Thinking of buying steamer set

Pennylane

I have been looking at sets of saucepans for steaming. I don't want those clear plastic ones and I don't think I want those metal ones that you plug in & use separately.

I currently have a cupboard full of saucepans and I do steam loads of veg. I have a couple of those little stainless steel collapsible baskets which I just pop on top of whatevers cooking in the pan (maybe potatoes with carrots in basket).

I am trying to not have so much clutter around my kitchen and in cupboards etc. My most recent set of saucepans were good ones but they had glass lids (with s/s trim) and I have broken a couple of those.:mad: also one of the bases was dropped and is bent. I hate waste of any sort but I feel I can justify having a new set of stacking saucepans and pass my old ones on to jumble sale or charity shop.

Any recommendations please?

JulieM

I bought a 3 piece steamer which you use on a hob from Wilkinson last year and paid around £10 for it. I use it all the time now, potatoes go in the water in the bottom pan and veg above. Look out for one with black handles as metal handles get very hot.

wendy52

I bought one from Aldi years ago and much prefer it to the elecric ones.
I use a a trivet in the bottom pan so that I can steam potatoes and veg in the top pans.
I steam salmon or chicken breasts/pieces (not whole!!) in the pan above the potatoes so that I cook a whole meal on one burner.

Hope that helps....

Olliebeak

The three-tier steamers are brilliant. Can be used as an ordinary pan (obviously) as well as a steamer. Really comes into its own on Christmas Day for steaming sprouts instead of over-cooking them in boiling water. Also new potatoes, steamed veg and fish in the top layer - don't put the fish in until the pots are half-cooked - full meal 20 minutes on one ring!

Pennylane

Thanks everyone - some great tips there. Especially about the handles, I bet I would not have thought of that! Will start looking properly next week. Asda had some for a tenner yesterday but I think they were only 18cm and don't think that would be quite large enough for us lot.

Quasar

I got my steamer when I bought a slow cooker - it has a steaming tray as well and I find it excellent for steaming my favourite veg, broccoli and anything else suitable for steaming. Obviously the price tag is that of a slow cooker so perhaps not quite what you want.

ALIBOBSY

I have a tefal electric one that was a win and I use it alot. But I also use one of those collapsable basket things for in the pan I use for small amounts.
I used to have a big metal 3 tier hob steamer. I got this from a chinese warehouse, they had loads all different sizes and numbers of tiers really cheap. You can also stock up on cheap big paks of spices at places like that. Worth looking if any in your local area.

ali x

carolt2

Argos sell one.
Very similar to the one i bought ages ago.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8611219/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CKitchen+and+laundry%7C14418476/c_2/2%7Ccat_14418476%7CCookware%7C14418537/c_3/3%7Ccat_14418537%7CSaucepans%7C14418542.htm

Pennylane

Carol - that looks perfect! :A Why didn't I think of Argos? It is a good size too. Will keep you posted. Thanks again.:beer:

Pennylane

Carol - I have been out & bought that very one today from Argos and will let you know what I think as soon as I use it. Thanks again.

Happy_Camper_5

I've got that Argos one and can recommend it! We use it most meals, [remember that when using it to turn down the heat to minimum once it's boiling (water can't get any hotter!)] and it will still cook your potatoes & veg to perfection. We've even taken it camping and sit there steaming veg while other people are making instant mash etc.

HTH