Most housewives, trying to preserve free space in the kitchen, so as not to overload it with household appliances and at the same time avoid unnecessary expenses, decide what is better to buy - a multicooker or a double boiler? Which of these devices is more practical, convenient and which is the most appropriate to buy? However, before solving this issue, it is necessary to study in detail what, in fact, is the main difference between a multicooker and a double boiler.
For most people, the main criterion in choosing household appliances for the kitchen is the usefulness of food prepared using a particular device.
Cooking method
A steamer is highly specialized kitchen equipment designed for steaming a wide variety of foods; in contrast, a multicooker is a universal household appliance that can simultaneously replace several cooking appliances, including such as a pressure cooker and a bread maker.
A steamer is highly specialized kitchen equipment designed for steaming a wide variety of foods.
Despite the fact that both units are designed for preparing a wide variety of dishes, it is impossible to make pilaf or roast in a double boiler, unlike a multicooker. With the help of the latter, you can easily prepare even dishes according to complex recipes. Such capabilities are due to the fact that it provides automatic programs. What’s interesting is that each cooked product will have its own taste, despite the fact that they are all cooked in the same container.
Using a multicooker, you can easily prepare even complex recipes.
In addition, there is a multicooker with a steamer function, with which you can steam food. However, according to experts, it is better to use a double boiler for a dietary diet, because only it allows you to preserve the vitamins and other beneficial substances of foods to the maximum extent. This miracle of technology is supported by its technical characteristics, which make it possible to completely eliminate the use of fats from cooking.
Using a steamer, you can cook several different dishes at the same time, because this unit is equipped with several special containers for different products. For example, you can simultaneously cook a meat dish, a seafood dish, stew vegetables and boil eggs. Unlike it, you can cook any dishes in a slow cooker, but only one at a time; this difference is fundamental.
Using a steamer, you can cook several different dishes at the same time, because this unit is equipped with several special containers for different products.
The best models of steamers and multicookers
In the store’s assortment you can find a large number of different models, which have significant differences from each other. Some of them are the best option in terms of use.
Hitachi RZ-DMR18Y
A beautiful and impressive model that is of high quality. It has quite impressive characteristics that will be useful as a result of operation. The dish bowl holds 8 liters. This volume is quite impressive compared to other models. Hitachi's functionality includes 11 different modes, and the machine's power reaches 1000 watts.
There is also a timer, which is very convenient and practical.
Vitesse VS 590
The devices of this model are surprising in that they have a wonderful visual appearance, however, they also have excellent characteristics.
- The bowl has a volume of 5 liters. And the device itself includes 6 cooking functions. As in many modern models, the basic functions of a timer and heating dishes are available.
- Steamer models are capable of providing you with steamed cooking, thereby providing a wide variety of different dishes.
- The steamer is very convenient for sterilizing baby bottles. Pay special attention to the models presented.
It is common to buy such devices in families with small children, as they are very convenient and practical.
SUPRA FSS-310
This steamer is distinguished by its price tag. It is not very expensive, but nevertheless has good quality.
- Its capacity is 15 liters, which is a very large indicator. And the range of modes includes about 6 different functions that will make the cooking process easier for you.
- The power of this device model reaches 800 watts. Like most analogues, the functions include a timer, which provides control during cooking.
In order to make the right choice, you have to take into account such a criterion as cost.
Tefal Steam'n'light VC3008
Unlike the multicooker, the steamer has a distinctive function that seems very interesting. Models have light indication functions depending on the degree of preparation of the dish and the program you have chosen.
Having several baskets allows you to cook different dishes at the same time.
The characteristics of this model are not inferior to others, and in some moments even superior. The food capacity is 10 liters. Also, this particular model has 6 different functions. The power is high and reaches 900 watts. A very attractive feature is the defrost function and automatic shutdown in case of lack of water.
Foods that take a long time to cook should be placed in the lower basket, and quick-cooking foods in the upper basket.
