you can cook completely different dishes, cook soups, cereals, puddings, that is, those dishes that cannot be cooked in perforated containers. Estimate the size of such a bowl when choosing.
Dimensions and number of pallets. There may be more than one pallet. Not every manufacturer offers such options, but they do exist. Users note the convenience of having a tray under each basket in cases where they do not want to mix smells. If there is only one pallet, then there is no such possibility - everything that is prepared on the upper tier will inevitably flow through the condensate to the lower one, to one degree or another. The height of the tray is also important, the minimum required is 2-2.5 cm. If the tray is smaller, then during the period of time required to prepare the dish (usually about an hour), you will need to drain the accumulated condensate more than once. Agree, it's not very convenient.

Separately, I would like to note the additional functions of the double boiler. Their presence and variety, as a rule, determine the price of the chosen device.

Delay start function allows you to automatically start the device in right time. Very convenient, you can cook food in the morning, and by lunchtime everything will be cooked in the best possible way.

Ability to maintain temperature dishes allows you to keep cooked food warm for 10-13 hours.

So-called "steam burst" needed when you want to speed up the heat treatment process. It is also believed that with this preparation, products retain more nutrients.

overheat protection steamer is implemented through the function automatic shutdown when the water runs out.

Sound signal at the end of the cooking process is convenient in all cases, there is no need to constantly approach the appliance.

Electronic models are usually equipped with functions automatic cooking. You can choose a program, and the steamer will do everything for you, quickly and efficiently.

Manufacturers overview

Bomann. The models of this manufacturer consist of three plastic baskets, while the body itself is metal. All components are convenient to wash in a conventional dishwasher, due to the fact that they perfectly fold into each other.

Mystery. Offers steamers with very bright and unusual design. Inexpensive options are made of plastic, premium options are made of stainless steel. Baskets have a volume of 1.5-2 liters, and a power of about 1200 watts. According to reviews, this allows you to cook food very quickly.

“I want to leave a review about my favorite assistant in the kitchen. Before buying, I thought for a long time, doubted, since the choice of devices from this group is huge. I chose Mystery MFS-1304 - inexpensive, but functional. My favorite feature is the delay start, I pack the products and go for a walk with the child, the process starts at the right time for me. Come - everything is ready. Management is elementary, just choose the time required for cooking. By the way, the instructions indicate the recommended for some products, but in practice it has to be increased. We cook fish, chicken, steamed cutlets with the help of Mystery, my daughter loves apples from a double boiler. The price of 1300 fully justifies the purchase and the question of whether a double boiler is needed disappears by itself.

Julia, 27 years old.

Philips. The manufacturer, as always, is on top. It offers the most complete list of all possible conveniences when dealing with technology. Tray and bowl handles, built-in touch control, a special container for seasonings, convenient holes for adding liquid, maximum protection - this and much more will make the process of using the steamer convenient and easy.

Polaris. Offers inexpensive, but practical models. As a rule, such double boilers have a mechanical control option, which in no way detracts from their merits. The corrugated surface allows you to correctly distribute products over the entire area, you can cook large portions of your favorite dishes quickly enough.

Supra. Convenient and practical models include three baskets, which, according to reviews, are very conveniently folded into each other according to the nesting doll principle. Control can be electronic or mechanical, depending on the option chosen.

“SupraFSS-201 proved to me the truth that not all cheap things can be bad. I decided somehow to go to healthy eating and, as an experiment, purchase a double boiler for these purposes. I did not want to spend a lot of money, because it was not known whether I would use it long time so I bought inexpensive option. In appearance, this model, to be honest, did not inspire confidence, but I still took a chance. Comes with a recipe booklet. It turned out to be surprisingly easy to cook with it - 15-30 minutes, and you're done. It didn’t take up much space in my kitchen, it looks almost like a pan. Of the shortcomings, I would note the difficulty with washing, since there is no way to remove the cord, and very thin plastic. I'm very afraid of dropping it, it will almost certainly crack from the impact.

Elina, 30 years old.

Tefal. Offers a variety of options - from inexpensive and practical to powerful, roomy premium models. Decide what you need a double boiler for, and the manufacturer will offer the most profitable and interesting option.

Conclusion

in diversity various options household appliances you can get lost. If you are planning to purchase a steamer for the first time, and have never used this device before, it may make sense not to chase a lot of functions, but to buy a simple and reliable thing. After, evaluating all the advantages of steam cooking and getting acquainted with the functionality of more expensive steamers, you can choose the features that you are missing and purchase a model of a different level.

