Does the fryer basket go all the way to the bottom of the pot (i.e. is it good for boiling) or does it sit up some (i.e. is it better for steaming)?
1556532
The basket does not sit directly on the bottom, but it's not too far from it either. We've used it for frying a turkey, but we're looking forward to using it for crab/shrimp boils this summer. I would say you could steam in it, too, if you wanted to, but you'd have to refill with water fairly often I think.
467571
It works well for small items like wings, fries, small fish pieces etc. The basket has a bracket to allow draining without holding by hand. Heats well on induction cooktop (Tatung 1500w). Easy to clean.
1231741
SInce the bottom of the basket is only 1 inch above the bottom of the pot it would not serve as a steamer.
1912469
I use smaller steam basket for vegetables separately. Since I like to bring water to a strong rolling boil before adding pasta, I place the vegetables in the basket when I first start heating the water. By the time the water is to a rolling boil, the vegetables can be steamed to an al dente consistency that I prefer. If not, it doesn't take long for the vegetables to reach a desired consistency. I don't see why one can't wait for the water to boil and then add pasta and top with the basket containing unsteamed vegetables. I like to monitor the pasta closely and would find it cumbersome to frequently remove the basket to check. I use smaller steam basket for vegetables separately. Since I like to bring water to a strong rolling boil before adding pasta, I place the vegetables in the basket when I first start heating the water. By the time the water is to a rolling boil, the vegetables can be steamed to an al dente consistency that I prefer. If not, it doesn't take long for the vegetables to reach a desired consistency. I don't see why one can't wait for the water to boil and then add pasta and top with the basket containing unsteamed vegetables. I like to monitor the pasta closely and would find it cumbersome to... » Read More I use smaller steam basket for vegetables separately. Since I like to bring water to a strong rolling boil before adding pasta, I place the vegetables in the basket when I first start heating the water. By the time the water is to a rolling boil, the vegetables can be steamed to an al dente consistency that I prefer. If not, it doesn't take long for the vegetables to reach a desired consistency. I don't see why one can't wait for the water to boil and then add pasta and top with the basket containing unsteamed vegetables. I like to monitor the pasta closely and would find it cumbersome to frequently remove the basket to check. « Show Less
2036790
Yes. The basket drops deep into the pot so it should be fine. I do small, medium and full pots and never had an issue. Love it.
2019541
i haven't had problems with anything boiling over. as a matter of fact. i don't put the little lid on. it's fun to watch whatever i have boiling. boiling water or whatever, only goes so far in the pot and that's it.
1512171
it is the same size as the pot so it would not lay flat . i have cooked alot of things in my fryer. what it you could hang it from the basket ?
234910
The steamer basket is about 7" across and about 4" deep. I've never used the steamer basket. I have strictly used it to steam rice and I love it for that. Comes out perfect every time.
1622336
rack sits up off inner pan. water goes under. for steaming vegetables a colander is good to put veggies in.
315591
You add the boiling water to the lower pan, it doesn't really steam, the hot water keeps the food warm. I was happy with it.
765405
yes... it is super light weight and therefore heats up really fast... I use it as a small fryer and the oil heats to 350 in under 5 mins. the basket is great for frying as you don't have to fish anything out with a slotted spoon. buy this pot, it'll change your life.
992144
Sure there are holes in the top & middle pots. The important thing is that the middle level has a lot of holes to steam all the hotdogs evenly and quickly, while the top level has only a few holes to steam buns on top. This also means you can boil corn or potatoes on the bottom level, while you steam cook veggies or shrimp or hot dogs on the middle level, & steam buns on top.
598180
YES! The handle folds down and the lid can also be put on while boiling the water (I only use it as a near perfect vegetable cooker, so don't know how it might work for deep fat frying). The basket stores nicely inside with the lid on.
1494054
Without reading the instructions, I just started using the basket with the lid for steaming vegetables. I don't suppose it makes much difference whether you use the basket or the tray, but the lid should be used in any case. I haven't cooked pasta so I can't answer that part of your question.
2169839
I bought this to use with our Granpappy Elite fryer. You have to bend the handle so that the basket will reach the bottom, but the handle was long enough that I could also make another bend further down the handle so that you can still use it without a hot pad. It is exactly what I was looking for!
1131
No, it works as a steamer basket, you need very little water. You'll be surprised how much liquid comes out of the food you cook. I generally add a half cup or less of liquid for most dishes.
1419472
you'd probably be happier w the larger size steam basket. I like mine, but wish I got the big one instead. If you put it in a lg. pot, the sides will droop to the bottom of the pot. Pot sides help keep steamer sides off pot bottom. Smaller pot works well with it.