Steaming With The Can Cooker: A Comprehensive Guide

can cooker steam pot

The CanCooker steam pot is a 4-gallon anodized aluminium pot that can be used to cook food for up to 20 people. It works by allowing water or liquid to heat up and create steam, which cooks the food inside. The CanCooker is marketed as a healthier alternative to other cooking methods, as food rarely sticks to the sides of the pot. It can be used on stoves, campfires, and grills, and includes safety features such as heavy-duty handles and a vented lid with safety clamps.

Characteristics Values
Capacity 4 gallons
Construction Food-grade anodized aluminum
Use Stoves, campfires and grills
Safety features Riveted heavy-duty handles, vented lid, safety clamps, and a silicone gasket

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Steamer pot sets

There are many steamer pot sets available on the market, offering different features and benefits. Here are some options to consider:

Stainless Steel Options

ZENFUN offers a 2-tier stackable steamer pot with a glass lid and stainless steel construction. It has a capacity of 11 inches and is ideal for cooking vegetables, seafood, soups, and pasta.

COSTWAY offers a 4-tier steamer pot, also made of stainless steel, with a tempered glass lid. It has a capacity of 11 inches and includes two steaming septa, making it ideal for cooking vegetables and other foods.

Nevlers offers a 3-piece premium stainless steel steamer pot set, including a 3-quart cooking pot, a 2-quart steamer insert, and a vented glass lid. This set is compatible with all cooking surfaces.

Non-Stick Options

Caraway offers a non-stick and non-toxic coating steamer with handles, which is compatible with their Dutch Oven and Sauce Pan. It is ideal for steaming vegetables and seafood.

Bamboo Options

If you're looking for a more traditional option, bamboo steamer baskets are a great choice. Joyce Chen offers a 2-tier bamboo steamer basket set with a capacity of 10 inches. It includes side handles, chopsticks, ceramic sauce dishes, and paper liners, perfect for cooking dim sum, dumplings, buns, and Asian foods.

MacaRio also offers a bamboo steamer basket set with similar features, including side handles, chopsticks, sauce dishes, and paper liners.

Large Capacity Options

For those who need a larger capacity, the Concord 120-quart stainless steel stock pot with a steamer basket is an excellent choice.

The IMUSA Mexicana 20-quart aluminium stovetop steamer with a lid and steam tray is another option for large gatherings.

Multi-Purpose Options

The Cuisinart 4-piece cookware set is a 12-quart stainless steel pasta/steamer set, offering versatility in the kitchen.

The Tramontina 4-quart covered nonstick pan with a steamer is another multi-purpose option, allowing you to steam and cook various dishes.

Budget-Friendly Options

The Norpro 1-quart stainless steel mini steamer cooker is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a smaller steamer set.

The SUNHOUSE 4.6-quart steamer pot with a 2-tier stainless steel steaming pot is another affordable option, perfect for cooking vegetables, dumplings, sauces, and more.

With so many steamer pot sets available, you can easily find one that suits your needs and budget. These sets offer convenience, healthy cooking options, and versatility in the kitchen.

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Electric steamers

Benefits of Electric Steamers:

  • Tender Food: Cooking with steam makes food more tender, and food rarely sticks to the sides of the pot.
  • Healthy Cooking: Steam cooking is a healthy way to prepare food as it preserves vitamins and minerals.
  • Time-Saving: Steamers reduce cooking time compared to traditional methods.
  • Easy to Use: Electric steamers are easy to use, with precise control of cooking time.
  • Simultaneous Cooking: Many electric steamers have stackable baskets, allowing for simultaneous cooking of different foods.
  • Safety: Electric steamers often feature safety clamps, riveted handles, and auto-shutoff functions.

Popular Electric Steamer Brands:

  • BELLA
  • Cuisinart
  • Elite Gourmet
  • OVENTE
  • Secura
  • Hamilton Beach
  • Euro Cuisine
  • BUYDEEM
  • Joydeem
  • Cozeemax
  • Aroma Housewares
  • Presto
  • Nesco
  • Bear
  • VEVOR
  • Nordic Ware
  • Kalorik
  • Black and Decker
  • Ashley Kitchenware
  • NutriBullet Baby

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Stovetop steamers

There are a variety of stovetop steamers available, from stainless steel to bamboo baskets. Stainless steel steamers are durable and easy to clean, while bamboo steamers are a more traditional option and can add a unique flavour to your food. Some steamers come with multiple tiers, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously.

