Buying Guide for Food Steamers
A food steamer is a kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food. Steam can come from a compartment within the steamer or from a separate steamer that sits on top of the pot. Food steamers are used to cook a wide range of foods such as vegetables, rice, pasta, seafood, and poultry. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients in food. It is a quick and easy way to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Food steamers are also versatile and can be used to cook a variety of different dishes. You can check out Amazon for some of the exclusive selections of best food steamers available at great prices.
Benefits of Food Steamers
Time Saving
Most vegetables can be steamed in five minutes or less once the water has boiled. Vegetables should not be steamed for more than seven or eight minutes to maintain their vibrant color, while fish and meat may take between 3 to 10 minutes. The steaming time varies with the size and thickness of the food.
Locks the Nutrients
The most amazing benefit of food steamers which most people find really essential is their ability to preserve the nutrients and minerals of food. It locks in the flavors and vitamins of the food naturally and at the same time preserves its taste through the process.
No Supervision
One great advantage of using food steamers is that it needs minimal supervision compared to cooking food over the stove or oven. It doesn’t require you to check on the food once in a while and worrying about food getting burnt or overcooked. Food steamers often come with a timer so you can avoid over steaming.
Healthy
When you cook with a steamer, you do not need oil, unlike when you cook it in a pan. You won’t have to worry about food drying up as the moisture is being retained in the steamer that keeps food moist and wet.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Food Steamers
Storage and Size
The most common sizes for food steamers are 3, 7, 9, and 10 liters. The cooker should fit the size of your family and be able to cook a variety of foods. Most steamers are able to cook various food items, but some are able to cook more items than others. So, check the model before you buy.
Dishwasher Safe
Dishwasher safe is a very important while buying a food steamer as it allows for quick and easy cleanup. No one wants to spend extra time hand-washing their dishes when they could simply pop them in the dishwasher. This feature also adds to the overall durability of the product, as it can withstand high temperatures and repeated use.
Combinations
A combination steamer, also known as a hot-air steamer, can produce both dry and moist heat. During the cooking process, the steamer can switch between the two modes automatically. It can steam vegetables while it roasts meat at the same time. Steamers cook food by creating steam. It is thus, advisable to go with such models for convenience.
Go with Pressure Steamer
A pressure steamer is one of the most useful food steamers available. This device utilizes steam and pressure to maximize heat transfer. In comparison to traditional cooking methods, this method reduces cooking time by almost half. A pressure steamer's advantages include its ability to cook at low temperatures, fast steam readiness, and high nutrient retention.
Conclusion
There are several reasons to buy a food steamer. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that retains more nutrients than boiling or frying. A food steamer can cook multiple items at once, making it a time-saving appliance. Many food steamers come with built-in timers, so you can set it and forget it. Some food steamers come with additional features like built-in rice cookers or pasta makers.
Along with food steamers you might also like to check out the vast variety of food processors available. These appliances are important for any kitchen. Food processors make your life easier and they can perform a variety of tasks. These appliances are lightweight and don't take up much space in your kitchen. If you want to learn more about your buying options, take a look at some of the best products we've featured above.
