Steam Cookers: Worth The Investment?

Steam cookers are small kitchen appliances that use steam heat to cook food. They are available in a variety of types, including stovetop and electric models, with prices ranging from $12 to $189.99. The cost of a steam cooker depends on its features, capacity, and brand. For example, the Mister Kitchenware 10 Inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer is priced at $20, while the Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer costs $160. Steam ovens, which combine baking and steaming, are also available and can cost up to several thousand dollars.

Steam cookers are available in various sizes, ranging from compact mini steamers to large 15-quart options

Steam cookers are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact mini steamers to large 15-quart options. The size of the steamer you choose will depend on your specific needs and the amount of food you typically cook.

For smaller households or individuals, a compact mini steamer might be the best option. These steamers typically have a capacity of around 2.5 quarts, which is suitable for cooking small portions of vegetables, seafood, chicken, or eggs. Mini steamers are designed to be space-saving and efficient, making them ideal for those with limited kitchen space.

On the other hand, larger households or those who entertain frequently may prefer a larger steamer with a higher capacity. Steam cookers with multiple tiers and a capacity of 7-15 quarts can accommodate larger portions and allow for simultaneous cooking of different foods. These larger steamers often feature separate compartments, making it easy to cook a full meal at once.

Some steam cookers even offer rice cooking capabilities, making them a versatile option for those who want a multi-functional appliance. When choosing a steamer, consider the size of your household, the typical portion sizes you require, and whether you need additional features like rice cooking or multiple compartments.

The variety of sizes available ensures that you can find a steamer that fits your specific needs and cooking habits, whether you're cooking for one or preparing meals for a large family.

Steam cookers can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, baby food, and steamed buns

Steam cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance, capable of cooking a wide variety of foods. They are particularly useful for cooking meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, baby food, and steamed buns.

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that cooks food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment. This technique can be used to cook many different types of food, including tougher cuts of meat, such as those from the shoulder area of deer, lamb, cow, and pig, which have a lot of connective tissues. The steam heat melts these tissues, making the meat tender. Braising is a cooking method that uses steam heat for hours to break down collagen and unwind protein strands, resulting in tender meat.

Steaming is also a great way to cook vegetables, as it locks in flavour, nutrients, and a tender texture. Almost all vegetables can be steamed, but some of the best options include broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, green beans, small potatoes, and artichokes. When preparing vegetables for steaming, it is important to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Steaming is a preferred method for cooking baby food, as it helps retain nutrients. Fruits, such as bananas and avocados, can be served raw to infants, but cooking fruits can make them easier to digest for younger babies. Baking is another recommended cooking method for baby food, as it retains nutrients and is suitable for larger quantities.

Fish is also excellent when steamed, as it preserves the delicate flavour of the fish. A simple way to steam fish is to place it on a steamer rack above boiling water for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. After steaming, the fish can be drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkled with coarse salt.

Lastly, steamed buns are a classic dish that can be made using a bamboo or metal steamer. Bamboo steamers are traditional and affordable, absorbing condensation to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. Metal steamers can also be used, but it is important to cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch any condensation. When steaming buns, it is crucial to leave enough space between them, as they will expand during the cooking process.

Steam cooking is a healthy option as it requires no added fats or oils

Steam cookers are available in a wide range of prices, from $12 to $189.99.

Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. They lower bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation while providing essential nutrients for building and maintaining cells in the body. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of daily calories and replacing saturated fats with healthier unsaturated fats.

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that cooks food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment. This method of cooking has been used for millennia, with ancient Chinese pottery steamers unearthed dating back to around 5000 BC.

Most modern steam cookers feature a juice catchment, which allows all nutrients (otherwise lost as steam) to be consumed. When other cooking techniques are used, such as boiling, these nutrients are generally lost as the water is discarded.

Steam cooking is also beneficial as it does not require high temperatures that can degrade the quality of oils. Oils that are healthy at room temperature can become unhealthy when heated above certain temperatures, especially when heated repeatedly. Additionally, oils have a smoke point, which is the temperature at which an oil starts to burn, leading to a burnt flavour and the degradation of nutrients.

Overall, steam cooking is a healthy option that requires no added fats or oils, helping to reduce the consumption of saturated fats and providing a gentle cooking method that preserves the nutrients in food.

Steam ovens are a modern variation of steam cookers that combine baking and steaming in one appliance

Steam cookers are a great way to cook a lot of food, including vegetables, meat, and seafood, while preserving flavour, texture, colour, and nutritional value. They are also one of the healthiest ways of cooking.

For example, Thermador Combination Steam Ovens feature multiple racks for expanded capacity, a True Convection baffle system to eliminate flavour transfer, and up to 17 different cooking modes, including roast, convection broil, and defrost. They also have smart capabilities, allowing you to control and monitor your oven from your smart device.

Another example is the Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer, which has two tiers for steaming two different dishes simultaneously. This steamer can also be used for rice cooking.

Steam ovens offer a range of benefits, such as faster cooking times, moisture retention, and precise temperature control, making them a versatile and convenient option for cooks.

Steam cookers are available in different materials, including glass, plastic, silicone, bamboo, and stainless steel

Steam cookers are available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some of the most common materials used in steam cookers:

Glass

Glass steam cookers, like the Cuisinart STM-1000, offer a few benefits. Firstly, they are often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. The glass construction also allows you to see the food as it cooks, so you can keep an eye on the progress without lifting any lids. Glass steam cookers typically have a stainless steel exterior and a glass cooking pot with a steaming tray inside. This combination of materials ensures durability and even cooking.

Plastic

Plastic steam cookers are often chosen for their affordability and ease of use. They usually feature stackable trays for cooking multiple items simultaneously. However, some people avoid cooking in plastic due to concerns about BPA leaching into food. If you opt for a plastic steamer, look for one that is BPA-free.

Silicone

Silicone steamers are a great option if you want something compact and versatile. They can be used in various pots, including Instant Pots and pressure cookers, and they roll up for easy storage. Silicone is naturally non-stick, making cleanup a breeze, and it's also dishwasher-safe. However, silicone steamers are typically smaller than other options, so they may not be ideal for cooking large quantities of food.

Bamboo

Bamboo steamers are traditional for cooking Chinese dumplings and dim sum. They consist of stacking baskets and a domed lid, providing ample space for cooking multiple dishes at once. Bamboo steamers are perfect for cooking vegetables, chicken, fish, and tamales. They can be used in woks or pots of an appropriate size. While bamboo steamers add a touch of authenticity to your cooking, they can be a bit tricky to clean without liners.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel steam cookers, such as the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer, are durable and long-lasting. They often feature stackable or tiered baskets for cooking different foods simultaneously. Stainless steel steamers are easy to clean and typically dishwasher-safe. Some models even have auto-shutoff and boil-dry protection features. Stainless steel steamers are an excellent choice for those seeking a sturdy and low-maintenance option.

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