Built-in steam boiler

The built-in double boiler is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that opens up great opportunities in the field of cooking diet food. Steam perfectly denaturing proteins and softens the tissue structure of food products. Unlike other methods of heat treatment (i.e. boiling and frying), steaming minimizes the loss of vitamins and micronutrients that are rich in products. As a result, steamed products retain almost all nutrients, while microelements pass into broth during cooking, and when frying, useful components are caramelized.

A similar technique is running specialized software. All models have the functions of cooking vegetables, fruits, cereals, fish and meat products. The presence of program control during cooking makes the process simple, fast and professional enough.

The determining factor in the performance of built-in steamers is the capacity of the working chamber. It depends on the volume of the steam chamber how many products can be processed at a time. If we are talking about home use, where you need to cook a relatively small amount of products, then a volume of up to 30 liters should be enough. But in the case of catering, for example in a boarding house or hotel, a 30 liter double boiler will be clearly not enough.

Each model has a different number of pre-installed automatic cooking programs. The more such recipes - the more universal the device, the more dishes it allows you to cook. Usually it is enough to set the type and weight of the product, after which the double boiler will choose the optimal mode and working time for its preparation. The presence of a water level indicator in the model allows you to control this indicator without opening and disassembling the device again. The indicator, as a rule, is placed on the external panel.

Convection steamers are equipped with a special fan that drives hot steam inside the working chamber of the device. This ensures a uniform distribution of steam throughout its volume and faster and more even heating of the cooked dish. It may also be useful to use a double boiler to defrost frozen foods.

Another useful feature of the modern model is the thermal probe. This is a special device for measuring the temperature of a prepared dish, both on the surface and inside. This allows you to determine the degree of readiness of the product or the time remaining before its preparation.

Additional functions

Recently, an electric double boiler is becoming more and more popular, the number of models, options and varieties is growing, and prices are adjusted to the buyer. When buying a double boiler, it is very important to study all the models on the market, to understand their capabilities in detail - because comfort in use and the taste component of food depend on this. The main task is to buy the right equipment for your needs. However, not only the functionality of the various models of the double boiler, but also the appearance. In addition to conventional portable household appliances, there are also built-in steam cookers, the so-called steam ovens.

These designs are multifunctional, so they are often called combi-ovens because they include one or more cooking modes.

In some models, in addition to steaming, the functions of convection or a radiant oven are provided, in others, a microwave or grill function. Sometimes a furnace’s particular features include placing food in a specially made pan with a lid, which is usually directly connected to a steam source. This is a great way to cook meat, fish and vegetables for one person.

The diffuse steam method fills the entire oven with uncompressed steam that can circulate around uncoated products placed on any convenient racks inside the oven. There is a direct steaming function, which entails directing the flow of steam into the finished food - for example, into a chicken or turkey carcass. Many models require precise control over the volume and strength of steam.

Simple steam cookers include enough settings that are easy to use. But, if you want to learn about new ways to cook your favorite dishes, consider models that contain automated programs based on the types of foods you need to cook. It is about dividing into vegetables, meat, fish.

Other options include interval cooking, in which steam and hot air alternate during the cooking process. Some models allow you to simultaneously supply hot air and steam, which is great for baking bread and other pastries.

In order to assess the scale of the capabilities of a particular built-in steam oven, it is worth looking at its program, some include up to 150 different functions.

Which are there?

By type of placement, steam ovens can be built into the countertop or cabinet. In the first case, at the top is the control unit of the device and the lid that closes the container for cooking. The whole "filling" is located directly on the table, it looks aesthetically pleasing and neat.

Typically, models built into the countertop are connected to the drainage system, in which case all excess liquid, the so-called condensate generated during operation of the appliance, is automatically drained from it. The most advanced models are equipped with the possibility of autonomous water intake, which eliminates the need for the owner to add water manually.

Steamers built into the cabinet resemble conventional ovens in appearance. They can have only one function - directly prepare meals with steam, or they can combine a steam generator, a heating element and a microwave device. The steam generator may be located either outside the device or in its bottom.

The most advanced models are equipped with a connection to the water supply and sewerage system, freeing owners from the need to fill the water and drain the condensate. There are models in which cooking takes place under additional pressure. In this case, increased safety standards are provided, such as the inability to open the lid of the furnace until the pressure is reduced and the steam generation is automatically turned off when opened.

Manufacturer's Reviews

Multi-function steamers can be selected, taking into account personal preferences and requirements for the cooking process. Manufacturers such as Kuppersbusch, Electrolux, Imperial offer ovens equipped with a steam function. "De Dietrich", "Neff" and the same "Kuppersbusch" produce ovens - double boiler. Gaggenau offers a sophisticated machine with convection and steam. Samsung, Whirlpool, Moulinex combine the functions of a microwave oven and a double boiler. AEG, Smeg firms specialize in simple models.

More details on reviews of some well-known companies.

Siemens

This company offers the most affordable prices among manufacturers of integrated steamers. In simpler models, consumers note such useful qualities as the presence of heating and defrosting modes, the function of descaling the camera and blocking children.

