Today, the majority of the population prefers a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition is an important component.

The modern concept of healthy eating involves preparing food with maximum preservation of the usefulness of all products.

Food processed with steam is considered healthy, but it does not always look beautiful and seems completely tasteless. This flaw can be quickly corrected if you cook food in a special device - a double boiler. Steamer saucepans are practical to use, some have large volumes, you can cook portions for a large family in them, and more than one dish can be prepared at once.

There are different types of steamers, but the most popular are saucepans in which food is cooked on a stove using gas.

The editors of the YaNashla website have prepared a rating of popular saucepans - steamers. Let's look at different models, find out their operating principle and features that you need to know before purchasing a product.

Double boiler. What do we know about her

Steamers are special utensils in which food is cooked using hot steam. Outwardly, they look like a multi-story large metal pan. The lower compartment is used for water, the upper one for food. Intended for cooking a variety of steamed meat, vegetable and fruit dishes.

A double boiler is quite unsafe, because food is cooked at high temperatures exceeding 100°C

The cookware used on a gas stove has a number of restrictions on the preparation of certain products:

• steamed mushrooms have a hard consistency;
• pasta is turned into dough;
• Peas, corn, and beans require a lot of liquid, which needs to be added within four hours.

To quickly and correctly prepare dinner, every housewife should know about the combination and arrangement of products in a saucepan and learn how to properly operate a double boiler.

Rules for using the steamer insert

In order for the products prepared using this device to be truly healthy and tasty, it is necessary to take into account several nuances of using the steamer insert.

• Water should not touch its bottom. The distance between the surface of the boiling water and the bottom of the steamer should be at least a few centimeters.
• To speed up the cooking process, boil the water in advance. For example, while chopping vegetables.
• The pieces of food should be approximately the same. The result will be evenly cooked food with no soggy spots.
• Products should not lie too tightly. Otherwise, the steam will not be able to penetrate and properly affect the food pieces.
• In a two-level steamer insert, pay attention to the cooking time of foods. Meat, fish, potatoes must be placed on the first tier, and vegetables on the second. Once the vegetables are cooked, they will be easy to remove while other foods continue to steam.

To learn how to steam without a steamer, see the following video.

In the national cuisines of many nations there are recipes that require the use of steamers. Traditionally, steamed food is considered healthier. Beneficial substances and essential components are not washed out of the products, vitamins are preserved. To prepare such food you need a steamer pan. There are models of different designs on the market, from simple to multi-story. They prepare several dishes at the same time. Steamer inserts, which isolate food from water but allow steam to pass through, turn any container into a steamer. To speed up the process, the inserts are placed in pressure cookers. This is the same pan, only it has a sealed lid. Thanks to high pressure, food cooks faster.

To choose convenient kitchen utensils, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Evaluate the materials used by manufacturers. Owners of induction hobs will also be able to choose a steamer. They are available for different types of slabs.

Types of products

The action of special cookware of all models is carried out according to the principle of steam baths. It contains:

• several containers into which liquid is poured;
• pallets on which products are placed;
• pan lid;
• perforated spoon for laying out meat or vegetables.

Food is cooked by steaming, so there is no need to add any water (except that which evaporates) or fat. The end result is a healthy and high-quality lunch.

steamers for gas stoves are produced single-tiered or multi-tiered, and they have the same designs

Steamers for gas stoves differ from each other in volume (up to 4.5 l) and diameter (12 - 24 cm). They are classified according to a certain parameter.

Today, manufacturers produce the following types of kitchen appliances:

1. Electrical. These are quite voluminous products; they operate only from electrical networks.
2. For operation on gas. They are made of metal and have a multi-tiered pot design.
3. Induction. The design is similar to gas ones, made of metal. However, they are used on induction surfaces.

There are the following types of steamers:

• Built-in – products that are built into the kitchen set. They preserve the integrity of the kitchen work surface, since the appliance will not constantly move - it has its own permanent place. These models have a wide list of different functions, parameters, large volumes, which are suitable for families with many children.
• Tabletop (free-standing) - ease of use with an easy-to-use interface is the optimal solution for any small kitchen. There is a wide range of products available to suit the consumer's goals, preferences and budget.

