How to choose a double boiler

Steamer is a special device for a healthy diet. It processes foods and dishes with steam, keeping a maximum of vitamins and minerals. For a healthy diet, simple cooking is the most indispensable device.

The main purpose of such a machine is to cook healthy and tasty food. Initially, the device was used only by people who have problems with digestion. Some can not eat fried, stewed or baked products and the best option in such cases is to purchase a steamer. At the expense of steam, this device processes products in such a way that they become as useful as possible.

Steamer consists of:

• the foundation - This is the main part on which the baskets are located.At the very base several important components of the structure are placed, and it itself represents the fixing part;
• heating part - is located inside the base and consists of heating type mechanisms. Due to these, water is condensed into steam;
• water tank - used as the main "fuel" part of the double boiler. Water is poured into it so that the double boiler will function properly. There are some limitations on the use of this device. For example, it is impossible to use and turn on the mechanism if there is no water in it, as well as if it is at the minimum level. In many boilers, there is an automatic notification that the water level is close to critical;
• Control Panel - depending on the type of steamer itself, it can be touch or push-button. Includes a menu, several buttons to control;
• baskets - the upper part of the double boiler, which allows you to hold a large number of processed products.

This device must be checked upon purchase in many respects - it will depend on them how fast it will work, what functions it will perform and how much it will be able to hold the products in one application. Choose the right.

First of all, the speed of work will depend on this indicator, and secondly, the possibilities of its functionality. Actually, the more power, the more can double boiler - this is the main designation of these figures.

It should be remembered that having multiple baskets is a big advantage. In this double boiler you can cook several dishes at once. If the family is big - this is the best option. Manufacturers offer a variety of options - from a single bowl to several baskets. With a large number of additional bowls, nevertheless, the cooking time increases.It is better to set priorities at once, what is more important: to cook a lot and for a long time, or quickly, but a little bit.

Perfect steamers - with lots of quality bowls - are models BORK - F500 and Philips - HD 9120/91. They have good power and are also distinguished by high productivity.

The volume of baskets is an important criterion. Depending on the needs and application of the double boiler, you should choose the best indicator: from 1.5 liters to 4 liters. Small bowls are suitable for fast and small amounts of food at a time, and large containers are needed for a large family.

Applications include additional containers for cooking. Cooking rice, cereals, soups, and simply heating food is possible, thanks to the container without holes. In this case, the steam completely processes the food without coming into contact with food.The best models that have such extra bowls are presented from BORK - F500 and Braun - FS20.

Another interesting container is presented for spices. For example, in some models there are special compartments where you can put greens, hot peppers or other seasonings to give a special flavor to dishes. The device is present in the double boiler from Philips - HD 9150/00.

A nice bonus that equip a double boiler is a container for coloring juice. It is used in the treatment of, for example, beets or carrots. The juice flows into a special compartment, not staining the rest of the vegetables and not soiling the steamer. This device can be found at Braun FS20.

The design of a double boiler can be different. This may be mechanics or electronics, and in addition to various control options, it may include features such as preserving vitamins or automatic replenishment of the water level.

The simplest control method, which does not require additional study of instructions and operation books, is mechanics.As a rule, the buttons are round and are immediately a way to control. When switching, you can easily observe the remaining cooking time (they serve as a timer and rotate as time progresses). For example, a quality model that has this type of control is Tefal VC 101733.

Such a mechanism implies a large number of additional functions. Activation of a double boiler is possible only after reading the instructions or a brief guide, otherwise it will not be used even in half of its capabilities. On the display of such devices there is a panel with illuminated buttons (usually touch-sensitive). Using them, you can save data, set cooking time, and use smart cooking modes.

With a steamer of an electronic control method, it is even possible to set the mode and go for a walk, and to come - and a hot lunch will be waiting. In addition, it is easy to prepare the necessary dishes and put them in heating mode - for a few hours the steamer will keep food warm. Many models from the company Bork or Braun have automatic mode this function.The most quality steamers in the opinion of most buyers are BORK F500 and Philips HD 9150/00.

When choosing a double boiler, it should be borne in mind that the presence of an additional function to notify the shortage of water will be a pleasant bonus. The system can automatically shut down if the required fluid level is missing. In this case, there is a choice: either wait for the containers to cool down, remove them manually and fill up with water, or buy an appliance with the ability to instantly fill up with water during operation.

