Today, the majority of the population prefers a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition is an important component.

The modern concept of healthy eating involves preparing food with maximum preservation of the usefulness of all products.

Food processed with steam is considered healthy, but it does not always look beautiful and seems completely tasteless. This flaw can be quickly corrected if you cook food in a special device - a double boiler. Steamer saucepans are practical to use, some have large volumes, you can cook portions for a large family in them, and more than one dish can be prepared at once.

There are different types of steamers, but the most popular are saucepans in which food is cooked on a stove using gas.

The editors of the YaNashla website have prepared a rating of popular saucepans - steamers. Let's look at different models, find out their operating principle and features that you need to know before purchasing a product.

Double boiler. What do we know about her

Steamers are special utensils in which food is cooked using hot steam. Outwardly, they look like a multi-story large metal pan. The lower compartment is used for water, the upper one for food. Intended for cooking a variety of steamed meat, vegetable and fruit dishes.

A double boiler is quite unsafe, because food is cooked at high temperatures exceeding 100°C

The cookware used on a gas stove has a number of restrictions on the preparation of certain products:

• steamed mushrooms have a hard consistency;
• pasta is turned into dough;
• Peas, corn, and beans require a lot of liquid, which needs to be added within four hours.

To quickly and correctly prepare dinner, every housewife should know about the combination and arrangement of products in a saucepan and learn how to properly operate a double boiler.

Types of products

The action of special cookware of all models is carried out according to the principle of steam baths. It contains:

• several containers into which liquid is poured;
• pallets on which products are placed;
• pan lid;
• perforated spoon for laying out meat or vegetables.

Food is cooked by steaming, so there is no need to add any water (except that which evaporates) or fat. The end result is a healthy and high-quality lunch.

steamers for gas stoves are produced single-tiered or multi-tiered, and they have the same designs

Steamers for gas stoves differ from each other in volume (up to 4.5 l) and diameter (12 - 24 cm). They are classified according to a certain parameter.

Today, manufacturers produce the following types of kitchen appliances:

1. Electrical. These are quite voluminous products; they operate only from electrical networks.
2. For operation on gas. They are made of metal and have a multi-tiered pot design.
3. Induction. The design is similar to gas ones, made of metal. However, they are used on induction surfaces.

There are the following types of steamers:

• Built-in – products that are built into the kitchen set. They preserve the integrity of the kitchen work surface, since the appliance will not constantly move - it has its own permanent place. These models have a wide list of different functions, parameters, large volumes, which are suitable for families with many children.
• Tabletop (free-standing) - ease of use with an easy-to-use interface is the optimal solution for any small kitchen. There is a wide range of products available to suit the consumer's goals, preferences and budget.

All steamer devices are distinguished by functionality, manufacturer and price segment.

Appliances with multiple pans

This type is similar in appearance to a pyramid of small perforated saucepans equipped with handles. The bottom container has a smooth bottom, the rest have perforated bottoms; there are up to four tiers of them in the device.

Some products have a device that gives the impression of hanging saucepans inside the structure. In others, the pallets are located one on top of the other.

Depending on the number of tiers, the number of products that can be cooked at the same time is determined.

The pan type is very convenient; it has access to all containers, so you don’t need to disassemble the entire structure to remove products from the lower tier. The main advantage is the preservation in the container, for example, of finely chopped assorted vegetables, which cannot crumble.

Convenience is also reflected in the ability to use different numbers of containers – even just one. Most sets are equipped with an insert with the same shape; they can be alternated in different orders and used in the required quantity. The main feature of this type of device is to provide access to all the products laid out in different saucepans. For example, in order to remove cooked food from the lower tier, you simply need to hold the handles of the next row of saucepans and remove the containers from the first and second rows. In this case, there is no need to disassemble the entire structure.

This type of steamer is quite practical, because you can use only the required number of trays to prepare dinner. Steamer lids are used for any tiers, even the lowest one; it can be used like ordinary saucepans in which liquid foods are cooked.

Mantovarki

In kitchen appliances of gas models there is a separate type - pressure cookers. It is widely used in Japan for making rice cakes and in Buryatia, where they like to cook manti.

The principle of preparing food is the same as that of “pyramid” steamers, but there are differences in the device. The kitchen appliance consists of one tall saucepan equipped with special perforated inserts installed at certain distances from each other. The product is convenient, tiers of dishes are quickly stacked in it, a lid is installed on top, which does not allow steam to appear outside the saucepans.

