Steamers

[Moonhawk]

Can anyone reccomend a decent steamer.

We used to have a Tefal one with a “vitamin plus” button which would massivly boost the steam generation for periods of time and would cook stuff perfectly in relatively quickly.

Unfortunately it died after many years of use and I have been unable to find another with a similar function (the model we have was discontinued and the current Tefal steamers dont have the ‘boost’ button any more)

We have a Russel Hobs one at the moment - but it’s pants and takes ages to cook stuff.

[guindilias]

I've heard good reports on the Cleveland Steamer, if that's any use?

[Smiler.]

guindilias said:

I've heard good reports on the Cleveland Steamer, if that's any use?

I had my suspicions



Back on topic, we use a Russell Hobbs one, every other day.

I don't expect it to last much more than 12 months (the last one didn't but was replaced under warranty).

[tomsugden]

We had a tefal one that we used most days, and the plastic trays fell apart. We then bought this magimix one with metal trays. That was in 2009 and it’s still going strong:

https://www.johnlewis.com/magimix-11581-multifunct...

[LordGrover]

Is there any real advantage to these appliances?
I steam pretty often with a simple stove top two-tiered pan, though I occasionally use the steamer function in the instant pot (which is high pressure steaming).

[C0ffin D0dger]

I think we've got a Tefal one with three tiers. Don't use it loads as if it's just me and the wife for tea we've got a steamer basket that goes in a saucepan. The Tefal one does come into its own when doing the Sunday roast, my kids are weird as they love their veg, so I can load the steamer up with all sorts. Takes about 20 minutes to cook carrots, 12 minutes approx for broccoli. Pretty good for what it does.

[Moonhawk]

LordGrover said:

Is there any real advantage to these appliances?
I steam pretty often with a simple stove top two-tiered pan, though I occasionally use the steamer function in the instant pot (which is high pressure steaming).

Convenience - saves having loads of pans on the stove - just load the steamer up with the veg in the correct order (fastest to cook at the bottom) and set it going.

Plus you don't leach all the nutrients out into the pot water.

[Moonhawk]

tomsugden said:

We had a tefal one that we used most days, and the plastic trays fell apart.

That's what happened to ours. Shame as it lasted quite a few years and i'd buy another one in a heartbeat - but it looks like they discontinued it and don't have anything current with the same function.

Edited by Moonhawk on Thursday 5th October 22:17

[condor]

I use microwave steamers as I find them the most convenient.

[dapprman]

I actually use Chinese steamer baskets over a pan of water - think 7" is the normal large pan circumference.