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

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

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

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

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

Double boiler. What do we know about her

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

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

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

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

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

Insert - an alternative to a saucepan

Metal inserts in a steaming pan are universal. They don't take up much space. There are several types:

1. Because of its appearance, the metal folding steamer is called a UFO. It really resembles a cosmic object in a collapsed state. Once flattened, it turns into a perforated surface with raised edges. The stand is on legs. The moving parts unfold to the required diameter;

   
   The moving parts unfold to the required diameter.

2. A perforated liner pan with straight handles is suitable for cooking vegetables. It is inserted into dishes of smaller diameter;

   
   A perforated liner pan with straight handles is suitable for cooking vegetables.

3. A petal steamer made of plastic or metal has a long handle and a side hook. The sides fold during excavation. Products remain inside and do not crumble;

   
   The sides fold during excavation.

4. The deep frying steam mesh basket is used when steaming food; The deep frying steam mesh basket is used for steaming food.
5. Glass hanging pans are a bit heavy. But on the other hand, products in them do not oxidize upon contact with the surface.

   
   In them, products do not oxidize upon contact with the surface.

Types of products

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

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

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

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

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

Today, manufacturers produce the following types of kitchen appliances:

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

There are the following types of steamers:

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

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

Appliances with multiple pans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mantovarki

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

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

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

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

Pots for special dishes

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

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

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

Depending on the type of plate

Depending on what kind of fire spreader you have in your kitchen, you need to focus on the type of steamer. You cannot turn a blind eye to this factor, because there are a number of nuances that need to be taken into account.

For electric stove

If your pan is intended for an electric stove, then pay attention to the surface of the bottom. It should be even and smooth. This nuance is necessary for the closest contact of the bottom with the burner.

If the bottom surface is 2 cm larger than the burner, then pour boiling water into the lower container.

This will affect the speed of cooking. Heating will occur many times faster. This approach will help you save on electricity.

For gas stove

If in your case you need a steamer designed for a gas stove, then pay attention to the thickness of the bottom, because in no case should it be thin. You can ignore other factors. Such boards are compatible with all materials. Regardless of the diameter, the flame will be able to warm up the device.

The heat will be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the lower container and ensure quick steaming of food.

Criterias of choice

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

Dimensions

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

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

Material

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

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

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

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

Correct use of a kitchen appliance

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

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

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

Features of food preparation

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

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

Of course, there are some disadvantages:

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

FAQ

Is it true that food cooked in a steamer is healthier?

Steamer dishes are healthier than food prepared by boiling, frying or baking. Steamed food is juicy, it retains useful components and water-soluble vitamins, which can be destroyed during other high-temperature processing processes.

During cooking, many substances pass into the broth. The frying process is dangerous in terms of the use of fat and the formation of carcinogens on the surface of the product. Compared to baking, steam cooking is considered more dietary, since products are prepared without adding oils, gravies, or sauces.

The best manufacturers

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

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

Rating of the best budget steamers

Kalitva 14425

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

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

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

Country of origin: Russia.

Cost - 520 rubles.

Kalitva 14425

Advantages:

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

• excellent price-quality ratio.

Flaws:

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

Kelli KL-4105

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

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

Production: Austria.

Cost - 1050 rubles.

Kelli KL-4105

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• cooking food in just two baskets.

For microwave

A microwave steamer is a thing that is simply irreplaceable in the household. This steamer looks like an ordinary plastic pan with a plastic strainer inside. The products that need to be cooked are laid out on it, after which the steamer is covered with a lid and sent to the microwave. No need to add water. Using such a steamer is very convenient, even if the microwave does not have a steaming mode. Just set it to normal mode and wait for the food to cook. You can use a microwave steamer as much as you like, it is very easy to use, significantly lower in price than electric steamers, which are much more difficult to use, and it can also be easily washed, and storing such a steamer is also very convenient. Microwave steamers are only of the plastic type.

Rating of the best steamers in the mid-price segment

Webber, BE-81

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

The kit contains:

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

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

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

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

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

Country of origin: Poland

Cost - 5560 rubles.

Webber, BE-81

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Rondell, RDS-751

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

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

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

Country of origin: China.

Cost - 4719 rubles.

Rondell, RDS-751

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Rating of the best premium devices

Stahlberg, 1811-S Donella

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

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

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

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

Country of origin: China.

Cost - 12990 rubles.

Stahlberg, 1811-S Donella

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• high price.