Some devices have fixed tiers with installed handles, where removal or installation is accomplished with a simple movement of the hands without applying additional force. However, when laying out products on a pallet, they are carefully laid out and not poured.

Models with low tiered saucepans are also common. In a manti steamer, both manti and healthy meat products are prepared: minced meat, meat dishes, assorted vegetables and other healthy foods.

Pots for special dishes

In addition to regular cookware, the retail chain offers a wide selection of other types of containers for cooking dinners using steam: cast-iron cauldrons of different sizes, cauldrons, ducklings, equipped with an additional insert. In these containers, food is prepared using a combined method in small volumes.

Special steamers in which corn is cooked stand out in height: they are almost the same as the containers in which pasta is cooked. The set includes a saucepan on a stand or with a basket that can be easily and quickly removed.

Vegetable cookers consisting of two saucepans - a perforated one and a small inner one - are in demand. When steaming a dish, it is necessary to pour the liquid correctly, which should not reach the bottom of the insert.

Steamer: the essence

First, let's just decide why a double boiler is so good. There are five advantages:

1. It’s easy to cook in it – just add the ingredients and you can go about your business. They will cook on their own without burning.
2. The dishes are more beneficial - they retain vitamins and are suitable even for people with diseases of the digestive system.
3. You can cook several dishes at once - steamers most often have several tiers on which you can lay out, for example, cutlets and vegetables at once.
4. Suitable for diet - unlike fried ones, steamed dishes do not have extra fats and calories.
5. Suitable for children and the elderly – vegetables from the steamer can be fed to children up to 3 years old, and due to their softness, they are well suited even for the elderly, who often find it difficult to chew fried food.

Well, now that the advantages of such kitchen utensils are clear, we can move on to the comparison. However, it’s worth saying right away that it’s impossible to say unequivocally that steamers for gas stoves are better than electric models (or vice versa). Both types of devices cope perfectly with the task, so the choice comes down solely to deciding whether such a design is right for you specifically. This can be solved by considering the pros and cons of both varieties.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a double boiler, you need to understand the characteristics of saucepans, which have unique features, and be able to compare them.

Dimensions

Before purchasing, you need to decide on the size of the product. The diameter of the device must be sized to match the burners of gas stoves. Particular attention should be paid to the lower diameter of the pan, it is the main factor.

The volume of cookware is interpreted differently by each manufacturer. Some suppliers specify the total volume of the steamer, while others indicate the volume of the lower pans. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to find out the amount of water that fits in the bottom saucepan. This volume affects whether it will be necessary to add water during cooking, or whether the volume of water that fits in the lower saucepan will be sufficient.

Material

Since the steamer is a rather bulky structure, it is made of light metals aluminum and stainless steel:

• Stainless steel appliances are expensive, but they have a lot of useful properties. You can cook any dish in them. However, it must be remembered that sometimes products may stick to the surface layer of the pan. To avoid this problem, you need to lubricate the bottom with oil (fat) and correctly adjust the intense boiling of the liquid.
• Aluminum. Products made from it are lightweight and heat up quickly. The liquid is quickly brought to a boil, and the metal is not subject to corrosion and does not react to sudden temperature changes. You can consider products coated with an anodized layer. They are very strong and durable in use, are not subject to corrosion, and when damaged, the film has the ability to quickly recover.

Non-stick coatings are applied to the entire surface or to one insert. This prevents the product from sticking to the surface.

When choosing appliances for a gas stove, it is necessary to consider the thickness of the bottom. The thicker the bottom, the better.

Advantages and disadvantages of an electric steamer

When choosing a model, users are naturally interested in: electric or gas steamer, which to choose? First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the positive and negative sides of the electrical device, and then begin to consider the technical characteristics of a particular model.

Pros:

1. Autonomy is the main advantage of this type of equipment, because to prepare a dish you just need to connect to the network and add water. Accordingly, the stove is not used, since there is a heating element inside the housing;
2. Expanded capabilities of the device - the units are controlled by an electronic board into which the developers implement certain options. For example, the ability to set a timer to automatically turn off the device allows you to not have to monitor the operation of the device. Programs for cooking, gentle heat treatment modes, as well as a temperature regulator greatly simplify the life of housewives;
3. Mobility lies in the absence of attachment to the slab;
4. Simple and easy settings - the user can adjust the temperature from +70 °C to +120 °C, which allows food to simmer, preserving vitamins, microelements and substances;
5. Easy setup of equipment. As a rule, before the first start, it is enough for the owner to read the operating instructions; in the future, all actions are carried out intuitively.