Other users, as well as consultants in specialized stores, will help you with advice on the purchase of a steamer, tell you how to choose it, what to consider, which functions may be necessary and which you can do without. Take care of your health and eat the right food!

Steamer - indispensable assistant in cooking tasty and healthy, enriched with vitamins and useful substances dishes. With a steamer, you can forget about "tasteless" boiled diets and unhealthy fried foods, and safely switch to healthy, steamed in own juice food. With the help of a double boiler, you can cook first courses, side dishes, amazing meats and even desserts at the same time, significantly saving valuable time and effort.

If you have never used a double boiler or want to change your old assistant to a more efficient new one, you should pay attention to the types of double boilers (in this article we will talk about electric double boilers):

— desktop steamers- the heroes of our ranking of the best steamers 2019. Used at home, easy to use, have a simplified, intuitive interface.

There are a lot of parameters for selecting steamers, so you should familiarize yourself with the main technical characteristics:

Complete set of this device:

Base- the main working part, the heating element and the water tank, which is later converted into steam.
cells- the so-called steam baskets - round (less often - oval) bowls with a perforated bottom, into which products are loaded. Usually there are 2-3 cells in a double boiler, they are installed one on top of the other, then covered with a lid.

1-2 baskets are suitable for not big family, 3 - for large. When choosing, it is worth considering the direct dependence of the cooking speed on the number of cells: the fewer there are, the faster the cooking time.

Usually, a steamer also comes with a “rice bowl” - a special container for cooking cereals and soups.

The average volume of a cooking bowl ranges from 1.5 to 4 liters, rice bowls - from 0.7 to 2 liters. Special attention It is worth paying attention to the volume of containers for cereals and soups.

Glass or stainless steel bowls are considered the best variety. In glass and metal, food keeps the temperature faster, plastic is more unstable to temperature changes, and breaks more often.

Pallet for condensate and broth flowing from the cells during cooking. Pulling out a tray covered with droplets of fatty hot broth and pouring condensate out of it is a very complicated and long process. That is why the size of the pallet is one of the fundamental factors in choosing double boilers. The most optimal height is 2-3 centimeters.

Another an important factor the choice of the pallet is the presence of handles in it. The absence of handles makes short (up to 2 cm) pallets dangerous for the user: when emptying a hot tank, it is very easy to get burned.

Water level indicator

The function of the signal about the complete boiling of water is rather imperfect: usually the steamer starts beeping 5-10 minutes after boiling, during which time the dish may partially deteriorate. Thanks to the visible water indicator, you can observe the liquid level and adjust it (for example, add water through a special hole).

Reservoir for topping up water during operation

Some designs do not have a special hole for adding liquid, so during operation you have to turn off and disassemble the steamer. Models that support the function of raising the liquid level right during the operation of the device are more in demand.

Power- the speed of cooking directly depends on the power. In ordinary home steamers, the power is not lower than 600 watts and not higher than 2000 watts.

Control type:

Mechanical– all modes are set manually by manipulating the buttons. One of the advantages is a quick start and ease of setting the cooking time.
Electronic- the steamer is equipped with buttons and an electronic board, which displays information about ongoing processes. This equipment outperforms the previous one due to the expanded functionality and the option of heating the dish after cooking.

Operating modes:

Steam cooking.
Defrosting (with steam).
Steam boost - sterilization (heating) of food.
Additional modes (in more expensive models).

Manufacturer:

Of course, brand is not always equal to quality, but most famous companies they try to maintain a decent level of quality from year to year, providing the user with quality service and, in the event of a breakdown, troubleshooting.

Rating of the best steamers 2019

5th place - ENDEVER Vita 160/161 (1340 rubles)

ENDEVER Vita 160/161 is a very nice and compact steamer. This model belongs to the budget, so it does not have a condensate pan, you can’t cook cereals in it either. Suitable for attentive housewives who know how to handle appliances with care. When the water boils, it will automatically shut off.

Specifications:

Power consumption: 800 W;
Number of tiers: 2;
Control type: mechanical;
Housing: plastic;
Steam baskets: transparent plastic;
Dimensions: 230*265*215 mm.

Extra options:

inclusion indication;
defrost function;
dish disinfection;
There is a choice of colors: green, white, gray.

Pros:

low price;
the convenience of use;
powerful, fast cooking;
there is an emergency shutdown;
attractive design;
compactness.

Minuses:

Small;
Mechanical;
has only 2 tiers;
difficult to wash;
water warms up for a long time;
plastic containers made of thin plastic;
no container for rice / cereals;
do not add water during cooking;
a mechanical timer requires careful handling;
there is no drip tray for draining condensate and fat (a significant minus).