Let's return to the question of what is better: a slow cooker or a double boiler? The choice of purchasing a particular device depends on various factors. For example, on the tastes and preferences of the family. If your family prefers a variety of different tastes, then the choice should be in favor of a double boiler, but if a rich menu is a more preferable aspect, then feel free to buy a multicooker. A double boiler is a choice in favor of healthy and healthy food, and a multicooker will be the preferred choice of gourmets.
Functionality
Before making a choice in favor of one or another household appliance, it is necessary to consider its functionality in more detail.
A steamer is a device designed for steaming food. The design of the unit is equipped with a water tank located on the base. As a result of boiling water, steam enters containers pre-filled with ingredients through special holes.
Steamer functions:
- Warming and defrosting food;
- Cooking food from a wide variety of products (the unit includes several different containers: a bowl for rice cereal, an egg stand, etc.);
- Preparation of set meals (several dishes can be prepared at the same time);
- Sterilization of baby dishes, bottles and nipples;
- Ability to heat food for children;
- The presence of an additional blender function in some models allows you to grind ready-made food.
A steamer is a device designed for steaming food.
A multicooker refers to kitchen equipment that combines an oven, a rice cooker, a pressure cooker, and some models have a steamer function. This unit includes a heating element powered by electricity, a steam design, a processor that allows the system to operate automatically, and cooking pots.
Multicooker functions:
- Boil;
- Bake;
- Fry;
- Put out;
- Steam;
- Warm up;
- Delayed cooking;
- Grilling.
A multicooker refers to kitchen equipment that combines an oven, a rice cooker, a pressure cooker, and in some models, a steamer function.
Cooking time
To determine which is better - a multicooker or a double boiler, it is necessary to take into account such a criterion as cooking time. Of course, when it comes to speed, the rating is topped by a steamer, because most models of this device work much faster. In addition, thanks to the special coating, the food in it does not burn, which means there is no need to spend additional time washing the containers; they are easy to clean.
In terms of speed, the rating is topped by a steamer, because most models of this device work much faster.
But don’t discount the multicooker: some models of this device include a program that allows for steaming, which significantly speeds up the process. However, the presence of a Teflon-coated cooking bowl in the device complicates the task, because after use it will have to be washed with special means.
Amount of prepared food
The main difference between kitchen cooking appliances is the amount of food they can cook at once. In this case, the double boiler is in the lead, because the multicooker has only one bowl, designed for a volume of 2.5-4.5 liters, and its competitor is equipped with 1-3 baskets, allowing you to cook up to 3 dishes at a time.
The steamer is equipped with 1-3 baskets, allowing you to cook up to 3 dishes at a time.
The benefits of cooked foods
For most people, the main criterion in choosing household appliances for the kitchen is the usefulness of food prepared using a particular device. Therefore, before choosing suitable equipment, buyers pay attention to this criterion. From the point of view of nutritionists, the steamer has no competitors. Everyone knows that steaming food allows you to preserve as much as possible all its beneficial qualities. However, you don’t always want to stick to a healthy diet; in this case, a multicooker-steamer, i.e., a device with a steam cooking function, will help out.
Steaming food allows you to preserve as much as possible all its beneficial qualities.
Comparison of multicooker and double boiler
The devices differ primarily in the following characteristics:
- The steamer allows you to cook only one dish. You can cook almost any dish in a slow cooker, even several at a time;
- The multicooker is much easier to clean. Steamers, even with the highest quality bowls, require more careful maintenance;
- a multicooker allows you to cook food in different modes - frying, boiling, stewing, etc. This is an almost complete replacement for the kitchen stove, all pots and pans. The steamer allows you to cook only by steaming;
- Healthier food is prepared in a double boiler, since only steam affects the food;
- when using a double boiler, you need to take into account the peculiarities of preparing a particular product;
- a double boiler usually cooks food somewhat faster than a multicooker;
- the double boiler is easier to use because it has fewer operating modes;
- The cost of a double boiler is, as a rule, much lower than a multicooker. Prices start from 500 rubles. At the same time, the cheapest multicooker will cost at least 1000 rubles.
Pros and cons of double boilers and multicookers
Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this kitchen utensil.
