Steaming your food is one of the healthiest ways to cook. You don’t have to worry about food drying out when you steam. Another benefit to steaming is you don’t need to use oil when you cook, cutting calories.
With steaming, vegetables keep their nutritional value, they don’t get boiled away. So whether you’re looking to just make up a pot of rice or steam some vegetables there are a few things you need to think about with how to choose a steamer.
The first thing to consider with how to choose a steamer is if you want a stove top steamer that you can just use with another pot of water like a double boiler or do you want a stand alone plug in unit. There are benefits to both types.
- Double Boiler: You don’t lose storage space with another kitchen gadget. You can control how fast an item steams simply by using the range controls.
- Countertop Steamer: Dedicated unit specifically designed for steaming. It cooks faster than a double boiler. You don’t need to wait for the entire pan of water to start boiling.
Once you’ve figured out whether you want a range steamer or a countertop steamer you’ll need to figure out how large the dishes are you plan on preparing. If you’re only cooking for yourself then you can choose a much smaller steamer. If instead you’re cooking for a large family look for stackable steamers. These let you add one or two layers on top of the steam unit doubling or tripling the amount you can cook.
Whether you want a range steamer or countertop steamer you’ll be thrilled with the results you get from steaming your food. Just pick a unit sized right for your family and you’ll be enjoying great tasting rice, vegetables, and delicate fish dishes in no time.
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Thanks for the tips Wanda. I just happen to have a steamer on my long list of someday kitchen toys. So much for downsizing:)
LOL Louise on the downsizing, I have the same problem. I keep saying I don’t need anymore cookware, but I can always find a reason to get one more piece.
I love steamed fish, veges and steamed dumplings so my steamer gets quite a work out. My benchtop version sat in my cupboard for a while before I realised the benefits, plus it is quick and easy to clean up. But I do use my double boiler type steamer on an almost daily basis.
Veges certainly have more flavor when they are steamed rather than boiled.
Cheers
Good information. Steaming healthy food is the way to go. Plus it tastes great. thanks