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 In the culinary skill of preparing healthy and tasty dishes, a home steamer will become the main assistant - this convenient technique will help preserve vitamins and nutrients in any dish being prepared. The choice of a double boiler begins with determining its power, which determines the speed of cooking and the permissible number of servings.
Typical power for compact steamers ranges from 600-2000 W - enough to cook meals for a family of up to four people. In addition to power indicators, other characteristics also affect the number of portions and the speed of cooking.
The containers for food in a double boiler are called steam bowls and the number of them in the set determines the possibility of simultaneous cooking of different dishes. For a large family, it is worth choosing models with three steam bowls, so as not to cook different menus separately.
Please note: the more bowls, the longer the steamer takes time to process the food, since the steam distribution is slower than in models with fewer compartments.
The range of steamers includes a wide selection of bowls, usually their volume does not exceed 4.5 liters. Not always, the speed of cooking depends on the size of the steam bowls; most models with large compartments cook food faster than their compact counterparts.
What to bake whole fish or poultry, your choice can be stopped on equipment with a removable bottom of the steam bowls - this will allow you to make a voluminous compartment from several and accommodate large pieces.
Some multifunctional models are equipped with additional containers designed for spices, cereals or soiled root crops.
The steamer functionality is controlled mechanically or electronically. The main range of models is mechanically controlled, they are simple, clear and do not require a long study of instructions to get started. Electric steamers with built-in control chips are aimed at more demanding and sophisticated housewives.
Electronically controlled appliances are equipped with a module on the display of which the cooking mode is displayed and there is a good function - a timer with a delay in cooking. Having previously loaded the steamer with ingredients, you can “order” ready-made, hot food for a certain time of your arrival.
The presence of a water level indicator in a double boiler will save the hostess from having to pull out all the bowls to check it. Also, the latest models are equipped with the function of adding water without disconnecting the device from the network and interrupting the cooking process.
The design of the steamer has a tray that serves as a reservoir for the drainage of steam condensate. When choosing, it is better to purchase a model with a high pallet, this will save the hostess from the frequent emptying of water from an overfilled tank. A pallet of 2.5 cm is considered high, with it you can cook dishes for about an hour without draining the container.
It is important that the pallet has handles - otherwise you will have to constantly pour out the boiling water, burning your hands.
Often, condensation and drips from product juices will settle on the lower section, because the model is equipped with one tray. It is better to choose a steamer with a drip distribution container.
The range of steamers is periodically replaced by new products, manufacturers supplement the functionality with more and more useful characteristics. Therefore, once you find yourself in a store to purchase a steamer, it is still better to start by contacting the department manager or seller.
Good D.
Steamer recipes
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