How to choose a double boiler?

As practice shows, most users focus only on power, believing that the performance of a double boiler depends only on this characteristic. A good sales assistant will not agree with you, but add that the basket volume, instrument design and product quality are much more important. When choosing a double boiler for the home, enough power from 650 to 2000 watts. But, keep in mind that a model with 2-3 baskets allows you to cook several dishes at once, while a powerful double boiler with one container - only 1.

Many housewives are surprised that dealers devote so much time to discussing equipment management. It would seem that complicated in a double boiler? Nothing really, but for advanced users. Students and novice cooks should know that there are 2 types of devices on the market today:

• Electronic double boiler - attracted by good functionality, until the delay in starting cooking. In most cases, they are equipped with a small screen on which all the information related to the cooking process is displayed;
• Mechanical - You will have to set all the modes yourself, including temperature and cooking time. If you plan to choose an inexpensive double boiler, it is better to stop on this option.

It is not so simple, because manufacturers are trying to attract buyers with all kinds of add-ons, most of which only cause pain. First of all, this applies to the sides. A depth of 2 to 2.5 centimeters should be achieved. If you are interested in a model with small sides, keep in mind that you have to pour condensate several times during cooking, and this takes a lot of time. If you decide to neglect the presence of moisture in the pan, it can get on the heating element, which will negatively affect the service life of the equipment. It is desirable that the pallet has handles. Especially if the model has several sections. As for the bowl, most often, it is made of polymer compounds in order to reduce the weight of the device. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a double boiler with the marking PET or PET (food plastic designation). Even better with glass containers.

If you have a large family, and the cooking process takes more than 1 hour, you will have to add water to generate more steam. In this case, it is necessary to look for a model with a special hole that provides for the addition of coolant directly during operation of the device.Otherwise, you will have to torment yourself when removing the baskets, especially if there are several sections.

For the same reason, experts advise choosing a double boiler with an indicator of the amount of water. As for the number of steam baskets, they can be from 1 to 3 pieces. Please note that it is better to purchase 1 basket per 3 liters than 2 per 1.5, as the speed of filling one container with steam will be higher.

Another important factor is the shape of steam baskets. Quite often, users become prisoners of interesting marketing offers, within which they are offered to buy baskets of different capacities. On the one hand, this is convenient, since after cooking you can fold one container into another. However, it often turns out that one dish is ready, but not yet on top. In this case, you will want to swap the baskets, but because of the different shapes, this will not work. If you do not know how to choose the right double boiler, also pay attention to additional functions that must be selected taking into account your own interests:

• “Quick start” - acceleration of steam formation;
• "Vitamin +" - the minimum loss of beneficial components;
• "Removable bottom" - prevents the mixing of odors.

We hope this will be enough so that you can make a choice, and make the right decision.