In the memory of such an average device, such as the Siemens HB 26D552 model, there are 40 cooking recipes, its power is 1250 W, it provides operation at five temperature conditions and allows three levels of installation of baking sheets.

More powerful models, for example, Siemens HB 38D585, consume about 1900 watts. They have a larger water tank, about 70 recipes, including the ability to memorize individual recipes, among additional functions, buyers highlight such as gentle stewing, raising dough, heating dishes and the presence of a probe that automatically checks the dish for readiness.

Models starting from Siemens HB 66E55 onwards have a pyrolysis function for cleaning the inside of a steam cabinet. In order to prevent smokiness of the kitchen during the pyrolysis process, which consists in the destruction of contaminants by means of high temperatures, an outlet is provided in the oven, which must be connected to a chimney or exhaust hood.

Consumers generally pay special attention to cleaning, indicating in the reviews that it is advisable to wipe the inside of the double boiler with a cloth every time after cooking.

Miele

This brand is the only manufacturer of premium kitchen appliances. They own the development of the Miele VitaSteam technology, which allows the steam generator to be taken outside the oven, makes it possible to cook on three different tiers of products with different smells, preventing the mixing of aromas. Consumers note that even in the simplest Miele steam ovens, it is guaranteed that nothing will burn or digest.

There are steam ovens of this brand that have truly fantastic features. However, it is worth noting that the price of these masterpieces of household appliances is fantastic. You can consider a similar option on the example of the Miele DGC 6805 model, the price tag of which ranges from 380 thousand rubles.

Consumers first of all note the fact that this furnace has a connection to a water source and a sewage system, which saves the owners from pouring water and monitoring its level during cooking, and also does not require draining the condensate that forms. Most of those who want to purchase a steam oven are interested in this particular feature of its design.

The next big plus of this model is called the coating of the working surface, made by PerfectClean technology, which allows the walls of the oven to be cleaned independently directly during cooking. This is due to the porous structure of the ceramic coating of the walls (for Miele it is called “linen”), which absorbs impurities like a sponge and breaks them down into carbon dioxide and water. Moreover, in this steam oven, as noted by buyers, a self-cleaning coating is installed on the entire surface of the working chamber, and not only on its back or top wall. Additionally, programs for soaking, rinsing and drying the working chamber are provided.

The cooking modes are diverse and include almost all currently existing food processing technologies:

• Combipar
• Steam cooking
• Warming up
• Two functions of the grill, as well as a grill with blowing,
• Convection +,
• Baking (including special cakes),
• Three functions of steam (upper steam, lower steam and complex effect).

Additionally, it is worth mentioning the ability to cook three different dishes without mixing smells and tastes, maintaining the temperature of the finished dish and the function of removing steam.

The owners of such a device in the forums devoted to household appliances and kitchen equipment are deservedly called lucky.

This company produces both a double boiler of the middle price category, and an oven with a double boiler function, which are distinguished by a high price tag. The steamers of this manufacturer are very simple, have only 4 main modes: steam, defrosting, heating and dough.

In contrast, combi cookers have a very wide range of possibilities, for example, top and bottom steam and heat, various grill functions and baking modes, including complex ones, such as pie or pizza mode. There are 100% steaming, warming up ready meals and raising dough.

Buyers note that the EasyClean self-cleaning system, declared by the manufacturer, is installed only on the back wall of the oven, the rest of its surface must be cleaned manually. There is also no connection to the water supply and a condensate drainage system, the kit comes with a removable liter water tank and there is a function that allows the owners to be notified of an insufficient quantity. There is a function of locking the door from children and cooling the oven, about 40 cooking programs.

Judging by the reviews, the built-in ovens - the Neff steam cookers work flawlessly for quite some time.

The advantages of built-in steamers, differences from ordinary

Built-in steam cookers form a whole separate group of built-in appliances. These are very expensive multifunction devices. They not only turn the liquid into steam, but also make it possible to adjust the temperature of the water, have a lot of automatic modes in order to cook and thaw food. The chamber of such a double boiler is equipped with an integrated powerful heating element or a steam generator. Built-in double boiler has a tank for water and condensate collection, and some models are connected directly to the water supply system. They have purification programs, water quality checks, multi-stage security systems and many more additional features that are inherent in expensive high-end equipment.

Power

Power is one of the key parameters, because it directly affects the speed of cooking. In today's double boiler for home use, power ranges from 600 to 2000 watts. However, some steam cookers, which have a more modest power, cook food faster than similar modifications with a higher power. The reason is that there are other parameters that affect the speed of cooking.

Type of control

Double boiler can have one of two types of control.

Mechanical. The operation time of the double boiler is indicated by a round timer-switch, which you just need to turn by the appropriate number of divisions. The main plus of this type of control is that you can turn on the device and indicate the required cooking time very quickly, just in one go.

