Wanting to save free space in the kitchen and not spend too much of the family budget, many women ask a practical question: which is more useful and necessary in the household - a multicooker or a double boiler? Which of these devices should you choose? To make an informed decision, first you need to figure out what is the difference between a multicooker and a double boiler.
Steamer functionality
The steamer allows you to steam food. A container is installed at its base, into which you need to pour water. When the water begins to boil, steam enters the containers containing the pre-packed food.
In addition, with a steamer you can:
- reheat and defrost food;
- cook foods of different types (the device includes several containers - rice bowls, egg holders, etc.);
- prepare a set lunch (several dishes at the same time);
- sterilize baby nipples and bottles;
- warm up baby food;
- chop cooked food using the "blender function", which is present on some models.
Functionality of the multicooker
A multicooker is a technical device that is a kind of symbiosis of a rice cooker, oven, pressure cooker and double boiler. This appliance consists of an electric heating element, a steam system, a cooking pot and a processor, which is responsible for the automatic operation of this kitchen appliance. Using a multicooker, you can:
- steam cook;
- cook;
- bake;
- fry;
- to extinguish;
- grill.
In addition, the multicooker has additional functions:
- heating the finished dish;
- delayed start.
What is the difference between a multicooker and a steamer
First of all, a steamer differs from a multicooker in a narrow specialization. It is designed for one specific task - steam cooking. The multicooker is a versatile appliance, replacing in whole or in part several different kitchen utensils.
Different types of food can be prepared in both types of kitchen appliances. However, a multicooker copes with this better: due to its versatility, it allows you to get a wide variety of tastes. In some models of the steamer, it may be difficult to prepare some products: for example, rice and other cereals.
You can steam cook both in a double boiler and in a multicooker. But it should be borne in mind that a double boiler is more suitable for dietary nutrition, since its design allows you to preserve vitamins in the fullest possible volume. Therefore, food cooked in a double boiler is the most beneficial for health. Using this kitchen device eliminates the use of fats.
Steamed food is especially recommended for dietetic meals, as well as for children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The steamer allows you to cook several dishes at the same time. It provides several containers for storing products. Therefore, it is convenient to use it when you need to steam several dishes at once. For example, you may need to cook fish or meat and vegetables at the same time. The slow cooker can only cook one dish at a time. This means that you will either have to cook something else separately, or limit yourself only to this dish.
On the other hand, the multicooker has a lot of different functions. For the preparation of various dishes, you can select the modes "Buckwheat", "Pilaf", "Milk porridge", "Stewing", "Baking", "Steam cooking" and others. Using a multicooker, you can bake pies, manna, cakes that will delight your guests.
The next difference between these kitchen appliance devices concerns the speed of cooking. Food in a multicooker takes longer to cook than in a double boiler. This is not very convenient in terms of saving time. In addition, the steamer is simpler to maintain, smaller, easy to disassemble, and the food does not burn in it. The multicooker has a non-stick coating, but it is more difficult to clean because the different cooking methods leave more dirt and grease in it.
Both the multicooker and the steamer have a timer, thanks to which you can not monitor the cooking process. You just need to set the time required for cooking.
As a rule, steamers are cheaper than multicooker, especially when it comes to budget models. The cheapest steamer costs about $ 20. Naturally, you will not find a multicooker at this price. It costs at least 2 times more. However, it is possible to buy inexpensive multicooker without unnecessary "bells and whistles" like baking bread or making jam.
Multicooker or double boiler: which one to give preference to?
Comparing a steamer and a multicooker, we can conclude that each of these devices has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a kitchen device, it is better to proceed from your preferences.
You can choose a steamer if:
- the most important thing for you is the usefulness of cooked food;
- you are on a diet;
- there are small children in your family for whom you need to prepare baby food, warm bottles and nipples;
- you want to save time on preparing various dishes;
- you want to save money and buy a cheap kitchen appliance.
You can opt for a multicooker if:
- you value your comfort most of all and do not want to bother standing at the stove;
- you and your family members are gourmets and love to cook a variety of dishes.
If you are still undecided in your choice, you can read consumer reviews about these types of household appliances in various specialized forums.
