Rating of TOP 7 best steamers for home: which one to choose

Healthy eating is gaining more and more fans every day: and it’s not just about the weather behind the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, but also about its effective impact on health, because proper nutrition is a guarantee of a beautiful body and a strong body. Therefore, on the modern market of household goods there are many useful devices that allow you to adhere to this lifestyle without wasting time and effort. A similar device is a steamer - a compact and relatively inexpensive device with which you can easily prepare a lot of useful and healthy dishes. Today we will look at the rating of the best models and help you make your choice.

Types of steamers

But first, let’s look at what kind of steamers exist? In total, there are 4 main types of devices: built-in, stand-alone, blender steamers and multicooker steamers.

Built-in models save as much space as possible in the kitchen; they are small and truly functional and powerful - with such a device, cooking will not take much time and effort.
An autonomous steamer is mobile and convenient, because it can be transported with you, and is also easy to maintain and repair. To start using the device, you first need to install the device on a flat surface.
Using a steamer-blender, you can prepare porridge and vegetable mixtures for a small child. After all, cooked food is ground to the required consistency.
A multicooker is a device that combines several functions at once - steaming, baking and frying.

Philips HD9190

Philips HD9190, the most expensive steamer in our “race,” becomes the “golden winner” and also takes a prize in the ranking of stainless steel steamers. The HD9190 is a three-tier “tower” capable of preparing dishes with a volume of up to 9 liters – the third largest device in our rating. On average, this is enough to feed a small company of 6-8 people. The stylish stainless steel case will allow you to harmoniously install the “cook” in a prominent place in order to admire it at every convenient opportunity. On the body there is an electronic control panel with a display. The device can cook 4 dishes automatically. The developers of HD9190 did their best and endowed the model with many pleasant surprises: a separate compartment for boiling eggs, a pocket for seasonings, a function for adding water to the steam tank (volume 1.6 liters with a liquid level indicator) during cooking, etc.

Rating TOP 7 best steamers

So, we have identified several of the best models of steamers that you should definitely pay attention to:

Polaris PFS 0213;
ENDEVER Vita 170/171;
Smile SC 1650;
Tefal VC 1451;
Braun FS 5100;
Philips HD9124;
Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact.

We invite you to get to know them better.

Polaris PFS 0213

A steamer from the well-known company Polaris is a compact and efficient device, which, despite its low power of 650 W, will be an excellent option for a small family of 2-4 people. The containers are made of heat-resistant plastic and are also completely transparent - you can easily observe the cooking process. The service life declared by the Chinese manufacturer is 3 years.

Number of tier.	2
Control	mechanical
P(W)	650
Timer (min.)	60

Cost: from 2090 to 3500 rub.

steamer Polaris PFS 0213

pros

simple and intuitive controls;
detailed instructions;
the presence of a quick steam function - steam treatment begins 40 seconds after switching on;
there is an automatic shutdown at a specified time;
if there is no water, the device turns off automatically;
washable in the dishwasher;
There is a sound notification during shutdown.

Minuses

Do not add water during cooking;
There is no water level indicator.

Very simple instructions, convenient operation. Immediately after purchase and installation, I figured out the device. It is prepared quickly and tasty, and most importantly, the food retains the maximum amount of nutrients. The only thing is that I don’t recommend placing a steamer under cabinets: the steam goes up and can damage the furniture in the kitchen.

ENDEVER Vita 170/171

Steamer with a mechanical timer, three transparent plastic containers and excellent capacity - 11 liters. That is, such a device will be an ideal device when preparing dishes for a large family of 5-6 people. There is an indication that the device is turned on, as well as the water level. Under the bowls there is a tray that collects juice from cooked foods.

Quantity tiers	3
Control	mechanic
Power, W)	1000
Timer (min.)	60

Price: from 2279 to 3350 rub.

steamer ENDEVER Vita 170/171

pros

the steamer has 3 tiers;
you can use one or two levels during cooking;
There is a 60 minute timer with auto shut off;
if the water boils away, the device turns off automatically;
you can add water during cooking;
The device can be washed in the dishwasher.