Please note: all steamers are united by one rule - water must be poured in such a way that it does not reach the level of the food, i.e., is located under it. Only in this case will the principle of steam treatment apply.

The water should be below the food level

Minuses:

1. High price, which depends on the specific model and options installed by the manufacturer. Accordingly, premium devices, although functional, cost from 20,000 rubles;
2. Complex mechanism. For this reason, people contact the service center more often than with gas installations. As a rule, the warranty period is provided for 1 year, within which the owner can repair the product at the expense of the factory, if the conditions are not violated. Subsequently, each breakdown is corrected at the expense of the consumer;
3. Electricity, as an energy source, belongs to the premium category. Therefore, when choosing such a model, you should be prepared for increased electricity bills;
4. The large size of the device and the need to allocate a separate space in the kitchen, which is not always convenient for the user.

Correct use of a kitchen appliance

When preparing a dish, you need to monitor the intensity of the boil; if it boils too much, you need to reduce the heat. This is necessary to preserve the dishes, which may deteriorate after all the liquid has evaporated.

It is necessary to leave a space of up to four centimeters between water and food.

If the appliance has several tiers, the products must be placed in a checkerboard pattern. Then the steam will envelop the food from all sides.

Features of food preparation

You can cook a large number of dishes in a steamer. During cooking, the products retain their natural color, beneficial properties and taste.

The big advantage is the preparation of different dishes with very little or no fat or oil. This is a very important factor for people who have diseases of the heart and blood vessels, stomach and intestines. They require special dietary nutrition, which can be provided using a gas steamer. Dishes such as rice meatballs, fish, cutlets, vegetables, omelettes and puddings can be prepared simply and quickly in it.

Of course, there are some disadvantages:

• It is forbidden to cook meat in large pieces, as it will not have time to fully cook;
• It is not recommended to cook food from products that require a lot of liquid to cook.

Features of working with a double boiler

A double boiler is a simple device, but extremely unsafe.

Cooking food in it occurs at a temperature of about one hundred degrees, so if used carelessly, the slightest contact with steam will lead to burns.

To ensure safe operation, it is necessary to install the steamer correctly and comply with a number of requirements when using it:

1) The surface on which the device is placed must be flat and not sloped. Otherwise, it is possible that the products will be displaced and, as a result, partially cooked, as well as uneven distribution of water for the formation of steam, which can lead to partial overheating of the heating element and failure of the entire device. 2) It is not recommended to install the steamer near the stove and sink. In the first case, it may overheat, which can disrupt the operation of the device and cause other malfunctions. The proximity of a sink should be avoided for the same reason as with all household appliances: water should not come into contact with the steamer during operation from the outside - this can lead to a short circuit. 3) The appliance wires should not hang over the working side of the countertop. The presence of children does not affect this point; you yourself can accidentally get caught on them and pull the device along with you. If it falls while it is turned on, you can expect damage to food, furniture and floors, damage to the device and numerous burns

Removing the wires from the wall will not take much time, but you can significantly secure the operation of the device. 4) During operation, the steamer can emit a large amount of wet steam, so when installing it, pay attention to what is located above it: if there are wall cabinets on top, then it is better to move the device to another place, since frequent use will lead to inevitable deformation of the upper part kitchen set. For the same reason, you should not lean the steamer against the walls - this may lead to peeling of the wallpaper.

The best manufacturers

Many well-known brands produce models with a certain specialization:

1. Braun from Germany has been known to consumers since the beginning of the twentieth century. It has a leading position in the market of household appliances, which are stylish in design, reliable and functional, and there are many inexpensive devices. The company specializes in the manufacture of goods related to health, beauty, and kitchen appliances.
2. Tefal is well known to consumers as a company that produces various kitchen appliances in the mid-cost segment. The products have high performance, are of high quality and reliable.
3. Rondell is a brand that produces metal kitchen utensils. In Russia, sales of products of this brand have been carried out since 2006.
4. Russell Hobbs. An English brand known for high-quality small kitchen appliances. Products with stylish design can become a real decoration of every kitchen; they are located in the middle price segment.

