Which steamer is better to choose? We choose a steamer to always be healthy and enjoy life

The steamer is a special kitchen appliance, designed for preparing healthy dishes from fish, meat, vegetables and other products. Its main advantage is cooking without adding fat. Experts note another important fact - food in a double boiler never burns. The products are treated with steam, so they retain all useful minerals, vitamins and other elements, and the percentage of animal fats and cholesterol is significantly reduced.

When choosing a high-quality double boiler, you need to take into account a number of points; if you do not take them into account, then it will turn out to be not entirely suitable or not at all suitable for a particular housewife.

The main ones among these factors are the following:

• Control method: mechanical or electronic. In the first case, the model will cost much less, but the cooking temperature will need to be set to manual mode. Electronic control makes the steamer more expensive, but it has much wider functionality. Usually there is a small display on the body, which indicates the main cooking parameters;
• Power – generally ranges from 800 to 2000 W. This parameter does not affect the quality of cooking, only the speed;
• The volume of the bowl is selected depending on the number of family members - for 3-4 people a 5-6 liter bowl will be enough;
• What is the device made of - the body and the bowl itself. In most cases, the case is plastic, however, you can also find models made of stainless steel. It is best if the lid is transparent - this will make it much easier to monitor the cooking process. The bowl is made from materials that can withstand high temperatures well;
• Design features - it is advisable to give preference to models that have a special funnel that allows you to add water directly during cooking;
• Device kit - the more items it includes, the more expensive the steamer will cost. In the most expensive models you can find recesses for boiling eggs, jars for storing spices, and so on;
• Availability of additional useful options - fast steam, delayed start, additional heating after cooking, timer;
• The company that produced the product. It is best to give preference famous brands– they will break less often.

In our rating of the best steamers, we have collected only the most reliable products that are perfect for most housewives. When compiling this top 10, we additionally took into account reviews from users and experts, value for money. We hope that after reading this review, it will be much easier for you to choose a model that is ideal for your requirements.

List of the best steam oven models of 2019

This is a small steamer that will fit perfectly into the interior of a small kitchen. The bowl volume is only 3.5 liters - this allows you to prepare about two medium servings of food. You will have to cook in it much more often, but the food will always be fresh. The power of the equipment is only 750 W, and the set includes two removable bowls made of heat-resistant plastic that has no foreign smell. It is controlled mechanically using appropriate levers. There is a work indicator.

The volume of the water tank is 0.7 liters, and it begins to boil approximately 10 minutes after starting the device. The operation timer is designed for one hour of continuous operation, there is an automatic shutdown system, and reliable protection is also provided. The device will not start working when open lid, when there is no water in the container. The case has a high degree of thermal insulation, it will not heat up during operation, and is made of reliable plastic. The build quality is excellent, there are no extraneous squeaks even after several years of use.

Advantages:

• Reasonable cost;
• Durability;
• Almost silent;
• Automatic shutdown system.

Flaws:

• Mechanical control system;
• There is no funnel for adding water during operation;
• There is no thermostat or delayed start system.

This is a fairly modern design, complete with two bowls for preparing various products, a tray for condensation, a special container for rice, buckwheat and other cereals, as well as a container for coloring products such as beets. The model has two tiers where direct cooking takes place, and their total volume is 6.2 liters; the cereal container holds about 2 liters.

The device has a timer for one hour with subsequent automatic shutdown, a “fast steam” mode and an operation indicator. There is a special sensor that ensures that the device turns off in case of water shortage. The body is made of plastic, the food containers are also plastic. When stored, the device takes up a minimum amount of free space. The bowls can be placed in the dishwasher; there is a niche for storing the power cable.

Advantages:

• Reliable assembly, which ensures the durability of the device;
• Attractive appearance;
• In case of emergency situation or when cooking is complete, the appliance emits a special sound signal;
• Volume bowl for cereals;
• Ease of management;
• Significant power.

Flaws:

• There are no recesses for boiling eggs;
• It will not be possible to add water during cooking;
• There is no delayed start function.