4th place - Dobrynya DO-3201 (from 1,800 rubles)

Steamers "Dobrynya" are remembered by users for their simplicity, affordable price and "good" quality of work. Very simple and accessible interface; despite the fact that there are only 2 cells, they are not inferior in volume to systems with 3 cells. They are chosen mainly by undemanding economical housewives for several years to come. Of the minuses - fragility, the power of such a double boiler is enough for only a few years of operation in medium mode. However, if you use a double boiler much less often than a frying pan, then this option is just for you.

Specifications:

Power consumption: 600W
Number of tiers: 2
Control type: mechanical (rotary switches)
Timer: 60 minutes, auto power off
Housing: plastic
Steam baskets: plastic

Extra options:

recesses for boiling eggs;
rice bowl with a volume of 1000 ml.

Pros:

suitable for a large family;
good price with above average quality.

Minuses:

no display;
there is no delay start;
only two tiers for cooking;
fragility.

3rd place - Tefal VC1451 (4920 rubles)

In this model, Tefal pleased customers with steel bowls, they are the main advantage of this fairly simple and compact steamer.

The water level indicator shows when topping up is required, and this can be done without switching off the working steamer. An audible signal will let you know when the dish is ready.

In addition to traditional steamed dishes, Tefal VC1451 has the ability to cook rice, other cereals or soup. On the body there are convenient tips for choosing temperatures for cooking various products.

Specifications:

Power consumption: 860-900W;
Number of tiers: 2;
Control type: mechanical;
Timer: 60 min, with shutdown;
Housing: plastic;
Steam baskets: stainless steel;
Dimensions: 335×275×205 mm;
The total volume of bowls is 6 l (3+3 l);
Water tank - 1.5 liters.

Extra options:

water level indication;
interchangeable baskets;
two separators;
rice bowl included;
descaling system;
adding water during cooking.

Pros:

attractive price;
steel bowls;
high power;
the quality of food preparation;
quality assembly;
easy to clean and assemble;
compact and easy storage.

Minuses:

small;
mechanical;
has only 2 tiers;
the new steamer smells like plastic;
stains remain on metal bowls and dividers after washing;
the timer must not be turned off manually, as this may damage the steamer;
imperfect descaling system;
no thermostat;
no cookbook included.

2nd place - Philips HD9190 (from 11,990 rubles)

Modern, powerful, reliable, multifunctional – the steamer from Philips is ready for anything for you. With its help, you can create real culinary masterpieces and delight your loved ones with them. Its advantages are most clearly manifested in a large family, where it is necessary to prepare a maximum of tasty, nutritious and healthy food in a short time. The price justifies the quality.

Specifications:

Power consumption: 2000W
Number of tiers: 3
Control type: electronic
Case: stainless steel
Steam baskets: transparent plastic
Included:
- container for adding herbs and spices;
- soup bowl.

Extra options:

rice bowl with a volume of 1100 ml;
water level indicator;
inclusion indication;
removable grids;
topping up water during work;
sound signal;
shutdown in case of lack of water;
recesses for boiling eggs;
auto-cooking;
thermostat;

Pros:

the presence of a display;
compact storage;
cable storage compartment;
a special compartment for adding spices (simplifies cooking and evenly distributes spices in the dish);
comfortable and roomy bowls;
Lots of extra features compared to previous models.

Minuses:

short-lived plastic bowls;
lack of a condensate tray for the entire cooking session;
uneven cooking with different temperatures(for example, fresh minced meat and frozen vegetables);
the water level is not visible;
software slows down.

1st place - Tefal VC 3008 Steam'n'light (from 6,750 rubles)

Better - only built-in double boilers. From them, this model took all its indispensable functionality, which is suitable as experienced hostess, and the chef in the restaurant. The most pleasant addition that inclines buyers to choose this particular model is the ability to bake muffins and muffins from any material with any filling and any taste - they will all be equally perfect, like from a pastry counter. Cooking muffins and muffins;

easy to clean;

intuitive interface;

odors from different cells do not mix;

automatic shutdown and heating for half an hour after shutdown;

you can cook several dishes at once;

high quality.

Minuses:

no display;
no delay start;
overcharge;
there is no signal about the complete evaporation of water;
the dough is not always baked;
bottom latches break quickly;
it is difficult to fully assemble the entire system (the bowls slide and hardly enter the grooves);
the bottoms are inconvenient to wash;
the water level is not visible.

