TOP 5 best Tefal steamers by customer reviews

A double boiler is a universal kitchen appliance designed for quick cooking of healthy dishes without oil and fat. The unit is perfect for busy housewives and people who are watching their figure.

Double boiler - a great helper in cooking delicious, and most importantly useful dishes enriched with vitamins and essential trace elements.

The device helps not only save time, but also switch to a healthy diet, easily giving up fatty and junk food, therefore will be a good solution for people who care about their health.

When planning to purchase a functional device, you should look at the models from the famous French company Tefal, which offers the best innovative developments and technologies to create a comfortable life.

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Tefal Steamer Selection Criteria

However, despite the wide range of electrical appliances offered by the manufacturer for the preparation of various dishes, each buyer should know what parameters should be considered when choosing a unit.

Important selection criteria are considered:

power consumption
overall volume,
water tank capacity
number of programs and modes
number of food containers
type of management
cable length
built-in delayed start timer,
automatic shutdown function,
the ability to add water during cooking,
dimensions of equipment.

Popular models

Choosing a double boiler from the French brand Tefal, experts recommend paying special attention to the technical characteristics of the models in question.

In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with the rating, which includes the best-selling units, which have earned high marks from experts and positive feedback from experienced users.

We offer an overview of the TOP-4 models.

Tefal VC1451

An electrical appliance with which every housewife will be able to enjoy the process of cooking their favorite dishes.

A thoroughly thought-out Tefal VC1451 model with a microwave function, stainless steel steam baskets and an indicator for convenient control of the level of water remaining in the tank.

Safety of operation is ensured by rubberized legs preventing the apparatus from sliding on smooth surfaces.

Individual structural elements can be cleaned in the dishwasher, which means that the user does not have to do the washing up by hand.

Specifications:

power - 900 W
total volume - 6 l,
water tank volume - 3 l,
number of bowls - 2,
mechanical control
there is a timer.

Benefits

automatic shutdown in the absence of water in the tank,
the ability to add water during cooking,
the presence of a descaling system,
ease of cleaning from contamination,
convenient movement of the device.

disadvantages

quiet sound notification
non-informative instruction,
large holes in the bowls.

Tefal VC 1301 Minicompact

A compact device aimed at creating a variety of steamed dishes with minimal user involvement.

The multifunctional unit Tefal VC 1301 Minicompact, equipped with capacious steam baskets made of transparent plastic, an aquatimer and an indication of inclusion, is presented in a white-mint plastic case.

If there is a lack of liquid, the appliance switches off automatically, which indicates its absolute safety.

The design is complemented by a water level indicator and anti-slip rubberized legs.

Specifications:

power - 650 W,
total volume - 6.5 l,
the volume of the water tank is 1.1 l,
number of bowls - 3,
mechanical control
there is a timer.

Benefits

ultra-compact storage device
the ability to clean removable parts in the dishwasher,
patented compact storage,
the presence of a lid tray
the presence of a separate bowl for rice.

disadvantages

lack of an on and off button on the case,
no interchangeable baskets,
power cord length.

Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact

A carefully thought-out gadget that will make the cooking process fast and inconspicuous.

Available Tefal VC 1006 Ultra Compact model with three capacious food bowls, an automatic shut-off function and a timer with a sound signal informing the user about the end of the cooking process.

For cooking large dishes, the device has special removable grills to conveniently arrange pieces.

To monitor the water level in the tank, the device is equipped with an indicator.

Specifications:

power - 900 W
total volume - 9 l,
the volume of the water tank is 1.5 l,
number of bowls - 3,
mechanical control
there is a timer.

Benefits

convenient hole for water filling,
sound drove the end of work,
adding water while cooking,
the presence of removable grilles,
cavities for cooking eggs.

disadvantages

inability to warm food
the timer is designed for only 60 minutes,
insufficient power cord.

Tefal VC 3008 Steam’n’light

An easy-to-use device that effectively combines high performance, ergonomics and sleek design.