Double boiler
The main advantages of this device are the following parameters:
- Ease of use and the ability to perform multiple tasks. The presence of several baskets allows you to simultaneously prepare different dishes;
- Preservation of useful qualities of products. When heating and cooking dishes, the loss of vitamins is minimal;
- Defrosting speed;
- No difficulties in preparation. Just put all the ingredients in the baskets and turn on the device;
- Products do not burn, which allows you to avoid special care of the device.
Foods that take a long time to cook should be placed in the lower basket, and instant food items should be placed in the upper basket.
When heating and cooking dishes, the loss of vitamins is minimal.
Disadvantages of this equipment:
- Taste qualities. Steamed food may seem bland. The absence of crust on food creates the feeling of raw food;
- Time to cook. Cooking takes longer than cooking on the stove, this primarily applies to meat dishes.
Multicooker
The main advantages of this kitchen appliance are the following parameters:
- The cooking process frees the housewife almost completely. There is no need to wait for the water to boil, control the process, systematically stir and turn over the ingredients. Simply place the food in the bowl, select and set the desired mode, and the device will do the rest;
- Availability of automatic heating function. The device independently maintains the required temperature of the finished dish until the bowl is removed, thereby keeping the food warm until it is consumed;
- Delayed start mode. The presence of such a function allows you to add ingredients in advance and receive a finished dish after a specified time;
- Programs for baking bread, steaming and making yoghurt. Allows you to replace several types of household appliances with one device;
- Ease of use. Easy to use even for an inexperienced cook;
- Compactness. The small size of the device allows you to use it even while traveling.
The cooking process frees the housewife almost completely.
The disadvantages of the equipment are:
- Inability to cook several dishes at the same time;
- If there is no additional bowl included, it becomes necessary to wash it before use;
- Small bowl volume. If the characteristics of the device indicate 5 liters, then the useful volume will not exceed 4 liters, which will significantly complicate cooking for a large family;
- In some models, automatic heating does not turn off;
- The Teflon or ceramic coating of the bowl requires especially careful handling. If even the smallest scratch occurs, food will stick to the dishes and the food will burn.
The main differences between a double boiler and a multicooker
If the housewife is faced with the task of providing her family with proper and balanced nutrition, then a double boiler is the appliance that should be used in the kitchen.
If family members prefer a variety of foods: boiled, fried, steamed, and so on, then preference should be given to a multicooker. Thus, this technique partially performs the functions of a double boiler.
There are many differences between the two devices. They have different functionality, speed of cooking, volume of cooked food at one time. When choosing, take into account the usefulness of the prepared dish.
Cooking methods
This is the main distinguishing point. The steamer can only be used for steam cooking. Hence its name. In a multicooker you can fry, cook soups, porridges, steam food, bake, and so on. In other words, this device replaces pots, pans, deep fryers, ovens and other kitchen utensils.
Therefore, a multicooker is chosen by those in whose family each member has their own taste preferences in cooking. If a family prefers to eat healthy food, or a child is growing up in the family, then you cannot do without a steamer.
Read also: Meissen porcelain that makes you enjoy
Functionality
This term should include the capabilities of kitchen units.
Main functions of the steamer:
- steams;
- warms up;
- defrosts;
- Some models have a blender function.
A slow cooker is superior to a double boiler in terms of a wider variety of functions. As mentioned above, you can cook any dishes in it, regardless of the cooking technology. This device is equipped with different programs, the number of which exceeds 20 positions. Modern models, in addition to preparing hot dishes, can prepare yoghurts, creams, and various desserts.
Volume of food prepared
A steamer is a structure made of several baskets installed one above the other. Thus, it becomes possible to steam several dishes at once. Moreover, the volume of each basket is 2-3 liters for different models. In other words, by installing one basket, you can prepare one dish; by installing two or three, you can prepare several servings of one dish or several different dishes at once.
The multicooker has one bowl with a volume of 2-6 liters. You can only cook one dish in it. Whether this is a disadvantage, everyone decides for themselves. But the advantage is that the large volume of the bowl is enough to prepare food for a large number of people.