Minuses

there are no handles on the container with condensate;
The numbers on the timer may become erased over time.

I liked the device in the store. Even the Chinese origin of the model did not stop it, because there is no smell from plastic containers, and the device itself is made of high quality. Everything is fine with the work, no problems have arisen. Thanks to the manufacturer!

Smile SC 1650

Another small and effective device that will pleasantly please with its relatively low cost. It has quite good characteristics: power of 600 W, 2 tiers, rotary timer, as well as power-on indication. In fact, the device is an excellent choice for adherents of healthy eating who want to save money on their purchase and purchase a high-quality steamer. Recommended cooking times for various foods are marked on the body.

Quantity tiers	2
Control	mechanic
P(W)	600
Timer (min.)	60

Cost: from 900 to 2140 rubles.

steamer Smile SC 1650

pros

presence of a rotary timer;
The package includes containers for preparing cereals and boiling eggs;
if there is no water, the device turns off automatically;
containers are made of durable plastic;
on the case there is information about the cooking time of various products;
The suction cup legs are made of rubber.

Minuses

Do not add water while cooking;
there is no water level control indicator;
The device is made exclusively in white.

Great model for your money! Of course, I didn’t expect anything supernatural from the work, but the steamer performs its main task perfectly. Simple controls, interesting design and a loud timer - everything you need in one device. I recommend!

Tefal VC 1451

The world-famous company Tefal is also included in our rating. Two bowls with a capacity of 6 liters are made of high-quality stainless steel and are also dishwasher safe. The device has a built-in automatic timer. The package also includes a container with which you can easily prepare porridge and legumes.

Quantity tiers	2
Control	mechanic
P(W)	1800
Timer (min.)	60

Cost: from 4954 to 5100 rubles.

steamer Tefal VC 1451

pros

cooks two dishes at the same time;
bowls are made of durable stainless steel;
availability of control of the water level in the bowl;
you can add water if necessary;
bowls conveniently stack into each other;
stylish design;
automatic shutdown in the absence of water;
clear and simple instructions.

Minuses

There is no food heating function.

For the last year, due to health conditions, I have had to stick to a diet. The first time was quite difficult, as preparing healthy food without a steamer turned out to be a difficult task. So, with the purchase of this model, my life has improved significantly. Now you can cook many dishes without wasting a lot of energy and time. I recommend!

Braun FS 5100

Well-known and popular among buyers of the model, which has earned high marks due to the presence of a convenient steam accelerator - with it, water boils in literally one minute! With such a device, with a capacity of 6.3 liters, you can prepare even large portions of dishes. The containers are dishwasher safe.

Quantity tiers	2
Manager	mechanic
Power, W)	850
Built-in timer (min.)	60

Cost: from 6822 to 8940 rubles.

steamer Braun FS 5100

pros

the presence of a quick steam function;
there is an automatic timer;
good power level - 850 W;
stylish appearance;
The package includes a tray for coloring products;
good capacity – 6.3 liters;
proven brand that is popular.

Minuses

not found.

I've never liked overcooked food: all that fatty food not only affects your sides, but also your health. So I’ve been using a double boiler for 3 years now: during this time I’ve managed not only to lose weight, but also to improve the condition of my body as a whole. The model works perfectly, the food turns out juicy! You can't cook this in a frying pan.

Philips HD9124

The most successful model, which also includes a convenient container for spices and herbs. There is a timer and an automatic shut-off function in case of lack of water. The bowl is dishwasher safe. In general, the device is quite simple and convenient - there are no unnecessary bells and whistles, so the possibility of breakdown is minimal.

Quantity tiers	3
Control	fur.
Power level (W)	900
Timer (min.)	60

Cost: from 5200 to 5999 rubles.

steamer Philips HD9124

pros

excellent power level – 900 W;
Dishwasher safe;
presence of on/off timer;
“drop-stop” type lid;
high-quality and durable plastic;
simple instructions;
convenient control;
classic design.

Minuses

The control knob is a little tight.

