A double boiler or a slow cooker - which is better?

Modern double boilers and crock-pots are excellent helpers of the housewife in the kitchen. But each of these devices takes up a lot of space, so most often buyers prefer one of the options. Today we will talk on the topic: a double boiler or a slow cooker - which is better, are there any differences between these devices and what are they?

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General characteristics of devices

Before starting to compare, we briefly describe each of the devices.

Double boiler

This is a specialized appliance for cooking steam dishes. There are many varieties of steamers - from simple to modern "tricked out" models. Modern appliances are powered by electricity. In them you can cook not only healthy, but also delicious dishes and desserts. For example, steamed cheesecakes are no less tasty than traditional fried.

Important! Dishes from a double boiler are much more useful than cooked in other ways. Therefore, for people who must follow a diet, doctors recommend getting such a device.

The algorithm for using electric steam is quite simple:

1. Fill a container with water for this purpose.
2. Put the food inside the bowl, cover it with a lid.
3. Set the required cooking time.
4. After the time set for cooking has passed, the appliance will give a signal.

Important! In the process of cooking, the products can be mixed, as well as add water to the container.

In addition to the basic functions, most modern models are equipped with additional functionality:

• Steam temperature control.
• Chopping products.
• Heating.
• Delayed start time.
• Steam reduction.

All these features simplify the work with equipment.

Important! When choosing an electric steam cooker, be sure to pay attention to what it is made of. The practicality of the device depends on this. For example, plastic products are easy to clean. They retain their original color even when in contact with coloring products. An important detail is the presence of holes for adding water.

Slow cooker

This is a multifunctional compact device for preparing a wide variety of dishes. Using a slow cooker involves the use of various cooking technologies - cooking, stewing or baking.

Important! The traditional device has 6 operating modes, which are somehow used for cooking various dishes. This takes into account all the requirements of a healthy diet.

The device does not require complicated maintenance and is extremely easy to use. The built-in timer makes it possible to delay the start of cooking until a convenient time. Therefore, a slow cooker is a real find for busy people. The hostess may go about her business or be absent altogether, while the appliance is busy preparing food.

The bowl of the device has a special non-stick coating. All care for him comes down to washing the bowl, which takes only a few minutes.

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What is the difference between a double boiler and a slow cooker?

The main difference between these kitchen devices is that the double boiler has limited functionality, that is, it is intended for cooking food only for a couple. In this regard, a crock-pot is much more convenient. In addition, she copes with the preparation of steam dishes. Now compare the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.

Electric steamer - advantages and disadvantages

The undoubted advantages of the device include:

• High-quality cooking of steam dishes.
• The ability to cook several dishes at once, thanks to several containers.
• Preservation of products with beneficial properties.
• Ideal for baby food and for people with various diseases in which you need to follow a diet.
• Fast food preparation. Possibility to use cans for sterilization during canning and decontamination of dishes.

Minuses:

• More time-consuming maintenance compared to a slow cooker, as you have to wash several bowls at a time.
• Difficulties in cooking individual dishes. For example, steaming porridge is rather problematic.

Slow Cooker - Strengths and Weaknesses

The advantages of multicookers include:

• No need to use traditional cooking utensils for cooking.
• The ability to use different cooking technologies - frying, cooking, baking, stewing, steaming.
• Delayed start function.
• Ease of care and use.
• Long-term maintenance of heat.

The device is not without its individual minuses:

• Continuous cooking, even in comparison with traditional methods.
• The preparation of individual dishes requires the laying of ingredients during the cooking process. So - you need periodic intervention in the preparation of food, and this is not too convenient.
• Low capacity on most models. You can’t cook food for a large family in a slow cooker.

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What to choose?

So which of these devices is preferable? In fact, there is no single answer to this question.

• The method of processing products. First of all, you need to be guided by what cooking technology is closest to you. Fans of fried meat or fried potatoes are unlikely to be inspired by steam food. If you strictly adhere to the rules of a healthy diet, then a double boiler is preferable. Of course, in a slow cooker you can cook steam meatballs or cheesecakes, but in terms of the variety of food options she is far from a double boiler.
• The composition of the family. An electric steam boiler is desirable to have in a family where there are small children. As for the slow cooker, it is preferable for those who love a variety of delicious dishes, but are not ready to spend a lot of time preparing them.
• And, of course, the cost. A slow cooker is a relatively expensive device than a double boiler with traditional functionality.

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Stock footage

So, having knowledge about both devices, you can make independent and thoughtful choices.