The advanced Tefal VC 3008 Steam’n’light, equipped with three bowls with removable grills for simultaneous cooking of several dishes, 6 work programs and a timer designed for 60 minutes.

After the end of the process, the double boiler can be easily dismantled by placing the dirty cups in the dishwasher.

Thanks to the compact storage method - to fold the parts even in a small cabinet where they will not take up much space.

Specifications:

power - 900 W
total volume - 10 l,
the volume of the water tank is 1.2 l,
number of bowls - 3,
management - electronic
there is a timer.

Benefits

the ability to add water during cooking,
program for defrosting and preparing frozen foods,
muffin and coke dish included,
the presence of removable grilles,
convenient electronic control system.

disadvantages

accumulation of condensate
Insufficient power cord
lack of handles on the condensate drain pan.

Tefal VC 1451

Significantly different from the baskets mentioned earlier - stainless metal, the body is made of plastic. It is completed with two tiers and a bowl for preparing rice cereals. It is controlled by mechanics. There is a timer for an hour, at the end of the program it automatically turns off the device. Baskets can be interchanged; compact folding for storage is provided. Indicator showing the water level. During cooking, you can add water to the double boiler.

Metal baskets.
Easy to clean.
Folds compactly.
The ability to add water at any time.
Timer.

Quiet signal about the end of cooking.
Metal baskets are not transparent and do not allow you to observe the preparation without opening the lid.

See also - How to use a double boiler

Tefal VC 1401 Convenient

Made entirely in black. There are two tiers for cooking. It is controlled mechanically using a timer for one hour, after the end of the program it is turned off independently. The power of the device is 950 watts. The body and bowls are made of high impact plastic. It is completed with a bowl for rice groats; there are recesses for making eggs. Water level indicator. There is no delayed start system. Do not add water to this model during use.

Durable materials.
There is no smell of plastic when cooking.
Mechanical type trip timer.
Easy to clean.
Quickly prepares tasty and healthy dishes.

Only two tiers.
There is no possibility to add water at any time.

How the Tefal steamer works

The principle of operation of the device is based on the continuous generation of steam, it circulates through containers with food, condenses. The food remains juicy, it retains useful substances, vitamins. Due to the continuous regulation of heat fluxes, the food warms up evenly.

The principle of operation of the device is based on the continuous generation of steam, it circulates through containers with food, condenses.

Types and characteristics of double boiler

Double boiler work according to one principle: the heating element is located below, the containers are located above. Simple models have three programs: cooking, defrosting, heating. There are double boiler with a large set of programs, additional functions, a built-in unit that allows you to set the cooking time in automatic mode.

Equipment

A double boiler consists of a heating block, baskets or food bowls, a pan. It is deep and shallow; periodically, condensate needs to be poured out of it.

A double boiler consists of a heating block, baskets or food bowls, a pan.

Bowls of different volumes are installed above the steam generator, the maximum is 4.5 liters, the total reaches 10 liters. Tanks are round, oval: from narrow elongated to wide. They are plastic and metal, with a detachable or solid bottom.

Accessories

Some models are equipped with:

A non-perforated bowl for side dishes and cereals, it is placed in a steam room,
The grill on the legs for cooking poultry, whole fish,
Spice and seasoning containers, they will flavor the steam, but will not cause clogging of the channels,
Plastic spoon for dredging food,
Stands for cooking eggs.

These additional items expand the possibilities of using a double boiler.

Type of control

Mechanically controlled models are equipped with a timer, the cooking time must be set independently. Double boiler with an electronic display is more convenient, the panel shows the water level, a list of products. Cooking time is set automatically. From 50 to 120 product names are added to the control unit.

Double boiler with an electronic display is more convenient, the panel shows the water level, a list of products.

Features and Benefits of Steamers

The company produces double boiler with various functions, the review presents the most popular models with a number of advantages.