A simple yet effective steamer. Most of all I like to cook fish and meat in it. A completely different taste without fat! A must try not only for those who adhere to proper nutrition, but also for true gourmets - you will undoubtedly appreciate it. I recommend this device for purchase – for me it is absolutely the best model!

Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

Despite the name, the steamer is not considered compact at all - the 3-tier design is designed for 9 liters and can cook 3 dishes at the same time. So why then is it called Ultra Compact? This is because all three containers can be stacked into each other, placing the device in a small cabinet in the kitchen. The device body is made of high-quality durable plastic. The warranty period stated by the manufacturer is two years.

Number of tiers	3
Control	fur.
Power level (W)	900
Timer (min.)	60

Cost: from 5186 to 7149 rubles.

steamer Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

pros

classic design, fits perfectly into any interior;
presence of a mechanical timer for 60 minutes;
there is a sound notification about the end of the cooking process;
you can add water during cooking;
the device is protected from being turned on without water;
there is water level control;
The device can be washed in the dishwasher.

Minuses

There is no food heating function.

It’s been a year since I started sticking to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. A steamer is one of my main helpers. An excellent model with removable grates, does not take up much space, and cooks quickly. A proven quality brand that you won’t mind paying money for!

Customer Reviews

Ravil Alimzhanov

Tefal VC1451

I bought it at a discount and couldn't be happier. Decent item. At first my wife resisted, then she cooked it once, and now she won’t part with it at all. Well, how could it be otherwise, I filled it with water, threw in the food, covered it with a lid and set it for a certain time. All! Go and do your business, the device will do everything itself. And he does it perfectly! The products are steamed perfectly on all sides evenly, on the second day after refrigeration, when heated in the microwave, the vegetables become the same as if they had just been cooked, this is impressive. This is our first steamer, we have no experience, but the first experience is wonderful. We are happy with the whole family.

Natalya M.

Philips AVENT SCF883

I sing the praises of this wonderful blender-steamer! If you, like me, think for a long time and rush between several blender-steamers - then I will help you! Take this one! You won't regret it at all. It's such beauty. I have already used absolutely all the functions of this device. And what amazes me most is the quality and consistency of the resulting puree! Very airy and tender! Much better than canned. Easy to wash, easy to use. Doesn't smell like plastic! At first, I studied the instructions for a very long time, because intuitively some of the details and functions of this blender are difficult to understand, but then you figure it out. A very convenient thing to help mom.

Andrey Mayorov

Kitfort KT-2035

Everything you need from a steamer is included in it. Electronic controls make it easy to operate. Cooking times can be found on cooking websites. The volumes of the saucepans are average. You will definitely have enough to prepare several servings (up to 5). Stainless steel bowls (for those who are afraid of plastic) Russian instructions, guarantee. Very positive, we used a double boiler for sterilization and cooking. True, they were in a hurry and threw away the instructions. After a month of work, an E3 error appeared (short 2-3 seconds and off) Kitfort KT-2035 did not indicate the problem of a possible E3 error, but the reason is simple - you need to cook 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a double boiler for 2-3 minutes, you can pour it directly onto the heating element . Due to lime deposits, it overheated and error E3 appeared. After recommendations for cleaning the heater, the error disappeared, now we are monitoring the plaque. Thank you, otherwise she is wonderful.

Ungoro_shaman

CENTEK CT-1457

The steamer is very spacious. A two-kilogram broiler fits entirely onto the first tier - it has time to cook in an hour. The steam passes well to all tiers, but of course there should be products below that take longer to cook. It is very easy to wash even after fish (there were problems with this in the previous steamer from Braun). The ability to add water during cooking (but don’t get carried away and don’t forget that the water doesn’t go anywhere and remains in the lower pan, from where it will still have to be drained). Water level and a table with cooking times for the most common dishes on the front panel. After 2 weeks of use, I didn’t find any negative aspects; if anything appears, I’ll add to the review.

Anna G.

Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

Gorgeous steamer! There are 3 tiers, and, accordingly, vegetables on Olivier can be cooked immediately. Saves electricity for 1 large-volume load in 1 go. You can cook several salads at once. Important! Vegetables, unlike those boiled in water, are not slimy and do not fall apart! There are containers for placing eggs (by the way, I also make eggs in it, although there is an egg boiler (there are a lot of things that don’t work in an egg cooker due to the oxidizing metal, but that’s not discussed here). After eggs, you don’t have to rub it with detergent, because eggs are a priori washed ones are placed in specially designed recesses. The steamer sterilizes itself with steam. Wash only from vegetables in their uniforms and other dishes that can leave traces behind. Folds up very conveniently and takes up minimal space (unlike my former Tefalevskaya), stands on the microwave under the hanging shelf. Came in perfectly! The timer is very convenient. There is a top-up of water during the cooking process. You can always use only 1 tier, the rest can be used for larger volumes. And they are really big! Mexican and Hawaiian mixtures are ideally prepared in the rice container! You can put heat-resistant dishes and cook in them (I used glass containers). Fortunately, the volume allows. The main thing is not to close the holes from which steam will escape too much. The heating speed is beyond praise. I've been dealing with steamers for a long time. I bought this by accident. I was driving to the dacha, went into the store and saw her. The price tag was 2 times lower 3.5 years ago. I decided to try it instead of Tefal VS 7001 VitaCuisine Gourmand, where the metal bowls with their perforations tore the sponges when washing. So, this one turned out to be much more interesting. Convenient. It cooks any steamed dishes as it should be, only more environmentally friendly than metal. I personally fill it with water from a Geyser reverse osmosis system with 2 taps. In general, it almost turns out distilled. There is little, almost no scale accumulation on the heating element. The main thing is not to rinse the block itself with running water (and it doesn’t get dirty), otherwise a scale-type deposit will form from hard running water, which dries on the hot heating element. And this can also be easily dealt with. Place 1 packet of citric acid inside the cylinder where the heating element is, fill almost the full volume of the bowl with water and run for 25 minutes, everything will fall off easily, just rinse. As they say, it’s better to stock up on good things right away. Don't call me a maniac, but I bought myself another one. I realized that if it disappears from sale, it will not be found with such power, compactness, volume and convenience. She also provided these for her parents and her husband’s parents. There are some points: you will need a small brush to thoroughly rinse the perforated holes. Do not turn it on without water! And then reviews write that it dried out and broke. There is enough water in the main lower reservoir to not think about anything for 45-55 minutes. Personal experience. If it’s longer, you can add it by simply pulling out the special reservoir to add water. It will not affect the cooking process in any way, since the water boils instantly! I wish it had such power))) The photo with vegetables is my first of this model, purchased a long time ago and the second has not yet been printed. What can I say... The thing is really gorgeous! I can confidently recommend it!

df1

Braun FS 3000

Convenient size, presence of a rice bowl in which you can cook not only rice, but also any porridge, even with milk, and soup. This is my second Braun steamer, the previous one is about 10 years old and it still works quite well. And I bought the second one for the dacha. A very convenient device in which you can cook a wide variety of dishes and even two at once - the smells do not mix, thanks to the presence of trays at each basket (2 in total). At the dacha it is convenient to steam pre-frozen cutlets and other semi-finished meat products.

Pavel R.

Kitfort KT-2035

Quality of materials, assembly and ease of operation. The shape and size are convenient for placement in the kitchen (sufficient minimalism). Functional for a small family. I was looking for a steamer with stainless steel bowls and in a budget version. The choice was between Tefal VC-1451 and Kitfort KT-2035, because... all others are only made of plastic. Tefal VC-1451 was rejected because of the mechanical timer and only two bowls of large (for me) volume (3 liters each). Kitfort has created a steamer that is convenient, has an electronic timer, and is extremely functional. I can’t say anything about reliability yet, I don’t have much experience using it, I hope it will please me, if there are any complaints I’ll add it to the review, but for now only positive emotions.

