Steamers

[Lucienne]

I am being pressurised by my son into buying a steamer. I have never used one. Should I resist the pressure, or can anyone recommend them? Has anyone got a Magimix 11580, and are the results so much more stunning as to explain the �100 price tag!! Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

[jane1098]

this the one i have

http://www.tefal.co.uk/tefal/products/product/ index.asp?category%5Fid=200&dept%5Fid=220&sku= U00391&mscssid=9M0U4S9CQ1BJ9P4SVAV0A86TRTHPFXV F

i recommend it highly and the price is much lower.
around �40

[jack daniels]

whats wrong with one of these?

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servl et/Search?storeId=10001&langId=-1&q=STEAMER&pp =20&c_1=1|cat_9553994|Small%20kitchen%20applia nces|9554115

Although I use a saucepan with a slotted tray (from a pressure cooker) and steam things like that

[Lucienne]

Thank you very much for the information. It was good to hear that you actually used a steamer and what you thought about it Jane. I've always merely used a saucepan and cooked my veg for a very short time as we do like our veg crunchy. However, my son has assured me that using a steamer makes them just as crunchy and far more flavoursome.

[bushbaby_de]

Lucienne where do you live? I have one i never use 9too lazy and lack of space) - you're welcome to it!

[squidgster]

We wouldn't go back to not using a steamer - they seem to just lock in much more of the flavour, and you avoid any soggyness.

But...I wouldn't spend �100. One of the cheaper ones like those from Argos would be more than adequate I'd say.

[SRH]

I bought this one for under �20:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumb er/4227542/Trail/searchtext>STEAMER.htm

Before that I used a stove-top steamer but this is easier to use.

Once you've tried steaming veg (and rice) you'll never go back to boiling - food tastes fresher and less soggy and keeps its bright colour (especially carrots). Much easier to cook to perfection in a steamer (and they're dead easy to rinse clean).

[Lucienne]

Thank you so much for all your helpful advice and suggestions, It's cetainly saved me from lashing out on unecessary expense, and it's good to know that steamers really are effective. Bushbaby, that was such a kind gesture! Thank you again to everyone. L.

[Cathyhuns]

I have had a number of steamers and have found that expensive ones work no better than cheap ones and either break down or silt up just as quickly.
We live in a hard water area and, despite using softened water, find that the steamer doesn't last long before it gets clogged with chalk.
So a cheap one is fine.

[XFilesfan]

I got a great three-tier steamer from Argos for under �20. Failing that, go to a Chinese supermarket and get yourself a bamboo steamer that stands over one of your regular saucepans. They come in graduating sizes and cost from a few pence to a couple of pounds