For a small kitchen, the Tefal VC 1301 minicompact steamer is convenient. The Tefal steam cooker Steam Cuisine Vitamin has a delayed start function, the device automatically turns off when the water in the steam generator runs out. Of the additional options can be called a built-in clock,

The device automatically turns off when the water in the steam generator runs out. The powerful VS 4003 VitaCabin Compact is equipped with a grill for preparing whole fish, an egg stand, a marinade tray and a spice container,

The powerful VS 4003 VitaCitchen Compact is equipped with a grill for preparing whole fish. The VC 1017 Simply Invents and VC 1002 Ultra Compact have only two containers, the package includes convenient accessories,

The VC 1002 Ultra Compact double boiler has only two containers; convenient accessories are included in the package. Universal steamer Julia Vysotskaya with stainless steel bowls is equipped with a delayed start, defrost, cooking time is set automatically,

Universal double boiler Julia Vysotskaya with stainless steel bowls. The Baby Home combi unit is additionally equipped with a blender and features many features, including quick defrosting. The Disney TD7000 model is similarly arranged, the kit includes jars for baby food,

The Disney TD7000 combo unit is equipped with a blender and comes with many features, including quick defrost. The model with the Steamer Aquatimer electronic unit has the “Aquatimer” function, a light indicator indicates to which mark water needs to be poured,

The indicator light indicates to what level water needs to be poured. Tefal Convenient Series VC 145130, a modern steam boiler that has recently appeared on the market, has stainless steel metal bowls and a glass lid. Unlike plastic, metal does not absorb the smells of dishes, does not collapse with time.

Unlike plastic, metal does not absorb the smells of dishes, does not collapse with time.

Disadvantages

Dimensional equipment is difficult to store, put in dishwashers. Bowls mounted on a heater are difficult to clean. Steam can damage furniture and decoration. It is necessary to periodically clean the equipment, carefully operate it. Some models immediately burn out after switching on without water. Gourmets consider the lack of a crisp to be a drawback, the food is not so delicious.

First inclusion

Before using a double boiler, all removable bowls are removed from labels, washed using conventional dishwashing detergents, a soft washcloth without an abrasive layer. Wipe dry. The container, mounted on the heating block, is not placed under a stream of water; it is first wiped with a damp, then a dry cloth.

Preparation for use

The double boiler must be installed on a flat surface near the outlet. The cord should sag freely. The use of extension cords is undesirable. For safety reasons, do not put equipment on the edge of the table, so as not to drop it during operation.

The double boiler must be installed on a flat surface near the outlet.

Always take into account the location of the steam outlet, this is a zone of high humidity. Steam can spoil wooden shelves, the bottom of a wall cabinet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles. It breaks out of the double boiler under pressure, the distance to the valve should be at least 50 cm. Then, water is refilled, and products for preparation are laid.

It is important to consider that all models of Tefal steamers are equipped with a function of supporting heat for 20 minutes, the device does not need to be turned on again to heat food, it will remain hot.

Cooking process

Cooking times are usually indicated in the recipe. A large list of products indicating the timing of preparation is indicated in the instruction manual. The timer sets the right time. Oriented to the minimum cooking time. When using several bowls at the same time, it is important to adhere to the rules for laying products; long-prepared dishes are placed at the bottom. Those that cook quickly should be on top. If necessary, remove the upper bowl or, instead of cooked food, lay out a fresh one.

A large list of products indicating the timing of preparation is indicated in the instruction manual.

It is important to consider the palatability of the products. Condensate from the upper tank will fall into the lower tanks, together with steam, volatile ether components and fragrances get into the upper tanks.

Water filling rules

The use of tap untreated water is undesirable. It becomes the cause of scale formation. Bottled or filtered water is poured into the container. There are special marks in the tank, they regulate the water level. It must be higher than the lower risks, lower than the upper, must not exceed the maximum permissible volume, otherwise boiling water will splash out of the container.

The maximum level corresponds to 45 minutes of operation of the double boiler, if cooking takes less time, the volume of water is reduced.

Bottled or filtered water is poured into the container.

By the way, in some models of Tefal steamers, it is possible to add water during cooking. Such an additional function is convenient, it helps to save electricity for steam generation.

