The Best Steamer?

[northepaul]

I have wanted to get one for ages, and have tried the ones you put over the pan, (which never seem to fit any of my saucepans...) but wonderd if any grapes have any recomendations on the steamer front? I am looking for one that not too big.

Cheers

[valmarg]

We bought a stainless steel steamer from Sainsburys. It consists of a base pan, for the water, and two steamer baskets and a lid. It is for use on a hob (gas or electric). It cost £14.99.

We have seen similar models slightly cheaper, and also much more expensive,

Would thoroughly recommend.

You only need to use it on the lowest gas burner (in our case) so it is economical to use.

valmag

[bluemoon]

Have you thought about an electric one? I wouldn't be without mine because it frees up the hob for other things. They seem to be pretty much the same whichever brand you buy so a cheap one is just as good as the more expensive ones (after all, they have plastic trays and produce steam, no possibilities for bells and whistles).

[bubblewrap]

Here's a good steamer.
Google Image Result for http://www.railwaypictures.co.uk/data/media/3/Tornado_arriving_at_Eastleigh_station.jpg

[northepaul]

Here's a good steamer.
Google Image Result for http://www.railwaypictures.co.uk/data/media/3/Tornado_arriving_at_Eastleigh_station.jpg

LOL!! I somehow think it wont fit on my worktop!

[WrexTheDragon]

I always use the plastic bowls that Christmass Puddings come in and it also has the plastic lid. I noticed this year in Tesco's they don't come with lids.

A bit of water and pop it in the microwave. Great for veg.

[Dane End Dolly]

I use an electric one which has diferent baskets and steams veg and fish wonderfully, the baskets go in the dishwasher nicely and the hob stays free, the steamer also has a timer which is useful

[shirlthegirl43]

I have an electric steamer and wouldn't be without one.

[Alison]

I have both an electric steamer and stainless steel ones for on the hot plate. The former gets used about once a year and the hot plates ones at least every other night, far less phaff and more convenient in my opinion so different things do suit different people.

[shirlthegirl43]

Not sure how the electric steamer can be more faff than one on the hob. As Alison says, each to his own. I have both types but only use the hob one at Christmas and New Year when I make super loads of veggies.

[winstonwobble]

i cook my veg in an electric steamer every time it also cook fish to perfection dont do pots in it though they go through the holes when you mash them

[SarzWix]

I've never owned an electric one, just they type which goes on the hob. It's a stainless steel one with a biggish bottom pan and 2 baskets, only a cheapy Swan one, but it does the job really well. The bottom pan with the lid works well as a small casserole too

It looks just like this;

[northepaul]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I am now torn between a hob or electric one....!! I will do further research, and thank you...what would I do without you?

[Alison]

I've never owned an electric one, just they type which goes on the hob. It's a stainless steel one with a biggish bottom pan and 2 baskets, only a cheapy Swan one, but it does the job really well. The bottom pan with the lid works well as a small casserole too

It looks just like this;

That's pretty similar to mine although mine has proper saucepan type handles (there may be a proper name for this but I don't know it!) which I find easier. I think if you buy them separately then they don't "seal" very well but they're spot on if they're part of a set

[bobleponge]

The best steamer ever is clearly Thunderchild, even though those pesky Martians got her!!!!!