Which is better: a steamer or a multicooker?

Almost all housewives are wondering which is better: a double boiler or a slow cooker, and is there a difference. You should purchase kitchen appliances based on your needs. This article will consider the features of each device, the positive and negative sides, and also tell you in which cases you should buy this or that unit.

Multicooker and double boiler have become essential helpers in any kitchen. They are able not only to prepare a dish, but to completely change the order of food preparation. Let's consider the features of household appliances in more detail.

The multicooker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for self-cooking. It combines several devices at once, so it copes well with frying, baking, ordinary cooking, steam cooking.

The multicooker will be an excellent purchase for people looking for variety in their dishes. Almost all models boast a large number of cooking programs, each time you have a new dish on your table. The multicooker does not require any labor from the hostess, the only thing that is needed is to prepare the ingredients.

Please note: if the recipe says that the potatoes must first be fried a little and only then baked, then the automatic program is indispensable. You will need to first select the frying mode and fry the potatoes, then, after adding all the other components of the dish, change the mode to "baking".

The multicooker is quite easy to learn, even a novice cook can figure it out. The switch-off timer and basic recipes are provided here. There is a function of delayed start of cooking, thanks to which the dish itself will start to cook at the specified time, and after cooking the multicooker will turn itself off. Thanks to this feature, you can be sure that the dinner will be prepared by itself in your absence. Even if you are late at work, the dish will still not cool down thanks to the autonomous heating function.

If we compare a multicooker with a double boiler, then the second one specializes only in steaming dishes. Undoubtedly, this technique is capable of preparing a huge number of recipes, but all of them will be without frying. This is why the steamer is inferior to the multicooker, which can cope with the preparation of almost any dish.

This product is very easy to use. It is divided into two parts: in the lower part you need to pour water, and in the upper part - the components of the dish. There can be more than three upper bowls. Set the cooking time on the front panel. During the cooking process, the hostess can open the lid, stir the ingredients, add water or seasonings. The most significant feature is that you can cook several different dishes at the same time according to different recipes. Plus, your ingredients will never burn.

In the modern world, you can find a huge number of steamers, but they all have an identical basic set of functions:

• automatic and manual control of steam intensity;
• delayed launch option;
• function of maintaining the temperature inside the container.

The difference between the steamer is that steamed food retains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Such dishes can be consumed by people on a strict diet, because no oil is used in the cooking process. If you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, then most likely your diet includes only steamed dishes.

Both the multicooker and the steamer have numerous positives. Not without its drawbacks. Let's consider all the pros and cons for each of the devices.

Let's start with the positives.

• The appearance of a large amount of free time, because you do not have to wait for the water to boil, you do not need to make sure that the dish does not burn, there is no need to stir and turn the components. All you need is to put the ingredients in the container and set the desired mode.
• Possibility of autonomous heating. The technique is able to keep the dish hot for up to 24 hours. Your lunch will stay warm throughout the day.
• Delay start lets you put in ingredients before leaving for work and enjoy a fresh hot dinner in the evening.
• Almost all models have more than 15 cooking programs, including buns, non-roasted dishes, yoghurts. By purchasing a multicooker, you save time, money and space in the kitchen. After all, it can replace a large number of kitchen appliances.
• Ease of learning. Anyone can learn this technique. It will be especially useful for students who have neither the time nor the experience to prepare complex dishes.
• Due to its small size, the unit can be used not only in the kitchen, it can be taken with you on a trip.

Like any other technique, this product also has negative aspects.

• The multicooker will not be able to cook several dishes at the same time. Therefore, if you are preparing to receive guests, then using this technique is time-consuming. In this case, it is better to use a regular stove.
• If the manufacturer does not provide an additional bowl, then you will have to take it out and wash it before each use.
• Not all models can turn off the keep warm function.And this is sometimes very necessary, especially if you are preparing a soup that should be served cold.
• Small capacity. If in the characteristics of the model it is written that the capacity is 5 liters, then in fact it will be no more than four. This capacity will be enough for one person, but it will not be enough for the whole family, especially a large one.
• The inner part is ceramic, therefore, the device should be handled with great care. Even the smallest scratches will cause the food to burn or stick to the bottom of the bowl.
• It is undesirable to use a multicooker if your culinary abilities are low. You will never learn how to cook well this way.

Below will be presented list of positive aspects.

• Ease of use, the ability to cook several dishes in parallel. Many models have multiple baskets. It is important to know that in the baskets located in the lower tiers, you need to place the components of the dishes that take the longest to cook.
• Using a steamer to cook your food will guarantee you a healthy diet without wasting vitamins.
• The ingredients do not need to be thawed before use.
• Many steamed dishes do not require hostess intervention.
• Easy to clean. Due to the lack of frying, the ingredients will never burn, and the basket will be absolutely clean even after a simple rinse with water.

Consider the negative aspects.

• Not everyone will like such dishes, they seem insipid. Due to the lack of toasting, the food will not be crusty. When you eat, it seems like you are eating raw food.
• Steamed food takes much longer to cook than cooked on a standard stove. The meat takes a particularly long time to cook.

Consider which models of multicooker and double boiler can be distinguished among the huge assortment of kitchen appliances.

Below you can find the most popular representatives of multicooker.

Country of origin Japan. The model boasts build quality. The capacity of the bowl is 8 liters, 11 stand-alone cooking modes are provided, the power consumption is 1000 W. There is an additional “Multi-cook” mode. There is a delayed launch option.

The technique is manufactured in France and has the most presentable design among competitors. The capacity of the bowl is 5 liters, there are 6 autonomous cooking modes, the power consumption is 700 W. There is no “Multipovar” mode.

Below we will consider the most common steamers in Russia.

The company is headquartered in Japan. Supra FSS-310 is one of the most budgetary options for this technique. The capacity of the container is 15 liters, there are 6 autonomous cooking modes, the power consumption is 800 W. There is the possibility of a delayed start and a timer.

The manufacturer has provided LED lighting, each cooking mode has its own color. The illumination will be different at different stages of cooking. The model is manufactured in France. The capacity of the container is 10 liters, there are 6 autonomous cooking modes, the power consumption is 900 W. There is a function for defrosting meat.

Summing up the above, we can say that when choosing between a multicooker and a double boiler, several factors should be considered. The multicooker is capable of steaming, but the steamer can offer you more diet food. If you are purchasing equipment and you have a large family, then buying the first option would be a smart decision. Plus, the multicooker offers the possibility of preparing a wide variety of dishes.

If the family is small and the simultaneous preparation of several dishes is an important need, then it is better to opt for a double boiler.

For information on how to choose the right multicooker, see the next video.