This is a very convenient and practical model, which comes with transparent bowls for food, which will allow you to observe the cooking process without interrupting it. This steamer is the first device with an electronic type of control - there is a small liquid crystal display and a timer, an operation indicator.

There are three tiers, so you can cook up to three dishes at the same time; the power of the device is 700 W. The body is made of stainless steel, the assembly is of high quality - there are no backlashes, even after several years of regular use the steamer will not make any extraneous sounds. The set includes a rice container and a removable grill.

Advantages:

• Electronic control system;
• Assembly reliability;
• Convenient and complete set;
• Reasonable cost;
• The set includes a recipe book.

Flaws:

• The cord is very short;
• Seals are not reliable everywhere - sometimes they lose their tightness;
• The display is not backlit.

This is a fairly compact, but at the same time, roomy model, with three levels for simultaneous preparation of various dishes. For cooking, there are mesh bowls or trays where you can place your favorite sauce or marinade, which will make the food even more delicious. The model is manufactured on the basis of the latest patented compact storage technology.

The control here is of a digital type, the equipment has a timer for one hour, after the end of cooking the device will automatically turn off, but if necessary it will maintain high temperature food. The assembly is of very high quality, all bowls, grates and other removable elements can be washed in dishwasher. The water capacity has a volume of one and a half liters, which is enough to cook three dishes at the same time. If there is not enough water, the device will turn off on its own, emitting a sound signal.

Advantages:

• Works absolutely silently;
• Capacious pallets;
• Attractive appearance;
• Occupies a minimum free space;
• It quickly cooks even quite complex dishes.

Flaws:

• Heats water for a long time;
• The inner bowls are sometimes covered with a network of cracks;
• Unreliable plastic parts that quickly fail;
• Despite electronic control, there is no display.

This is one of the best steamers rated with electronically controlled. She looks very beautiful and has small dimensions. The weight of the device is only 2.3 kg, although it has three transparent plastic bowls. You can also cook with removable bottom. IN included a special nozzle with indentations for boiling eggs; there is also a small container for spices.

The device has an original Flavou Booster function, which evenly distributes spices throughout the internal volume of the bowl, giving dishes a unique taste. Once cooking is complete, the appliance will beep. Electronic control, there is a huge number various functions and automatic operating modes that can be adjusted independently. There is a Keep Warm system that keeps food hot for a long time, and there is a funnel for adding water. The power of the device is 900 W, there is reliable protection against overheating.

Advantages:

• The kit includes a sufficient number of removable grilles for various types products;
• There is a liquid crystal display, a thermostat;
• The power cable is quite long;
• Insignificant mass;
• A large number of additional functions.

Flaws:

• There is no delayed start system;
• If food releases fat during cooking, it will drain into the lower tray.

This model has special technology Vita Steam, which allows you not only to save everything healthy vitamins, trace elements and minerals, but also cook with spices. Due to high level power, steam begins to form within 15 seconds after starting the cooking program. The model has three bowls, located one above the other, their total volume is 11 liters. They are isolated from each other due to partitions made of heat-resistant silicone, which does not allow odors to penetrate from one bowl to another, and are snapped into place using special retaining grooves.

The control is electronic with a convenient and intellectually understandable menu that anyone can quickly understand. There is a large tray to collect condensation and grease; water is added to a special retractable mechanism without pauses during the cooking process.

Advantages:

• Cooking areas well isolated from each other;
• Large volume of each container;
• Beautiful appearance and reliable assembly;
• High power level;
• There is a delayed start timer.

Flaws:

• The grease tray is not very convenient to remove for cleaning;
• Short power cord.

In the top 10 best steamers, this model was in 4th place, largely due to the presence of a large number of automatic cooking functions. There are three tiers in total with a total volume of bowls of 11 liters, the water tank has a volume of 1.2 liters, the device has automatic timer, designed for one hour, which will emit a corresponding signal after cooking is complete.

