Food Steamers

What Are Food Steamers?

Food steamers are a kind of cooking equipment specially designed with perforated inserts at the bottom, assembled, and used to prepare food via steam. It is made to position the food above the water and not in it; the water used is hot enough or boiling to create steam and cook foods with hot, moist air. 

Steaming allows food to keep its natural color, shape, nutritious value, and flavor than boiling. Another benefit of steaming food is that it helps retain Vitamins B and C, lost in other methods like cooking in rice cookers, baking in bread makers, braising, or boiling. 

Advantages Of Food Steamers

Just like blenders & juicers, steam cookers are also very easy to use and handy; they also save a lot of prep time in the kitchen while also offering multiple health benefits. Following are some other advantages of using food steamers. 

Fast And Easy Cooking

Food steamers make the cooking process faster and easier. They lock the steam allowing food to be prepared in minutes. 

Structural Integrity Of Food

Food steamers help preserve the natural color of most foods, especially vegetables that can be lost when prepared over a stove or hot plates. In addition, food steamers keep the color, texture, and structural integrity of foods since it only requires steam to cook it. 

Oil-Free

Since steam cookers use water for cooking, there is no need for oil, unlike fryers. There is also no need to worry about food drying up because the moisture in the steamer keeps food moist. 

Various Types Of Steamers

Two main types of steamers are basket and electric. However, microwave steamers have also started gaining popularity recently. Here are further details regarding them:

Electric Steamer

Among small kitchen appliances, electric food steamers are the most convenient ones. They are simple to use: the food is put in the pot, placed in the unit, and cooked according to the desired setting.

They also come in various sizes; there are one-tier steamers for a single food type or two tiers for cooking multiple foods. 

Basket Steamer

Basket steamers have been around for thousands of years. They might not be automatic like coffee machines, sandwich presses, or toasters, but they are still user-friendly. The process is similar: place the food inside, close the lid, add a little water, and start boiling. 

However, one thing to note here is to keep track of time to ensure the food isn't overcooked; otherwise, it will get soggy. 

Microwave Steamer

Manufacturers have started designing microwaves specially made for steaming. Microwave steamers do not require a water supply or floor drain, and the food doesn't need to be placed under a hood. Thus they are cost-effective and hassle-free. 

Things To Consider When Using A Steamer

Using a steamer is super easy, and unlike slow cookers, they prepare the food in less time, yet some things must be considered before using one:

Do Not Add A Lot Of Water

Water is the main component used in steaming. So obviously, one needs to know what the appropriate amount is. When using a steam basket on the stove, add one to two inches of water inside the pot. The water should not go above the steamer basket, nor should it be too little since the pan can burn.

Boil Water First

When someone is learning to steam vegetables, they usually want to throw them in the pot together and turn the steamer on. But many would find that the dish is better when the water is brought to a boil first, then adding in the vegetables. 

Improve The Steam Via Herbs And Stock

Even though the traditional way to steam food is using water, one can experiment with other things. First, try adding different flavors to the water. For example, instead of using just water, try vegetable or chicken broth. Or add some lemon or salt to the water before it starts boiling. 

Also, adding herbs like sliced garlic, lemongrass, rosemary sprigs, or dill sprigs will enhance the flavor. 

Ensure Seal Is Air-Tight

The steam has to engulf the food for it to be cooked through. If the unit has a loose-fitting lid, steam will escape, and pressure will not be enough to cook the food. Moreover, this can lengthen the process or alter food taste. 

Preparing Food Before Steaming

An alternative way to create great steamed meals is by prepping the food before starting. For example, it is better to add some spices, garlic, or herbs in the mix for vegetables instead of sprinkling them in the pot. Then, roll the vegetables inside foil with some olive oil and mixed herbs. This can also be done with chicken or fish: marinate them for some time before steaming. 

If you need assistance to find the right food steamers for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.