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Steam cooking is one of the healthiest ways to cook. So say nutritionists and doctors. Without the need to add extra fat, you cook your food in a gentle manner while retaining its juiciness and nutrients.
Electric steamers are also one of the most affordable kitchen gadgets you can buy. They usually cost from a thousand to 5000 rubles, rarely more. But in return, you will enjoy healthy and tasty food. KP tells how to choose the best steamer of 2022 and not spend extra money.
Top 9 rating according to KP
Editor’s Choice
1. Tefal VC 3008
The device consists of three bowls for the simultaneous preparation of products. At the base there is a water level indicator – you can easily find out if there is enough water before the end of the program. The convenient electronic control system is easy to use – just select the mode, set the timer and start the steamer. The equipment is also rich – the kit even includes a special mold for making muffins and cupcakes.
Features: main color: black | total volume: 10 l | number of tiers: 3 | maximum power consumption: 800W | water tank volume: 1.2 l | topping up water during cooking: yes | delay start: yes
Advantages and disadvantages
2. ENDEVER Vita 170/171
With an average power of 1000 W, the steamer has 3 bowls and a total volume of 11 liters. These characteristics are quite enough to prepare a large amount of food for a family of 3-5 people. The device has an external water level indicator, a timer, and it can also be washed in a dishwasher – why not a universal device in the kitchen?
Features: main color: white | total volume: 11 l | number of tiers: 3 | maximum power consumption: 1000W | water tank volume: 1.3 l | topping up water during cooking: yes | delay start: yes
Advantages and disadvantages
What other steamers are worth paying attention to
3. Braun FS 5100
This mechanically controlled Braun steamer will allow any cook to diversify their meals. The device has 2 steam baskets – 3,1 liters each. The set includes a bowl for rice with a capacity of 1 kg. A significant advantage of the double boiler is the automatic shutdown function when there is not enough water in the tank. She also has a compartment for boiling eggs and a special container designed for coloring products.
Features: main color: black | total volume: 6.2 l | number of tiers: 2 | maximum power consumption: 850W | water tank volume: 2 l | topping up water during cooking: no | delay start: no
Advantages and disadvantages
4. ENDEVER Vita 160/161
This is a classic double boiler, consisting of 2 tiers. The device can be washed in the dishwasher, it also has double protection against overheating. Operated mechanically, convenient and compact. There are also additional functions – defrosting and even disinfection of dishes.
Features: main color: white | total volume: 4 l | number of tiers: 2 | maximum power consumption: 800W | water tank volume: 1.3 l | topping up water during cooking: no | delay start: no
Advantages and disadvantages
5. MARTA MT-1909
The model has a mechanical control, with which it is very easy to set all the necessary parameters for steaming food. The timer function allows you to set the cooking time up to 60 minutes and not be distracted by control until the moment of readiness. By the way, at the end of cooking, the steamer will beep, which is very convenient.
Features: main color: silver | total volume: 5 l | number of tiers: 2 | maximum power consumption: 400W | water tank volume: 0.5 l | topping up water during cooking: no | delay start: no
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Kitfort KT-2035
Steamer Kitfort KT-2035 will help any housewife to cook healthy and nutritious meals. It is important to note that the device comes with 5 steam baskets with a capacity of 1,6 liters, made of stainless steel. Of these, 2 baskets with a solid bottom, and 3 baskets with holes for draining.
Features: main color: white | total volume: 8 l | number of tiers: 5 | maximum power consumption: 600W | water tank volume: 1 l | topping up water during cooking: no | delay start: no
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Tefal VC 1301 Minicompact
The model is divided into three tiers, the total volume of which is 7 liters. In addition to steam baskets, the set also includes a bowl for cooking cereals with a volume of 1.1 liters. This mechanically controlled device has become the owner of an indispensable function – if the special tank runs out of water, the steamer will turn off automatically. All that is needed from you is to add the missing water and turn on the steamer.
Features: main color: white | total volume: 7 l | number of tiers: 3 | maximum power consumption: 650W | water tank volume: 1.1 l | topping up water during cooking: no | delay start: no
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Polaris PFS 0213
Compact model with two bowls with a total volume of 5,5 liters. The model is compact due to the fact that all bowls can be easily folded into each other during storage. The steamer is equipped with a 60 minute timer that automatically turns off when the time has elapsed. The bowls of the device are transparent – you can monitor the progress of cooking. And the “Quick Steam” function allows you to get powerful steam within 40 seconds after turning on the device to speed up the cooking process.
Features: main color: white | total volume: 5,5 l | number of tiers: 2 | maximum power consumption: 650W | water tank volume: 0.8 l | topping up water during cooking: yes | delay start: yes
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact
Despite the mechanical type of control, this steamer will appeal to any hostess. When cooking, you can add water to it, there is a delay start function to postpone the inclusion of the steamer at a convenient time for you. In addition, the kit includes a container for cooking rice, there are recesses for boiling eggs. There is also a power indicator that indicates the current operating mode.
Features: main color: white | total volume: 9 l | number of tiers: 3 | maximum power consumption: 900W | water tank volume: 1.5 l | topping up water during cooking: yes | delay start: yes
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a steamer
For advice on how to choose a steamer, we turned to Aslan Mikeladze, the seller of the Zef_ir store.
The first thing to know is that most steamers are inexpensive. And the principle of cooking is also not too complicated – just add food and water to the steamer, set the timer or select a program and leave the machine to do the work.
Knowing which features are worth paying more for will help you choose the right electric steamer. Look at three things – the number of containers, the delayed start function installed, and the compact size. All of these will help you the most.
Due to the fact that models of double boilers can be purchased from only 1 thousand rubles, investing money will definitely not bankrupt you. And if you pay a little more, you get more options and additional features, such as a digital timer, a delay start option, and a built-in rice cooker.
Size
Most steamers have three tiered containers with holes in the bottom for the steam to pass through. They can be used alone or in combination to provide enough capacity to cook meals for the whole family. Some steamers have compartments with removable bases to create a higher steaming area for larger meals. Others have containers of different sizes that fit inside each other. This makes them compact for storage, but since you can’t change them while cooking, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Timer
Many electric steamers have a 60 minute timer that you can turn on to set the cooking time. More expensive steamers have digital timers and start delay features that allow you to set the appliance to work at a scheduled time.
Water level
Look for a steamer with a visible water sensor on the outside so you can be sure you’ve filled it completely. This will help to add water in time when the steamer is working.
Keep warm function
Choose a steamer with a keep warm feature, as it keeps your food at a safe temperature for an hour or two after cooking until you’re ready to eat. Some models automatically switch to warm mode after cooking is completed, while others require you to set this function during cooking. Of course, you need to make sure that there is enough water left in the steam generator to use this option.
cleaning
Many kitchen gadgets are easy to clean, and electric steamers are no exception. The best electric steamers are not only excellent at steaming food, but they also make cleaning a priority. Look for a model with dishwasher-safe compartments and lids, and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
rice cooker
More expensive steam cookers come with a rice bowl, a small steam bowl that fits into one of the steam chambers so you can steam rice. The rice may take longer to cook, but the end result is perfection.