What is a combi steamer for home: operating principle, instructions

The combi steamer is the automation of cooking processes with the replacement of a large number of kitchen appliances.

What is a combi steamer for?

Before examining the question of what it is - a combi steamer, a little history of the origin of this versatile kitchen equipment. The first such ovens were produced by the German brand Rational in 1976, so the device can be considered relatively young.

The first models to be a primitive hybrid steamers and convection oven, were expensive and were only available to large catering chains. Modern models can be purchased at a price of 60 thousand rubles.

For a long time, it was the high cost of equipment that made it not particularly common, but as it appeared a large number of manufacturers of this equipment, as well as an increase in the variety of types and models, it has become increasingly common on kitchens.

So what is a combi steamer? It is a professional kitchen equipment that combines various processing modes food products by steam and convection or forced distribution of hot air flows inside cabinet.

Simply put, this is a versatile device that allows you to boil, fry, stew or prepare the perfect baked goods.

The purchase of just one such appliance for the kitchen eliminates the need to buy a double boiler, a separate oven, an electric frying pan or a boiler. Also, the use of a combi steamer automates the cooking process as much as possible, since a person only has to set the desired program and temperature regime.

The main purpose of the combi steamer is to simplify the work of a modern chef, reduce the time spent on cooking, reducing the amount of energy consumed and the food needed to get one ready dishes.

The device and principle of operation of the combi steamer

The device combines two main modes of operation: convection or forced distribution of heated air through the space of the inner chamber and the use of steam for cooking.

In some models, a third mode may be used, which consists in the arrangement of the two main ones, which is an advantage, but it increases the cost.

Convection is provided by fans that are installed in the walls of the working chamber. The air tightness when the door is closed ensures that the air circulating inside the combi steamer is drawn in fan inside the case, and then it passes through the heating element, which makes it possible to achieve rapid heating of the device to the specified temperature. To control the temperature regime in the devices, thermostats are used.

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The amount of water is controlled by means of electrodes. When the level falls below the required level, the valve opens. After reaching the required amount, it closes.

When the convection mode is on, it is possible to achieve heat treatment of products, which is similar in quality to frying, while losses are reduced to 30%. Also, the use of hot air helps to speed up the process of obtaining a finished dish, while from the cook does not need to monitor or roll over to achieve uniformity roasting.

The second mode, which is present in the combi steamer, is the use of steam, which can be generated in two ways.

1. Boiler. Steam is generated in this design by a boiler or water boiler. The water level inside the boiler is maintained at a constant level, therefore such a scheme requires a connection to the water supply system.
   The whole process is done automatically. Also, most models have a protection system that is activated when the water supply is cut off. When the maximum temperature (130ºC) is reached, the device turns off, which minimizes the risk of accidents.
2. Injector. In combi steamers with an injection system for generating steam, the principle of spraying water onto a heated heating element is used. A system of nozzles is provided through which the liquid is supplied, and it is built in such a way as to ensure a gradual crushing of the droplets. When water drops hit the heating element, they instantly evaporate, forming steam. Further, after passing through the working chamber, it cools down, condenses on the walls of the drainage collector and is discharged into the sewer.

The electronic control system makes the device fully automatic due to a large number of pre-installed programs

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In injection-type devices, the temperature does not rise above 100ºC.

There is no consensus regarding the advantages of one method over another. Some cooks recognize the boiler as an outdated technology, while others do not recognize the injection technology. Everything will depend not on the purpose and classification of the combi steamer, but on the model and manufacturer.

General technical characteristics of combi steamers by type

In addition to the division of devices according to the method of generating steam, all existing models can be divided into types according to the type of power supply, control features and the capacity of the internal chamber.

By type of food

There are two types of professional cooking devices in this category: gas and electric.

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It should be borne in mind that regardless of the type of power supply, all devices require connection to the electrical network for the normal functioning of the control system.

The electronic control system makes the device fully automatic due to a large number of pre-installed programs.

Gas combi steamers can be operated with liquefied gas or connected to a centralized supply system. These models have a number of installation restrictions due to safety requirements. It is forbidden to place gas combi steamers on the basement floors, if they are not recognized as basement according to the construction documentation. The advantage of such models can be considered efficiency, since they consume less resources during operation.

Electric combi steamers use electricity to operate. They must be connected to an industrial network, the voltage of which is 380 V. The level of energy consumption will depend on the specific model and can reach up to 12 kW per turn.

By management

According to this parameter, all devices are divided into three types: mechanical, electromechanical and electronic. The first category is the cheapest and almost never found on the market. On these devices, all the necessary parameters are set manually, which requires maximum human participation.

A large number of modes provide a finer setting for the perfect dish.

