Steamers: features, types and use

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

In short, a steamer processes food thanks to the strong flow of steam that is generated by heating water in one of the containers of the appliance. The device works as follows.

• The bottom tank of the steamer is filled with water, which is heated and boiled by the heating element in the base of the steamer.
• Above the water tank, there are additional tanks with grates through which steam will pass.
• After the water boils, a dense stream of steam is gradually formed, which is evenly distributed over all bowls, while thermally treating the food.
• During the entire procedure, a large amount of water or condensation forms on the walls of the bowls, which flows out through the holes and falls into a special tray.
• As soon as the water ends, the production of steam stops and the operation of the device ends automatically.

Outwardly, the steamer looks like this: a plastic or metal base with a control panel, on the base there are one or more tiers in which food is placed. From above, the structure is closed with a dense glass or metal lid with holes that release excess steam.

Regardless of the type of steamer, they have some characteristics and functions, which are most often found in modern designs.

• Control. It can be mechanical and electronic. Mechanical control is simpler, and is present in domestic models. Devices on mechanics do not differ in either high power or a variety of modes, however, they serve stably longer and do not need frequent maintenance. Models on electronic control (via the touch screen) are difficult to repair on their own, they are more expensive, but here a priori there are several modes that allow you to very accurately approach the preparation of even the most complex dishes.

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

• Power. The efficiency of food processing depends on the power. The standard power of a 2-bowl steamer should be 800-1000 watts. The most powerful steamers have a capacity of 2000 watts and contain 4 or 5 levels of baskets.

• Equipment. Except for additional accessories, the steamer consists of a base (base with control center), bowls or baskets, and pallets. The number of trays and bowls depends on the power and control of the model.

• Temperature. The average temperature of steam in the operation of the device is 100 degrees Celsius, this temperature allows you to preserve all the useful properties of the products. In addition to the steaming mode, in complex steamers there must be a frying mode that even allows you to grill.

In addition to general characteristics, electronic steamers, as well as some mechanically operated models, have a number of functions that facilitate the cooking process.

• Auto-control of steam temperature, regardless of external atmospheric pressure. This means that the device can be used in absolutely any weather and atmospheric conditions.
• Auto-reminder to clean the heating element, as well as contamination of the bowls themselves.
• The delayed start function is a useful thing for those who do not have the opportunity to turn on the steamer at a certain time. For example, if you are going to work in the evening, you can set the timer for the middle of the day so that the food is cooked and reheated for you when you arrive.
• Auto-cooking. In modern steamers, there are several cooking modes, as well as at least 20 different cooking recipes. All this allows the owner of the device not to bother with self-selection of recipes and not to waste time determining the optimal temperature.
• The new models also have a function for quickly heating food, like in microwave ovens.
• The audible alert function helps you to keep track of the end of the cooking process with audible signals.
• In modern models, there is a special hole with an indication through which you can monitor the water level in the liquid container and, if necessary, top up it. In some models, water can be added directly during cooking.
• Auto-off function in case of overheating, breakage or insufficient tightness of baskets or base.

Today's kitchen appliance market offers several types of steamers, depending on the material of manufacture, autonomy and the number of tiers.

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

A glass steamer consists of two elements: a large deep pan or saucepan (which acts as a heating element), and a glass bowl with holes at the bottom. Water is poured into the pan, which, when heated, creates the steam necessary for processing food. It should be said that this option is often sold exactly in a set with a suitable frying pan.

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

Metal steamers are most often stainless steel models. The advantage of steel steamers is that they heat up quickly, serve for a long time and do not saturate food with harmful elements. By design, such a double-bottomed steamer is a pan with a double bottom.where water is poured on the bottom bottom to generate steam, and food is placed on the top thin bottom for heating or processing food.

The bamboo steamer is considered an environmentally friendly option that does no harm to the body. In addition, bamboo is incredibly resistant to high temperatures, which prevents it from warping or spoiling food. Some housewives noticed that the food after cooking in a bamboo steamer gives off a pleasant vegetable aroma.

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

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

Depending on the autonomy, steamers are divided into the following types.

• Fully self-contained steamer with clear functions. A common steamer variant most commonly found in the kitchen appliance markets. It is a base with 1-2 bowls and 1 pallet.