Product Bookmarking Principles

Fill containers, given several rules:

Part of the perforated bottom is left free so that steam circulation is not disturbed,
Permissible thickness of meat and fish steaks - 1 cm,
Thin slices of food are laid on top, thick slices on the bottom,
Food is not salted during cooking, it is washed off with steam, it becomes the cause of breakdowns of household appliances
Sausages, sausages pierce before cooking,
Rice is washed before cooking, pour boiling water into the side dish,
Broccoli, cauliflower are divided into inflorescences,
Vegetables are cut in equal cubes.

Food is not salted during cooking, it is washed off with steam, and it causes breakdowns in household appliances.

Care Tips

There are some tips to keep the steam cooker longer:

For washing containers, it is not recommended to use cleaning products with abrasives, aggressive acids, alkalis,
After each use, it is necessary to clean not only removable containers, but also the lower bowl, the remains of fat, food acids, vegetable juices are removed from it,
Descaling is done after 5-7 times using a double boiler to prevent clogging of the channels,
Cleaning equipment is carried out only after disconnecting from the network, you need to unplug the cord from the outlet.

Cleaning equipment is carried out only after disconnecting from the network, you need to unplug the cord from the outlet.

Descaling

25 g of citric acid powder must be dissolved in 1 liter of water. The solution is poured into a water tank. A double boiler is turned on several times for 7-10 minutes, then turned off. Only one bowl is installed above the steam generator. After cleaning, the acidic solution is drained, the container is rinsed, if it is removed. They fill the device with clean water, let it work for 2-3 minutes.

Malfunctions

Tefal - reliable equipment, malfunctions are rare. Independently repairing household appliances is undesirable. If necessary, it is allowed to replace parts after prolonged use of a double boiler.

Independently repairing household appliances is undesirable.

The main types of breakdowns, their causes and solutions

Unfortunately, like with any equipment, a steam boiler can have such breakdowns over time:

The timer is working poorly. Over time, the mechanism wears out, requires replacement. You can replace it yourself by ordering a new timer on the Internet resource or in the service center. Repair does not take much time,
The volume of steam released decreased, dishes began to cook more slowly. The cause may be a clogged channel of the steam generator, scale has formed in it, there is a deposit of salts. The power of the steam generator can be restored by cleaning using food acids. The steamer is again filled with clean water, and it is checked whether the volume of generated steam has changed. If not, perhaps the cause is a malfunction of the heating device, in which case it is necessary to contact a service center,
Spontaneous shutdown and inclusion of a double boiler during operation occurs when the filters are dirty. During the warranty period they are changed free of charge, such a service is included in the scope of warranty service of Tefal centers. After prolonged use, users replace or clean the filters themselves or pay for the services of a wizard,
The double boiler began to turn off a few seconds after starting. This happens after turning on the dry steam generator, without refueling the water in the container. This is not a warranty case, but a serious violation of the rules for operating household appliances. You can try to fix the breakdown yourself if you have the skills to work with a soldering iron. Remove the removable elements from the double boiler, disconnect the device from the network. Remove the cover and cap protecting the heater. The spiral is checked with a multimeter, the readings should be in the range from 25 to 120 ohms. If the device does not respond, the heating elements are changed. With a working spiral check the sensor. It happens that the antennae supporting the control ball burn up. They are unbent, and then soldered to the ball using rosin.

If the Tefal double boiler breaks down, it is more advisable to contact the master.

Breakdowns that require master intervention

More serious damage:

Clogging of the steam channels, they become clogged when finely dispersed spices are used during cooking,
Indicator malfunction, maybe it's time to change the bulb,
Lack of power often results from a broken cord,
Defective bowl or removable reservoir. Must be replaced with an element for a specific model.

With proper care, compliance with the operating rules of the tefal steamer will serve for many years, preserving the taste and beneficial properties of the products.

With proper care, compliance with the operating rules of the tefal steamer will serve for many years, preserving the taste and beneficial properties of the products. Adherents of a healthy diet prefer steamers. Electric household appliances are convenient and comfortable to use.