The use of a double boiler for cooking is an invariable aspect of proper nutrition. It will help you not only get harmless food due to non-use of frying, but also leaves vitamins and other useful substances to the maximum.
Learning to use a double boiler is not difficult, but it, like any other household appliance, has its own requirements for operation, non-observance of which can lead to both a tasteless dish and to the breakdown of the device itself.
Features of working with a double boiler
A double boiler is a simple but extremely unsafe appliance. Cooking in it takes place at a temperature of the order of one hundred degrees, so if used carelessly, even the slightest contact with steam will result in burns.
Caution!
Cooking in a double boiler occurs at high temperature. Use caution.
To ensure safe operation, it is necessary to correctly install a double boiler and observe a number of requirements when using it:
- 1) The surface on which the device is placed must be levelwithout tilt. Otherwise, both product displacement and, as a result, their partial preparation, and uneven distribution of water for the formation of steam are possible, which can lead to partial overheating of the heating element and failure of the entire device.
- 2) It is not recommended to install a double boiler next to the stove and sink. In the first case, it may overheat, which may violate the operating mode of the device and other malfunctions. Sinks should be avoided nearby for the same reason as with all household appliances: water should not get on the double boiler when working from the outside - this can lead to a short circuit.
- 3) The wires of the device must not hang from the working side of the countertop. The presence of children does not affect this item, you yourself can inadvertently cling to them and pull the device behind you. If it falls, when turned on, you can expect damage to food, furniture and floors, damage to the device and numerous burns. It will not take much time to remove the wires to the wall, but you can significantly protect the operation of the device.
- 4) During operation, a double boiler can emit a large amount of wet steam, therefore when installing it, pay attention to what is above it: if hanging cabinets are located on top, it is better to move the appliance to another place, since frequent use will lead to inevitable deformation of the upper part of the kitchen set. For the same reason, do not lean the steamer against the walls - this can lead to delamination of the wallpaper.
Important!
Do not neglect to read the instructions - only in it the nuances of operating a specific model are equipped in detail.
How to use a double boiler
Before using any household appliance, make sure that it and the wires are intact. If there are defects, you should not risk it and turn on the double boiler - it is better to contact the master immediately. With excellent condition of the device, you can safely proceed to cooking.
Each double boiler is accompanied by instructions for its operation. Do not neglect its reading: this will help to avoid unpleasant cases, as well as enrich the piggy bank of recipes.
The use of different companies and models has some differences, but they mainly relate to the available modes and settings. Otherwise, they work according to a general principle.
How to pour water into a double boiler
Water is poured into the pan in the off state. Bottled or filtered water should be preferred. You can use the distillate from the pharmacy, but the double boiler consumes a lot of water, and this will significantly affect the cost. Due to its rigidity, tap water leaves scale on the device, which must be regularly removed for proper operation.
Reference!
You can find out the hardness of water by buying a special test. With a value of 2-3, tap water is suitable for use in a double boiler.
Some models are equipped with a function of adding water during operation.. A sound signal announces the need for this action. At a critical water level, most of the steamers automatically turn off, however, this fuse is not available in old and very cheap models. If you have one of these devices, and you have not yet fully mastered it, it is better not to leave the working device unattended.
How to load products in a double boiler
The temperature distribution and convection in the double boiler has a number of features that you must pay attention to when cooking.
In the device, as a rule, several levels of the arrangement of tiers. In the upper part, the products are cooked most quickly due to the high temperature, in the lower - slower. If you plan to overload the contents in the process, then on the upper tier you need to place what is prepared most quickly. In this case, you will just need to extract one tier.
If it is necessary to cook at the same time, the products should be placed so that at the top there are more cooking times, which will be reduced due to the high temperature, and below, on the contrary, the fastest.
Convection of odors works on the opposite principle: they are carried upward from below. This is worth paying attention to when tiering. In some cases, instillation of incongruous odors should be avoided, however, it is possible to play on this profitably: for example, place the meat under the potatoes, and then the latter will acquire its unique flavor as when baking in the oven.
Important!
When placing tiers, do not forget about the drainage of juices. Rare models are equipped with special outflows, so you should avoid, for example, placing meat over a sweet cake.
Some foods should be wrapped in foil for better cooking. They usually include poultry and fish, so that they are cooked in their own juice. To cover with foil, they also resort to cooking pies - this helps to protect them from condensation.
How to start a double boiler: step by step instructions
The general inclusion instruction is simple, and does not require much effort other than attentiveness. As a rule, it includes the following list of actions:
- pouring water into the pan (above the minimum, but below the maximum level - this is enough for 30-40 minutes of operation of the device);
- installation of a tank for collecting condensate (if any);
- distribution of products in tiers;
- setting the time of work;
- turning on.
Important!
Do not forget that in some cases additional water is required during operation.
How to use a double boiler on gas
A gas double boiler is a multi-tiered pan. Despite its name, it can also be used on electric stoves. The cost of such steamers is much lower than its relatives.
Water is poured to the very bottom, and products are laid out on top of the tiers. This is very similar to the usual, however, in the case of gas there Some differences in operation:
- water level should be lower than products;
- water boils much faster;
- not suitable for all products.
Significant disadvantages of such pans are low efficiency compared to the electric counterpart, smaller working volume and complexity in the combination of products that are different in time and taste.
What can not be done in a double boiler
Despite its versatility, Some steamer products are not able to cook properly. These include:
- pasta: the result is an unappetizing ball of dough;
- mushrooms: will be too stiff;
- legumes: a constant supply of water is required for 3-4 hours.
A double boiler greatly facilitated the life of many housewives. Cooking in it is easy and fast, especially when mastering the skill of the correct combination and arrangement of products. The device does not differ in prohibitive cost, therefore, anyone who is configured for proper nutrition can allow it.
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