All steamer devices are distinguished by functionality, manufacturer and price segment.

Appliances with multiple pans

This type is similar in appearance to a pyramid of small perforated saucepans equipped with handles. The bottom container has a smooth bottom, the rest have perforated bottoms; there are up to four tiers of them in the device.

Some products have a device that gives the impression of hanging saucepans inside the structure. In others, the pallets are located one on top of the other.

Depending on the number of tiers, the number of products that can be cooked at the same time is determined.

The pan type is very convenient; it has access to all containers, so you don’t need to disassemble the entire structure to remove products from the lower tier. The main advantage is the preservation in the container, for example, of finely chopped assorted vegetables, which cannot crumble.

Convenience is also reflected in the ability to use different numbers of containers – even just one. Most sets are equipped with an insert with the same shape; they can be alternated in different orders and used in the required quantity. The main feature of this type of device is to provide access to all the products laid out in different saucepans. For example, in order to remove cooked food from the lower tier, you simply need to hold the handles of the next row of saucepans and remove the containers from the first and second rows. In this case, there is no need to disassemble the entire structure.

This type of steamer is quite practical, because you can use only the required number of trays to prepare dinner. Steamer lids are used for any tiers, even the lowest one; it can be used like ordinary saucepans in which liquid foods are cooked.

Mantovarki

In kitchen appliances of gas models there is a separate type - pressure cookers. It is widely used in Japan for making rice cakes and in Buryatia, where they like to cook manti.

The principle of preparing food is the same as that of “pyramid” steamers, but there are differences in the device. The kitchen appliance consists of one tall saucepan equipped with special perforated inserts installed at certain distances from each other. The product is convenient, tiers of dishes are quickly stacked in it, a lid is installed on top, which does not allow steam to appear outside the saucepans.

Some devices have fixed tiers with installed handles, where removal or installation is accomplished with a simple movement of the hands without applying additional force. However, when laying out products on a pallet, they are carefully laid out and not poured.

Models with low tiered saucepans are also common. In a manti steamer, both manti and healthy meat products are prepared: minced meat, meat dishes, assorted vegetables and other healthy foods.

Pots for special dishes

In addition to regular cookware, the retail chain offers a wide selection of other types of containers for cooking dinners using steam: cast-iron cauldrons of different sizes, cauldrons, ducklings, equipped with an additional insert. In these containers, food is prepared using a combined method in small volumes.

Special steamers in which corn is cooked stand out in height: they are almost the same as the containers in which pasta is cooked. The set includes a saucepan on a stand or with a basket that can be easily and quickly removed.

Vegetable cookers consisting of two saucepans - a perforated one and a small inner one - are in demand. When steaming a dish, it is necessary to pour the liquid correctly, which should not reach the bottom of the insert.

Electric or gas steamer, which is better?

Among the large number of steamers, you will see two main types. All models are divided into electric and gas. Already by the name it is clear for what purpose each of them is intended. But the question remains, which steamer is better, electric or gas?

Need a stove

A gas steamer operates only in tandem with the hob. It is not equipped with a heating element and in appearance resembles an ordinary pan consisting of several tiers. Many people like this design due to its ease of use.

The main advantage of a gas steamer is its low cost, since expensive electronics are not used to assemble it. Also, the advantages of purchasing it include:

1. Reliability. Breakdowns occur extremely rarely with it, except that the device body itself may be damaged.

2. Savings. No electricity is used for cooking. Using gas will be cheaper. This advantage is relevant for those who plan to use the steamer daily.

3. Compactness. The device does not take up much space. You can take it with you on the road because it weighs little. Also, a gas steamer is suitable for homes where there are frequent power outages or interruptions in its supply. But, you should understand that without a stove it is not a double boiler, but a useless set of pans.

Among the shortcomings, one can note the fast operation of the device. This means that the products are highly heat treated. As a result, they lose most of their vitamins.

Features of an electric steamer

The main advantage of this type is autonomy. An electric steamer is a full-fledged device with a heating element hidden in its body. For its normal operation, you only need a stable supply of electricity.

The steamer is equipped with various convenient functions. For example, a timer that will help delay the start of cooking. The device is also equipped with the function of heating or defrosting food. Many models allow you to change the steam temperature. So, you can choose a gentle program. When it is turned on, the temperature will not exceed 70 degrees.