Electromechanical or hybrid devices are also affordable. Humidity and temperature indicators in combi steamers are set within the specified error. They can also have a number of pre-installed programs, which simplifies the cooking process.

Electronic control is considered the most modern type, since the entire process is fully automated. In these devices, you can set very accurate indicators of the modes, setting the temperature to fractions of a degree. Many models are equipped with probes, have a large number of presets, and have memory. They require certain skills and professionalism to master.

By capacity

According to this criterion, there are three types of ovens. Distinctive features - the number of loading levels (or, in a simple way, shelves), as well as the number of loaded gastronorm containers. The smallest devices can hold up to 6 containers, the middle class is already designed for 12, and the largest can simultaneously accommodate up to 20 gastronorm containers.

How does the combi steamer work?

There are many models of combi steamers on the market that can work exclusively in standard modes or have additional options. Most of the presented devices operate in the following modes:

• convection;
• steam;
• combined;
• warming up.

Basic modes

Each of the available modes differs primarily in the temperature at which food is cooked.

Steam

When this program is selected, the maximum temperature that can be achieved for boiler type appliances is 130ºC. In this mode, it is possible to cook dishes, stew or blanch food, while maintaining their natural color, consistency and taste. When using steam, the likelihood of loss of nutrients is excluded, as well as saturation of one dish with the aromas of the next. Steam is used for cooking vegetables, cereals, fish dishes.

Each dish requires its own optimal regimen to turn out exactly as the chef intended.

Convection

In this case, the maximum cooking temperature is 270 ° C. This program is recommended for roasting or roasting. Reaching a high temperature in a short time allows you to get the effect of "sealing" the meat, which leads to the preservation of all juices. The result is juicy and soft cutlets or fillets.

Steam + convection

Combined mode, in which the maximum heating temperature reaches 250 ° C. This is the most versatile program and includes all the benefits of dry frying and steaming. Most often, this program is recommended to be used for cooking main courses or pastries, since it is in this mode that it is possible to achieve even baking.

Additional options

Additional programs that are available not only in professional models, but can also be found in household combi steamers for the home, include the following modes:

• regeneration or heating. This program is used for cooking delicate food. Heating is carried out according to the combined type, but the amount of supplied steam increases;
• low temperature steam, which is only found in boiler models. In this case, the temperature does not rise above 99ºC. It is used for dishes that require careful handling - making desserts, mousses or processing valuable fish species.

The advantage of the device is the freeing up of the cook's time by automating the cooking process.

Advantages and disadvantages of combi steamers

Like any device, cooking devices have their own positive and negative properties. There are much more of the first, otherwise this technique would not have been so popular and would not have been in every professional kitchen.

The advantages of the combi steamer are:

• versatility, since the purchase of this device replaces the stove, oven, frying pan;
• automation of the cooking process, which reduces labor costs;
• efficiency, which is also manifested in the high efficiency of the device, which allows to reduce the consumption of energy resources;
• saving products by reducing losses during frying or boiling;
• the ability to preserve the useful properties of products;
• ease of care.

The use of a combi steamer is advisable in a professional kitchen, since it is designed for large volumes of dishes.

Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of such equipment is its high cost, if we talk about the possibility of purchasing a combi steamer for home use. Otherwise, this device has a lot of positive qualities that make it indispensable for any professional chef. Also, the number of disadvantages should include the generated noise level when the fans operate, which function much louder than similar parts of a conventional stove.

The difference between a convection oven and an oven

When considering the topic of what is a combi steamer, the reader may have a reasonable question: what is the difference between a conventional convection oven and a combi steamer? The answer is obvious: a device designed for professional cooking, despite the generality in the principle of convection, is able to additionally generate steam, through which it is possible to achieve faster and better cooking.

The purchase of a combi steamer allows you to get rid of the stove, oven or electric boiler, which can save space in the kitchen.

How to choose a combi steamer for home use

It is not entirely advisable to purchase this device for its use in everyday life, since it is primarily intended for a professional kitchen. But if the decision to become the owner of such a device is ripe, you should know how to choose a combi steamer.

First you need to decide on a supplier. It is advisable to choose one that not only sells quality equipment, but also carries out its installation and initial configuration.

Next, you should find out if there is a warranty service that will be needed in the event of a unit failure.

IMPORTANT!

Installation of equipment should be carried out only by qualified specialists. Installing yourself may void your warranty.

Since the combi steamer requires an electrical network, sewerage, water supply, and it is also desirable that a hood was mounted above it, then before purchasing it, it is important to provide a place for future placement devices. If possible, this should be done at the design stage.

Buying a combi steamer allows you to achieve significant savings in the kitchen, which is especially important for catering chains when you need to cook quickly, tasty and at no extra cost. Once again, you can see the features of this household appliance in the video presented.