Steam Cooking Simplified: Sunbeam's Guide To Perfect Meals

The Sunbeam 4710 steamer is a versatile food steamer that can cook a wide range of foods, including vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, sauces, cakes, and quick breads. It consists of a base, drip tray, steamer bowl, and rice bowl, each serving different steaming functions. The unit also features a timer that helps monitor the steaming process and automatically shuts off when the set time has elapsed. To use the Sunbeam steamer, place it on a heat-resistant, horizontal surface. Refer to the recipe book, steam chart, or user guide to determine the estimated steam cooking time for your desired food. The amount of water you pour into the reservoir depends on the cook time. If steaming for less than 13 minutes, fill the reservoir to the minimum level; for longer steaming, fill it to the maximum level. Place the drip tray on the base, then fill the steaming bowl, rice bowl, or a suitable pan with your chosen ingredients. Cover with the lid and plug in the steamer. Turn the timer dial to the required time and wait for your food to cook. For large quantities of food, it is advisable to check and stir or reposition the contents halfway through the steaming process. When the timer rings, check if your food is cooked to your liking. If so, unplug the steamer and serve. Otherwise, add more water to the reservoir and continue steaming.

How to fill the Sunbeam steam cooker with water

To fill the Sunbeam steam cooker with water, first, position the cooker on a heat-resistant, horizontal surface, away from cupboards and walls to avoid steam damage. Check your recipe or the steam chart in the user guide for the estimated cook time. This is important because the amount of water you need to add depends on your cook time.

If you're steaming your food for less than 13 minutes, fill the reservoir to the minimum water level mark. If you're steaming for between 13 and 60 minutes, fill the reservoir to the maximum mark. Once you've added the correct amount of water, set the drip tray on the base.

If you're using the steaming bowl, place it on the base above the drip tray and cover it with the lid. If you don't need the steaming bowl, place the rice bowl or an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pan in the steaming bowl instead.

How to prepare food for steaming

Preparing food for steaming is a simple process and can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a guide on how to prepare food for steaming with a Sunbeam steamer:

Firstly, it is important to ensure your steamer is set up correctly and safely. Position the steamer base on a heat-resistant, horizontal surface, away from cupboards and walls to avoid damage. Always refer to the safety instructions in your user manual.

Next, check your recipe for the estimated steam cook time for your chosen foods. This will determine how much water you need to add to the water reservoir in the base. If steaming for less than 13 minutes, fill the reservoir to the minimum water level mark. For steaming between 13 and 60 minutes, fill to the maximum mark.

Now you can prepare your food. Fill the steaming bowl, rice bowl, or a suitable heat-proof dish with your chosen ingredients. If using the steaming bowl only, place it on the base above the drip tray and cover with the lid. If not using the steaming bowl, place the bowl/dish in the steaming bowl and cover.

Some foods may require specific preparation methods, so always refer to your recipe. For example, when preparing chicken, it is recommended to rinse it with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels before arranging it in the steaming bowl.

Once your food is prepared and placed in the steamer, you are ready to begin the steaming process. Plug in the steamer, set the timer, and wait for your food to cook. For large quantities of food, check midway through and stir or reposition if needed.

Finally, when the timer rings, check your food. If it is cooked, unplug the steamer and serve. If it requires more time, simply add more water to the reservoir and continue steaming.

Always refer to your Sunbeam steamer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

How to assemble the Sunbeam steam cooker

To assemble the Sunbeam 4710 steamer, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that you have a heat-resistant, horizontal surface on which to place the steamer. This is important as steam can damage cupboards and walls. Once you have found a suitable location, position the steamer base.

Next, refer to your recipe, the steam chart in the user guide, or the Sunbeam website to determine the estimated steam cook time for your chosen foods. This is important as it will dictate how much water you need to add to the water reservoir in the base. If steaming for less than 13 minutes, fill the reservoir to the minimum water level mark. For steaming between 13 and 60 minutes, fill to the maximum mark.

Now, prepare your food. If using the steaming bowl, simply place it on the base above the drip tray and cover with the lid. If not using the steaming bowl, place the bowl on the base, fill your rice bowl or loaf pan as desired, and place this in the steaming bowl before covering with the lid.

At this point, you are ready to begin steaming. Plug in your steamer and turn the timer dial to the estimated time required to steam your food. Wait for the food to cook, checking midway through if steaming a large quantity of food. If necessary, stir or reposition the food.

Once the timer rings, check your food. If it is cooked to your liking, unplug the steamer and begin serving. If it requires further cooking, simply add more water to the reservoir and continue steaming.

Finally, once you have finished cooking and served your food, it is important to clean your steamer. Allow all parts to cool before cleaning. The drip tray, steaming bowl, rice bowl, and lid can be placed in the top rack of a dishwasher or washed by hand with hot water, a mild detergent, and a soft microfiber cloth. Rinse under running water and air or wipe dry. For the reservoir and base, wipe with a soapy microfiber cloth and then rinse with a damp cloth. Reassemble your steamer and put it away, ready for next time.

How long to steam food for

The Sunbeam 4710 steamer is a food steamer that can cook a wide range of foods, including vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, sauces, cakes, and quick breads. The steaming time depends on the type of food being cooked, the size of the food pieces, the spacing of the food in the steamer bowl, the freshness of the food, and personal preference.

• For steaming foods for less than 13 minutes, fill the reservoir to the minimum water level mark.
• If steaming foods between 13 to 60 minutes, fill the reservoir to the maximum mark.
• For high-altitude cooking, steaming times may need to be increased. The exact times vary by location.
• The steaming times stated in the charts and recipes provided by Sunbeam are only a guide and may need to be adjusted based on the specific factors mentioned above.
• Trout fillets with vegetables: Fill the Water Reservoir to the Max level. Steam for 50 minutes or until the thermometer inserted into the meaty part of the chicken registers 170°F.
• Vegetables: Fill the Water Reservoir to the Max level. Peel and cut the vegetables into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in the Steaming Bowl and steam for 15 minutes.
• Chicken wings: Prep time is 10 minutes, and cook time is 45 minutes.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Prep time is 10 minutes, and cook time is 35 minutes.
• Whole chicken: Prep time is 10 minutes, and cook time is 55 minutes.

How to clean the Sunbeam steam cooker

To clean the Sunbeam 4710 steamer, first make sure that all parts of the steamer have cooled down. Then, place all parts except the base in the top rack of a dishwasher to wash and rinse with the rest of your dishes on a normal cycle. Alternatively, wash the pieces by hand with hot water, a mild detergent, and a soft microfiber cloth. Rinse under running water and then air or wipe dry.

For the reservoir and base, wipe them down with a soapy microfiber cloth and then rinse with a damp cloth. Never immerse the base in water, as this can cause permanent damage. Similarly, avoid using harsh chemical, abrasive, or acidic cleaners, as these can also damage the steamer.

Frequently asked questions