Steamers

Review and rating of the best steamers

• Most Popular Models

• Supra
• Marta
• Elenberg
• Vitesse
• Miele
• Zelmer
• Mystery
• Wok
• Unit

In such a phenomenon as the formation of steam, there is some kind of mysticism. It appears due to the combination of two opposite elements - fire and water, and is able to work wonders, including in the kitchen. More than 3 thousand years ago, a double boiler was invented in China, and its capabilities were actively used in Eastern cultures for cooking rice dishes. In those days it was a basket made of thin cypress strips, similar to modern bamboo steamers.

The process of cooking products for a couple becomes very simple and easy if a modern high-quality steamer is used.

Cooking at the same time has many advantages:

1. This is a gentle method, and it really preserves the natural taste and juice of the products and the vitamins they contain;
2. This is a method of preparation, in which you can not add excess fat to food;
3. At the same time, burning or burning of food is excluded;
4. When it comes to steaming, you don't need much experience, just follow the instructions to get a great result;
5. This is an energy efficient way, thanks to the multi-tiered nozzles at the same time you can cook fish, a side dish and dessert.
6. Using a double boiler saves time.

Most Popular Models

Most steamers are spherical or oval in shape; these are containers that are made of metal (steel or aluminum), or plastic. Water is poured into the lower tank, it is brought to a boil and the steam acts on the products placed on the upper tiers. Naturally, at the top the steam temperature is lower than on the first tier, so it becomes possible to simultaneously load and bring to readiness foods that require different cooking times, for example, fish and vegetables.

The design can be provided for pallets under each tier. Today you can buy a simple steamer, built-in, microwave - a double boiler or a built-in oven with the function of a double boiler.

Consider the most popular models of steam boilers in the domestic market.

Supra

Plastic double boiler with a modest price tag. It has 2 sections, a standard control panel, a readiness level indicator, it is possible to add water during cooking. The hostesses say that the models of the brand “Supra” show themselves well in work, quickly boil, practically in the first minute, and are convenient for storage. Among the shortcomings - a plastic cover cracks when washed in the dishwasher. Also note the presence of plastic odor when heated at first. No electronic control. Overall, the reviews are good.

Marta

The model of this company have a stainless steel case and plastic baskets for cooking. There is a water level indicator, which theoretically can be refilled during cooking, but judging by the reviews, this is difficult to do because of the small size of the retractable device. The boiling time is about 6 minutes, there is a timer that sets the cooking time according to the selected product, the delayed start function is very convenient. Of the minuses called the fact that these double boilers give a very powerful jet of steam, which means that they need to find a place closer to the hood and away from the walls. Buyers note that these models are working properly for at least two years.

Elenberg

The design consists of plastic, has 2 levels for preparation. One simple handle control, no delayed start function and water level sensor. A bit short cord. From the pros: reliability, which is noted by almost everything, the drip tray and the fact that the steam jet emitted by this device is not too powerful, and there is no danger of getting burned. As a conclusion, consumers believe that this is a good budget steamer.

Vitesse

The design of the steamers of this company is different. There are non-electronic models, for example, Vitesse VS-1462, which consist of three tiers of high-quality stainless baskets with handles, have a multi-layer bottom and a lid made of heat-resistant glass. There are simple bowls, like a colander, for insertion into a regular saucepan. Reviews are very positive.

Vitesse electronic models have an oval-shaped steel case, 3 removable plastic bowls, large enough, 4 liters each. The hostesses using this model note that there is a timer that can be set both automatically and manually, there is a useful function of further heating, that is, if the timer goes off, the double boiler still keeps the minimum heating of the dish. During cooking, you can add water.

Judging by the reviews, this is a large and convenient model that does not take up too much space due to its shape. Among the disadvantages note the slight smell of plastic, inherent in all steamers with plastic bowls. The cost of electronic devices is slightly lower than their steel counterparts.

Miele

This company produces professional and elite kitchen appliances. Miele Steamers are chic recessed models with touch controls, hinged doors and elegant color schemes. There are models working under pressure of steam, without pressure of steam and combined. Very powerful models, multi-level, large volume, with numerous functions:

1. Thawing;
2. Warming up;
3. Disinfection;
4. Brewing mode;
5. Numerous cooking regimes;
6. In some models there is a combined mode that combines convection and vaporization.

All models have the function of delayed start and self-cleaning of heating elements, an automatic shut-off system when the door is opened, child lock and stop in case of boiling water.

Housewives who use this company 's steam boilers recommend choosing models with automatic condensate drain into the sewage system and stainless steel handles. Other claims not expressed. The essential nuance is that prices for steamers from Miele start at 78 thousand rubles.

Zelmer

Of the models of steamers of this company in the reviews mentioned only one: Zelmer sc1002. The case of this model is made of plastic, in the same way as 3 removable bowls. Mechanical control, no display, as well as a thermostat. However, there is an indicator of the water level, the possibility of its topping up in the cooking process and the function of the shutdown in case of insufficient quantity. The advantages are also called the presence of holes for boiling eggs, a container for spices and the possibility of washing parts of a double boiler in the dishwasher. One of the reviews concerned the breakage of the control stick, but in general, users recommend this model, calling it practical and average for the price category.