• Blender steamer. A variant of a multifunctional steamer, which, after heating or processing food, grinds it into a mixture of the indicated consistency. Usually vegetables or fruits for small children are cooked in such steamers.

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

• Frying pan-steamer. It is a deep frying pan up to 3-3.5 liters by volume. Such a frying pan combines several elements: a grid for food, a lid with holes for steam, as well as the pan itself (where the bottom acts as a heating element). In this case, you can achieve roastiness of the food, however, it is extremely difficult to control the amount of water.

• Wok steamer. Such a steamer is a semicircular cauldron covered with a dense lid. Inside, on the middle level, there is a metal grate, the lower level is filled with water. The peculiarity of this steamer is that this shape allows the heat to disperse evenly along all the walls. Consequently, the water heats up the water faster, and the food is bathed in steam and heat from all sides. To create such steamers, ceramics or cast iron are used.

Steamers also differ in the number of tiers.

• A three-level and four-level steamer is a volumetric version of the device for large families.
• The double deck steamer with 2 bowls is suitable for cooking small meats, soups and cereals.
• Single deck or mini steamer - a compact version of a small design with only 1 level. Suitable for preparing snacks, as well as small portions of second and first courses.

Modern housewives attribute many positive and negative aspects to steamers, which in one way or another affect the convenience of cooking or its taste.

First, consider the advantages of such devices.

• Food cooked in a double boiler stays hot and warm for a very long time due to the special hermetically sealed device of this appliance. In a normal room with an average temperature, food in the steamer can remain warm for up to 14 hours after cooking. If you want to cool the food and store it for a long time, the bowls can be placed in the freezers along with the food.
• None of the other modern electronic appliances have the same functions as a double boiler - thanks to the multilevel cooking method, food can be impregnated with the aromas of spices, vegetables and herbs located in other bowls.
• As with any kitchen electronic appliance, the steamer must initially have several cooking modes set up with set timers and steam temperatures. This means that you do not have to monitor the operation of the device - just pick up the already prepared healthy food.
• It is believed that steaming food does not harm it in any way. This is the most gentle type of heating that can reheat food without aggressive heat treatment.
• The steamer allows a more subtle approach to the preparation of a wide variety of foods, while the owner of the appliance does not need to know the features of this preparation.

Nevertheless, the device has its drawbacks.

• A steamer, like any other appliance, needs regular and painstaking care.
• Bulky steamers, which allow you to cook food for the whole family at once, often take up a lot of space. And not every housewife can provide it.
• Steam, which has such a beneficial effect on food, can do significant harm to furniture, paint and wallpaper on the walls, even whitewash on the ceiling. This means adding the hassle of maintaining your kitchen.
• Usually the baskets and bowls used for cooking are too bulky to fit into the dishwasher.

The list of the best and most functional steamers changes every year - below you can see the list of steamers most popular today. In ascending order of quality, the top 5 best models on the market will be presented.

A popular Chinese steamer among housewives, the price for it is quite high, but the power exceeds all expectations.

Advantages:

• excellent isolation of food processing areas;
• 3 large containers for food;
• interesting design;
• impressive power;
• delayed start function.

Disadvantages:

• price;
• short and not particularly strong cord.

One of the most powerful models on the market today.

Advantages:

• solid build from a reliable manufacturer;
• "fast steam" function;
• the best security system: the device turns off in case of overheating or a complete lack of liquid.

Disadvantages:

• inconvenient water filling;
• fragile top cover;
• there are problems with the execution of the declared commands in the "auto" mode.

Another product made in China. You can cook up to three meals at a time.

Advantages:

• wonderful appearance;
• budgetary cost;
• pleasant segmentation of containers for the simultaneous preparation of food of different sizes;
• reliable assembly.

Disadvantages:

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

A very easy-to-use model, the set includes a bowl for rice. Mechanical control.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

The best option, both in price and technical terms, today.

Advantages:

• perfectly sturdy build;
• large volume;
• long service life guarantee;
• convection heating;
• preservation of all nutrients during heating and steam treatment;
• complete insulation of products through a tight horizontal cover.

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

It is quite difficult to choose a high-quality double boiler, because it is not always possible to independently check the design of the model. In addition, you should choose a double boiler based on the types of future food and the variety of dishes. Below is a list of parameters and components of the steamer, which you should pay attention to when purchasing.