Rating of the best budget steamers

Kalitva 14425

It is one of the most inexpensive small-sized steamers. The capacity of the saucepan is 2.5 liters. Very simple design - two saucepans with comfortable handles, lid included. Made of medium thickness aluminum (1.5 mm). Considered one of the best gas steamers.

The device is easy to use, convenient and reliable, and has a very small weight - 0.7 kg. It quickly prepares healthy and tasty food.

It is an ideal option for the consumer who cares about budget cost and maintaining the balance between price and quality. According to buyers, this device is the best-selling type.

Country of origin: Russia.

Cost - 520 rubles.

Kalitva 14425

Advantages:

• budget cost;
• compact, reliable;
• convenient and easy to use;

• excellent price-quality ratio.

Flaws:

• very small volume;
• You cannot cook fried or spicy food.

Kelli KL-4105

The two-tier steamer with a volume of 2.5 liters is made of food steel. Quite light, easy to use, small in size: 18 cm in diameter. It is an ideal device for cooking food in a small family.

It has a beautiful modern design, the polished shiny surface matches an expensive item. The lid is made of fireproof glass, where there is a special hole through which steam escapes. The handles do not get hot on gas, so using the steamer is very comfortable.

Production: Austria.

Cost - 1050 rubles.

Kelli KL-4105

Advantages:

• small sizes;
• excellent quality;
• ease of use;
• stylish design;
• budget cost.

Flaws:

• cooking food in just two baskets.

Pros and cons of a gas steamer

Which steamer is better - electric or gas? The selection of the device is carried out according to the requirements and financial capabilities. Familiarization with the positive and negative sides of a gas appliance makes it possible to choose the type of connection.

Advantages:

1. The main advantage of units of this type is the price. This is due to the minimum set of parts, since there are no complex technical solutions or electronics. Therefore, the cost is significantly lower than that of electric representatives;
2. The power source of the device is gas, which is cheaper to consume than electricity. Consequently, the owner saves at the time of purchasing the product and during use. For example, the same products prepared in different devices will have different costs based on energy costs. Therefore, you can cook in a gas appliance several times a day without worrying about the financial component. Additionally, the user does not depend on surges or network outages and the unit can be installed anywhere, including in the country house through installation to a cylinder;
3. The reliability of the design is due to the minimum list of elements and components, so there is nothing to break in the device. The only possible failure of the device is accidental damage to the cauldron made of metal, which is practically impossible;
4. Compact dimensions allow owners to place equipment anywhere. There is no need to allocate a separate box for storage, since a small space on the shelf is enough.
5. Ease of use lies in the fact that the device does not have buttons, moving mechanisms or levers. The housewife needs to set the appliance to gas, pour water to the indicated mark and wait for the dish to cook;
6. The independence of the unit is due to the fact that when there is a power outage, there is always gas or a cylinder, so you can operate the double boiler.

Please note: in steamers of this type, the role of the heating element is performed by a stove on which a special pan is installed.

The steamer operates using gas from the stove.

Flaws:

1. The lack of autonomy causes the unit to work only in tandem with the stove. This factor is a plus and a minus. Therefore, the future owner needs to weigh the possibility of working with gas;
2. Food preparation. At the same time, the thermal process is carried out smoothly, which is considered useful, since useful micro- and macroelements, as well as vitamins, are preserved. However, you have to wait longer.

Rating of the best steamers in the mid-price segment

Webber, BE-81

The model consists of five units. The steamer pan has a large volume - thirteen liters. The top is closed with a glass lid with a convenient holder.

The kit contains:

• large saucepan;
• steam grates with a diameter of 30 cm.

Made of stainless steel, with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm.

The container is equipped with a heat-saving bottom, thanks to which heat is retained for a long time. Recommended for use on both gas and induction hobs.

The rim prevents liquid from leaking out through the edges. Handles don't get warm.

The volume of food prepared can be used for large families.

Country of origin: Poland

Cost - 5560 rubles.

Webber, BE-81

Advantages:

• heating speed;
• multi-layer bottom to retain heat;
• reliability;
• compactness;
• excellent taste of the dish;
• ease of care;
• presence of a rim;
• large volume of prepared products.

