What is the difference between a multicooker and a steamer

A modern homemaker in the kitchen cannot do without her companions. Such companions include microwave ovens, blenders, mixers, toasters, pancake makers, and other gadgets that make home life easier, saving time and leaving more room for enjoyable activities. Special attention needs to be given to multicookers and steamers, which have become commonplace in kitchens these days. What makes them so great? Is there a distinction between the two?

What is a multicooker

A multicooker is a versatile device that not only heats up dishes but also cooks them. The modern functionality of a multicooker allows you to perform various cooking methods such as boiling, frying, baking, stewing, and steaming.

• Boiling
• Frying
• Baking
• Stewing
• Steaming

In addition, meals can be prepared with a delayed start. This feature is particularly convenient for busy moms with young children. They can load the necessary ingredients into the multicooker container in the evening and set the cooking mode to start overnight or at a specific time. This way, the multicooker will automatically start cooking the food, ensuring hot porridge is ready in the morning. Once the porridge is cooked, the smart multicooker will switch to a heating mode, keeping the meal warm until it’s time to serve.

What is a steamer

The steamer is a necessary helper in the process of cooking meals with steam. To put it differently, it cannot fry, simmer, or bake, but it enables you to prepare a wide range of ingredients: meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Its primary benefit is the ability to cook several ingredients at the same time, which can be placed in one or separate containers. Contemporary appliances are equipped with a delayed start option and a dish warming mode.

What is the difference between a multicooker and a steamer

To figure out which option is ideal for you, we can compare the different appliances based on their features, cooking methods, cooking duration, energy efficiency, and cost.

Functionality

As previously mentioned, both appliances come with a delayed start feature and the ability to heat up pre-cooked food. Additionally, the multicooker and steamer offer defrosting capabilities. However, the multicooker not only steams food, but also enables baking, boiling, stewing, and even frying. It can effortlessly make soup, cook any type of porridge, bake cakes, as well as fry meat or fish. Some higher-end models even include a "grill" or "yogurt" function. On the other hand, the steamer excels in preserving vitamins in the dish throughout the cooking process, making it ideal for those who prioritize their health and figure.

Available modes

The market offers a wide range of multicooker models, each equipped with an array of modes to cater to various cooking needs:

• milk porridge;
• pilaf;
• baking;
• steaming;
• stewing;
• grilling.

You won’t have to worry about how long it takes to cook certain dishes, such as rice milk porridge, because the multi-cooker will automatically set a timer and notify you when the dish is ready.

The steamer offers two modes:

• steaming;
• defrosting.

You won’t be able to make porridge or soup in the steamer. It only requires a minimal set of ingredients: meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, and fruits.

Cooking time

The steamer is superior to the multicooker in terms of cooking speed. The former cooks food much faster. However, the multicooker also has a steam cooking function, and the time and speed are the same as that of the steamer. For instance, both appliances will take the same amount of time to defrost vegetables or cook fish, chicken, or meat.

Important!

A significant difference is that the steamer allows for cooking multiple dishes at once, saving valuable time. On the other hand, the multicooker can only cook one dish at a time.

Power consumption

The power consumption of the devices being examined is significant. Steamers that involve 3 or 4 bowls simultaneously consume 1200-1400 watts. When only one bowl is in use, the power consumption does not exceed 800 W. The average power consumption of a multicooker is 1000-1200 W.

By the way!

When one bowl of the steamer is in use, it consumes less power than a multicooker. When two bowls are in use, it consumes more power.

Price of the unit

When it comes to cost, steamers are considerably more affordable than multicookers. You can expect to find a modern steam cooking device for around 2000-2500 rubles, while a steamer with just one bowl will cost about 1000-1500 rubles. On the other hand, a multitasking multicooker with limited features will set you back around 3000-3500 rubles, while a more advanced model with functions like "jam", "grill", or "yogurt" can cost over 5000 rubles.

What is better is a multicooker or a steamer

When it comes to choosing between a steamer and a multi-cooker, consumers who enjoy a wide range of food options tend to favor the latter. On the other hand, a steamer proves to be a valuable helper for individuals who prioritize a healthy diet, are on a specific diet plan, or simply want to incorporate dishes that are packed with essential vitamins and beneficial microelements into their meals.