Steamers: types, characteristics, functions, how to choose, the advantages and disadvantages

Steaming - a delicate heat treatment products, preserving their useful properties and taste. The most convenient electric steamers, which are easy to use and does not take up much space.

To find a quality product, you need to learn the basic functions and features of assembly technology.

How does the steamer

The device works on the following algorithm:

• A water tank equipped with a heating device that brings it to the boil. The amount of fluid depends on the type, amount and degree of cooking.
• Above the body with food placed tiers, which processes the steam escaping from the tank.
• The food is prepared quickly and efficiently thanks to the uniform distribution of the steam inside the bowls.
• The condensate which is formed during cooking, flows downward and enters the special tray.
• When the liquid in the tank ends, the device is automatically turned off, and then the food is ready to eat.

The hot steam does not require the use of fat or oil, making ready meals produced gentle and low-calorie.

Types and characteristics Steamer

Built in a double boiler saves space in the kitchen and are different from the classical models of structures, methods of operation and cost.

• When inserted into the countertop from above are only a bowl, covered with a lid. To put food, and then removed after cooking.
• Control panel (touch or mechanical) is located laterally. If the device is built in a wood cabinet, the cabinet is covered with decorative wood elements and panels.

• Next to the double boiler casing is mounted a special vessel, which is before cooking is filled with water.

More expensive models have the ability to connect to the water supply, why there is no need to manually fill the tank before starting work.

• Simple built-in models have three programs: defrosting, reheating and cooking for a couple. More expensive analogs equipped with 5 or more programs and configured for automatic cooking of from 50 to 140 dishes.

Functionality and power of built-in appliances is much higher, which allows you to cook faster and easier.

Independent or autonomous steamers convenient and mobile - they can carry, easier to repair and maintain. To get started, enough to install the device on a flat surface and connect it to outlet.

Steamer and Blender intended for cooking cereals and vegetable mixes small child. Steamed food is ground to the desired consistency in the program.

Steamer multivarka combines the steaming function, baking and frying. The device has only one compartment 10 and a program mode.

Power

Power steamer for household purposes varies from 400 to 2000 watts. This rate influences the rate of steam generation, but not essential. The larger and more capacious machine, the more powerful it should be.

functions

In Steamer has several modes of operation:

• steam cooking - the main function;
• instant thawing;
• "Steam" - fast processing steam sterilizing or heating of ready meals.

Equipment

The device consists of a body and baskets, which are located above it. At the bottom is placed the electric part, which extends from the power cord.

basket

• Depending on the equipment in a steamer may be from one to three cups with holes at the bottom and a volume of 4.5 liters. Also, the device can be equipped with additional cups with a closed bottom.

The total volume of all the bowls can be up to 30 liters for domestic use but only 10.

• Form baskets is oval, round or rectangular with rounded corners. The size and volume may be different or the same.
• Material - plastic or stainless steel. The second option is preferable - it is stronger, safer and last longer.

Different bowls and equipment - they come with releasable or permanent bases. Removable bottom allows multiple baskets in one big (if they are of the same shape).

Bottom material can be plastic or stainless steel.

Some models have a non-stick coating that allows you to cook meat and fish in their own juice or sauce, and also facilitates the process of care bowls - to the bottom does not stick and grease residues food.

Heating element placed in the water tank; it brings it to a boil, keeping in this state until the end of the process.

pallets

• They are used to collect the condensate, which is produced during cooking. For convenience, they can be equipped with handles. If the pan is filled with small and fast, the liquid should be drained right cooking time, otherwise it will fall on the electronic part of the unit.
• There are models with individual trays for each cup that allows you to cook incompatible products simultaneously.

The main body has indicating and control panel or a rotary mechanism.

accessories

Manufacturers offer customers additional accessories to facilitate operation:

• Rice bowl - capacity without openings underneath the volume to 1 liter, which is placed in a steam cart.

On the bottom of the bowl is filled the necessary amount of rice, other cereal or legume granular, and then poured into water such that it completely covered the grains.

• Grill for cooking fish and chicken in its entirety.
• Individual trays granular seasoning ingredients and prevent plugging of filters between baskets.
• Device for monitoring the temperature of cooking.

• Reusable plastic spoon will extract from the bottom of baskets of food, without damaging the walls of the device.
• Basket with recesses reliably secured at the bottom grating eggs and other fragile products that can lose shape during cooking.

Popular manufacturers in addition to the operating instructions applied to the product cookbooks with detailed recipes and cooking time tables with different products.

control type

1. mechanical

By means of a regulator in the form of a rotary switch with an arrow which indicates the necessary time scale. The device switches itself off. This is the most popular and simple method of management.