Cooking speed
This selection criterion today is not the least of the differences between a multicooker and a double boiler. It's all about our rhythm of life, where the speed of people moving has become the norm. Therefore, cooking speed is an important component.
Let’s say right away that a double boiler cooks faster. It can be called a pressure cooker. For example, cooking chicken breast will take 15 minutes, in a slow cooker about an hour. This testing was carried out using standard cooking modes and average indicators. But it should be noted that a multicooker with a double boiler function cooks chicken breast in the same 15 minutes if the desired mode is turned on.
Read also: Which feature characterizes porcelain?
Ease of use
The design of the steamer includes a tray on which baskets with food are placed. If a dish is prepared from a large amount of vegetables and fatty meat, and three baskets are used at once, then large quantities of juices and fat are collected in the tray, the volume of which may be insufficient. As a result, the accumulated liquid will begin to flow out, which is fraught with contamination that will have to be cleaned and removed.
Tip: buy steamers with a large tray. The larger it is, the lower the risk of smudges.
If the purchased device turns out to have a small tray, then you will have to periodically drain the contents of the container under the baskets. And to do this you will have to remove them, put them aside, and then put them back in place. This is inconvenient and time consuming.
In this regard, a multicooker is more practical. It has one deep bowl in the form of a cauldron or pan, where juices and fat collect at the bottom of the dish. On the one hand, this is a plus, but on the other, there are certain points that relate to the inability to control what happens inside the bowl. For example, making soup. You will never know when to remove the foam.
Washing steamer baskets by hand is not the most fun process. The mesh surface requires cleaning of each hole, so it is better to wash the steamer in the dishwasher. The multicooker bowl is, in principle, a saucepan that can be removed and washed with detergent and a rag or sponge.
In many models of steamers, special holes are made with a tube into which water is added so that the dishes are cooked by steaming. European devices are equipped with a special sensor that monitors the amount of liquid. If it does not remain in the device, it automatically turns off. In this regard, the multicooker loses. You will have to control the cooking process yourself. And if you missed the presence of water, then the food inside the bowl will burn.
Read also: How to choose the right frying pan for a gas stove
Usefulness of the device
Cooking unhealthy foods in a double boiler will not work. All vitamins and minerals in the products will be in their natural form, and there will be no harm from such food. As for the multicooker, the steam cooking mode also features properly cooked food.
Thus, a multicooker is not only a multifunctional device, but also, when used correctly, can prepare healthy dishes for humans. And although the differences between the devices are obvious, in some positions they are similar to each other.
Operation and care
One of the aspects that allows you to determine how a double boiler differs from a multicooker is the possibility of using them and caring for the equipment. Both units are easy to use and easy to operate. On most models, program names are located on the display.
The “Delayed Start” function allows you to specify the start time for cooking. Both devices have a defrost program, auto shut-off to protect against overheating, and temperature maintenance to reheat ready-made food.
The “Delayed Start” function allows you to specify the start time for cooking.
The issue of caring for household appliances is no less important, because the financial and time costs depend on what kind of care it requires. As for the care of the equipment, it depends on the model, configuration and many other components, but in any case, the steamer has an advantage: thanks to the collapsible design, all its removable parts can be washed in the dishwasher.
Thanks to the collapsible design, all removable parts of the steamer can be washed in the dishwasher.
It is quite difficult to compare such different kitchen products as a multicooker and a steamer, since they are designed for different purposes. Supporters of a healthy lifestyle should opt for a double boiler, the functions of which allow you to preserve all the beneficial properties after heat treatment. Gourmets are more suited to an easy-to-use multi-cooker that will do everything itself; just fill the bowl with ingredients and enter the required cooking mode on the display.
Comparison of steamer and multicooker parameters
Without trying out the operation of various devices in your own kitchen, it is very difficult to determine the difference between a household steamer and a multicooker. After all, it is necessary to evaluate not only the result, but also the cooking procedure itself, as well as other important parameters.
Possibilities
A multicooker is a multifunctional device, thanks to which you can easily cook steamed cutlets, borscht, and fried potatoes. A steamer can only cope with the first of the listed dishes. She will only do it much faster.