Alexey Alekseev

ENDEVER Vita 175

I bought it for 2.9K. In general, the product is ok. Not high-tech, of course, but he knows his main business as a steamer. It’s easy to wash, the plastic of the baskets is thick (food grade, not fragile like tefals, for example), the design is nice, not bulky. The timer chimes when finished. Basket levels can be set from one to three, plus they are solid with a bottom, non-separable, strong. The condensate is collected in a separate container above the heater. There is a window without lighting with a water level, which is convenient to add if necessary. The baskets are inserted into each other and the device takes up little space. Of the minuses. The lid is not thought out at all, it does not fit into the grooves right away, it dangles and appears to have microcracks. When you first start the device, water accumulates in the space between the lid and the glued handle. The brake timer starts turning on when you turn the knob from the 5th minute (thrash). However, the family likes the look, the cheapness and the functionality. They didn't return it. We will seal the microcracks. The market is full of expensive steamers with more critical problems and flaws.

Alexander W.

Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

I'm already taking the second one, because... After 8 years of operation, the heater became so oxidized that it became fearful of a short circuit. In general, the service life with active use is about 5-8 years, which I think is very good. Otherwise everything is fine. The bottoms at each level are removable and are very convenient to wash in the dishwasher. One level is enough for cooking, so usually the other 2 are lying around as replacement ones, fortunately they are compactly assembled into each other. The correct design of the lower trough is made so that fat from food does not fall into a container of clean water. The timer knob not only beeps once about the end of cooking, but also turns off the steamer. In total, we have a simple but well-thought-out design, durability and the ability to wash everything (the stern of the stand, of course) in the dishwasher.

Victor Sh.

Kitfort KT-2035

1) Design and interface The product looks very nice and stylish. The controls are understandable even to an unprepared person; everything is as accessible as possible. The packaging is ergonomic - there is basic information on it plus a pen (!!!), no tape, etc. 2) Materials Plastic is pleasant to the touch. Stainless steel bowls - in the long term, it seems to me more profitable than plastic. The lid is glass - you can peek. 3) Working volumes An excellent choice for families or healthy lifestyle enthusiasts (or together). Five bowls and one hour of work will provide food for the whole day for everyone. 4) Mechanics There is a timer, as already mentioned, with clear controls. If there is no water, it will not turn on. Turns off when the time is up. You can adjust the time during cooking. 5) Modern Some people will be interested in the fact that the project is supported by Artemy Lebedev’s studio. Well, I liked the branded magnet more, an unexpected present. In general, many competitions on social networks indicate the openness of the brand. The steamer was bought as a gift for parents. Looking ahead, I really liked everything. The choice of steamers is, unexpectedly, very scarce and most are similar to each other. The Kitfort steamer looks cool and works fine. The body does not heat up much, but the bowls are hot (you need to be careful with this). You also need to drain the water carefully so that it doesn’t slip out. Also read: TOP 10 best electric brooms: 2021 rating and which inexpensive model to choose for your home

In the photos, as an example, I prepared manti. I threw it out of the freezer (without defrosting). The total time it took was 30 minutes (at first I set it to 40). Yes, there are no ready-made cooking programs. But it seems to me that this is a plus, since a lot of buttons are superfluous. One button (on/off), one knob, one number - everything you need, you can’t miss it. This was mainly what I was focusing on, since it would be used by an elderly person.

Marina I.

Braun FS 3000

The quality of plastic and assembly, appearance, separate trays for each level, sufficient volume for loading, copes well with cooking on both levels at the same time, a lot of small pleasant details, like fixing the rice bowl when cooking. The steamer was purchased a month ago. Sooooo pleasant to the touch and appearance, nice high-quality thick plastic, all the gaps are adjusted, there are no distortions, a beautiful high-quality steamer. I have listed the identified shortcomings, but despite them, I would gladly purchase it again if necessary. Heats up and starts cooking instantly. The internal volume of the bowls is quite enough for a family of 3-4 people.