1. electronic

Used LSD display and touch-sensitive buttons. The screen displays all of the functions and the status of the steamer - the amount of water in the tank, the countdown to the shutdown and other operating parameters.

Features and Benefits Steamer

Current models are equipped with touch screen, can have such a nice bonus:

• Function delayed start - allows you to program the automatic inclusion of a double boiler. The feature is useful if there is no time to cook in the morning or need to get a ready-made meal on returning home after work.
• Automatic control of the steam temperature regardless of atmospheric pressure, which allows to use the device at high altitudes without problems.
• Depressing the temperature of food - can store food temperature for 14 hours, which is why there is no need for heating.

• Reminders about cleaning - modern models notify the need for descaling with a special indicator or count, which is shown on the display.
• Automatic cooking - no need to determine the cooking time, the program does it on their own. One needs only to enter the weight and the product category.
• Rapid heating - rapid steam generation function.

• Sound indicator - signal indicates the end of the cooking process.
• Ability of water in sauce cooking process - the water level in the tank has to cover the heating element. If the water line will go down ahead of time, the device automatically switches off and the cooking process is interrupted.

Some models are equipped with an opening through which water can be added directly during operation, without removing the basket with food.

• Automatic shutdown - a useful feature that protects the device from overheating and damage due to accidental operation without water in the tank.

disadvantages

• Steamer requires constant care and cleaning, otherwise soon it will fail.
• Classical models bulky and take up much space in the kitchen.
• The steam which is released during operation of the device, leading to deformation of wallpaper, wooden panels and false ceilings, however, they should be installed in a sheltered place.

• Models equipped with baskets with the same diameter, are inconvenient to store and take up much space.
• large bowls can not fit in dishwasher.
• Cups, which are directly connected to the electric part can not be placed in the water, which complicates their washing.
• Despite the advantages of the electronic control, it is difficult mechanical - instead of a single pivot Round switch will have some time to press the button, selecting the appropriate mode and time cooking.

When using a double boiler is important to remember the tank with water - only one switch without liquid may cause permanent damage.

How to choose a steamer

• The size and shape of the steam bowls - with the purchase of a double boiler with two or more steam baskets should consider their equipment.

In many models, they are of different height and diameter, which complicates their operation - during cooking can not be reversed to remove or lower the bowl, if the food is cooked before them.

• Pallet height should be 1.5-2.5 centimeters. Roomy tray can hold any excess moisture before the end of cooking, from which eliminate the need for early discharge.
• Steamers with baskets of different sizes is more convenient to store, they will take up less space in the kitchen.

• The presence of pens in the pallet will facilitate its use - during the condensate that accumulates in it a high risk of getting burned. Especially important is the presence of pens in deep models.
• Number of pallets - standard models are equipped with a steamer condensate tray regardless of the number of baskets.

This means that at the time of cooking juice from the upper trays will flow down. Sometimes it is convenient - when the vegetables are placed under the meat soaked his broth and flavor.

But for the solution of multi-tasks it is desirable to choose a model with individual trays under each basket.

• Collapsible bottom allows multiple baskets in one large cooking large meals.
• Large bowl will need to prepare whole meals - fish or chicken.
• Suitable for a large family a powerful pressure cooker with one department and a large removable bowl.
• The oval shape of the baskets is much more practical and more spacious than circular or rectangular.

• If there is one bowl is enough of 400-500 watts.
• Three baskets volume of 3-4 liters - 1200 W.
• More than three big baskets - 1500-1700 watts.

An important point - the size of the kitchen, which will be installed the device. In case of limited space better to stop the choice on the built-in models that can be installed in the worktop of the table or work surface.

The advantage of the model is a protective mechanism, which operates in the following areas:

• burst of steam before opening;
• an additional valve;
• dense cap design that protects against changes in temperature and pressure;
• Lock lid triggered in the presence of heat or pressure inside the bowl.

Exploitation

To machinery lasts as long as possible, you must adhere to the basic rules for the use and carefully take care of it.

Getting Started

To begin, remove all labels, remove the protective film and labels. Further it is necessary to wash with warm water all removable elements with a soft sponges or detergent, and then well dry towel rub parts.

If the water tank is connected to the wire and not removed, to lower it into the water is strictly forbidden - sufficiently wiped with a wet cloth inside.

Preparation for Use

Before you start to cooking, make sure the unit is installed correctly:

• The best place for installation - a sturdy table or countertop, next to which there is a socket.
• The appliance is not turned over during operation, it should be kept away from the edge of the table at such a height that the cord hang down freely.
• We do not recommend the use of extension cords.
• During operation, the unit produces steam, so you should make sure that next to no wooden shelves, false ceilings or wallpaper that can be deformed under the influence of moisture.

