Food cooked not steamed differs in taste and useful properties from other cooking methods. Such food is advised to eat people who care about their health. Steamed dishes are suitable for children, pregnant women and people with gastrointestinal tract disease. We have prepared a number of practical tips for selecting a double boiler, taking into account the opinions of experts, and have also compiled TOP-15 of the best double boiler on the market for year.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a double boiler, you should know that they are similar in principle of operation, but can vary significantly in characteristics and functionality. Of course, the cost also depends on this. The main points that you must pay attention to:
- Power. The more powerful the steamer, the faster it will cook the dish. Accordingly, more nutrients in it will remain. But the power also depends on the number of tiers - in order to ensure the optimal amount of steam for each of them, the device must be more powerful than for a single-tier, for example. On average, two-tier equipment is presented in a power of 700-900 watts.
- Number of tiers. The number of baskets and their capacity should be determined according to your needs. The convenience of several tiers is the ability to cook products of different types that differ in cooking speed at the same time. The containers can be of the same size, which allows them to be replaced by each other. If they are of different sizes, this facilitates storage, because they can be folded into each other. Some baskets have a removable bottom, which allows you to connect two tiers into one for cooking large products (for example, whole carcasses of chicken).
- Timer Auto Power Off. The self-shutdown function after a predetermined period of time makes cooking significantly easier. Models offer limited features: up to 20-60 minutes.
- Sound signal. A convenient addition is a sound alert about the readiness of the dish. But not all double boiler endowed with it.
- Delay start. The presence of a timer allows you to set the on time so that the dish is cooked for a certain period.
- Type of management. Today in the market are double boiler with mechanical and electronic control. The first are simple to control - just turn the time knob. The latter, as a rule, are endowed with special modes, may include ready-made programs for preparing specific dishes, determine the cooking time taking into account the volume of products, etc. Some of them are equipped with a function of maintaining heat and other features not available for models with mechanical inclusion.
- Inclusion indication. Almost all double boiler provide a light bulb on the body, which lights up when connected to the network.
- Water level indicator. Since the operation of a double boiler is based on the evaporation of water, it is necessary to control its level. For this, many of them are equipped with indicators. It may be a light that lights up when there is a lack of fluid. In other cases, the tank is made of a transparent material that allows you to control the degree of fullness. By the way, most steam cookers provide protective shutdown at the end of the liquid. Such an opportunity will ensure the safety of use.
- The tank for topping up water during operation. Since cooking can take a long time, and some models are presented with a small container for water, it is convenient to replenish the volume of liquid directly during cooking.
- Power cord length. This parameter is important if the outlet is located far from the place where the double boiler is planned to be placed. On average, models are presented with a wire of the order of 0.7-1 m.
See also - How to choose the right double boiler for home
TOP 5 electronically controlled steamers
Morphy Richards IntelliSteam 470006
In the first place in our ranking, the novelty of the British company Morphy Richards is the IntelliSteam 470006 intelligent steam boiler. The unique steam system includes 3 separate steam cookers that are independently controlled. Thanks to individual control and horizontal design, the dishes retain their taste and the aromas do not mix. The double boiler is equipped with 8 modes. If desired, you can synchronize the preparation of dishes by a certain time. IntelliSteam 470006 stores 50% more vitamins and nutrients than with standard cooking by using less heat and water. The volume of the double boiler is 6.8 liters. The horizontal design allows you to fit a double boiler into any kitchen. Read more about the double boiler in the review IntelliSteam 470006.
Pros:
- Independent compartments;
- Horizontal design;
- Preserves nutrients;
- 8 cooking modes.
Minuses:
- Not identified.
Polaris PFS 0305AD
Steel double boiler is designed for 3 tiers. Has a 1 liter water compartment. You can add it at work, as with other models with electronic control. If the water evaporates ahead of time, it turns off. Its level is reported by a special light bulb. Control is via buttons. Has a fast steam mode. Equipped with a display. Provides a timer (up to 90 minutes) with auto power off, which can also delay the start. The completion of the process is reported by sound. It is completed with a cup for cereals. There is a stand with recesses for cooking eggs. Provides assembly for easy storage. Power 800 watts. Weight 2.15 kg. Price: .
Benefits:
- small size;
- high-quality plastic;
- easy to use;
- convenient to store;
- all necessary functions;
- bright display;
- can be programmed to the desired mode;
- there is a snooze timer.
Disadvantages:
- bowls are not interchangeable;
- a small cup for rice.