Disadvantages include the high cost, size of the device and the use of a more expensive power source. A gas steamer is suitable for those who are looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-use assistant. If the healthfulness of food is important to you, then pay attention to an electric appliance. It does not require a gas stove to operate. Plus, the functionality of the steamer is captivating.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a double boiler, you need to understand the characteristics of saucepans, which have unique features, and be able to compare them.

Dimensions

Before purchasing, you need to decide on the size of the product. The diameter of the device must be sized to match the burners of gas stoves. Particular attention should be paid to the lower diameter of the pan, it is the main factor.

The volume of cookware is interpreted differently by each manufacturer. Some suppliers specify the total volume of the steamer, while others indicate the volume of the lower pans. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to find out the amount of water that fits in the bottom saucepan. This volume affects whether it will be necessary to add water during cooking, or whether the volume of water that fits in the lower saucepan will be sufficient.

Material

Since the steamer is a rather bulky structure, it is made of light metals aluminum and stainless steel:

• Stainless steel appliances are expensive, but they have a lot of useful properties. You can cook any dish in them. However, it must be remembered that sometimes products may stick to the surface layer of the pan. To avoid this problem, you need to lubricate the bottom with oil (fat) and correctly adjust the intense boiling of the liquid.
• Aluminum. Products made from it are lightweight and heat up quickly. The liquid is quickly brought to a boil, and the metal is not subject to corrosion and does not react to sudden temperature changes. You can consider products coated with an anodized layer. They are very strong and durable in use, are not subject to corrosion, and when damaged, the film has the ability to quickly recover.

Non-stick coatings are applied to the entire surface or to one insert. This prevents the product from sticking to the surface.

When choosing appliances for a gas stove, it is necessary to consider the thickness of the bottom. The thicker the bottom, the better.

What to look for when choosing gas steamers

To purchase the best gas steamer, you need to understand their basic parameters. Since this is a simple device, you don’t have to compare the electronic filling of different steamers, as with electric ones, and all that remains is to choose the one that is most convenient for you in terms of volume and diameter, type of pan and number of steam compartments, and also decide on the preferred material.

Types of steam pans

Most often, gas steamers are equipped with a standard pan - it is the most convenient and versatile for steaming. But there are other options: cauldrons, stewpans, cauldrons, ducklings with special inserts. They are more specialized, and it is convenient to cook certain dishes in them. But most often you have to buy them separately, checking the diameter of the steam compartments; steamers are equipped with standard pans.

Volume and diameter

In terms of volume, everything is quite simple: if you need a steamer for one person, you can take a single-tier one, with a compartment of 1.5 liters, or a two-tier one, with a total capacity of 3 liters. For a family of several people, the total volume of steam compartments should be 3-4 liters. For a large family - from 5-6, there are even models for 8-9. As for the volume of the pan, it is advisable that it is not too small - then you will not have to add water during cooking.

The diameter is selected taking into account the size of the burners on your stove. Pots with a larger diameter are preferable, but for electric stoves you need to select them so that the bottom does not protrude beyond the burner, otherwise it will take longer to cook.

Material of manufacture

Typically, light metals are used for steamers: aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum appliances heat up quickly. They can be coated with a non-stick coating - dishes with it are easier to wash, because food will not stick to its surface. In addition, aluminum can be anodized, that is, covered with a special protective film that protects it from corrosion.

Aluminum appliances must be treated with care - they will last a long time only if you do not expose them to acids or use strong detergents.

Stainless steel is much more resistant to aggressive substances, more durable and does not absorb foreign odors. But steamers made from this material are also more expensive. Another problem is food sticking during cooking, which makes it necessary to lubricate the inner surface of the steam compartments with oil.

Microwave-compatible steamers use materials such as ceramic, glass or plastic. The latter is the cheapest, but also fragile. Note that products made from these materials cannot be called preferable, and the use of a microwave negates the usefulness of cooking in a double boiler.

Correct use of a kitchen appliance

When preparing a dish, you need to monitor the intensity of the boil; if it boils too much, you need to reduce the heat. This is necessary to preserve the dishes, which may deteriorate after all the liquid has evaporated.

