Best Steamer

by Shanna Brown
(Santa Clara)

Hello,
What is the best type of steamer to purchase? Electric? If so what type/brand. Or maybe the collapsible metal type? Thanks for the input and help!

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Sassy Sez: Hi Shanna! Yes and yes. Does that help? ;O)

The type of steamers which fit into a pot on your stovetop (such as the collapsible ones) are the least expensive and work beautifully. The only thing is that you have to fire up your stove (not a big deal for most people, unless it's summertime and hot out) and you have to devote a burner to the process (also not a big deal unless you need all of your burners to cook other foods). On the down side, you can really only cook vegetables in those collapsible steamers so they are sort of a one-trick pony.

Personally, I have used Black & Decker's countertop veggie and rice steamer for years. You just set it on the countertop, add water, plug it in, and you're good to go. Makes delicious low-fat steamed veggies and PERFECT rice every single time, so it actually does double the duty. I find it the best and easiest way to steam all my veggies. It comes in regular size and double-decker version so you can steam veggies and rice at the same time.

As a bonus, I just discovered that the entire unit from top to bottom is BPA free, which is another plus in my book. xo