Among popular kitchen equipment steamer has a special place. The demand for it is growing behind the growing popularity of healthy eating. Therefore, many people are interested in what the steamer is better to buy, not to spend money for nothing.
Apparatus for cooking on a pair differ in the way the steam generation, the cup material, number of tiers, a type of control panel and other parameters:
Steamer also differ in volume and the number of baskets.
Design
The electric version of the kitchen appliances is collapsible tiered structure. It consists of several elements:
- The base or base. Here are the water tank, heating elements and the control panel.
- Cooking baskets, the bottom of which is provided with several openings.
- Drip tray.
After loading baskets, settings and switching, the electric heater heats water and generates steam that rises. By its action occurs and cooking foods.
Characteristics
With an abundance of proposals it is difficult to make a good choice without knowledge of the basic technical parameters. Among them, the number of storeys, power, customization features work basket design, the main modes, additional functionality.
tiers
Options in the different models is also different. The simplest version consists of a base with a basket.
More popular stacked structure, when a basket is placed over another. This allows you to cook several foods separately at the same time, which is especially convenient for people who prefer a separate power supply. Minus these models - the duration of the preparation and the complexity of calculating the time to cook each of the products.
Power
this indicator may be from 0.4 to 5 kW. The higher the power, the faster the heat, causing the food is prepared quickly. As a rule, single-stage devices with small volume are not very thick, while stacked with high capacity require large electric power consumption.
Control
Two types of control are used in a double boiler - electro-mechanical and electronic:
- The first is cheaper, all the settings are set push-button and rotary switches.
- The electronic control panel is provided with a LCD display, through which is used to set the basic parameters and operation of the device is controlled. The electronic models have built-in recipes for easy setup procedure.
basket
This element may be made of stainless steel, glass, opaque or transparent plastic. Baskets of the last two materials is easier to use because they can visually control the degree of readiness. Mandatory condition of using plastic and glass - high material strength, heat resistance, safety for the user.
modes of operation
The price depends on the number of modes may be from 2 to 5. For the full functioning of only three. Typically, this cooking, defrosting and heating. The rest are used much less frequently, and are sometimes even unclaimed.
Additional functions
Typically, the majority of buyers tends to take the model with extended capabilities. This is justified, but it is worth remembering - each additional option affect the price increase.
- The timer allows you to set the cooking time until the machine alerts the user with an audio signal.
- To control the temperature of the thermostat can be provided in the design. He is responsible for automatic support for the temperature mode.
- for refilling the hole allows you to add water when boiling. In this case, the preparation does not stop.
- function "fast couples" is intended for fast ramp-up. The device reaches the desired temperature for 30 seconds.
- Most devices provide turn-off. When boiling water uncontrolled power is turned off, which prevents the occurrence of critical failures.
- delay start option enables the automatic inclusion of a double boiler at any time.
Maximum set of options found in premium models that are not always available for the majority of buyers.
application
its instruction is provided for each steamer. However, there are a number of general recommendations on the application that should be considered:
- Before installation it is necessary to choose a flat surface at a sufficient distance from the heat and moisture, the walls of kitchen furniture, which can suffer from the steam.
- Getting preparation, the bowl must be filled with purified water in accordance with the indicated levels of min and max.
- The next step is to install the condensate pan.
- Then to cart stacked products to the selected recipe.
- After that, the basket can be set in the tray and set the mode to other settings.
When the products are ready, device notifies cook beep.
Ranking of the best models
This ranking includes devices known brands, each of which has a good reputation with the high quality of technique.
Tefal VC 1301 Minicompact
Compact model with good capacity. Provided a complete set of three transparent container together can accommodate up to 7 liters. Among them is a special container for cooking rice. The material is food grade plastic.
Design capacity is not very high, but it is enough to perform basic tasks. You can buy it at the price in the area of 4.5 thousand. rubles.
Pros:
- availability;
- compactness;
- good design;
- audible alarm when boiling.
Some users as
Braun FS 5100
A good choice for home cooking for a small family. The total amount of the two tanks a little more than 6 liters. The package includes a basket for cooking porridge, special inserts for cooking eggs.
Transparent plastic wall with toning allow visual inspection and insensitive to dirt. The average price of about 5 thousand. rubles.
Benefits:
- the presence of a timer;
- rapid switch to the operating mode.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient to wash the base with an electric drive;
- relatively small total capacity.
Philips HD 9190
Powerful sample with touch controls and a large working volume of 8.6 liters. Included are three baskets made of durable plastic, food, rice bowl and a recipe book. The housing is made of metal.
convenient compartment for spices are provided in the structure as well as the possibility of topping up during operation. There are built-in cooking modes. Worth 13 thousand on average. rubles.
Advantages:
- separate time can be set for each basket;
- deactivated in the absence of water;
- quiet operation;
- resistant feet;
- It retains heat to keep food warm.
Disadvantages:
- small container for collecting condensate;
- rather weak sensitivity of the sensor.
bork F700
Custom model from the review due to the original design solution. A single container divided into three distinct cooking zones, but the odors do not mix products.
It operates at a power of 1.6 kW. Fully electronic controls with audible indication. There is also a container for cooking cereals. You can buy it at a price of 16 thousand. rubles.
Pros:
- many cooking modes with built-in recipes;
- visual control of the process;
- security preparedness;
- water may be added.
Minuses:
- not very durable plastic covers;
- not provided for condensate discharge;
- uneven temperature distribution in tiers;
- high price.
Moulinex MV 1000 Principio
Bunk model with a total volume of 5 liters. It is equipped with a simple electromechanical control settings. Among the additional features present only the timer and turn on the display. Provide stability rubberized feet. The average price of about 1.5 thousand. rubles.
Benefits:
- ease of maintenance;
- availability.
Disadvantages:
- a short power cord;
- complete no bowls for cereals.
Polaris PFS 0213
This model is suitable for families of 2-3 people. Total capacity is 5.5 liters. Two transparent container, through which it is convenient to watch the contents of the state.
It does not take up much space, making it much easier to find a place for storage. You can buy it at an average price of 2.5 thousand. rubles.
Advantages:
- reliable electromechanical controls;
- Auto Power Off;
- timer and sound notification.
Disadvantages:
- absence filling scale;
- there is no possibility of topping.
Given the popularity of steamers and a large selection to choose the right model is easy. Before you buy you need to consider the need for additional features, along with the frequency of use of the device, only after that should go to the store.