Mystery

Steamers this company can be attributed to the budget. The material from which the body itself is made, and 3 bowls - plastic. The control is electronic, especially the hostesses like the delayed start function. There is a water level indicator, the possibility of topping it up and a thermostat that allows you to maintain the temperature of the cooked dish. The reviews on the models of this company are good, however, it is believed that these steamers are still 10 minutes longer than indicated in the instructions. But, since their prices are very reasonable, consumers are ready to turn a blind eye to this shortcoming. Also note the good quality of plastic, which surprises many.

Wok

These are traditional pots - steamers that do not have any electronics. Can be made of aluminum with non-stick coating, or of steel. In fact, these are classic single-level steamers, which can also be used in the form of a frying pan. The hostesses say that these steamers really do not burn, the coating does not peel off, they can be washed in dishwashers. Of the advantages, they also note the absence of plastic smell, which is often the case in inexpensive electronic models, multifunctionality and an average price tag.

Unit

Steamers of this company are made of plastic, there are electronic and models with mechanical control. Electronic models have a timer, a shutdown function with a lack of water, a thermostat. The customers are satisfied that a bowl for draining the liquid (broth) differs in a good volume, while cooking nothing flows out of it, but they complain that there are no handles on it and therefore it is very difficult to remove this container. There are also complaints that it is inconvenient to wash the bottom of the bowls, in which there are too many notches and projections.

Smile

Low cost steamers made of plastic with two tiers and mechanical control. Not very big food bowls. Buyers note that there is a shutdown function when there is a shortage of water, but the possibility of topping it up during cooking is not provided. Some buyers are satisfied with just small dimensions, while noting that the plastic is strong enough, does not fight when dropped.

Have a review on what model Smile SC1702 burned out after two weeks of use. Thus, it is not necessary to say that all Smile steamers satisfy consumer requirements.

Binatone

Plastic double boilers with two levels. In more expensive models, the container can be divided by removable partitions, which, as noted by users, is very convenient. The cooking speed of different models is different and directly depends on the power. It is advisable to choose a model with a water level sensor and the possibility of topping it up, which is also not everywhere.

One of the latest models, the Binatone FS-404D, has a backlit display, 3 baskets levels, a sound warning of water insufficiency in the tank and a thermostat, but also has a price tag that is twice the size of simple models. Negative reviews on steamers firm "Binatone" is not found, which speaks in favor of this manufacturer.

Maxima

The products of this company is not the cheapest, but still falls under the characteristics of the budget. Material of a double boiler: plastic or metal body, depending on the model, and plastic bowls. The ergonomic oval shape, two tiers and the presence of additional functions, such as maintaining the temperature of ready meals, fast steam generation and water indicator, make it attractive to the consumer. Mechanical control, the price, as they say, "on a different wallet", there are very low-power models, but they are also the most inexpensive. The reviews for these little ones talk about such a flaw: there is no capacity to collect the flowing broth - condensate.

Also there are reviews of breakdowns, plastic cracks.

Gipfel

This company offers classic two or three-tier stainless steel steamers with a fairly high price tag. Made in Germany from alloy steel, have a cover of heat-resistant glass and non-stick coating, which, as noted by the hostess using these steamers, really does not stick and is easy to clean.

In the responses, they unequivocally advise products of this brand, while they insistently warn about the danger of acquiring fakes. Since real Gipfel cookware cannot be cheap, you shouldn’t hope that you can buy it at any sale. Separately, it is worth highlighting the moment that the non-stick coating does not lose its properties even in the case when the water boils away due to the forgetfulness of the hostess, the fat from the products begins to burn and smell. After soaking and cleaning the bottom of the pots, judging by the enthusiastic reviews, it looks like new.

Recently, however, the number of unpleasant reviews about the dishes with the logo of this brand is growing, which again suggests fakes and the need for careful selection.

Rondell

This company also produces metal steamers. The material is high-quality stainless steel, which has no special internal coating. Reviews are called steamers this manufacturer average quality, but it is worth noting that the price tag of their budget can not be called. All housewives note the large size and spaciousness of these double boilers, in general, positive reviews.

Zepter

The brand Zepter has various versions of the classic double boilers, made of stainless steel. There are folding inserts supplied with “petals”, thanks to which they are fixed in any pan into which they will be inserted. There are also standard liners in the pan, resembling a colander. But there are serious "units", made of two pans, inserted one into another and also have a nozzle. In the latter case, the steam cooker is worth a lot of money, however, reviews of its work are mixed.

Consumers pay attention to the fact that the opaque lid is inconvenient, because because of it you have to open the double boiler once more to determine if the product is ready. Of the advantages mention the fact that the design has 2 tiers, spacious, easy to clean.

From negative reviews, we can conclude that it is not worth buying the dishes of this company under the contract, as it has legal subtleties that “work” not in favor of the buyer.