After installation can start filling reservoir bottled or filtered water.

The liquid reservoir is equipped with special marks - the water level must be above the minimum line and does not exceed the maximum allowable rate.

As a rule, the standard tank is a medium-sized steamer is designed for a maximum of 45 minutes of work. Based on this rule, you can manually change the amount of water, based on your needs and the type of products.

The process of cooking

If you want to cook only one dish, the bowl is filled with food, and the timer is set the right time.

If we need to run multiple processes, you have to use a few pallets and follow these recommendations:

• Products with a different way and for a period of preparation must be placed separately, and their cooking time can be found in the table, which is induced in the instructions for the product.
• When setting the timer should be borne in mind that the dishes are located in the upper trays, will require more time for preparation (5-10 minutes).

• It should be remembered that the condensate that forms during cooking, will accumulate on the walls of the bowls and drain to the bottom surface.

Therefore it is not recommended to simultaneously cook incompatible products, which by their pungent odor slaughtered flavor other dishes.

Care Tips

1. After each use, you need to remove the remnants of fat, which accumulates at the bottom of the trays.
2. It can not be used while washing aggressive and corrosive cleaning products - they are badly washed out, which leads to the accumulation of harmful substances in the body and to the unpleasant chemical smell of food.
3. To wash the used foam sponge or rag - metal brushes and sponges with abrasive particles scratch and damage the housing.
4. Trays should be cleaned after each cooking cycle.
5. Before you start cleaning, make sure that the appliance is disconnected from the power supply.
6. Every 5-7 uses a double boiler needs to be cleaned of scale, rust and bacteria.

Descaling

• The tank is filled with two cups of five percent vinegar. The remaining space is topped up with clean water so that the top line has reached the maximum mark.
• Then the tray is put in place and installed a steam bowl.
• The device is switched on for 10 minutes.
• If the scale during this time is not removed, the time on the timer must be renewed as long as it is not completely clear.
• When the cleaning procedure is completed, the device is allowed to cool and then rinsed with pure water tank several times (if removed).
• At the end of pure water is poured so that it covered the heating element and include steam cooker for 5-10 minutes.

Guarantee

Each manufacturer sets its own rules and conditions of the official warranty. They depend on such factors: cost, assembly features, quality materials and point of sale. Highlight key points that are common to all models and manufacturers:

• Warranty period - from one to two years from the date of purchase. The exact date is indicated in the coupon that the seller fills out during the implementation of the sale procedure.
• The warranty card must be specified commodity code, date of sale and stamp of the seller.
• The warranty covers only the equipment that was purchased in official sales points.
• To confirm the date of purchase of products, you need to keep a check.
• If the equipment is out of order before the warranty period, the buyer has the opportunity to contact an authorized service center for repair and replacement of parts due to the manufacturer.

If the client is unable to produce a warranty card and a check will be denied warranty service. Also, the warranty does not apply in the case of violations of the rules of operation:

• Use is not for household purposes.
• Voltage drops in the mains connection to the damaged or outlet.
• Failure due to accumulation of limescale.
• Mechanical failure or physical deterioration of the goods.
• Lesions that were caused by an attempt to self-repair and replacement of components of the apparatus.
• Force majeure circumstances that led to the breakage.
• Ingestion of foreign objects mechanisms, as well as insects, dust or dirt.

return policy and replace steamers

Before buying you must inspect the goods for damage and defects. If, during the operation was discovered marriage, the buyer has the right to return the item or exchange it for new quality analog.

• Exchange the product can be within 14 days from the date of purchase.
• Steamer can be returned if it does not fit the size, color, size, shape, or form.
• Replacement or return of goods is carried out only if the equipment is not used, all the labels, seals and labels have been saved, and the device has not lost its properties and appearance.
• If the seller refuses to refund or replacement of equipment, he is obliged to carry out an expert quality control, which should be present at both sides of the sales contract.

If the equipment is working, the client will be denied, and he will have to reimburse the seller the cost of the examination and storage service steamers.

malfunctions

Upon detection of violations in the steamer is necessary to contact the service center, especially if it is still in the warranty.

Self Repair is only allowed in special cases, and if necessary, replace the parts of the device.

The main types of failures, their causes and solutions

Provided enough steam, because of which the cooking process is slowed

Reason: scored steam generator, wherein the salt accumulates and scum.

Solution: cleaning by means of vinegar or citric acid. In the second case, 25 grams of citric acid must be dissolved in a liter of water and poured into the tank, and then spend several purges, turning on and off the device.

