A Guide To Identifying Your Vegetable Steamer

A vegetable steamer is a handy tool for cooking vegetables quickly and healthily. There are several types of vegetable steamers, including electric steamers, stovetop steamers, and microwave steamers. Electric steamers are standalone appliances with a base unit, basket(s), and a lid with vents. Stovetop steamers are metal baskets that are placed in a pot of boiling water, and microwave steamers are simply microwave-safe bowls with a cover. Vegetable steamers come in various sizes and can be made from stainless steel, silicone, or plastic. They typically have handles for easy lifting and often feature adjustable or collapsible designs for convenient storage.

Electric vs. Stove-top

Vegetable steamers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a range of materials, including stainless steel, silicone, plastic, and even bamboo. They can be used to steam not only vegetables but also fish, seafood, dumplings, buns, desserts, and more.

Electric Steamers

Electric steamers are standalone countertop appliances that are designed to do the work for you. They typically feature multiple tiers, allowing you to cook an entire meal at the same time. You simply add water and the vegetables you plan on steaming, close and lock the lid, and select the appropriate setting.

Stove-top Steamers

Stove-top steamers, on the other hand, are typically inserted directly into a pot or pan and placed on the stove or in the microwave. They come in various forms, including steamer baskets, steamer inserts, and steamer pots.

Steamer Baskets

A steamer basket is the most common way to steam vegetables. This simple houseware is placed directly into a pot or pan of boiling water, with the steam rising up to cook the vegetables. Steamer baskets are usually made of stainless steel, but can also be made of silicone or plastic. They often feature petals that can be folded to adjust the size of the basket, allowing them to fit into pots or pans of various sizes.

Steamer Inserts

Steamer inserts are similar to steamer baskets, but they typically have a more solid structure with a handle in the center for easy lifting. They are usually made of stainless steel and may have silicone feet protectors to prevent scratches on the bottom of the pot.

Steamer Pots

Steamer pots are specially designed pots that come with a steamer insert and a lid. They are typically made of stoneware clay and are available in a variety of glazes to match your aesthetic. In addition to steaming vegetables, they can also be used as a strainer, serving bowl, or berry bowl, and can even be used for steaming fish or couscous.

Comparison

Both electric and stove-top steamers offer their own unique advantages. Electric steamers are more convenient and may save time and effort, especially if you plan on cooking multiple items at once. They are also less hands-on, as you simply need to add the ingredients and select the appropriate setting.

Stove-top steamers, on the other hand, offer more control over the cooking process and are generally more affordable. They are also more versatile, as they can be used on different heat sources, including gas, electric, and induction stovetops, as well as in the microwave. Additionally, stove-top steamers are typically easier to clean, as they can be immersed in water, whereas electric steamers should not be submerged and must be carefully cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Ultimately, the choice between an electric and a stove-top steamer depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both options are viable choices for steaming vegetables and other foods, and the decision comes down to your personal cooking style and requirements.

Microwave steaming

To steam vegetables in the microwave, first prepare your vegetables by washing them and cutting them into serving-size pieces. Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl or dish and add a thin layer of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a large plate, leaving one corner slightly open for ventilation.

Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for two minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and thickness of the vegetables, so check them regularly and turn them over with a fork if they are still firm. Continue microwaving in two-minute intervals until the vegetables are tender.

You can also buy pre-prepared vegetables that come in microwave steam bags. Simply place the bag in the microwave and cook according to the instructions.

Steamer basket design

A steamer basket is a simple piece of kitchenware that can be inserted into a pot or pan and placed on a stove or in a microwave. They are typically made from stainless steel and have a familiar, blossom-shaped design. They usually have three legs to keep the basket out of boiling water during steaming and a small handle to help keep hands away from the steam.

When designing a steamer basket, it is important to consider the following:

• Size and Adjustability: Steamer baskets should be adjustable to fit a variety of pot and pan sizes. They should be able to expand to fit larger pots and collapse for easy storage. The size of the basket will also determine how much food can be steamed at once.
• Ease of Use: The handle of the steamer basket should be easy to grip and manoeuvre, with an opening for a fork or a knob that can be grasped with tongs. The handle should also be removable or have a telescoping capability to keep hands away from hot food and steam. Additionally, the steamer basket should be easy to clean, especially in the areas around the perforations and folding petals.
• Durability: The steamer basket should be made of sturdy and durable materials that can withstand repeated use and washing without denting or becoming loose.
• Safety: The steamer basket should have features such as protective covers on the metal feet to prevent scratches on the bottom of the pot and a handle that stays cool to the touch to prevent burns.

Steamer basket materials

Steamer baskets are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most common materials are stainless steel and silicone.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a durable material that can retain heat for longer. It is often favoured for its flat bottom, which allows for the steaming of multiple items at once. Its collapsible design also makes it easy to store. However, food is more likely to stick to stainless steel, and the tiny holes can be a pain to scrub.

Silicone

Silicone is a flexible material that can fit into most pot sizes. It is easy to clean and does not conduct heat as much as metal, so it won't burn your hands. However, its floppy nature might not hold items in place, and delicate items like dumplings might stick together.

Other Materials

Other less common materials for steamer baskets include plastic and bamboo. Plastic is usually not preferred due to its low melting point, while bamboo steamers are traditional tools that have been used for centuries in Asian cuisine.

Steamer basket handles

Handles are an important feature of steamer baskets, as they can greatly affect a steamer's ease of use. They come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, with some steamer baskets featuring double handles, and others featuring a single handle with a hole for a fork. Handles can be removable, and some have a telescoping capability, which is meant to keep one's hands away from hot food and steam. However, telescoping handles don't always function as intended, and can sometimes become wobbly or unpredictable.

The handles of steamer baskets can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel and heat-resistant plastic. They can also be designed to be cool to the touch, even after long steaming sessions.

Frequently asked questions