In addition, there is a corresponding indicator that lights up when there is not enough water in the tank. The body is made of non-marking plastic, the trays are made of food grade stainless steel, and the bowls are made of transparent heat-resistant plastic. The device takes up little space during storage. The set includes a special bowl for preparing various cereals. The power of the device is 2 kW, due to which steam begins to form almost instantly after turning on the cooking program.

Advantages:

• Very reliable assembly;
• There is a “quick steam” function;
• A good protection system against overheating, burnout, and so on.

Flaws:

• Not all automatic cooking functions work as stated by the manufacturer;
• Sometimes the rim of the top cover may crack;
• The rim is not convenient - it makes pouring water into the tank problematic.

This model takes an honorable third place in our top 10 best steamers due to a number of advantages over previously reviewed devices. It, like most devices included in our rating, is equipped with three independent cooking zones. There is a special intelligent development IQ STEAM, which independently determines which products need longer heat treatment, and accordingly, they begin to cook earlier than others. Thanks to this function, all dishes will be cooked at approximately the same time.

There are seven automatic programs, and they can be adjusted manually. The control here is electronic, there is a convenient liquid crystal display that allows you to change the cooking temperature, select optimal time and so on. When the dish is cooked, the device automatically switches to heating mode, keeping the food at the optimal temperature for up to 40 minutes. The device has reliable system safety, extending service life.

Advantages:

• The model is made of materials that are safe for human health and also look attractive;
• The design is beautiful and ergonomic;
• Availability of heating function;
• Reliability of the design.

Flaws:

• Not very convenient to wash;
• Large overall dimensions;
• Frequent use may cause the containers to crack.

This is an inexpensive, but very high-quality and multifunctional steamer design, and it has everything you need to prepare a large number of different dishes. There are two tiers of food preparation with a total volume of 2.5 liters, which is quite enough for not big family. The controls are mechanical, but this does not affect the convenience at all; there is a timer with an automatic shut-off system. It is designed for 60 minutes, there is a “fast steam” function that allows you to warm up the device to the required temperature in just a few seconds.

The body is made of high-quality plastic with a good thermal insulation system, the bowls are also made of transparent plastic. During storage, it takes up minimal free space. The power of the product is 800 W, there is a special bowl for cooking cereals, grooves for boiling eggs, the steamer weighs little - about one and a half kilograms.

Advantages:

• Sturdy body;
• Attractive appearance;
• Takes up little space;
• Economical in terms of energy consumption;
• Acceptable price.

Flaws:

• There is no niche for storing the power cable;
• Some elements fade over time.

This is one of the newest models of steamers that has appeared on Russian market household appliances relatively recently. In terms of all its main characteristics, this steamer is the best among all those presented in the review. It has only one tier, so you can cook only one dish in it. The control type here is electronic, there is a power indicator, and a large touch display. The capacity is as much as 15 liters, although the external dimensions are not that large.

The device has a convection function, due to which you can prepare up to 15 different types of dishes. This feature will preserve the juiciness of meat, fish and other products due to the fact that heating is carried out as evenly as possible. The temperature is raised to one hundred degrees in just three minutes after starting; if necessary, you can even sterilize various items in the steamer - baby bottles, dishes, and so on.

Advantages:

• High build quality;
• Excellent capacity;
• Long service life;
• Convection function;
• Large capacity.

Flaws:

• Apart from the high price, nothing was found.

In conclusion, an interesting video

Set

Typically, the steamer delivery kit contains the following items:

Special small-capacity bowls for rice, buckwheat, beans and other cereals;

Containers for preparing side dishes; grills or stands for boiling eggs;

Grids for cooking bulky whole products;

stands for steaming dyed products;

Containers for liquid and bulk products;

Trays for collecting condensate drops;

Trays for collecting excess juices and fat leaking from food during cooking;

Probe for monitoring the temperature of the product during the cooking process;

A cookbook with diet options for every day of the week.

Conclusion
Despite the reputation of the steamer as a device exclusively for “dieters” and people passionate about a healthy lifestyle, it is a device with great culinary potential, which is also worth trying for people who are seriously passionate about cooking. We hope this article will help you in choosing a steamer.