When choosing a stovetop steamer, consider the size and type of food you will be cooking. If you plan to cook large quantities or different types of food at once, a larger steamer with multiple tiers may be best. For smaller quantities or single types of food, a single-tier steamer should suffice.

  • The Bellman Stovetop Steamer is perfect for manual espresso makers and can produce creamy, silky milk at a lower price point than a semi-automatic machine.
  • The Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware has a 3.0-quart capacity and is suitable for cooking a variety of foods.
  • The Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets are a traditional option that can add a unique flavour to your food.
  • The Leetaltree 1.5 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan with Steamer Basket is a versatile option with a tri-ply construction and a double-sized drainage lid.

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Steam canners

There are a few things to keep in mind when using a steam canner. Firstly, it is important to use a hot pack and maintain a stream of steam throughout the processing time. Secondly, steam canners should not be used for recipes that require more than 45 minutes of processing time, as there is a risk of the canner running dry, which could result in under-processed food and damage to the canner. Thirdly, the elevation of your location will affect the boiling point of water, so it is important to adjust the processing time accordingly.

When choosing a steam canner, consider the amount of food you will be canning, the size of the pot, the type of stovetop you have, and your budget. It is also important to choose a canner with a temperature indicator or gauge, as this will help you maintain the correct temperature for your elevation.

One popular option for a steam canner is the Kitchen Crop Steam Canner by VKP Brands. This canner has a temperature indicator in the lid, uses 80% less water than traditional water bath canners, and can process up to 7 quart or 8 pint jars at a time. It is made of aluminum, which makes it lightweight and easy to heat up and cool down. It is also budget-friendly and suitable for most cooktops, including glass stovetops.

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Steam cooking in a pressure cooker

Steam cooking is a gentle way to prepare food, cooking it in a closed container with steam. Pressure cookers are ideal for steam cooking as they enclose steam for optimal cooking results. Steam cooking is a healthy option as it preserves vitamins and minerals, and it also reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods.

The Vitavit® Premium has a pressureless steam cooking setting, which allows food to be gently steamed. The steam escapes via the cooking crown, and the cooking time is the same as conventional cooking. The pressure cooker provides a precise way to control cooking time, and it is suitable for meat, fish, vegetables, and even desserts.

To steam cook with a pressure cooker, fill the pot with the minimum amount of water (check the "Min" mark on the pot). Place the food in a perforated insert, and put the insert on a tripod inside the pressure cooker. Set the cooking crown to "Steam cooking" and heat the pot for the regular duration. You can steam several foods at the same time, but they should have similar cooking times and be placed separately in the steamer insert or in colanders.

Steaming in an Instant Pot is another way to steam cook. This method is quick and easy, and it retains the nutrients in the food. You can steam just about anything in an Instant Pot that can be steamed or boiled on a stovetop. This includes vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruit.

To steam in an Instant Pot, add one cup of liquid to the bottom of the inner pot. Add the steamer basket and food, ensuring that the water level is below the food so that it cooks in the steam. Place the lid on top, set the pressure valve to "Sealing", and select the cooking program. When the steaming time is up, perform a quick release to open the pot.

Frequently asked questions

Pressure cookers generate steam to build pressure. Liquid is needed to create steam. Therefore, to successfully build pressure, there needs to be enough liquid in the pot to boil.

The minimum water requirement for the Can Cooker Steam Pot is determined by the capacity of the cooker. Check your manual for the exact amount, but it is likely around 1 cup (250ml).

Almost anything that can be steamed or boiled on the stovetop can be cooked in the Can Cooker Steam Pot. This includes vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruit.

The "Steam" function on the Can Cooker Steam Pot is a preset for high pressure for ten minutes. The time can be adjusted up to 15 minutes or down to a minimum of 3 minutes. The "Pressure Cook" function allows you to set the time manually.

Yes, you can use a metal, silicone, or bamboo steamer in the Can Cooker Steam Pot. For bamboo steamers, you will need to raise them above the water, either by placing them on the steam rack or on aluminium foil balls.

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