Summing up

Steamers open up a sea of opportunities for housewives to create culinary masterpieces or maximize healthy meals. Modest and frugal Russians most often choose inexpensive, simple and reliable models that do well with constant loads; the choice of improvisers who need a steamer to expand their creative culinary activities falls on more powerful and professional models; business, constantly in a hurry users will suit powerful volumetric double boilers with the possibility of a delayed start and auto-cooking modes. In our ranking of the best steamers in 2018, you will find the model that suits you best.

Who else will help modern kitchen? In terms of "warm up in a quick way", of course. Modern can every year more and more with affordable price, and the novelty in the form will become a really indispensable assistant to a young mother. The main thing that is important is not only the quality of the products for cooking, but also, it would seem, banal water: you can wash the dishes under tap water, but it is recommended to cook on. Be healthy!

Updated January 2019

AT modern house in some cases, such a thing as a double boiler will simply be indispensable. This is a technique that allows you to steam food, so that the food is digested in the best way, the safest for the body. Food from a double boiler is indicated for children, pregnant and lactating women, people with diseases gastrointestinal tract and just to all those who want to take care of their health. Food from a steamer is the least difficult for the stomach - it is easily digested, moreover, steaming allows you to save the maximum amount useful components in food. Which of the steamers is right to choose for the house?

Before deciding which device is better to buy in a store, you should find out what a double boiler is and what are the principles and features of its operation. This technique looks like this - at the bottom of the device there is a control panel, in the upper part there is one or more compartments for cooking, into which steam enters. The evaporated water wraps around the food on all sides, so it cooks evenly and completely without the use of fat. This is both economical and important for people who wish to reduce the amount of fat used in the diet.

For the operation of the steamer, the main element is water - you must pour liquid into the device from time to time, because without water it is impossible to get steam for cooking.

It is worth noting here that in a double boiler it is better to use special, prepared water. Ideally, this should be a liquid passed through a filter. Otherwise, when using the ordinary tap water, various deposits will settle on the walls of the device. You will have to take them out from time to time. For example, limescale should be removed with a solution of vinegar.

Some modern models steamers have a system for cleaning the walls of the device. Others boast an alert system that reminds them of the importance of cleaning the walls. Be that as it may, the most modern models always have their advantages.

The appearance of a reliable device: what a double boiler looks like

What are the types of steamers, and what does a quality device look like? First of all, steamers are distinguished by a control panel - it can be either mechanical or electronic. The mechanical panel is more reliable and easy to operate, basically you have to turn only one knob, which is responsible for the operation time of the equipment. In the case of an electronic scoreboard, everything is a little more complicated, but you can set more subtle cooking control parameters. This may be a special or even proprietary operating mode from the manufacturer.

In general, mechanical panels have a number of advantages over electronic ones, so they:

Easier to operate;
More reliable;
Cheaper;
They break less often.

The second nuance that you need to know about double boilers is the power of the device. Everything is simpler here - the larger the double boiler, the more baskets it has, the higher the power it needs. For a large steamer for the whole family, you need a power of 1200 - 1500 watts. For a small steamer with one basket, 400-600 watts is enough.

Most interesting review steamers concerns the number and shape of their baskets. This is the most important nuance, which distinguishes this category technology. The simplest double boilers have one or two small baskets. Large double boilers may have six or even eight baskets, each of which has a volume of 1-3 liters. Why does a steamer need so many baskets at once? It's simple, in each individual basket you can cook different dishes at the same time. If you're looking for a steamer for a small family, then the two-bowl model will do the job for you.

The most convenient transparent bowl in operation, thanks to which you can monitor the readiness of the dish. The second important nuance is whether the bowl is removable, in best case you can conveniently remove the bowl and use it as a food storage dish.

Well, do not forget that the steamer bowl must have a high-quality bottom. The best bottom in this case is from non-stick coating that will last you the longest.

Nuances and selection criteria: how to choose a double boiler for home

If you want to make the most balanced choice of a double boiler, then you should take into account many parameters, characteristics and nuances.

Namely:

Control;
Volume of bowls;
Availability of indicators;
Power;
Price.

Let's look at the nuances of choosing a double boiler in more detail. So, a test purchase can be made first of all if you are satisfied with the control of the device. It is on him that the convenience of daily use of technology depends. We recommend stopping at the mechanical type of control with a timer handle. In this case, to start the operation of the device, you just need to turn the knob, setting it to the desired time period. The electronic display is suitable for those who like to take control of all the nuances of cooking, for example, by setting a delayed start mode or heating food after cooking is completed.

As for the volume of bowls, it all depends on the needs of a particular family. For a large family, it is better to take bowls with a volume of about 2-3 liters, so that in a double boiler you can cook a large dish for everyone. Pay attention to the shape of the bowls, it is better if they are the same, in this case you can change the dishes in places right during cooking.