See also - Difference of a multicooker from a double boiler
Tefal VC 3008 Steam’n’light
Three-tier double boiler with removable grills. The case is plastic. Indication for monitoring the water level. Switching on the device is confirmed by a light bulb. There are auto programs for six recipes, as well as defrosting and cooking frozen foods. Has a thermostat. It turns off after a set period of time (up to 1 hour). Indentations for eggs are provided. There is a mold for cupcakes and muffins. Provides nesting for easy storage. Power 900 watts. Price: .
Benefits:
- nice design without unnecessary elements;
- ease of storage when folded;
- reliable assembly;
- capacious baskets;
- convenient molds for muffins;
- capacious container for liquid;
- clear management;
- enough programs;
- works quietly.
Disadvantages:
- fluid level is not visible;
- bad bottom latches, there are cases of breakages;
- there is no signal when the water runs out.
See also - 5 best steamers Tefal of the year
AEG DG 5552
The device with three baskets that are installed on removable grilles. Stainless steel case. When the water runs out, the machine turns off.In order to supplement it in time, there is an indication showing its volume. Provides fast steam mode. Keeps dishes warm. Allows you to delay the start. There is a screen indicating the selected settings. The package includes a bowl for cereals. There are recesses for the eggs. Power consumption 700 watts. Price: .
Benefits:
- beautiful;
- capacious;
- low noise level;
- easy to operate;
- turns off when there is a lack of water;
- a lot of steam;
- tasty dishes come out.
Disadvantages:
- the quality of plastic and baskets is in doubt among some buyers;
- small condensate pan.
Philips HD9190
Three-tier double boiler made of stainless steel with removable grates for installing baskets. Capacity of containers: 3.2; 2.8; 3.6 liters 1.6 liter water cup A decrease in its level will be indicated by an appropriate indication. In case of evaporation, it will stop working independently. It has an auto-ready mode with four recipes. In the presence of a controller to maintain heating. Equipped with a display. Sounds to indicate the readiness of the dish. It has bowls for cereals (1.1 l) and soup, as well as a container for spices. Egg cages are provided. Folds compactly. A 1 m power cord can be hidden in the bay. Power 2000 watts. Price: .
Benefits:
- ergonomic design;
- reliable assembly;
- good plastic;
- convenient control, clear menu;
- two modes;
- rich equipment;
- allows you to cook diverse dishes at the same time;
- keeping warm.
Disadvantages:
- a small tray for condensate; draining water from it is inconvenient;
- fragile plastic bowls;
- few recipes.
See also - Choosing the best electric grill for price and quality
5 best mechanical steamers
Home Element HE-FS1500
Two-tier double boiler with a white plastic casing with gray accents. Baskets are made of transparent material, as with most rating models. Container volumes - 2.5 l each, water capacity - 0.5 l. In the absence of water, it turns off. It is controlled by a mechanical handle. It has a power indicator, like many of the devices described below. It is equipped with a timer that turns off the device after a set time (up to 60 minutes). Power 400 watts. Price: .
Benefits:
- ease of use;
- build quality;
- shutdown timer;
- normal size;
- easy to disassemble and wash;
- cheap.
Disadvantages:
- long cooking time;
- no delayed start.
ENDEVER Vita 170/171
A three-tier plastic double boiler of green, gray or white color measuring 33x42x23.5 cm. Shows the amount of remaining water. When cooking, topping is allowed. Provides auto power off after a set period (up to 60 minutes). If there is not enough water, it turns off. Power 1000 watts. Price: .
Benefits:
- large volume;
- three cups;
- sound plastic parts;
- fast cooking thanks to power;
- shows the amount of remaining fluid;
- ease of adding water during cooking;
- inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- no signals readiness;
- the scale on the timer is gradually erased;
- the drain bowl is not easy to remove.
Tefal VC 1301 Minicompact
Double boiler with a white plastic case on three tiers, having a bowl for rice. The amount of fluid shows. There is an aqua timer that controls the cooking time taking into account the amount of water available. In the absence of the latter, it turns off independently. For storage, you can fold the appliance so that it does not take up space. Power 650 watts. Price: .
Benefits:
- compact
- high-quality plastic;
- ease of washing;
- lack of unnecessary functions;
- water timer;
- cheap.
Disadvantages:
- no on / off button;
- tiers are not interchangeable.
