Buying guide: which couscoussier should you choose?

Couscoussier

What is a couscoussier?

Once a clay dish perforated with holes, the couscoussier is now made of metal (aluminum or stainless steel). Used for preparing couscous, the couscoussier is a container consisting of an upper and a lower part. Several types of couscoussiers can be found on the market.

Beyond preparing couscous dishes, the couscoussier is also used for cooking other foods, such as vegetables, meat pieces, etc. With its airtight lid, it helps retain the cooking juices to the maximum, as it ensures the preservation of steam inside. You can also use it to reheat your dishes.

It is also useful for cooking various steamed dishes, meaning that beyond its primary function, the couscoussier is becoming an increasingly indispensable kitchen utensil.

Let’s talk a bit about its components:

• The bottom pot

The base or bottom of the couscoussier is essentially a large pot, often with a slight contour at the edge. As such, it can be used alone to make soups, broths, and stews other than those prepared to accompany couscous. You can also use it to boil pasta.

• The steamer basket

A large steamer basket sits on top of the base. Although the holes in the bottom are larger than those of a typical strainer, the fine grains of couscous do not fall through.

The steamer basket does not nest deeply inside the pot like some styles of steaming baskets but fits snugly along the rim. This leaves enough space in the pot below to cook large quantities.

In addition to couscous, the basket can be used to steam other foods such as broken vermicelli, spinach leaves, or mallow leaves when preparing cooked salads, as well as poultry, meats, rice, and vegetables.

Why use a couscoussier?

Designed for cooking couscous, the couscoussier can also be used for other purposes. You can use it to steam-cook food. With a couscoussier, you have the advantage of preparing dishes with 0% fat. It also allows for the preparation of a variety of dishes and exploring different cuisines.

Are there different types of couscoussiers?

There are different types of couscoussiers, from the most traditional to the most modern.

• The traditional couscoussier

The traditional model is handmade. It is made of terracotta, using alfa from Taourit, a desert grass used in basketry, lined with a cloth to steam the semolina. This traditional terracotta couscoussier features hand-painted oriental ornaments. Some models can be found in copper, but they are rare.

Terracotta has many advantages, such as preserving the flavor of food and allowing slow cooking. However, it remains a fragile material and is not recommended unless you follow an extremely slow temperature rise. The rustic charm of this type of pot is also highly appreciated in Europe.

• The electric couscoussier

The electric couscoussier is a recent model. It is a versatile pot for preparing many dishes, including couscous, but also tagines, steamed dishes, stews, etc. This model is modern.

Equipped with a timer and a thermostat, it also allows you to keep your dishes warm. The use of this type of couscous machine is simple and practical, but care must be taken in its maintenance to avoid damaging its base and electrical circuit.

• The stainless steel couscoussier

Do you want to diversify the dishes you prepare at home? Opt for specialties from other countries, such as couscous. But to do it correctly, you need the right utensil, namely a stainless steel couscoussier. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium.

This allows stainless steel utensils to be used on induction cooktops. Sometimes, the alloy also contains nickel, which adds even more durability to the utensil. Otherwise, the mention of “inox” on some couscoussier models might confuse you.

Rest assured, it is still stainless steel. The stainless steel couscoussier is the most popular on the market. It has many advantages, such as durability and resistance. First, the stainless steel couscoussier is highly resistant with a long lifespan.

Its durability can extend up to 25 years or more. Additionally, it ensures even heat distribution, allowing for gentle and quick cooking. This way, you combine flavor and energy savings, as you reduce energy consumption thanks to the quick cooking process.

Moreover, it is compatible with all types of stovetops, including induction. Its use is accessible to everyone, and maintenance is easy. This type of couscoussier is also affordable for all budgets.

One of the advantages of using a stainless steel couscous machine is that the material allows for even heat distribution. Your dish then cooks quickly without losing its flavor.

Finally, know that a stainless steel couscoussier enables healthy cooking beneficial to your health. Since you don’t need to add fat, food does not stick to the sides or bottom, making cleaning the stainless steel pot easier.