The unit switches itself off and is turned on during operation

The reason - clogged filters. Over time, dirt accumulates in the filters, leading to overheating and malfunction of the device.

You can find them and clean their own, but it is better to entrust this work to professionals - Filter cleaning is included in the warranty service steamers.

Malfunctions timer

This is a common failure, which is easy to solve - to order enough new timer and set it in place old.

Turning steamers without water

This is a flagrant violation of the operation of equipment, resulting in overheating, which activates the function of automatic shutdown. After disabling should check which part has failed and requires replacement. To do this, carry out such manipulations:

• Turn off the device and remove all removable parts.
• Then unscrewed screws at the bottom of the device, and the lid is removed and the cap protecting the heating portion.
• Under this cap is a protective device, boiling sensor and the spiral heating element, which is using a multimeter to check on serviceability.

• If the coil is OK, the fault cause must be sought in case of sensor failure. To repair it is necessary to carefully remove the protective device and bend the antennae, which keep the ball on the sensor.
• Next, using a soldering iron to fuse everything into a ball using rosin.
• In conclusion, it is necessary to bend the ball mustache, and in reverse order to put all parts steamers.

Failures that require the intervention of the master

If the removal of small breakdowns and replacement parts are allowed in the home, the serious violations in the work of the hands of amateurs do not tolerate:

• Poor performance indicator related to electronics, to solve the problem is replacing light bulbs and power cord in the service center.
• When using a salt, seasoning and spices as an additive to the water to improve the flavor of food, these small particles rise up together with the steam, thereby scoring the channels.

• Broken bowl or reservoir can not be repaired. It is necessary to replace them or purchase a new device.

manufacturers

• Bomann

All models have three-tier manufacturer of transparent high-impact plastic, and the body is made of metal. Baskets conveniently fold into each other, so that the technique is convenient to store and wash in dishwasher.

• Braun

Leader in the production of steamers market, which is represented by wide range of models in different price ranges. Special technology allows you to run several cooking processes.

• Clatronic

It specializes in the production of easy-to-use steamer, preserving the useful properties of food. The presence of special filters, apertures for adding water and the condensate tray simplifies operation.

• First

The Austrian brand, proven in the market, a combination of high quality and affordable prices.

Product Features - stylish design and the presence of additional features and accessories.

• MAGNIT

The British company is the leader on the market of small household appliances. The range of large steamers, they differ in the number of baskets, and power control method.

time programming models on deferred strata - up to 24 hours, is a function of maintaining food temperature for 2 hours.

• Mystery

Feature producer - bright design products. Simple plastic models are available in several colors, but the more expensive models are made of stainless steel and have a stylish body.

Despite the small amount of baskets (1.5-2 liter) technology power is 1200 watts, which allows to reduce considerably the cooking time.

• Philips

All models feature convenient device and additional functions - handles for cups and trays, adding water to holes, touch controls, non-slip bottom, and a container for seasonings and spices.

Particular attention is paid to the protective function, preventing damage to equipment.

• Polaris

The company specializes in the production of multi-tier steamer at affordable prices. Most available plastic model is controlled mechanically, and has average power.

It allows you to quickly and easily prepare large portions of food in a short time. Product feature - the presence of a corrugated surface, is responsible for the uniform distribution of steam.

• Sinbo

Steamers from the manufacturer as simple as possible: only two tiers, mechanical control type and average power (400-600 watts). Equipment reliability and durability, therefore, suitable for use in a large family with an average income.

• Smile

Reasonable prices and simple equipment - the main features of the brand. Steamers are equipped with two baskets of the same size, designed for quick cooking large amounts of food.

Pros equipment - compact and easy to use, cons - the manufacturer does not provide functions watering.

• Steba

Steamer made of stainless steel and the body is equipped with thermal insulation.

A large number of programs to automatically cook different kinds of food, and with an electronic timer can program the start and end of the double boiler.

• Supra

The manufacturer took care of convenient storage and transport devices, creating a multi-tiered Baskets of various sizes, which are formed on the principle of nesting dolls and do not take up much space in the kitchen cupboard.

Maximum number of baskets - 3, management is either mechanically or electronically, depending on the model.

• Tefal

Technology is represented in all price ranges - can be found as the most simple model with minimum range of functions, and built-in appliances with ample Large assortment of software modes.

The manufacturer pays a lot of attention to the preservation of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the products, so Tefal steamer suitable for those who care about the health of the family and often cooks for the children.

• Vitesse

Mark is on the market a wide range of models with different characteristics - from simple Steamer with mechanical control to powerful double-deck steamer with four bowls - on two levels with two sides.

This design allows for faster and more evenly cook many different dishes.