If the dish on the lower tray is already cooked, you can remove it and rearrange the upper bowl to this place, speeding up the cooking process.

Well, do not forget about water, without which the steamer simply will not work. In order for the device to be in the active state, the heating element must be immersed in water. AT good models The steamer has a water level indicator, thanks to which you do not have to guess how much liquid is left and whether it will be enough to finish cooking the dish. In addition, it is convenient when there is a special hole for adding water to the cooking campaign.

A Brief Overview of Steamers

In general, modern steamers on the market differ in many of the parameters that we discussed above, however, for many of us, always the most important moment all the same is the price. domestic producers offer equipment at the lowest price, but its durability is always comparable to the cost of the device.

Among good domestic firms, Vitek should be singled out, while Philips, Moulinex and Tefal are considered the best imported devices. It is also worth highlighting the Redmond company, without which not a single review of steamers can do today - the models are cheap and quite durable.

Expert answer: how to choose a double boiler (video)

The rules for choosing steamers are not much different from choosing other household electrical appliances. Apart from appearance, it is important to take into account the ease of use of the model, which is quite difficult to determine at the time of purchase. Having looked at a certain model that is suitable in terms of parameters, it is advisable to find out reviews about it. To choose a durable and convenient steamer for your home, you will have to spend a little effort.

Beauty, brilliance, overseas names are integral elements of modern steamers. It is on them that buyers most often look, instead of scrupulously studying the main operational characteristics and useful functions. We suggest choosing a device according to the filling, and not according to the shiny “wrapper” ...

When choosing household appliances, you need to remember one rule - the more options, the better. And this rule automatically "cuts off" all double boilers that are designed for cooking on the stove. Therefore, we will choose only from electric steamers.

The full list of "talents" of modern double boilers is quite large, but this is not a reason to miss anything. You need to know at least about their existence, otherwise you risk soon being disappointed in your purchase.

The algorithm of the steamer

The lower part of the steamer is reserved for the control unit, which can be represented as an ordinary regulator or a real mini-computer with an LCD display. The first option only allows you to turn on the device and set the cooking time, and with the second one you can almost fly into space. Naturally, it is better to choose an electronic control unit with an LCD display (if money allows).

A more advanced version of the control panel makes it possible to set the mode and cooking time, start time and timeout. In addition, in the most best models you can add water to the tank during cooking, as well as keep the dish warm for a long time (in the keep warm mode). By the way, the steamer must be able to automatically turn off if there is not enough water in it.

And now more about each function ...

Useful and nice features

Not all elements of a double boiler are vital, some are just a nice addition and add only a little convenience. It is impossible to do without others. But let's go point by point:

Adding water during cooking - convenient because you do not need to interrupt the process to add water to the tank, if necessary;
Overheating protection is a vital thing, without which the device will definitely burn out one day;
The water level indicator in the tank is a nice feature, but if there is protection, it is not very relevant;
The keep warm function is very useful business people, as it allows long hours to keep food warm;
Delayed start - saves a lot of time, as the steamer can cook in your absence;
The "Quick steam" function or its analogue - speeds up the cooking process (sometimes 2 times);
Pre-installed "recipes" are convenient, and for some, they are extremely necessary, since you do not need to have a culinary gift with them (you only need to indicate the name of the product and its weight).

Important Features

There are only four defining parameters:

Power. The lower bar is 400 W, the upper one is about 2000 W. The higher the power, the faster the food cooks. However, it is important to choose the optimal ratio of power and the number of bowls (it would also be nice to take into account the volume of each bowl). For example, a 900 watt steamer will work just fine with three 3 liter bowls.
Number and capacity of bowls (baskets). The more bowls, the more dishes you can cook at once. At the same time, it would be nice to get a bowl for rice, in which you can cook any cereal. The volume of baskets is different - from 1 liter and more. Look at the needs of your family here.
The number and volume of pallets. During cooking, juice from each dish is collected in the trays. If there is only one tray (at the very bottom), then the juice from the upper ones will drip onto the lower dishes, if there is a tray under each bowl, then the smells and juices will not mix. Well, the deeper the pallet, the more convenient it is to work with it.
The format and cost of the steamer. The price of the device can range from 20 to 5000 dollars, depending on its functions, characteristics and dimensions. Steamers can be built-in and desktop. Decent built-in options cost at least $1,000, while desktop options start at $20.

Finally

You can choose the ideal option, but for this you need to objectively calculate the needs of your family. Well, as for the manufacturers, it's hard to guess. Whom you believe, buy from them ...