Flaws:

• thin wall thickness;
• no non-stick coating;
• Expensive.

Rondell, RDS-751

The product belongs to the middle price category. Made of stainless steel, polished walls - 0.5 mm. In addition to the bottom saucepan, there are two more tiers, the total volume is 13 liters. Suitable for a family of 4 people.

The diameter of the upper pans is 26 cm, the bottom – 24.5 cm, triple thick – 5 mm. It is equipped with an induction disk, so the device can be used on both gas and induction stoves.

The handles are equipped with silicone gaskets for comfortable movement during cooking. The lid is made of transparent tempered glass with a steam hole.

Country of origin: China.

Cost - 4719 rubles.

Rondell, RDS-751

Advantages:

• quality material;
• reliable;
• roomy;
• silicone pad allows you to use without a potholder;
• with a heat-resistant lid, cooking is controlled;
• used in the oven;
• high functionality.

Flaws:

• the need for thorough washing;
• the presence of only two tiers;
• There is no possibility of preparing a large menu of products.

Electric steamer: design and principle of operation

An electrical device is a fully functional piece of equipment. A heating element with mains power supply is built into the body of the device, i.e. the operation is carried out using electricity.

With the help of equipment, owners prepare food using minimal kitchen space. It is noteworthy that the unit has a complete list of elements for creating delicious dishes - the user needs to add water and place food. Thanks to the functions of the unit, there is no need to control the process, since a sound indication will indicate the completion of work.

In an electric steamer, just add water and food

The price of the device is influenced by the following factors:

• set of options;
• manufacturer;
• materials used in the production of the device are glass or stainless steel.

Everything is clear with the first two points, i.e. the more functions and the more famous the brand, the higher the cost of the product. It is also worth considering the materials from which the devices are made.

Stainless steel is a steel that is approved for the food industry. High-quality material is distinguished by its service life and resistance to mechanical wear.

Glass products are of better quality than plastic products, because when exposed to temperatures up to +120 ° C they do not emit toxic substances. Additionally, this material retains heat for a long time without forming scale.

Manufacturers use heat-resistant glass in independent and built-in models, and you can also find ovens with such a steamer. It is noteworthy that the latter option does not take up much space in the kitchen. Thus, future owners can choose the device that is optimal in terms of characteristics and price.

Stainless steel steamer Glass models

Kinds

Popular types of electrical devices.

Blender

The devices are usually chosen by women with infants and small children. The unit makes it possible not to control the cooking process. At the same time, food is cooked in its own juice, preserving nutrients.

Steamer blender is suitable for women with small children

Note: units in the form of inserts are also supplied to the market, however, such steamers are not full-fledged devices and in appearance resemble a bowl with legs. It is installed on the bottom of any pan, filled with water and food is laid out on the grid.

It is noteworthy that the unit is capable of processing different foods - soft and hard vegetables, meat, fruits, berries, as well as dairy products. Additionally, the devices are equipped with various functions, for example, defrosting, heating, timer, etc.

With microwave option

Microwaves have long occupied a niche in the kitchen space, as they allow you to quickly heat, defrost and cook food. The presence of this function in the equipment complements the design with a water tank and a special tray. The advantage of this type of device is the speed of cooking, the ability to sterilize dishes, and the parts of the device can be processed in the dishwasher.

Microwave oven with steamer

Yogurt makers

The operation of the unit is carried out by heating water located in a special container and which is the basis of the design. This option has the following advantages:

• advanced options;
• possibility of cooking in one basket;
• equipment;
• low electricity consumption;
• ease of use.

Yogurt maker with steamer function

Rating of the best premium devices

Stahlberg, 1811-S Donella

A fairly compact model with a diameter of 28 cm and a height of 12 cm. The set consists of a single tier for preparing lunch and a boiler saucepan.

The model has a total volume of six liters, of which one and a half is allocated for the steam tier.

The model is made of stainless steel and has a stylish design. Used for preparing dinner on any type of stove and oven for a small family - for two.

Since the device has a small volume, food can be cooked very quickly and tastes great.

Country of origin: China.

Cost - 12990 rubles.

Stahlberg, 1811-S Donella

Advantages:

• high-quality Stahlberg stainless steel;
• beautiful design;
• extensive functions;
• speed of lunch preparation;
• usefulness of food.

Flaws:

• high price.