In modern kitchen there are many useful devices, among which the steam boiler stands out. Such products help to prepare the most useful and delicious dishes. In this article we will talk about double boiler from the famous brand Philips.
Accessories
Among all Philips steamers, the most popular models are HD 9120 and HD 9140. Each of them has three steam baskets and the same power indicators. And for the price they are very democratic.
These models are similar to most double boiler products that can be seen on sale. In the lower part of the product there is a chamber for heating water, from where steam comes. Above it are compartments for placing food, which is prepared precisely due to the arrival of hot steam from the lower compartment.
There is nothing complicated in managing a Philips double boiler, you just need to understand what the signs on the buttons of its control panel mean (turn on / off, cooking fish, vegetables, chicken and so on). Having chosen the necessary mode, you simply set the time required to prepare the dish. When it ends, the steam cooker will automatically turn off.
As a rule, in a double boiler there are three baskets for placing products in them. At the base of each of them is a hole due to which the vapor is distributed. There are two types of baskets - the same in size and different, which can be inserted one into one.
Complete with a double boiler is a bowl located in one of the baskets. In this bowl you can boil rice. And another attribute of the double boiler is holders for six eggs.
The process of cooking rice in the usual way, in a pan, will take about 20 minutes, and in a double boiler the process will be longer, but the result will impress with excellent taste and grains, which will each separately, not stick together.
Equal capacity baskets usually have additional adapters - external water sensors. This is very convenient, because it is so convenient to control the remaining amount of water in the tank and prevent the process of boiling dry.
Another component is the “nose” through which water is poured. Thanks to him, this can be done without removing the baskets, which means scaldings, like burns, can thus be avoided.
In the double boiler, there is always a mark located in the outer part of the water tank and showing the maximum permissible water level, as well as the minimum acceptable. If you break the rule and pour water higher, the double boiler will splash out excess water, and hot.
Features
If the baskets in the double boiler are all the same size, then it is possible to swap them, thereby changing the effect of temperature on them. This applies to the pluses, and the minus in this case will be that the baskets cannot be compactly folded one into one.
If the baskets are of different sizes, then in this case the plus will be the possibility of compact storage, and the minus is the inability to swap the baskets, so the cooking process in this case should be considered in advance.
A fairly common phenomenon is the removable base of the double boiler. Thus, the cooking process becomes more flexible - removing the base, the amount of steam can be increased. In addition, with a removable base, manual cleaning of the double boiler is facilitated, and it is easier to put it in the dishwasher.
Main advantages
On most of these devices are timers, with which you can set the time it takes to prepare a particular dish. When the time runs out, the steam boiler will notify you with a short call.
Some models have convenient handles to carry them from place to place, for example, in a dishwasher or for storage in a cupboard. These devices are also good because the food in them after cooking will remain hot for at least another hour, or even two.
This function is specially configured during cooking, but do not forget to check that upon completion of the cooking process, water in the lower tank would still remain. Otherwise, the food will not remain hot, because the process will not be able to function.
In addition, some Philips models have a special container that collects juice. It looks like an additional bowl directly above the water chamber. The resulting juice may be the basis of the sauce or soup.
Daily collection
In this model, in addition there is a unique container in which you can place herbs and spices, which gives the upcoming dish unique taste. You can simply put those condiments that you love the most, and the steam will do the rest of the work by saturating the finished dish with the indescribable aroma of those spices that you prefer.
Which model is better?
For any Philips model, first of all, its control system, as well as operating power, are important. These parameters are primarily paid attention to when buying a double boiler.
There is an opinion that the best model is the one whose power is the largest. However, this statement can be argued. Indeed, on many such devices the power is adjustable and can be set as 650 W or all 2000. It is clear that with a higher power the cooking process will go faster, but the speed also depends on the amount of steam, that is, on the size of the basket itself, in which the food is located and on the type of product design.
But which Philips model is the best? If not the most powerful, then which one? Definitely this question cannot be answered, because when choosing a double boiler, everything should be taken into account together, and not just one parameter. Much depends, for example, on the control system, it would seem that what is special there is still extremely simple, but there are small features. All Philips models are divided into two types:
Electronic control system
These are the most functional products. Here it is possible to delay cooking or preheat the finished food for a given time. This control system must have a display showing all the modes assigned to the device.
Mechanical control
These Philips brand products are good in their own way. First of all, you do not need to deal with tricky modes and a bunch of strange buttons. You can simply set the cooking time according to the timer and not think about anything else - at the right moment the steam boiler will notify you that the food is ready.
Criterias of choice
If all the products are good, then which one? First of all, inspect the pan. Its sides should not be lower than 2-2.5 centimeters, otherwise you will have a lot of problems with them, every now and then, draining the condensate that will accumulate in the pan. This is an extra waste of your time, with such a device you will not be able to simply set the time and leave - you will have to be constantly with you.
But you can’t drain excess water in any way, because the device may become unusable due to moisture entering the heating element. It is also important that the pallet has handles, because the condensate will always be hot and without special handles you can easily burn your hands.
Another selection criterion for a Philips double boiler is the number of pallets. Several pallets will be required if the impregnation of dishes that are placed in the lower baskets with upper aromas is undesirable. But, perhaps, you think that it’s even good if the vegetables were saturated with the aroma of meat - then choose a model with one pallet.
If your Philips model comes with a rice bowl, the top products can be placed in it, and then the juice from the top will not leak into the lower baskets.
These are all the main parameters that are usually chosen by double boilers, and only you decide which one you choose.
Reviews
Reviews about the Philips double boiler are overwhelmingly positive. Many people write about the benefits of steamed food, that cooking does not require your constant presence - it’s very convenient to use it — turn it on and forget about the kitchen until you hear a call.
Users also note the ability to cook several dishes at once (this depends on the number of tiers), as well as the simplicity of caring for the product. I also like how easy it is to control the device - just pour water into the compartment and the timer starts at the right time. A transparent Philips cooker is touted for watching the entire cooking process.
Dissatisfaction is caused by the situation in which after cooking in the pan and in the container for spices so much water collects that it does not work in any way to bring to the sink without spilling it. But this happens only at the initial maximum water level - this is, firstly, and secondly, you can, after all, before you carry it into the sink, scoop up a little water in some container. So this drawback is not a drawback at all.
Steamers Philips HD 9160 and Philips HD 9140
First, it’s worth talking about the design and construction of these devices. Both technically and externally, double boiler have significant differences between themselves. Steam cooker Philips HD 9140/91 It looks very stylish, thanks to the combination of black, silver and red. The control panel is made of stainless steel, the rest of the body is plastic.
Steam cooker Philips HD 9160/00 - gray-black. The front is highlighted with a stainless steel plate. The control panel is much more convenient than the 40th model: the desired program is selected using the buttons. And in the 60th model, the program is selected by the mode switch, which restricts access to the lower buttons. When you stand, they are, in fact, not even visible. To select the desired function, you need to bend over.
Cooking bowls
The bowls in both models are plastic, each has a number, in order to quickly navigate how to fold them. The total number of bowls for cooking is 4. Three standard bowls in which you can remove the grates are very convenient, because sometimes you need to cook a large dish, but it does not fit in one pan. Then you can easily remove the bottom and place the product as you need.
The fourth bowl is intended for cooking stews, cereals, rice, fish in their own juice, and other dishes that require liquid to cook. This is a profitable addition, because not all double boiler have such a function. The 60th model is equipped with a small bowl, but in the 40th model the capacity is large, so you can even cook soup in it, or an impressive portion of stew.
It’s convenient that you can cook several dishes at the same time, It will save a lot of precious time. And if you need to cook a small portion of food, then you do not need to use three bowls at once, you can use one, the design allows it.
Flavor Booster Function
Both steamers are equipped unique Flavor Booster device, with which you can give the dishes a unique aroma of your favorite spices and herbs. It is very easy to do this, just put your favorite seasonings in the appropriate place. IN 40th In a double boiler, this device is presented in the form of a small container with a net through which hot steam passes during cooking.
IN 60th models this device is thought out better: it is a removable container, which is located in the drip tray. Steam passes through this hole, which is saturated with aromas of herbs and spices, and then impregnates the dish with them. By the way, in the 60th model you can use not only dry and fresh herbs, but even soy sauce, broth, red wine, or any other liquid at your discretion.
Topping up water is convenient!
It is very convenient that in these models of double boiler you can top up water during cooking. The maximum amount of water that can be poured into the tank is enough only for 45 minutes. But do not worry if you are distracted, and all the water has boiled away, the double boiler will not suffer, because it has protection against boiling.
The heating element automatically turns off if the water tank is empty. Philips Steamers have a timer, and you won’t have to guess how many minutes to cook this or that product. It is enough to choose the right program, and the steam boiler will tell you how long it will take. Using the buttons on the control panel, you can adjust the set cooking time.
Keep Warm Function
And another nice addition that is in both double boiler is keep warm function, function to maintain the temperature of the dishes. Even if the dish has long been ready, and you still have not tried it, do not worry, it will not cool. The double boiler will maintain the set temperature for a long time.
Gentle Steam
The 40th steamer does not have any additional functions in its arsenal, but the 60th steamer boasts interesting modes.
For example, Gentle Steam soft steam function. This mode is ideal for cooking fish, which has a very delicate structure and is quickly digested at high temperatures. The optimum temperature for its preparation is 80 degrees Celsius, which is exactly what is supported in the Gentle Steam mode. Thanks to this, the fish retains its aroma, delicate structure, and mouth-watering appearance.
Turbo Start Function
A lot of vitamins and minerals are lost during cooking if the double boiler is not heated quickly enough to the desired temperature. The faster the product reaches the desired cooking temperature, the more vitamins and minerals are stored in it.
This problem is very easy to solve using Turbo Start functionthanks to which the Philips HD 9160 steamer heats up to the right temperature in seconds, and allows you to save all the nutrients, making the dish not only tasty, but also healthy.
A little more about personal usability. IN 60th the model of the double boiler is wound under the bottom of the structure, but in 40th There is a special compartment for storing it in the housing. This means that no more extra cords in your kitchen will not wallow.
Cooking tasty, juicy and healthy food, as well as permanently solving the problem of healthy nutrition will help you Philips double boiler. This is an indispensable assistant in your kitchen, because it saves a lot of time.
This is exactly what the users of the Philips HD 9160 steamer write in their reviews:
The advantages of this model significantly overlap the minor cons. I am very pleased with the purchase. Now it’s very easy to make a lot of salads for any holiday .. because you can cook meat and rice and potatoes and eggs, etc ... at once, just put everything in tiers and after 30 minutes everything is ready ... and the stove is free and the pots are clean .. If I had to buy a second time, I will stop again at Philips, either this model or the ninetieth, but it is almost twice as expensive ..