It is necessary to leave a space of up to four centimeters between water and food.

If the appliance has several tiers, the products must be placed in a checkerboard pattern. Then the steam will envelop the food from all sides.

Features of food preparation

You can cook a large number of dishes in a steamer. During cooking, the products retain their natural color, beneficial properties and taste.

The big advantage is the preparation of different dishes with very little or no fat or oil. This is a very important factor for people who have diseases of the heart and blood vessels, stomach and intestines. They require special dietary nutrition, which can be provided using a gas steamer. Dishes such as rice meatballs, fish, cutlets, vegetables, omelettes and puddings can be prepared simply and quickly in it.

Of course, there are some disadvantages:

• It is forbidden to cook meat in large pieces, as it will not have time to fully cook;
• It is not recommended to cook food from products that require a lot of liquid to cook.

Purpose, pros and cons

Over the period of civilization, people have come up with different methods of thermal cooking. Products are boiled, fried, stewed, baked, smoked. According to nutritionists, steaming food is preferable: the food does not lose color and retains the natural taste of the food. When cooking, up to 25% of vitamins and microelements are lost. Steamed dishes are prepared with a low fat content.

The famous mantyshnitsa and multi-tiered pans for products made from rice dough were invented a long time ago. The Berbers, the indigenous people of Africa, had similar utensils. Modern models have been created using a multi-level principle.

According to nutritionists, steaming food is preferable: the food does not lose color and retains the natural taste of the food.

Manufacturers also haven’t forgotten about lovers of golden crusts. In a steamer pan, you can achieve the traditional browning of pies with a minimum of oil in the dough. It's nice to stew food in them; it doesn't burn. In such a frying pan you can make a multi-layered stew.

Steam pans are necessary for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. They help diversify the menu. Prepare in a double boiler:

• Fish and fish cutlets, meatballs;
• Minced meat dishes;
• Portioned omelettes, soufflés and puddings in disposable parchment molds.

Steam pans are necessary for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.

Steamers also have disadvantages. You cannot cook large pieces of meat in them; it will not cook through. Steaming foods that require a large amount of water will also not work. But the lower water container can be used like a regular saucepan. The diameter of the lid fits.

The best manufacturers

Many well-known brands produce models with a certain specialization:

1. Braun from Germany has been known to consumers since the beginning of the twentieth century. It has a leading position in the market of household appliances, which are stylish in design, reliable and functional, and there are many inexpensive devices. The company specializes in the manufacture of goods related to health, beauty, and kitchen appliances.
2. Tefal is well known to consumers as a company that produces various kitchen appliances in the mid-cost segment. The products have high performance, are of high quality and reliable.
3. Rondell is a brand that produces metal kitchen utensils. In Russia, sales of products of this brand have been carried out since 2006.
4. Russell Hobbs. An English brand known for high-quality small kitchen appliances. Products with stylish design can become a real decoration of every kitchen; they are located in the middle price segment.

Rating of the best budget steamers

Kalitva 14425

It is one of the most inexpensive small-sized steamers. The capacity of the saucepan is 2.5 liters. Very simple design - two saucepans with comfortable handles, lid included. Made of medium thickness aluminum (1.5 mm). Considered one of the best gas steamers.

The device is easy to use, convenient and reliable, and has a very small weight - 0.7 kg. It quickly prepares healthy and tasty food.

It is an ideal option for the consumer who cares about budget cost and maintaining the balance between price and quality. According to buyers, this device is the best-selling type.

Country of origin: Russia.

Cost - 520 rubles.

Kalitva 14425

Advantages:

• budget cost;
• compact, reliable;
• convenient and easy to use;

• excellent price-quality ratio.

Flaws:

• very small volume;
• You cannot cook fried or spicy food.

Kelli KL-4105

The two-tier steamer with a volume of 2.5 liters is made of food steel. Quite light, easy to use, small in size: 18 cm in diameter. It is an ideal device for cooking food in a small family.

It has a beautiful modern design, the polished shiny surface matches an expensive item. The lid is made of fireproof glass, where there is a special hole through which steam escapes. The handles do not get hot on gas, so using the steamer is very comfortable.

Production: Austria.

Cost - 1050 rubles.

