The Ultimate Guide To Steamers: Appearance And Functionality

Steamers are a great way to cook food without losing out on nutrient quality and taste. They are simple to use and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables to meats and seafood. Steamers come in different types, including electric and stove-top. Electric steamers are standalone appliances that do the work for you, while stove-top steamers are inserted into pots or pans and used on stoves or in microwaves. Steamers can be made of bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone. They are usually designed with multiple tiers to cook different dishes simultaneously.

Electric vs. Stove-top

There are two main types of steamers: stove-top and electric. Stove-top steamers are inserts that fit into or on top of a saucepan or other pot that's filled with an inch or two of simmering water. Electric steamers, on the other hand, are standalone appliances with their own heating elements.

Stove-top Steamers

Stove-top steamers are a more compact and budget-friendly option. They are also more versatile since they can be used with pots of different sizes. Additionally, stove-top steamers are easier to store as they take up less space. However, they may not be as convenient as electric steamers as they require a bit more effort and attention during the cooking process.

There are several types of stove-top steamers:

• Folding or collapsible raised platforms, often made of stainless steel or silicone, that sit in the bottom of a pot
• A perforated metal pan that nests in a saucepan, similar to a double boiler
• A bamboo basket that can nest in a wok

Electric Steamers

Electric steamers are more expensive and take up counter or storage space. However, they are more convenient as they are standalone appliances with their own heating elements. You simply need to add water, put your food in, and turn on the steamer.

Electric steamers usually have stackable, perforated trays or can be divided so that you can cook different foods at the same time. Some common types of electric steamers include rice cookers, multi-cookers, and electric pressure cookers.

Both stove-top and electric steamers have their pros and cons. Stove-top steamers are more compact, versatile, and budget-friendly, while electric steamers are more convenient and less attention-demanding. Choose the one that best fits your needs, preferences, and cooking habits.

Metal or Silicone Basket Steamers

Metal or silicone steamer baskets are a handy tool to have in the kitchen. They are used to hold food just above simmering water, allowing it to cook in the steam that builds up in a covered pot. This is a great way to cook anything from vegetables to fish to dumplings, without oil or an oven.

Metal or silicone steamer baskets are usually collapsible, with petals that can be folded in or extended out, depending on the size of the pot or pan. They are placed inside a pot or pan with about an inch or two of water, with the basket sitting just above the water level. The basket is then filled with food and covered with a lid to trap the steam inside. The food is cooked until it is tender and cooked through, with steaming times varying depending on the type of food. For example, vegetables usually take around 5-10 minutes, while meat can take up to 30 minutes.

When choosing a metal or silicone steamer basket, look for one with a sturdy construction and a versatile design that can fit in both small and large pots or pans. The handles are also important, as they affect the ease of use. Some steamer baskets have a central handle with a hole for a fork or a knob that can be grasped with tongs. Others have double handles made of silicone, which stay cool to the touch and are easy to manoeuvre.

Some popular metal or silicone steamer baskets on the market include:

• KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket
• OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer
• Consevisen Steamer Basket Stainless Steel
• Farberware Professional Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer
• Martha Stewart Stainless Steel Folding Steamer Insert

Bamboo Basket Steamers

When choosing a bamboo basket steamer, consider the amount of food you want to cook at once. They come in various sizes, from small 6-inch steamers suitable for a few dumplings to larger 12-inch ones that can fit a duck. For home cooks, a standard 10-inch to 12-inch basket steamer is usually sufficient. If you're purchasing a steamer for commercial use, opt for a larger size, such as a 30-inch steamer.

Additionally, look for a steamer with a flat bottom so that food lies evenly inside. Some steamers also come with accessories like paper liners, chopsticks, and sauce dishes.

When using a bamboo basket steamer, it's essential to line the bottom of each tray with lettuce, cabbage leaves, or parchment steamer liners to prevent food from sticking. Place the food in a single layer, leaving some space between the items to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking meat and vegetables together, use separate tiers as meat takes longer to cook.

To steam the food, add 1 to 2 inches of water to a shallow pan that fits the basket snugly. Bring the water to a simmer, then place the steamer in the pan and cover it with a lid. The cooking time will depend on the type of food you're preparing. For example, vegetables usually take around 5 to 7 minutes, while meat can take up to 25 to 30 minutes.

Remember to check the water level occasionally and replenish it if necessary, as the water creates the steam. Additionally, bamboo steamers should be hand-washed with mild, fragrance-free detergent and dried thoroughly before storing to prevent mould or mildew.

Stainless Steel Steamers

Stovetop Steamers

Stainless steel stovetop steamers typically consist of three parts: a pot, a steamer basket, and a lid. To use a stovetop steamer:

• Fill the pot with 1 to 2 inches of water and place it on the stove.
• Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Place the steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring the water level is below the basket.
• Add your ingredients to the basket.
• Cover the pot with the lid and reduce the heat to medium.
• Let the food steam until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Electric Steamers

Electric steamers are standalone appliances designed to steam food with minimal input from the user. They typically have multiple tiers, allowing for the simultaneous cooking of different foods. To use an electric steamer:

• Add water to the base of the steamer.
• Place your ingredients in the steamer baskets.
• Close and lock the lid.
• Select the appropriate setting for the type of food you are cooking.

Steamer Basket Hack

If you don't have a steamer, you can create your own using a metal colander or strainer, a large pot, and some aluminum foil. Here's how:

• Fill a pot with approximately half an inch of water.
• Place a metal colander or strainer inside the pot, ensuring it rests above the water level.
• If your strainer doesn't rest on the rim of the pot, hold it in place with an oven mitt.
• Add your ingredients to the strainer in a single layer.
• Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat so it barely bubbles.
• Cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping and check your food often to prevent overcooking.

Microwave Steamers

Materials and Construction:

Basket or Bowl:

The basket or bowl is where the food is placed for steaming. It typically has a removable strainer or perforated base that allows steam to circulate around the food. The basket or bowl may be round or rectangular in shape, with a capacity ranging from 1 to 2.5 quarts. It usually has a lip or rim around the top for secure handling. Some steamers have adjustable steam vents or release valves built into the basket to control the amount of steam during cooking.

Lid:

The lid is an essential component of the microwave steamer as it helps trap the steam and heat inside. It typically has a tight-fitting design to prevent steam from escaping. Some lids have easy-lift tabs or handles that stay cool to the touch, making it safer to open the steamer after cooking. The lid may also have a steam release vent or adjustable valve to prevent pressure buildup and control the amount of steam.

Size and Capacity:

Additional Features:

Some microwave steamers have additional features for convenience and safety. These may include dishwasher-safe materials, freezer-safe construction, adjustable steam vents, cool-touch handles or tabs, and stackable designs for easy storage. Some steamers also come with recipe books or steaming guides to help you get started.

In summary, microwave steamers are designed to be convenient and efficient for steaming food in the microwave. They typically consist of a steamer basket or bowl with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and heat. The size and capacity can vary, but most steamers are designed to fit standard microwaves, making them a handy tool for quick and healthy meals.

Frequently asked questions