Alla

ENDEVER Vita 175

It’s good, it’s a pity that it’s dear, I would have taken it as a gift, but most likely later. Although, it is possible that for such a steamer this price is quite fair, very good and thought out almost to the smallest detail, there is also an “eye” for water, if you suddenly need to add it during the cooking process, thanks to this you do not have to remove all the baskets from the base. There is also a vertical slot under the “eye”, the amount of water can be seen through this slot, and there is also a sound signal. The accessories, that is, all the baskets, the container for cereals, are all odorless, and there was no odor released during cooking either. And special attention to the capacity of the baskets, their total volume is as much as 12.8 liters, so it is suitable for both small and large families, I recommend it!

Comparison table of the presented models

The main technical characteristics are contained in the table.

Model	Number of tiers	Manager	P(W)	Timer (min.)	Price, rub.)
Polaris PFS 0213	2	mechanic	650	60	from 2090 to 3500
ENDEVER Vita 170/171	3	fur.	1000	60	from 2279 to 3350
Smile SC 1650	2	fur.	600	60	from 900 to 2140
Tefal VC 1451	2	fur.	1800	60	from 4954 to 5100
Braun FS 5100	2	fur.	850	60	from 6822 to 8940
Philips HD9124	3	fur.	900	60	from 5200 to 5999
Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact	3	mechanic	900	60	from 5186 to 7149

Which brand of steamer is better to choose?

Surveys have shown that buyers prefer equipment from German manufacturers, which inspires confidence due to its quality. However, other brands are not last on the list of the best, producing devices that meet a high level. Among all manufacturers, the following brands stand out:

Tefal is a manufacturer from France. It has been producing dishes and small household appliances since 1956, periodically introducing new technologies. Tefal products are presented in almost all consumer electronics stores in Russia.
Endever is a Russian brand created in 1764. Despite its little-known status, the company is quite popular among buyers who prefer high-quality equipment.
Braun is a German brand with its own production, founded in 1921, and offers users a large selection of electronics for the home, kitchen, beauty, and health.
Happy Baby is a dynamically developing company from Russia. It produces goods for babies, carries out constant quality control of its products and has a reputation as a reliable company.
Beaba Babycook is another brand from France, founded in 1989, which produces products for children and uses only safe materials in the production of products.
Philips is the largest holding from the Netherlands. It produces medical diagnostic equipment, electronics, and is the developer of its own software. It has many subsidiaries located in different countries.
Panasonic is a well-known corporation from Japan. It is considered one of the largest companies producing consumer equipment, components for the automotive industry, lighting equipment and multimedia systems.
Bosch is a brand from Germany created in 1886. This brand produces various household appliances for the kitchen, home, health, beauty, and the company also produces tools. Thanks to the merger with the equally large Siemens corporation, Bosch provides service for its products all over the world.
Smeg is a manufacturer from Italy that produces premium household appliances, paying special attention to quality, technology and design, which is worked on by leading specialists in this field.
Zigmund & Shtain is a Russian corporation formed in the early 2000s. The brand is the winner of many awards and produces high-quality built-in, free-standing, small and large-sized kitchen appliances.

Best lists

We've highlighted a couple more top options:

Best price – ENDEVER Vita 160/161.
Steamer-blender – Philips AVENT SCF870.
For a large family – Zauber X-560.

Next we will look at them in more detail.

Best price – ENDEVER Vita 160/161

A miniature steamer (23x27x22 cm), which is distinguished not only by its excellent power level (800 W), but also by the ability to defrost food and disinfect dishes. The main advantage of the device is its price. Having excellent technical parameters, the cost of ENDEVER Vita 160/161 does not exceed 2500 rubles. The device is designed to prepare meals for 1-2 people: a rational choice for a family with a small child. The model is equipped with 2 transparent bowls with a capacity of 4 liters. Warranty period – 1 year.

Cost: from 1450 to 2500 rubles.

steamer ENDEVER Vita 160/161

Steamer blender – Philips AVENT SCF870

A well-known brand that has created a wonderful children's model. AVENT SCF870 gently steams fruits, vegetables, fish and meat without losing their beneficial properties.

The prepared ingredients can be immediately mixed to the required consistency. The package includes a spatula, measuring cup and a booklet with useful information for moms, meal plans and recipes for babies.

