Steamers and cooking for one?

mah_jong · 24 June 2005 at 5:20PM

I have seen a small two tier steamer at a reasonable price but before I purchase one want to know if its worthwhile!!!! I cook for one or 2 ..... is it worth the set up and cleaning of this to get the results....dont want it to sit at the back of a cupboard after the novelty has worn off!!!
Are the there any singles out ther who use thiers all the time???

Badgergal · 24 June 2005 at 5:45PM

I live on my own and I LOVE my steamer, it was an ultra cheap two tier one and you can leave the second tier off if you like which I often do, this is also adequate for when the boyf is round. It lives on my counter, it's worth the space it takes up. Don't find it hard to clean either.

calleyw · 24 June 2005 at 6:43PM

I am not a one but a two.

And we love our steamer it is on a 3/4 times a week. Steaming veg etc.

It takes about one min to set up and allows you to do other things while waiting for your meal. Rather than hovering over the hob or microwave.

I even cook chicken breast and quorn fillets in the steamer. Either in foil or greaseproof paper pockets.

Also means you can cook a whole meal in one and not have the cooker on in this hot weather.

We are addicts and are on 3rd or 4th one in 5 years as they get so much use we wear them out. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours

Calley

BWZN93 · 25 June 2005 at 5:37PM

I got a cheap one too from argos (cookworks) and I think its great to be honest! I like doing a lot of rice, salmon and veg all in together if im eating by myself, and it does save a lot of the individual hassle, I can just sit back, watch tv, and hear its gentle hum in the background.

To be honest, its actually pretty great for cooking for two, and steaming is so much healthier, and the rice comes out lovely, not at all stuck together (although it does take longer than a hob - but it means I get a good uninteruppted simpsons and cup of tea while its doing, instead of having to constantly check it. If you do get one, I would recommend going with the cheapy, just in case you dont use it, but It is really versatile, and I feel it takes out a lot of the hassle when im cooking for just myself - simply prepare, and throw it all in!

Jo xx

Queenie · 26 June 2005 at 11:21AM

I don't have an electric steamer, can't justify the extra expense to be honest but a hob one, I cook for 4 of us with it - oooh steamed salmon is just delish!

calleyw · 26 June 2005 at 8:18PM

If you are about to buy a steamer as you don't have one but want one I would say electric every time.

As the cheapest ones 3 tier ones you can get in argos and tescos are about £13 if you buy a non-electric steamer which is the stackable pots then the cheapest that argos seem to do them is £9.99.

With the electric one you can put all the items in and walk away and they will turn off if there is no water in them. So to me that is the better way to go. As the other type need constant watching.

And is only a few pounds more expensive and if you have tesco club points it will be even cheaper.

Yours

Calley

blue-kat · 26 June 2005 at 10:53PM

steamer has meant massive saving on brillo pads

I was always cremating the brown basmati, but it cooks it perfectly in the steamer and the timer is so handy, and easier than having lots of pans on the hob.

I used my steamer on Xmas day to parboil the spuds and parsnips, then used same water do rest of veg while they were roasting.

Cauli cooks beautifully, but still prefer broc done in the microwave.

my mum uses her steamer for reheating rice - not tried this myself.

would be interested to hear of recommended recipes as I've not been very adventurous just cooked plain veg, or maybe added a couple of lemon slices.
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calleyw · 26 June 2005 at 11:38PM

Blue-Kat,

Try here this is the tefal site.

I can vouch for the Moist Chocolate Cake. You only need a very small piece as it is very rich.

I use tin foil or grease proof paper and not cling film as they suggest.

Yours

Calley

Shez · 27 June 2005 at 2:11PM

I too have been thinking about buying one, I usually pass one in the shops on offer and am tempted.

but what about cooking for 4? can you get 4 salmon steaks in and enough rice in one go?? (otherwise i might as well put a big pan o'rice on the hob)

blue-kat · 27 June 2005 at 2:35PM

thanks Calley - but think I'd better give that moist choc cake a miss as am trying to lose weight.
a little taste is never enough !
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blue-kat · 27 June 2005 at 2:38PM

I find the rice bowl is big enough to cook 4 portions in one go, plus there's always the other 2 trays to use.
TIP: cook rice on top layer so water doesn't drip into it.
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Steamers and cooking for one?

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