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

Before deciding which device is best to buy in a store, you should find out what a double boiler is and what the principles and features of its operation are. 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 is supplied. The evaporated water envelops the food from all sides, so it cooks evenly and absolutely without the use of fat. This is both economical and important for people who want to reduce the amount of fat used in their diet.

For a steamer to work, 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 it is better to use special, prepared water in a double boiler. Ideally, this should be liquid passed through a filter. Otherwise, when using 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 vinegar solution.

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

Appearance of a reliable device: what a double boiler looks like

What types of steamers are there, and what does a high-quality device look like? First of all, steamers are distinguished by their control panel - it can be either mechanical or electronic. The mechanical panel is more reliable and easier to operate; basically, you only have to turn one knob, which is responsible for the operating time of the equipment. In the case of an electronic display, 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, for example, they:

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

The second thing you need to know about steamers is the power of the device. Everything is simpler here - the larger the steamer, the more baskets it has, the higher the power it requires. For a large steamer for the whole family, a power of 1200 - 1500 W is needed. For a small steamer with one basket, 400-600 W is enough.

Most interesting review steamers concerns the number and shape of their baskets. This is the most important nuance, distinguishing this category of technology. The simplest steamers have one or two small baskets. Large steamers can 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, you can cook in each separate basket at the same time different dishes. If you want a steamer for a small family, then you should suitable model with two bowls, which copes with most tasks.

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

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

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

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

Namely:

• Control;
• Bowl volume;
• 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 primarily if you are satisfied with the control of the device. The convenience of daily use of technology depends on it. We recommend choosing a mechanical control type with a timer knob. In this case, to start the device, you just need to turn the knob, setting it to the desired period of time. An 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 you can cook a large dish for everyone in a double boiler. Pay attention to the shape of the bowls; it is better if they are the same, in this case you can change the dishes right while preparing food.

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

Well, don’t forget about water, without which the steamer simply won’t work. In order for the device to be in an active state, the heating element must be immersed in water. IN good models Steamers have a water level indicator, thanks to which you don’t have to guess how much liquid is left and whether it is enough to finish cooking the dish. In addition, it is convenient when there is a special hole for adding water while cooking.

Brief overview of steamers

In general, modern steamers on the market differ in many ways, which we discussed above, but for many of us it is always the most important point still is the price. Domestic manufacturers They offer equipment at the lowest price, but its durability is always comparable to the cost of the device.

Among the good domestic companies, Vitek is worth highlighting; Philips, Moulinex and Tefal are considered the best imported devices. It is also worth highlighting the Redmond company, without which no review of steamers today would be complete - 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. In addition to 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 closely a certain model, suitable for the 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.

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 maximum useful substances and represent perfect combination taste and quality. Of course, food cooked in a steamer takes some getting used to, since fried or baked ingredients are traditionally considered tastier. However, once you appreciate the benefits and incomparable natural taste of the products, you will certainly make this device yours. an 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.

Exist the following types steamer.

Built-in and free-standing

Built-in models are very space-saving; as a rule, they are built into the countertop; only the bowls for placing vegetables will be visible. The control buttons will be located from the side. If the body is effectively covered with wood or plastic decor, access will be from below. A vessel intended for water must be mounted on the side. In general, a similar version of steamers appearance similar to electric stove. The most expensive models even allow you to connect to a 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. More advanced options have significantly expanded functionality - 5-10 or more programs.

Self-contained steamers are easier to install. Just choose appropriate place and plug the plug into the socket. Among the disadvantages of such options are the inconvenience associated with the possibility of dropping or damaging the device with an accidental movement, as well as the fact that the functionality of such models is most often limited.

With electronic or mechanical control

Mechanical control is realized by turning the switch for the amount of time needed to prepare dishes. Shutdown occurs automatically. The simplest control option provided in low-cost models.

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

The electronic control option for the steamer allows you to cook dishes almost automatically.