When wondering what to choose for a varied diet - a double boiler or a multicooker, you should definitely give preference to the second option. Steaming will be an ideal option for those who want to eat healthy, with maximum benefits for the body.
The multicooker is a multifunctional device
Steamer has limited cooking capabilities
Functionality
Wanting to determine how a double boiler differs from a multicooker and what is better for the family, many housewives limit themselves to only the basic characteristics of these kitchen appliances, without taking into account additional capabilities. The steamer in its simplest configuration is capable of:
- sterilize nipples and baby bottles;
- defrost food;
- reheat ready meals.
The steamer-blender will additionally chop the cooked products.
Sterilizing bottles in a steamer
A multicooker, in addition to preparing dishes in various ways, is capable of:
- warm up;
- defrost;
- There is a delay start function.
Despite the obvious convenience of all the listed functions, some of them may turn out to be completely unclaimed. For example, delaying the start if you have to turn off all household appliances when leaving the house. Sterilization may be necessary not only after the birth of the baby, but also during the hot period of preservation. Therefore, before deciding what is better to buy, a multicooker or a double boiler, you need to familiarize yourself in more detail with the capabilities and functionality of the selected model.
Interesting: Some models are remotely controlled using a smartphone, may have two bowls, a pressure cooker function and other convenient systems.
Cooking time
Kitchen appliances help reduce the time it takes to prepare dishes, but each device does this with varying efficiency. The difference between using a double boiler and a multicooker is also significant. In the first case, you can cook several dishes at once, so the total time for preparing lunch or dinner will be reduced by 3-4 times.
In addition, when choosing the same mode, for example, steamed fish, the multicooker will take more time. At the same time, you can fry cutlets in it much faster than steaming them using appropriate kitchen equipment.
Amount of prepared food and taste
The answer to the question of how dishes in a double boiler differ from dishes in a slow cooker is obvious for many - taste. Lunch from a slow cooker will be much tastier. This technique offers many options for creating culinary masterpieces: pilaf, borscht, stew, muffins and much more. A menu of steamed dishes seems more monotonous, while ready-made food tastes bland and is unattractive in appearance.
At the same time, both units offer endless possibilities for a true cook. Using various ingredients, seasonings, and your own skill, it will not be difficult to create a restaurant-quality dish.
Both a multicooker and a double boiler will do an excellent job of preparing lunch for 1-2 people. Their volume is quite enough for this. If you need to make preparations for several days, prepare dinner for a large family, or guests are expected, you should not count on a slow cooker.
The maximum volume of the finished product will be 4-5 liters. Plus it will only be 1 dish. The total capacity of steamers can reach 10 liters, making it easy to feed a large family by preparing several different dishes.
Important to know: In the technical documentation, manufacturers indicate the total volume of the multicooker bowl. The useful volume, on average, is 500-1000 ml less than the total.
The benefits of cooked foods
For those who carefully control their diet, the difference between a double boiler and a multicooker is almost invisible. Both devices allow you to prepare healthy food, preserving all the beneficial vitamins as much as possible.
But the steamer modes are considered more gentle, so products prepared using such kitchen appliances are considered more healthy.
Foods cooked in a steamer are considered healthier
Operation and care
Among the main advantages of both devices is simple operation. Most modes are fully automated and to perform certain tasks you only need to load food into a container or bowl and press one or two buttons. It’s also easy to select individual parameters, increase the cooking time, and adjust the temperature. All actions are displayed on the monitor, which allows you to always monitor the current modes.
Manufacturers also make sure that maintaining equipment does not cause unnecessary problems. Plastic trays are easier to clean; in most cases, a light rinse with water is sufficient. The exception is dishes with a strong odor, including fish, aromatic herbs, and some types of meat. In this case, cleaning containers can cause some inconvenience.
Cleaning the multicooker is complicated by using modes such as “frying” and “baking”. They use oil and other fats, the food can burn, and with high boiling, traces of cooking remain on the inner surface of the multicooker. Getting rid of such marks can be difficult, especially since the surface of the bowl has a coating that does not allow the use of abrasives and hard brushes.
