Steamers Vs. Slow Cookers: What's The Difference?

Slow cookers and steamers are both popular kitchen appliances that can be used to prepare a variety of dishes. However, they work quite differently and produce different results. So, what's the difference between the two, and is one better suited to your needs than the other?

Differences between steamers and slow cookers

Steamers and slow cookers are both popular kitchen appliances that can help you prepare a wide variety of dishes. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of when deciding which one to use.

How They Work

A steamer, also known as a steam cooker, is a small kitchen appliance that uses hot steam to cook food. It works by expelling air from the vessel and trapping the steam produced from the boiling liquid inside. This process speeds up the boiling time and cooks the food by raising the temperature of the liquid. The food is kept separate from the boiling water but has direct contact with the steam, resulting in a moist texture.

On the other hand, a slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, uses lower temperatures and longer cooking times to slowly cook food. It creates heat towards the base of the cooker, which then transfers up the sides of the vessel and cooks the food within. Slow cookers are ideal for cooking dishes that require a long cooking time, such as meat, stews, soups, and curries.

Cooking Time and Temperature

One of the main differences between steamers and slow cookers is the cooking time and temperature they use. Steamers cook food at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the boiling point of water. This method of cooking is faster and more efficient than slow cooking.

Slow cookers, on the other hand, use lower temperatures, typically between 180 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and longer cooking times, ranging from 3 to 12 hours. This slow cooking process allows the fibres of cheap cuts of meat to break down slowly, resulting in tender and tasty meat.

Food Options

Steamers are great for cooking vegetables, fish, meat, and even puddings. They are a simple and nutritious way to cook your vegetables and retain their freshness and nutrients.

Slow cookers, on the other hand, are ideal for cooking meat, stews, soups, curries, and other dishes that require a long cooking time. They are also versatile enough to cook a variety of desserts, breads, and cakes. Slow cookers are known to bring out the flavour in meals and are perfect for busy professionals who want to come home to a hot meal after a long day at work.

Convenience

Both steamers and slow cookers offer a convenient method of cooking with less fuss. Steamers are great if you want to cook your vegetables efficiently without having to stand over a hob. Slow cookers allow you to prepare your ingredients in advance and let them cook slowly throughout the day, so you can come home to a hot meal without having to spend time in the kitchen.

Pros and cons of each appliance

Pros and Cons of Using a Steamer

Steaming is a traditional cooking method in many cultures and is often valued for its ability to cook delicate foods without them falling apart. It is also a healthy food preparation method as it does not add calories to food. Here are some pros and cons of using a steamer:

Pros

• It is a healthy food preparation method as it does not add calories to food.
• It is possible to steam-impregnate food with the flavour of herbs and spices added during the cooking process.
• It is a safe method of cooking as there is no risk of burning the food.
• It is possible to cook with a simple steam basket, which typically costs very little.
• It is possible to cook without the addition of fat.
• It is possible to retain the colour of various foods.
• It is possible to preserve the nutrients of a food during the cooking process.

Cons

• There is a danger of being burned by steam.
• It is not possible to brown foods during the cooking process, which may result in an unappealing appearance.
• The browning process can add significant flavour and texture to foods, which may be missed.
• Steam cooking may produce bland-tasting food.

Pros and Cons of Using a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are extremely popular and offer a level of convenience that no other cooking method can match. They are also energy-efficient, convenient, and safe. Here are some pros and cons of using a slow cooker:

Pros

• They are energy-efficient, using less power than an oven.
• They are convenient, requiring little preparation and no monitoring.
• They produce little to no odour.
• They are safe, cooking food at temperatures above 140°F, which is sufficient to kill pathogens.
• It is virtually impossible to burn food.
• They tenderise tough cuts of meat.
• The longer food simmers, the better the flavour gets.
• They are versatile, accommodating a wide range of dishes.
• They are relatively cheap to run.
• They require less cleaning.

Cons

• They require planning and preparation.
• They are slow, so are not suitable for cooking dinner in a hurry.
• They are incompatible with cans, resulting in a mushy texture.
• They produce uneven results, with some foods taking longer to cook than others.
• They may result in nutrient loss.
• They are not suitable for cooking raw beans, as they do not reach a high enough temperature to destroy toxins.

How each appliance works

A steamer, or steam cooker, is a small kitchen appliance used to cook or prepare various kinds of food. It is considered one of the healthiest ways of cooking and is especially good for cooking vegetables. Steamers work by expelling air from the vessel and then trapping the steam produced from the boiling liquid inside. The temperature of the boiling water is raised, speeding up the boiling time it takes to boil, braise or steam. The food is kept separate from the boiling water but has direct contact with the steam, resulting in a moist texture.

