There is a huge variety of steamer models. But they are all divided into 2 types. When choosing a steamer, you need to decide which one suits you best - electric or gas.
The difference between them is as follows:
- the gas steamer resembles a saucepan that is put on a gas stove;
- the electric steamer resembles an electric kettle that plugs into the outlet.
Looking ahead, we can not say that one of them is definitely good, and the other is definitely bad. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Chances for both "contestants" a lot. Who of this competition will be the winner, will depend only on you. But we will try to make so that to make a decision you was as simple as possible.
Gas steamer - pros and cons
The gas steamer has a much simpler design. If a special heating element is provided in the electrical( that heats the water inside the steamer), which is connected to the electric network, then it is absent in the gas steamer.
In the gas cooker, its role is played by the cooker on which you put the steamer. Electronics is also missing. It is this simplicity in the device that causes all its advantages and disadvantages.
+ Pros:
Low cost of
The gas steamer is much cheaper than electric. This is due to its simplicity. There is no expensive electronics in it.
Reliability
There is nothing to break in the gas cooker, except for its case.
A cheaper energy source
Generally, gas is a cheaper source of energy than electricity. But you will not save much on this. If you consider that a steamer is usually used only a few times a week, then the savings will be insignificant.
Independence from electricity
If you often turn off the electricity in your house, then you should choose a gas steamer. It does not need anything.
Compact and lightweight
A simpler mechanism takes up less space in the kitchen and less weight.
- Cons:
Snap to plate
The gas cooker is not a stand-alone kitchen appliance. It works only in tandem with a stove. Without a stove, it will not work.
Fast cooking
In a gas cooker, food is prepared more quickly. Smoother thermal( heat) food processing is considered more useful.
Electric steamer - pros and cons
+ Pros:
Autonomy
The electric steamer is a stand-alone kitchen appliance. All that is needed for its work: water and a source of electricity. Neither gas nor electric stove is needed. She herself is a stove.
Functionality of
The operation of the electric steamer is electronically controlled:
- You can set the timer. After the necessary time period, the steamer will switch off automatically.
- Presence of various cooking modes. For example, you can set a "gentle" mode, when the temperature of the steam is only 70 degrees Celsius.
There is no binding to the gas stove
Many people in the house do not have a gas stove. They are perfect electric steamer.
Convenient adjustment
The desired temperature or mode in the electric steamer is much easier to set than to regulate the gas supply in the cooker.
- Cons:
High cost of
- It costs much more than gas.
- Price depends on the model and its functionality.
Complicated device
It's easier to break down. It is more difficult and more expensive to fix it.
More expensive energy source
Electricity is more expensive than gas.
Larger size
It is more dimensional than gas.
Summing up
The gas steamer is suitable for you if:
- you have a gas cooker;
- you want a simple and reliable device.
You can use an electric steamer if:
- you do not have a gas cooker;
- you want to cook with convenience and are ready to pay for it.