Steamers Buying Guide
If you want to whip up healthy foods 
quickly and easily, it may be the perfect time to invest in a steamer. These handy kitchen appliances use steam to cook anything from veggies and rice to eggs and seafood, all while sealing in the nutrients and flavours of your delicious fresh dishes. Steamers are also great for cooking multiple foods at once, as well as reheating last night's dinner. They cook cleanly and evenly for even the most sophisticated of meals--give hot tamales or dim sum a try--so they may be just the tool you're looking for to jump-start your cooking career! Take a look at some of the steamer basics below and you'll be headed to the kitchen in no time.
The Options
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Stovetop Steamers These more traditional models often come as pots with steamer inserts, allowing you to cook your entrée foods and sauces together. A good stovetop steamer should be made of stainless steel, with some sort of non-stick bottom to help avoid burning and making washing easier. Other important features to look for are comfortable, easy to grip handles that won't slip from your hands and are resistant to heat. Collapsable steamer models are also great for tight storage spaces. If you frequently steam larger vegetables, you may want to look for a model without a centre post that takes up extra space. If your veggies are taller, vertical steamers with similarly tall, narrow constructions work best. And if seafood is your game, look for steamers specifically labelled "seafood steaming pots, " because they have special spouts for draining extra broth. |
Electric Steamers Electric steamers are often stackable like their stovetop counterparts, so you are able to steam more than one food at a time. They are, however, more expensive than other models because they often have added features like LCD displays for easier readability, scent infusers that let you easily add the right amount of spices to foods and digital timers and exterior water level indicators that ensure that your food is cooked to perfection. Electric steamers also often come with drip trays to collect liquid for making gravies and sauces from scratch. |
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