This function means that there is a small hole on the side where you can pour water. Thanks to a special indicator, you can not only get a warning about insufficient liquid level, but also find out the volume of water inside. Models to pay attention to: BORK F500, BORK F700 - the best model can not be chosen from them, both steamers at the same quality level.

A pleasant (even necessary) bonus is the presence of special protective linings. Steam formations have to go somewhere, and just the presence of such pallets solves the problem. When purchasing a double boiler, select:

• lining height. It should not be too small, otherwise during active work you need to turn off the double boiler, manually drain the accumulated water - the probability of its overflow to the heating mechanism in this case is very high;
• the presence of pens. Special tools for quickly removing the lining from the base - greatly simplify the care of a double boiler. For example, the need to wait until the device cools is not required.

Practically to any double boiler go containers and other additions. The main accessories that must be present in every standard set:

• a bowl for garnish;
• lattice - a special stand for handling eggs;
• container for rice. As a rule, it can be recognized by the absence of holes along the perimeter;
• a lattice-type device for processing products entirely;
• lining for draining condensate;
• cups or separate spices, dripping juice or fat - used for the right combination of products, without mixing their juices and smells;
• special device (in the form of stand) for products with dye pigment - for example, for beets;
• special purpose mechanism by which the temperature inside the double boiler is easily controlled (if this accessory is not in the standard set to the double boiler, then it can be purchased at any electronics store separately);
• sometimes to standard kit there is a book with culinary recipes. If it is available, you can cook the most delicious and unusual culinary masterpieces.

At the moment, manufacturers are keeping up with the times: they equip steamers for the house with the necessary functionality, making life as easy as possible. In addition to the basic operating parameters, steamers can be surprising additions. The main ones are:

• function "preservation of vitamins" - is present on some models as a separate button.Using this mode, steam heats up to a maximum in a short time, processing products in a fast mode. Due to this, as nutritionists comment, the harmful effects of heat treatment are reduced and all trace elements are preserved. This function has a double boiler Vitamin + from Tefal;
• function "ready recipes" - allows the steam cooker to work in automatic mode when selecting a product marked in the panel menu. Thus, the most appropriate mode of cooking is selected;
• mechanism of automatic check of a working condition. This option is present in all devices, except for the cheapest Chinese assemblies. From the latter should be abandoned;
• time timer - is present in the form of an electronic pointer on the electric steamer. Shows the total cooking time, as well as the remaining cooking minutes;
• sound alert - signals the on, off and end of cooking.

The main fact: the quality and speed of work does not always depend on power. For example, double boiler Braun FS20 with an energy consumption of 850 W, it works much faster than a powerful machine Scarlett Sc-1142 with a power of 1000 watts. A large number of factors affect the time spent and the method of cooking.

For proper care of a double boiler, it is better to use pre-purified water - as in the liquid from the tap there are heavy substances and metals that can settle on the walls of the device itself.

After the subtleties and all the possibilities of the steam boilers are studied, you can read the reviews and find out which of the devices is the most budgetary, what needs to be purchased for the kit, and which models should not even be paid attention to.

Zauber X-560 is an excellent model with a metal body: large and roomy, with several bowls and glass decoration. It has a small price. On the bowls themselves there are handles for convenient use, and the containers in the base have stainless steel,due to which they do not fog up when the mechanism is active.

Advantages:

• large size of containers;
• production material - stainless steel;
• optimal steaming time;
• average cost.

Disadvantages:

• adding liquid during operation is inconvenient;
• small stand for condensate.

The most pleasant in design and application in the middle price segment is the VITEK steam cooker - VT-1560. Equipped with a backlit liquid crystal display, it has several types of grids in the set for making various products. Thanks to the same accessories, you can cook up to four dishes at a time. There is a function to preserve vitamins, there is also a special indicator of the water level.In addition, the device has a built-in compartment for spices. The disadvantages include the inability to remove the grease tray - it is inconvenient to clean it.

Pros:

• separation of cooking zones;
• large containers;
• optimum power;
• on timer.

In the segment of expensive models, the double boiler from Braun is the best. The water in it boils quickly - in 30 seconds, and the bowls are represented by a volume of 6.5 liters. Production material - plastic in tinting - is not painted. Containers can be washed in a dishwasher, and in the set there are compartments for boiling eggs, cereals and even cooking casseroles. There is also a sterilization mode. According to reviews, the double boiler processes dishes easily and saves time. Suitable even for office.

Benefits:

• vitamin preservation function;
• large containers;
• timer;
• pallets.

Disadvantages:

• small amount of cooked food at a time.