The design of the stainless steel couscoussier is attractive. The material gives a sober yet classy appearance. Additionally, if you opt for a glass lid, you will have an elegant and stylish stainless steel couscoussier.

• The induction couscoussier

This is one of the models designed exclusively for compatibility with induction cooktops. However, this model is also suitable for other types of stovetops. The induction couscoussier is not yet a widely popular model on the market. Moreover, it may be slightly more expensive than other types of couscoussiers.

• The stainless steel couscoussier

The stainless steel couscoussier does not stick at all. When using it, there is no risk of having to scrape food off the inside of the utensil. This makes cleaning easier. It is also unnecessary to add fat since the food is unlikely to stick.

Moreover, the capacity of this utensil is quite significant, up to 15 liters depending on the model. Thus, the couscoussier allows you to prepare dishes for multiple people. If you often host guests or have a large family, then the couscoussier is the ideal kitchen utensil.

Finally, from an aesthetic point of view, you can trust the stainless steel couscoussier as it can blend well with your kitchen, regardless of its style. You just need to choose a good placement, as the appliance is quite sturdy.

Some advantages of using a couscoussier

As a cooking appliance, we must acknowledge that the couscoussier offers numerous advantages. Among them, note that:

• The couscoussier is easy to clean
• The couscoussier allows for even cooking of food
• The couscoussier enables cooking multiple foods with a single piece of equipment
• The couscoussier is easy to use
• The couscoussier makes cooking couscous effortless, etc.

Criteria for choosing a couscoussier

Certain criteria should be considered to help you make the best choice when selecting a couscoussier. These include the material, capacity, or dimensions of the utensil. You can compare different models based on your needs. But what are the key criteria for choosing a couscoussier?

• Capacity

A couscoussier is chosen based on its capacity. Some models are designed for different needs in terms of the volume of couscous to be cooked. You should choose based on your usual quantity of food to prepare. If you intend to use it daily, you can opt for a model suitable for 2 to 6 people.

If you need a couscoussier for special events, serving multiple guests, there are models available for more than 6 people, accommodating up to 20 people. The capacity of a couscoussier is measured in liters. The smallest models range from 2 to 8 liters. As for XXL models, their capacity ranges from 12 liters to 100 liters.

• Material

The material used in manufacturing different types of couscoussiers is an important factor when selecting one. It can significantly affect the durability of your couscoussier.

Various materials result in different levels of efficiency and resistance. Traditional couscoussiers are made of terracotta. You can also find models made of copper, stone, stainless steel, etc. With several models available on the market, you have the flexibility to choose based on the material that suits you best.

• Heat source

When selecting a couscoussier, you should also check if the model is compatible with different heat sources. Normally, a stainless steel model works well with various cooking heat sources. However, if you choose a traditional terracotta couscoussier, you should check with the manufacturer whether the model is suitable for induction cooktops, for example.

Note that induction-compatible couscoussiers are available for those who prefer this cooking method.

• Diameter

Besides the capacity of your couscoussier, you should also consider its diameter. This is a crucial factor when selecting a couscoussier, as it depends on the size of your stovetop. It is impractical to choose a large couscoussier if your cooktop cannot accommodate it.

Most couscoussiers on the market have a diameter ranging from 24 cm to 28 cm. You should choose according to your needs.

• Lid

The choice of lid for your stainless steel couscoussier is important. Many people prefer to see their food while it is cooking. If this is the case for you, a glass lid might be the best option, allowing you to monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid.

Some people opt for a fully stainless steel lid to avoid the fragility of glass and prevent damage to their utensil. Since stainless steel is a sturdy material, even if dropped or scratched, the lid remains undamaged.

How to maintain a couscoussier?

Maintaining a couscoussier is not difficult. Simply wash it as you would wash any other pots and pans. Using dish soap and clean water, scrub your pot. Once all the dirt has been removed, rinse it, and you’re done.