Steamers Vs. Cookers: What's The Difference?

Steamers and cookers are two different appliances that use steam to cook food. They are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. A steamer uses steam from boiling water to cook vegetables, meat, and seafood. It is a moist-heat cooking method that cooks food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment without needing any added cooking fat. On the other hand, a cooker, or a pressure cooker, operates similarly to a steamer but has a locking mechanism that traps steam inside to create higher pressure levels and temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius.

Steamers cook at 100°C, while pressure cookers can reach 120°C

Steamers and pressure cookers are both kitchen appliances that cook food by steaming. However, they differ in several ways, including the temperature at which they cook food. Steamers cook at 100°C, while pressure cookers can reach 120°C.

The key difference in temperature between steamers and pressure cookers lies in how they generate steam. Steamers are designed to cook food by holding it in a closed vessel, reducing steam escape, and always cook at 100°C, the boiling point of water. On the other hand, pressure cookers use high-pressure water vapours to cook food at higher temperatures of up to 120°C. This higher temperature in pressure cookers is achieved by increasing the pressure inside the cooker, which, in turn, raises the boiling point of water.

The ability of pressure cookers to cook at higher temperatures results in faster cooking times compared to steamers. For example, a pressure cooker can cook risotto in just six minutes, whereas a conventional cooking method would take 25 minutes. Additionally, the higher temperatures in pressure cookers promote browning and caramelization, creating unique flavours that cannot be achieved in a steamer's moist cooking environment.

Despite their differences in temperature and cooking time, both steamers and pressure cookers offer quick and healthy ways to prepare food. They are simple to use, energy-efficient, and allow food to retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods.

Steamers are healthier than cookers as they don't use oil

Steamers and cookers differ in several ways, including the types of food they are best suited for, their cooking mechanisms, and their impact on the nutritional value and taste of food. One of the key distinctions is that steamers don't require the use of oil, making them a healthier option than cookers. Here's a more detailed explanation:

Steamers are kitchen appliances that use steam to cook food. They are designed to hold food in a closed vessel, preventing steam from escaping. This cooking method, known as steaming, has been used for millennia, with ancient civilizations like the Chinese using pottery steamers. Modern steamers come in various types, such as electric or stovetop models, with stackable trays or inserts that fit into pots.

One of the biggest advantages of steamers is that they don't require the use of oil or any added cooking fat. This makes them a healthier option, especially for those following health-oriented diets. By avoiding the use of oil, steamed foods retain more of their natural flavour, colour, shape, and nutritional value. This is in contrast to other cooking methods like boiling or frying, which can cause food to lose nutrients, change texture, and become less healthy.

Steaming is an excellent way to preserve the vitamins and minerals in food. It is the only cooking method that doesn't disturb the molecular structure of food, allowing it to retain its healthiest elements. For example, steamed foods can retain B and C vitamins that are typically lost with other cooking methods. Additionally, steaming helps maintain the structure of food, preventing vegetables from turning into a mash or puree.

Steamers are also versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, grains, legumes, and even baby food. They are particularly associated with healthy steamed vegetables and proteins like chicken or shellfish. Steamers often have multiple compartments, allowing for the simultaneous preparation of different foods.

In summary, steamers offer a healthy and convenient way to prepare meals. By avoiding the use of oil, they retain more of the nutritional value and natural flavour of food. Steamers are simple to use, inexpensive, and can cook a wide range of dishes, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Steamers are simple to use and inexpensive

Steamers use steam from boiling water to cook food. This is done by adding water to the water reservoir, which is then boiled, sending steam throughout the contained cooking area. The steam cooks the food without needing any added cooking fat, such as oil. This makes steaming a healthier alternative to other cooking methods.

There are many different types of steamers available, from simple basket inserts to electric steamers. Basket inserts are valued for their simplicity and effectiveness, while electric steamers offer convenience and ease of use. Electric steamers allow you to simply set the timer and walk away, making them a great option for busy individuals.

Steamers are also very affordable, especially when compared to other kitchen appliances such as pressure cookers. They are simple to use and can cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, seafood, and grains. Steamers are also energy-efficient, as they use less electricity than electric pressure cookers.

In addition to being inexpensive and simple to use, steamers offer a number of health benefits. Steaming helps retain the structure, minerals, vitamins, colour, and taste of the food being cooked. It is considered the best way to preserve flavonoids, which are compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and some beverages that may provide health benefits. Steaming also enhances the texture of food and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, making it a versatile and healthy cooking option.

Pressure cookers can be programmed with exact settings

Pressure Cooker Generations

Pressure cookers have evolved over time, and the current generation offers advanced features. The third generation of electric pressure cookers, introduced in 1991, includes an electric heat source that automatically maintains the desired temperature and pressure. These cookers typically have a timer and may include digital controllers, delayed cooking functions, and smart programming for specific foods.

Temperature and Pressure Control

The key to pressure cooking is achieving higher temperatures by increasing pressure. Pressure cookers operate at higher temperatures than standard boiling, typically reaching up to 120 degrees Celsius. This is achieved by trapping steam in a sealed vessel, which raises the internal pressure and cooking temperature. The pressure can be adjusted to control the cooking temperature, with some cookers offering multiple pressure settings.

Smart Programming

Third-generation electric pressure cookers often feature smart programming capabilities. This means they can be programmed with pre-set cooking times and settings based on factors such as heating intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration. This allows for precise control over the cooking process, ensuring that different foods are cooked optimally.

Safety Features

Modern pressure cookers also prioritise safety. They are equipped with multiple redundant safety valves and features like interlock lids that prevent accidental openings during the cooking process. These safety mechanisms ensure that pressure is safely released, reducing the risk of explosions or other accidents.

Versatility in Cooking

Pressure cookers offer versatility in cooking. They can be used for various cooking methods, including browning, boiling, steaming, poaching, roasting, braising, stewing, and even baking. This makes them suitable for cooking a wide range of foods, from tough cuts of meat to whole chickens and vegetables.

Energy Efficiency

In addition to precise control and safety, pressure cookers offer energy efficiency. By trapping steam and preventing its escape, pressure cookers can reduce cooking times significantly. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also reduces energy consumption compared to conventional cooking methods.

Steamers are better for cooking smaller amounts of food

Steamers are ideal for cooking smaller amounts of food. They are generally compact in size and can fit in a variety of pots and cookers. For instance, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer fits into any pot with a 7-inch diameter or more and can also be used in an Instant Pot, electric pressure cooker, multi-cooker, or rice cooker. The steamer can be rolled up for compact storage.

The Mister Kitchenware 10-inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer is another good option for cooking smaller amounts of food. It comes with two stacking steamer baskets and a domed lid, providing ample space for a meal and sides. The baskets can be used together or separately, depending on the quantity of food. Bamboo steamers are also valued for their simplicity and effectiveness.

The Hamilton Beach 37530A Digital Food Steamer is another compact option, with two tiers that can be stacked for cooking and nested for storage. You can use just one tier for cooking smaller batches or both for larger batches. The steamer also has a rice bowl that can be used for small foods like peas or corn kernels.

Steamers are also ideal for cooking smaller amounts of food because they allow you to cook different foods simultaneously. For example, you can steam vegetables, chicken, and shellfish all at once. The multiple compartments enable you to prepare a separate protein at the same time as your vegetables.

Steamers are a great option for cooking smaller portions of food, offering versatility, compact storage, and the ability to cook multiple dishes at once.

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