Electronic. On a double boiler there are control buttons and an electric display showing the information of the selected operating modes. Devices with this type of control are more functional. For example, you can delay the cooking time for up to 12 hours. This is convenient for making breakfast or if you are leaving home and want lunch to be ready for your return. In addition, such models, as a rule, are equipped with the function of keeping in a warm state, that is, after the cooking time has expired, they do not turn off completely, but switch to heating mode.

However, in spite of the fact that there are a lot of pluses, the double boiler with an electronic type of control has a minus: it takes more time and attention to turn on, because you need to not only turn the knob, but also press the various buttons, while watching by what the indicator shows. If a double boiler is needed for frequent use, but you do not want to pay for additional functions such as a delay or heating, it is better to purchase a copy with a mechanical control type.

The number of steam baskets

Most steam cooker modifications have 2 or 3 main food bowls, however there are ones that have one steam basket. If you have a small family, then a pair of baskets is most likely enough for you. If you plan to cook a large number of dishes at one time, then you need to purchase a copy with 3 steam baskets. However, it should be borne in mind that in this case more time will be spent on cooking, because the volume that needs to be filled with steam becomes larger.

As a rule, a rice bowl is also included.However, you can cook in it not only rice. Its bottom is without perforation, that is, without holes, so water can be poured into it. The rice bowl is placed in the main bowl and the products are prepared for the reason that the steam heats the water with which the cereal is poured. Such a bowl can be very useful.

Number of pallets

This function is very convenient. The point is that under each bowl there is its own separate tray. Thus, odors do not mix if different foods are cooked at different tiers at the same time. Of course, some people consider it normal to mix smells, others do not, but it is better to know in advance about the presence of such a function.

In addition, with the help of different pallets you can cook several sauces that are different in taste. If you do not need such delights, you can buy a double boiler with a single pan for all steam baskets.

Material of which the double boiler is made

Most specimens have clear bowls. As a rule, the material of their manufacture is high quality plastic. In addition, the bowl of the double boiler is made of glass or stainless steel, but much less often. Stainless steel is often used to make the cases themselves. But if you have a double boiler with metal bowls, then the food in it will be longer longer.

Type of allocation

They can be built into the countertop or cabinet. If the steam cooker is built into the worktop, the control unit and the lid that covers the cooking container are located at the top. All the filling is right on the table, which looks beautiful and neat.

Typically, models that are placed this way connect to the drain system. And then all the excess liquid that occurs during the operation of the device is automatically removed from it. The most advanced modifications are equipped with the possibility of autonomous water intake, which save the owner from the need to add water on their own.

The steamers that are in the cabinet are visually similar to ordinary ovens. They can have only one function - directly cook food using steam, or they can combine a steam generator, a heating element and a microwave oven. The steam generator can be located either outside the device or in its bottom.

The most advanced modifications are equipped with a connection to the water supply and sewage system, the owners do not need to add water and remove condensate. There are models in which products are prepared under additional pressure. In this case, increased safety standards are envisaged: the inability to open the lid of the furnace until the pressure decreases and the steam generation is automatically turned off when opened.

Bosch CDG634BS1

A double boiler with a price of almost 100,000 rubles is black and silver and will appeal to every fan of healthy eating and will be a wonderful gift. The double boiler has 2 dozens of automatic cooking programs and an electronic indicator, the functions of “automatic cooking” and “delayed start”, which makes the device almost independent. The camera inside is covered with stainless steel and it is very easy to take care of it.

Kuppersberg RS 969 C

This model, priced at about 87,000 rubles, has an original design. It is decorated in retro style, it looks bright and attractive. Despite the design "antique", the control system is very modern. Using the touch panel, you can conveniently control all functions, the timer allows you to specify the desired cooking time, there are 3 LCD displays in order to control the operation of the double boiler.

Smeg SF4800VA1 Coloniale

A double boiler costing about 60,000 rubles is made of a combination of stainless steel and tempered glass of silver color. It features a stylish design and a high degree of ergonomics. The cooking process is controlled using an electronic programmer. The best heat for certain dishes can be easily adjusted using stylish illuminated switches.

Comparison table of the best built-in double boiler

Title

Main characteristics

Price

Bosch CDG634BS1

There are automatic cooking programs and an electronic indicator, the functions of "automatic cooking" and "delayed start."

Kuppersberg RS 969 C

Using the touch panel, it’s handy to control all functions, there is a timer, 3 LCD displays.

Smeg SF4800VA1 Coloniale

There is an electronic programmer, backlit switches.

Smeg SF4120V Linea

The inner chamber is enameled with Ever Clean, controlled by an analog programmer.

Smeg SC745VAO Cortina

It has rotary switches, brass-colored fittings, a triple-glazed door.

Miele DGC6660 BRWS

The temperature probe measures the temperature inside the product, as a result, the operation of the equipment is precisely controlled.

Is steaming food a healthy food?
Useful. Steam is one of the best methods of heat treatment: it does not form carcinogens and does not require oil, which means there will be fewer calories in food.

How much does an integrated steam cooker consume electricity?
Such a product consumes less electrical energy than a conventional electric kettle.