• Bowls and baskets. This is the first thing worth looking at. How much food you can cook in them at the same time depends on the number, shape and volume of the baskets. Keep in mind that you cannot remove the bowls during the cooking process, you can damage the mount, as well as disturb the temperature and pressure that has formed inside the device. It is better to choose a double boiler, where the baskets differ slightly in size - this way it will be much more convenient to store them. If you want to follow the entire cooking process, then it is better to choose transparent baskets.

• Pallet. Every steamer should have at least one drip tray installed by default to collect excess fat, condensation or broth from cooked food. Pallet heights are usually up to 3 centimeters. The pallet should be large enough to contain any moisture that forms during cooking. It is better to choose pallets with handles - this way it will be easier for you to drain the condensate and the danger of getting burned will disappear.

• The bottom of the baskets. It can be solid or collapsible, baskets with a solid bottom segment the steamer into several compartments. Models with a collapsible bottom allow you to combine the basket into one for cooking larger food.

• Power. A lot in cooking depends on the power of the device itself. Keep in mind that the more baskets and bowls your model has, the more power it will need to handle that amount of food. If we are talking about one bowl, then a double boiler with a capacity of 500 watts will be enough, if about three baskets of 3 liters each - up to 1500 watts.Models with 4 or more baskets must have a capacity of at least 1600-1700 watts.

• Kitchen dimensions. There are individual or built-in steamers. Built-in models are suitable for kitchens with limited space. A cabinet, countertop, shelf near the hood can serve as a place for installing such models.

• Security. In some modern steamers, a special protective mechanism is installed, which serves to turn off when overheating or lack of water, steam release when opening the lid, fixing the lid at the time of cooking, and also locking the lid when a potentially dangerous temperature or pressure forms in the appliance.

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

Any devices, especially electronic ones, require special operating conditions. Below you can find out how to properly use a modern self-contained steamer.

• A place. The steamer must always stand on level ground, with a surface that is fireproof and resistant to high temperatures. That is why thin-coated polymer or wood surfaces are not suitable here. When positioning the steamer, also pay attention to the distance to the nearest furniture. In order not to spoil leather, wood and other materials, you should leave at least 20 centimeters of free space. The same applies to the height to the ceiling - it must be at least 1 meter for the unimpeded escape of steam and heat.
• Transfer and change of place. Do not under any circumstances try to move the steamer while it is cooking - you could spill hot water and get serious burns. If we are talking about models of the "multi" type, where the device is a combination of a multicooker and a double boiler, then this precaution can be neglected. Usually in multicooker lids are very tightly closed, which do not allow water to come out.
• Keep out of reach of children. The device should be located in a place that is difficult for children to reach, this will help to avoid serious injury and burns.
• Water quality. The fact is that the quality of food cooked in a double boiler directly depends on the steam itself, which, in turn, depends on the quality of your water. Due to the fact that the water in some regions can be too heavy or harmful, it is recommended to buy a special filtered liquid.

In order for the appliance to be preserved for a long time and show itself well in cooking, you must follow some rules for caring for the steamer. The most obvious ones are described below.

• Before turning on the device, it should be freed from the packaging components, remove the foil from the levels and containers. Also, be sure to thoroughly rinse all the folding parts of the appliance and put them to dry in a warm place.
• Clean and wash the containers of the steamer after every cooking (pay particular attention to fat, which often accumulates in the trays). This way you will retain a pleasant and natural scent and eliminate the risk of rust formation. Any good cleaning has the potential to extend the life of the device. For dry cleaning of baskets and containers, it is better to use brushes with frequent and hard lint.
• Do not forget to disconnect the appliance from the mains during the washing process, in addition, try to wash all parts of the appliance separately. A dishwasher will work well for cleaning such appliances. The very base of the steamer is never washed, it should simply be wiped thoroughly with a slightly dampened cloth.
• After several uses, the heating element of the appliance may be covered with a layer of limescale. This is most often due to poor water quality. Scale can be removed with vinegar - 1-2 glasses of vinegar (5%) should be placed in a water container, fill the rest of the space with water.We cover the heating element, place the tray and 1 container for food. Set a timer for 8-10 minutes, then check if there is any scale left. This procedure can be repeated several times. After such cleaning, do not forget to thoroughly rinse the entire structure.

For information on how to choose a steamer, see the next video.