Criterias of choice

In order to do right choice, it is necessary to evaluate which functional features Your priorities are:

1. Power. Perhaps one of the key parameters. It largely depends on it how quickly the dishes will be prepared. Basically, this parameter varies from 600 to 2000 W.
2. Number of operating modes. The standard option is 2-3 modes, models with a higher price have 3-5 or more. In fact, three modes, as a rule, are enough to fully use the steamer without claims to advanced functionality. You can easily steam, defrost and reheat. All other possibilities ( automatic switching on, heat stroke, etc.) you may not need at all, so why overpay for them?
3. 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 and enjoy using a double boiler when cooking, choose models with three baskets. This will expand the capabilities, but will affect the speed. A rice bowl comes standard with any set, although in fact it is not only for him. Using this container, you can cook completely different dishes, cook soups, porridges, puddings, that is, those dishes that cannot be cooked in containers with perforations. Evaluate the size of such a bowl when choosing.
4. Dimensions and number of pallets. There may be more than one pallet. Not every manufacturer offers such options, but they still exist. Users note the convenience of having a tray under each basket in cases where they do not want to mix odors. If there is only one tray, then there is no such possibility - everything that is cooked on the upper tier will inevitably flow through condensation to the lower one, to one degree or another. The height of the tray also matters; 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, this is not very convenient.

I would also like to note the additional functions of the steamer. Their availability and variety, as a rule, determine the price of the selected device.

Delayed start function allows you to automatically start the device at the right time. It’s very convenient, you can prepare food in the morning, and by lunchtime everything will be prepared in the best possible way.

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

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

overheat protection The steamer is implemented through an automatic shutdown function in cases where the water runs out.

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

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.

Review of manufacturers

Bomann. Models from this manufacturer consist of three plastic baskets, while the body itself is metal. All components are easy to wash in a regular dishwasher, due to the fact that they fit together perfectly.

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

“I would like to leave a review about my favorite kitchen helper. Before purchasing, I thought for a long time and doubted it, since the choice of devices from this group is huge. I chose Mystery MFS-1304 - inexpensive, but functional. My favorite function is the delayed start; when I pack the groceries and go for a walk with the child, the process starts at the right time for me. When I arrive, everything is already ready. The controls are simple, you just select the time needed for cooking. By the way, the instructions indicate the recommended value for some products, but in practice it has to be increased. We use Mystery to cook fish, chicken, and steamed cutlets; my daughter really loves apples from the steamer. The price of 1300 completely justifies the purchase and the question of whether a double boiler is needed disappears by itself.”

Yulia, 27 years old.

Philips. The manufacturer, as always, is on top. He offers the most full list of all possible conveniences when handling equipment. Handles for the tray and bowl, built-in touch controls, a special container for seasonings, convenient holes for adding liquid, maximum degree of 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 steamers have a mechanical control option, which does not detract from their advantages. The corrugated surface allows you to correctly distribute food over the entire area; you can prepare large portions of your favorite dishes quickly.

Supra. Convenient and practical models include three baskets, which, according to reviews, very conveniently fold into each other according to the matryoshka principle. The 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 to somehow switch to healthy eating and as an experiment, purchase a double boiler for these purposes. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money because it was unknown whether I would use it long time, so I bought an inexpensive option. In appearance, this model, to be honest, did not inspire confidence, but I still took a risk. A brochure with recipes was included. Cooking with it turned out to be surprisingly easy - 15-30 minutes, and everything is ready. It didn’t take up much space in my kitchen; it looks almost like a saucepan. Among the shortcomings, I would note the difficulty of washing, since there is no way to remove the cord, and the very thin plastic. I’m very afraid of dropping it; it will almost certainly crack from the impact.”

Elina, 30 years old.

Tefal. Offers many options - from inexpensive and practical to powerful, spacious premium models. Decide why you need a steamer, and the manufacturer will offer the most profitable and interesting option.

Conclusion

In diversity various options household appliances can get lost. If you are planning to purchase a steamer for the first time, and have never used this device before, perhaps it makes sense not to chase many functions, but to buy a simple and reliable thing.

After appreciating all the advantages of steam cooking and familiarizing yourself with the functionality of more expensive steamers, you can choose the features that you lack and purchase a model of a different level.