Price: from 10489 to 14400 rub.

steamer Philips AVENT SCF870

For a large family – Zauber X-560

A large, powerful, time-tested steamer, which has been occupying a leading position in many steamer ratings for years. The stylish device has large baskets that do not fog up during the cooking process. The containers are made as safely as possible: it is almost impossible to damage or break them. The power level of the device is 700 W.

Price: from 4100 to 6055 rub.

steamer Zauber X-560

Which is better: a steamer or a convection oven?

Today, the competition between the steamer and the air fryer is becoming increasingly intense. Their functions are similar, which means there is reason for thought when choosing the truly necessary device.

The main differences between a steamer and an air fryer:

in a double boiler you can cook several dishes at the same time, in an air fryer - one;
an air fryer is capable of drying, baking, frying, steaming, smoking meat and fish, while a double boiler is the best in preparing dishes using steam;
the cost of a double boiler with a large number of modes corresponds to the cost of a middle-class convection oven;
The air fryer can replace the oven and microwave.

Speaking of similarities, it is worth saying that each of the devices can easily prepare a healthy dietary dish for the whole family. The best option here must be determined individually. For example, when purchasing a set of household appliances for a new apartment, you can save on purchasing an oven and microwave using an air fryer. If you have all of the above and want to cook simply and easily with steam, the best solution would be a classic steamer with several baskets.

How to choose the right one

What do experts advise you to pay attention to first?

Control method : electronic or mechanical.

Mechanical ones are cheaper, however, they will have to be adjusted manually. Electronic models are distinguished by more convenient, simple controls, as well as wide functionality. Typically, the main cooking parameters are indicated on a small display located on the body of the device.

Power level. The optimal level is considered to be from 800 to 2000 W. Please note that power does not affect the quality of food in any way, only the speed of cooking.
Bowl capacity: the larger your family, the larger the bowl should be. For example, for 3-4 people a 5-6 liter bowl will be enough.
Body and bowl material. As a rule, the body is made of plastic and the bowl is made of stainless steel. It is better to buy a model with a transparent lid - this will make it easier to monitor the cooking process.
Equipment. In addition to the main device, the kit may also include other useful items. For example, the most expensive models also come with a recess for boiling eggs and jars for storing spices. Additional equipment does not affect the quality of the device in any way, only makes it more expensive.

Device contents

The set may contain a different number of bowls and dishes for preparing rice.

When choosing a double boiler, it is necessary to take into account such points as the frequency of use of the device and the size of the family. If the steamer will be used in the kitchen constantly, then you should choose a high-power model.

With more power, less time is spent cooking food. If there is a large family in the house, you need to ensure that there are several bowls in the set.

Mechanical and electronic controls are practically the same; rather, it is a matter of preference. Water for the steamer should be taken from a filter or settled, because the impurities contained in the water settle on the walls, forming plaque.

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The steamer bowls are made of heat-resistant plastic; some bowls have a non-stick coating, which greatly facilitates the cleaning process.

When purchasing a steamer, you should pay attention to the height of the tray. If the pan is low, you will have to add water frequently. It is advisable to have a handle on the tray to avoid burns.

Inexpensive models (up to 2000 rub.)

Not all consumers are willing to shell out a tidy sum to purchase a double boiler. Often, with the help of this device, it is planned to cook occasionally: until the postoperative period passes or the diet ends, etc. Therefore, cheap models up to 2 thousand rubles were included in the independent review.

Home Element HE-FS1500

pros

Two cooking containers, 2.5 liters each
Easy to wash and clean

Minuses

Small water compartment with a volume of 0.5 l
Products take a long time to cook due to the low power of 400 W

From 1000 ₽

A simple, two-tier model with mechanical control is suitable for a small family. The cooking time can be set using a timer (up to 60 minutes inclusive).

CENTEK CT-1457

pros

Water level scale
Egg slots
Large water tank 1.2 liters
Cooks quickly thanks to 0.8 kW power

Minuses

No water refill

From 2000 ₽

The spacious steamer comes with three plastic bowls and a rice container. The control is mechanical, the user can set the cooking time (maximum 60 minutes) using the timer knob.