Kelli KL-4105

Advantages:

• small sizes;
• excellent quality;
• ease of use;
• stylish design;
• budget cost.

Flaws:

• cooking food in just two baskets.

Design and principle of operation of a gas steamer

Gas-powered appliances are a design with a clear interface and no heating element. Heat treatment is carried out under the influence of blue fuel, turning water into steam.

The flame itself is located in the stove, and the device is installed on the burner. Then, under heating, the liquid in the lower compartment is converted into steam, which is responsible for processing the food. The design of gas appliances is identical in appearance to a regular saucepan.

Gas steamer is very easy to use

This type of steamer is easy to use and does not require an electrical connection. However, the device has only one tier where food can be placed. Housewives note that it is convenient to use the equipment in the country or when there is no need to cook every day.

Please note: when exposed to steam, scale will form over time. Limescale removal must be carried out monthly.

Rating of the best steamers in the mid-price segment

Webber, BE-81

The model consists of five units. The steamer pan has a large volume - thirteen liters. The top is closed with a glass lid with a convenient holder.

The kit contains:

• large saucepan;
• steam grates with a diameter of 30 cm.

Made of stainless steel, with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm.

The container is equipped with a heat-saving bottom, thanks to which heat is retained for a long time. Recommended for use on both gas and induction hobs.

The rim prevents liquid from leaking out through the edges. Handles don't get warm.

The volume of food prepared can be used for large families.

Country of origin: Poland

Cost - 5560 rubles.

Webber, BE-81

Advantages:

• heating speed;
• multi-layer bottom to retain heat;
• reliability;
• compactness;
• excellent taste of the dish;
• ease of care;
• presence of a rim;
• large volume of prepared products.

Flaws:

• thin wall thickness;
• no non-stick coating;
• Expensive.

Rondell, RDS-751

The product belongs to the middle price category. Made of stainless steel, polished walls - 0.5 mm. In addition to the bottom saucepan, there are two more tiers, the total volume is 13 liters. Suitable for a family of 4 people.

The diameter of the upper pans is 26 cm, the bottom – 24.5 cm, triple thick – 5 mm. It is equipped with an induction disk, so the device can be used on both gas and induction stoves.

The handles are equipped with silicone gaskets for comfortable movement during cooking. The lid is made of transparent tempered glass with a steam hole.

Country of origin: China.

Cost - 4719 rubles.

Rondell, RDS-751

Advantages:

• quality material;
• reliable;
• roomy;
• silicone pad allows you to use without a potholder;
• with a heat-resistant lid, cooking is controlled;
• used in the oven;
• high functionality.

Flaws:

• the need for thorough washing;
• the presence of only two tiers;
• There is no possibility of preparing a large menu of products.

Steamer Dobrynya DO-1704 5.5l

Photo: market.yandex.ru

The rating of steamers for a gas stove is also presented by the Dobrynya DO-1704 model, which allows you to cook tasty and healthy food. You can steam several different dishes in it at the same time. The steamer is equipped with three tiers with a volume of 1 liter. Each tier is made of stainless steel, which is inert to various food acids and does not emit harmful substances during cooking, and the induction bottom is suitable for all types of stoves. Without steam sections, you can use it like a regular pan.

Steamer Dobrynya DO-1704 5.5l

Advantages:

• Material: stainless steel
• Metal handles
• Glass lids
• Wall thickness: 0.5mm
• Induction bottom
• Pan: volume 3.5 l., diameter 24 cm
• Steam section height: 8.5 cm

Rating of the best premium devices

Stahlberg, 1811-S Donella

A fairly compact model with a diameter of 28 cm and a height of 12 cm. The set consists of a single tier for preparing lunch and a boiler saucepan.

The model has a total volume of six liters, of which one and a half is allocated for the steam tier.

The model is made of stainless steel and has a stylish design. Used for preparing dinner on any type of stove and oven for a small family - for two.

Since the device has a small volume, food can be cooked very quickly and tastes great.

Country of origin: China.

Cost - 12990 rubles.

Stahlberg, 1811-S Donella

Advantages:

• high-quality Stahlberg stainless steel;
• beautiful design;
• extensive functions;
• speed of lunch preparation;
• usefulness of food.

Flaws:

• high price.