Steam cookers can have 2 or 3 tiers of cooking compartments, allowing for a whole meal to be cooked at once. They can also be used to steam delicious puddings.

A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, uses lower temperatures and longer cooking times to slowly cook food. The heat is transferred up the sides of the vessel, cooking the food within. Slow cookers are ideal for cooking meat and stews, but can also be used to cook a variety of desserts, breads and cakes.

Slow cookers are perfect for busy professionals. Simply add the ingredients in the morning, set the device to low, and after a long day of work, you will have a thick, hearty stew. Slow cookers are also good for cooking cheaper cuts of meat, as the long cooking time breaks down the fibres, providing tender meat at a low cost.

Slow cookers are also convenient for those who like the idea of not having to wait for their meal to be ready when they get home from work.

What foods can be cooked in each appliance

A steamer and a slow cooker are two different appliances with distinct functions and capabilities. A steamer cooks food by heating water to create steam, which then cooks the food. This method is gentle and preserves the nutritional content of the food. On the other hand, a slow cooker uses moist-heat cooking techniques such as braising, simmering, and stewing to cook food over a long period, typically between 3 and 12 hours.

Foods that can be cooked in a steamer:

Steamers are versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including:

• Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, asparagus, and more.
• Fish: Salmon, tilapia, cod, trout, and other varieties.
• Dumplings: Shumai, har gow, pork buns, and more.
• Rice: Jasmine, basmati, and other types.
• Eggs: Soft-boiled or hard-boiled.
• Custard: Try steamed eggs or sweet custard.
• Cakes: Steam cakes designed for steaming or use steaming as a component in desserts like baked Alaska.
• Bread: Buns, scallion flower rolls, and other types of bread.
• Noodles: Fresh rice noodles.
• Meat: Chicken, pork belly, and other meats can be steamed before smoking or deep frying.

Foods that can be cooked in a slow cooker:

Slow cookers are ideal for cooking cheaper cuts of meat and creating tender, flavourful dishes. Here are some foods that can be cooked in a slow cooker:

• Soups: Spiced carrot and lentil soup, vegetable soup, butternut squash soup, and more.
• Stews: Beef stew, vegetable stew, and chicken stew.
• Curries: Chicken tikka masala, Thai green curry, and other curries.
• Casseroles: Chicken casserole, vegetable lasagne, and more.
• Roasts: Chicken roast, pot roast, and other roasts.
• Pies: Meat and potato pie, chicken pot pie, and more.
• Chilli: Chilli con carne, chilli mac, and chilli mac 'n' cheese.
• Meat dishes: Beef brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder, pulled pork, beef stroganoff, and more.
• Pasta: Pesto mozzarella chicken pasta, baked spaghetti, and lo mein.
• Dumplings: Cheddar dumplings.
• Desserts: Apple spice cobbler, peach cobbler, and more.

How to choose the right appliance for you

Steamers and slow cookers are both great options for cooking food, but they have distinct differences that make them more or less suitable for your needs.

The Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are perfect for busy individuals who want to come home to a hot meal after a long day at work. They are also ideal for those who want to prepare a meal and then forget about it until it's ready. Slow cookers use low heat to slowly cook food over several hours or even a whole day. This makes them perfect for cooking meat, stews, soups, and even desserts. They are also great for keeping food warm and moist for several hours, making them a good option for potlucks or picnics.

The Steamer

If you're someone who loves fresh, lightly steamed vegetables, then a steamer is the way to go. Steamers are small kitchen appliances that use hot steam to cook food. They are one of the healthiest ways to cook your vegetables as they preserve more nutrients than other cooking methods. Steamers are also efficient as they take less time to cook than slow cookers. Most steamers come with 2 or 3 tiers of cooking compartments, allowing you to cook a whole meal at once.

Things to Consider

Both appliances offer a convenient method of cooking with less fuss, but it's important to consider your cooking lifestyle and which one suits you best. Slow cookers, for example, can be extremely heavy, with weights ranging from 2kg to 6kg even before adding ingredients. They also require some planning as you need to prepare the ingredients before leaving for work if you want the meal to be ready by the time you come home. Steamers, on the other hand, may not be as effective at steaming vegetables, and there are also safety concerns with leaving any cooking appliance unattended.

Combination Options

If you're having trouble deciding, there are even some appliances that combine both pressure cooking and slow cooking in the same machine, such as the Nesco 3-in-1 Digital Pressure Cooker. These multi-cookers offer multiple options, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and special settings for cooking meat or warming leftovers.

So, whether you choose a slow cooker, a steamer, or a combination of both, consider your cooking needs, lifestyle, and preferences to make the right choice for your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions