Comparison Clatronic EK 3497 vs Profi Cook PC-EK 1084

The number of separate baskets in the steamer or the number of places for eggs in the egg cooker (see "Type").

In the first case, 2 — 3 baskets are most often provided, depending on the volume of the device. A larger amount is unjustified from the point of view of cooking efficiency — in "multi-storey" structures, the products in the upper baskets would not be able to cook normally, they would not reach enough heat. There are steamers for4 baskets, however they are rare and usually have a 2x2 layout — 2 stacks of 2 tiers. The other extreme — one basket — is typical for the most compact devices with small volumes, up to 3 – 4 L.

In the case of egg cookers, everything is simple — you should choose based on how many eggs you need to cook in the device at a time. The most popular option is 6 – 7 eggs, this is quite enough, for example, to prepare breakfast for an average family. The minimum number of places for eggs is 3, these are devices for one or maximum two people. And in the most capacious egg cookers of these data, the indicator can exceed 12.

The presence of an omelette tray in the design of the device. This function is typical mainly for egg cookers (see "Type"), it practically does not occur in steamers.

Strictly speaking, such a tray is an analogue of a steaming pan. At the same time, it can be used not only for omelette, but also for fried eggs and other similar dishes. The size, shape and material of the tray may be different, in some models of such "pans" more than one is provided; all these points should be clarified separately.

— Rotary switches. This type usually refers to electromechanical control — rotary knobs directly affect the corresponding elements of the steamer, without additional control schemes. This option is very simple and inexpensive, but the control options are quite modest and usually limited to the most basic functions. Therefore, it is mainly used in entry-level models.

— Pushbutton switches. Control of the electronic type, carried out through specialized schemes. The cost of this option is higher than rotary switches, however, the possibilities are incomparably wider. In particular, the steamer can be equipped with automatic cooking programs and an extended set of timers (at the same time, the accuracy of setting the time will be very high), as well as various additional settings.

— Sensory. Control, in many respects similar to the push-button (see above) — in particular, the set of features is also very extensive. However, it is based on sensors. The key difference is that the sensor does not need to be pressed unlike a button — it is activated by touch, which is very convenient. In addition, touch panels have a futuristic appearance and a smooth surface that makes cleaning much easier. On the other hand, such equipment significantly affects the price of a steamer.

— Fast heating. Allows you to start cooking almost immediately, without wasting time on waiting and preparing.

— Thermostat. Many dishes require cooking at a stable temperature, in strict accordance with the instructions of the recipe. The presence of a thermostat allows you to maintain a constant temperature in the steam baskets or change it at a given time in accordance with the cooking program in some steamers.

— Autocooking. Allows you to cook according to the programs built into the steamer. At the same time, the duration of operation, temperature conditions (including temperature changes at different stages) and other parameters are controlled by the steamer, and you do not have to monitor the parameters and change them manually.

— Auto-off timer. A special device that turns off the steamer after a predetermined time. The presence of a timer will allow you not to worry about the quality of cooking and eliminates the need to monitor the time: the steamer will turn itself off at the right time.

— Delay start timer. A timer that allows you to turn on the steamer not immediately, but after a certain specified time. This provides additional convenience: for example, you can load the device in the evening and set the start time for the morning — in this way, the porri...dge will be ready for breakfast, and you will not have to get up earlier to “load” the steamer.

— Water level indicator. It allows you to constantly monitor the water level in the steamer and as a result, ensure that the necessary cooking conditions are correctly observed. Many steamers provide for adding water if it is not enough.

— Possibility of adding water. The lack of water during cooking can lead to disastrous consequences - in particular, the dish will be cooked in a completely different way than the owner of the steamer expected. The possibility of adding water allows you to correct the mistake in a timely manner.