Which steamers are better - gas or electric?

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.

Electric steamer - pros and cons

+ Pros:

Autonomy

An electric steamer is a self-contained kitchen appliance. All you need for it to work: water and a source of electricity. No gas or electric stove is needed. She is her own stove.

Functionality

The operation of an electric steamer is controlled electronically:

You can set a timer. After the required period of time, the steamer will turn off automatically.
Availability of various cooking modes. For example, you can set the “gentle” mode when the steam temperature is only 70 degrees Celsius.

There is no connection to the gas stove

Many people do not have a gas stove in their home. An electric steamer is perfect for them.

Convenient adjustment

Setting the desired temperature or mode in an electric steamer is much easier than adjusting the gas supply in the stove.

- Minuses:

High cost

It costs much more than gas.
The price also depends on the model and its functionality.

Complex device

It is easier for a breakdown to occur. It's more difficult and expensive to fix.

More expensive energy source

Electricity is more expensive than gas.

Larger size

It is larger in size than gas.

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:

Electrical. These are quite voluminous products; they operate only from electrical networks.
For operation on gas. They are made of metal and have a multi-tiered pot design.
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.

TOP 5 steamers with electronic control

In first place in our rating is a new product from the British company Morphy Richards - the intelligent steamer IntelliSteam 470006. The unique steam system includes 3 separate steamers that are controlled independently. Thanks to individual control and horizontal design, dishes retain their taste and flavors do not get mixed up.

The steamer is equipped with 8 modes. If desired, you can synchronize the preparation of dishes at a specific time. IntelliSteam 470006 retains 50% more vitamins and nutrients than standard cooking by using less heat and water. Steamer volume – 6.8 l. The horizontal design allows the steamer to fit into any kitchen. Read more about the steamer in the IntelliSteam 470006 review.

Pros:

Independent compartments;
Horizontal design;
Preserves nutrients;
8 cooking modes.

Polaris PFS 0305AD

The steel steamer is designed for 3 tiers. Has a 1 liter water compartment. You can top it up during operation, like other electronically controlled models. If the water evaporates ahead of time, it turns off. A special light indicates its level. Control occurs using buttons. Has a quick steam mode.

Equipped with a display. Provides a timer (up to 90 minutes) with auto shut-off, which can also delay the start. The completion of the process is indicated by sound. Comes with a cereal cup. There is a stand with recesses for boiling eggs. Includes assembly for easy storage. Power 800 W. Weight 2.15 kg. Price: 4,500 rubles.

Advantages:

small size;
high-quality plastic;
easy to use;
convenient to store;
all necessary functions;
bright display;
can be programmed to the desired mode;
There is a delay timer.

Read more: Gas or electric stove - which stove is better

Flaws:

bowls are not interchangeable;
small bowl for rice.

Two-tier steamer with a white plastic body with gray inserts. The baskets are made of transparent material, like most of the models in the rating. Container volumes – 2.5 l, water capacity – 0.5 l. If there is no water, it turns off. Controlled by a mechanical handle. It has a power indicator, like many of the devices described below. Equipped with a timer that turns off the device after a set time (up to 60 minutes). Power 400 W. Price: 890 rubles.

Advantages:

ease of use;
build quality;
sleep timer;
normal size;
easy to disassemble and clean;
cheap.

Flaws:

long cooking time;
no delayed start.

Three-tier plastic steamer in green, gray or white, measuring 33x42x23.5 cm. Indicates the amount of water remaining. When cooking, topping up is allowed. Provides automatic shutdown after a set period of time (up to 60 minutes). If there is insufficient water volume, it turns off. Power 1000 W. Price: 2,213 rubles.

Advantages:

large volume;
three cups;
good quality plastic parts;
fast cooking thanks to power;
shows the amount of liquid remaining;
ease of adding water during cooking;
inexpensive.

Flaws:

no signals readiness;
The scale on the timer is gradually erased;
The drainage bowl is not easy to remove.

Steamer with a white plastic body on three tiers, with a bowl for rice. The amount of liquid shows. There is an aqua timer that regulates the cooking time taking into account the available amount of water. In the absence of the latter, it turns off on its own. For storage, you can fold the device so that it does not take up space. Power 650 W. Price: 2,890 rubles.

Advantages:

compact;
high-quality plastic;
ease of washing;
lack of unnecessary functions;
aqua timer;
cheap.

Flaws:

Tefal VC1451

White plastic model with two bowls. Stainless steel baskets, interchangeable. Rice bowl available. An indication of the amount of water is provided. Topping it up is allowed. You can set the timer for 1 hour of cooking (automatic shutdown). When the water level is low, it stops working on its own.

Advantages:

roomy;
stainless steel bowls;
there is a possibility of topping up;
cooks well;
easy to clean and fold.

Read more: Which ukulele to buy for beginners? Which ukulele is better?

Flaws:

uninformative instructions, no cooking booklet;
small cup for cereals

Braun FS 5100

The steamer is two-tier, with a black plastic body. The baskets are interchangeable, each with a capacity of 3.1 liters. There are drip trays underneath. There is a 2 liter cup for cereals and a container for products with coloring properties. Equipped with a sound signal. The timer, set for 60 minutes, automatically turns off the device. Power 850 W. There is a “quick steam” mode. Dishwasher safe. Price: 5,126 rubles.

Advantages:

beautiful, comfortable;
good plastic;
pallet under each tier;
ease of use;
functionality;
sufficient equipment.

Flaws:

only one operating mode;
The timer knob breaks quickly.

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.

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.

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.

The best manufacturers

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

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.
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.
Rondell is a brand that produces metal kitchen utensils. In Russia, sales of products of this brand have been carried out since 2006.
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.

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