Tefal VC1451
White plastic model with two bowls. Stainless steel baskets, interchangeable. Rice bowl available. An indication of the amount of water is provided. Allowed topping it up. You can set the timer for 1 hour of cooking by timer (auto power off). With a low water level, it independently stops working. Compact storage is provided. Price: .
Benefits:
- capacious;
- stainless steel bowls;
- there is the possibility of topping up;
- cooks well;
- easy to clean and fold.
Disadvantages:
- uninformative instruction, no culinary booklet;
- a small cup for cereals.
Braun FS 5100
Double boiler, with a black plastic housing. Baskets are interchangeable, each with a capacity of 3.1 liters. Below them are drip trays. There is a cup for cereals of 2 liters and a container for products with coloring ability. Equipped with a sound signal. The timer, set for 60 minutes, automatically turns off the device. Power is 850 watts. There is a "fast steam" mode. Dishwasher safe. Price: .
Benefits:
- beautiful, comfortable;
- good plastic;
- a pallet under each tier;
- ease of use;
- functionality;
- sufficient equipment.
Disadvantages:
- only one operating mode;
- the timer knob breaks quickly.
5 best double blenders
Happy baby fusion
The device is in a pleasant blue and white color with the functions of a blender and a double boiler. If you get a container, the knife will grind the products in mashed potatoes. If you pour water and insert a container with vegetables, steams them (if you select the appropriate mode). It is positioned by the manufacturer as a cooking device for kids. The control is mechanical, which is typical for all the models described below. Price: .
Benefits:
- stylish design;
- the ability to mash in a blender;
- simplicity of work;
- all parts are easy to clean and wash;
- easy assembly and preparation;
- good price.
Disadvantages:
- there is no sound warning about the end of water.
See also - Choosing the best company blender
Kitfort KT-2305
The combined device is 24x24.5x16 cm in size. One basket is in a complete set. Blue and white plastic case with a dark blue trim. 0.23 liter water container. There is no power indicator. Power consumption 400 watts. Weight 2.1 kg. Power cord 0.84 m. Price: .
Benefits:
- small, comfortable, stable;
- ease of care;
- desired functionality;
- high-quality assembly;
- quickly cooks;
- grinds well;
- low noise level;
- high-quality grinding and cooking;
- can control the degree of grinding;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- small volume;
- not enough timer;
- no measuring cup for water;
- lack of a signal of the end of work;
- condensate drains and a puddle forms under the double boiler;
- quality plastic.
See also - How to choose the right double boiler for home
Beaba Babycook Original
The model is made of white and gray plastic with a blue switch. The basket is made of transparent plastic. The inclusion indicator is not equipped. Power 350 watts. Price .
Benefits:
- design;
- normal capacity;
- compactness;
- ease of use;
- sufficient functionality;
- cooks fast.
Disadvantages:
- there is no normal sound signal for the end of the workflow (just a click);
- expensive accessories (you can buy, for example, a container for cereals for ).
Philips AVENT SCF870
Steam blender with dimensions of 16.5 x 30.8 x 16.5 cm. The capacity of the steam basket is 0.8 l. The volume of the water container is 0.2 l. The case is plastic (white / green). It is possible to use the timer to set the shutdown time (up to 20 minutes). On the readiness of the dish warns with a sound signal. The kit includes a measuring cup, spatula, recipe booklet. The equipment provides a system that controls the safety of closing the lid. Power 400 watts. Weight 2 kg. Cord for connecting to a network of 0.7 m. Price: .
Benefits:
- takes up little space, comfortable;
- 2 in 1, products are crushed immediately after cooking;
- cooking speed;
- sufficient bowl volume;
- measuring cup;
- book of recipes;
- timer;
- an indispensable device for preparing food for a child;
- easy to wash.
Disadvantages:
- expensive;
- short cord;
- sharp inner plastic bowl.
See also - How to use a double boiler
Philips AVENT SCF875
Double boiler blender with one bowl per 1 liter. White-gray plastic case. There is a program for defrosting and warming up. Allows you to set auto shutdown up to 30 minutes. The completion of the cooking process is accompanied by a sound sinal. Has a 750 ml chopping bowl. Power 400 watts. Power cord 0.7 m. Price: .
Benefits:
- Beautiful design;
- compact
- combined use (after a double boiler, turning the jug over, grinding occurs in a blender);
- defrosting;
- clear management;
- quickly cooks;
Disadvantages:
- the need to drain the water before grinding, otherwise it gets into food;
- not quite thought out bowl design;
- short wire;
- a little expensive.
See also - 6 best steamers to customer reviews
