Bottom pan holds ? liquid Top insert holds ? liquid Advertises for steaming vegetables- how does this work? Thanks
1079163
This two pans plus lid set is a "Double Boiler" only. From your question it appears that you've mistaken it for a steamer set. The top pan is not perforated for steaming; it is a solid pan that is to hold such things as chocolate, marshmallows or cheeses that need to be gently heated to melt. Such items that would scorch in a pan if heated over a direct flame. This is achieved by boiling water in the bottom pan to a level just below the bottom of the inserted upper pan, adding the item to be gently melted into the upper pan and stirring the contents until fully melted. While there are some sets out there that have both a double boiler pan and a steamer pan or insert, this set doesn't have the steamer. 3 cups (24 oz.) of water in the bottom pan - for the purpose of double boiling - just touches the bottom of the top pan. So I put in about 22 - 23 oz. of water for that purpose. But to use the bottom pan simply as a pan it will hold 4 cups (32 oz.) that comes a little less than an inch form the top of the open pan. The top pan holds a tad less since the 4 cup waterline is about 1/2" from the top edge of the pan. Maybe just a simmer but no rolling boil!
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
1667561
The top has a rubber seal and should work to keep in liquids if put in properly. The bottom seals tightly and should hold more thick soups but I wouldn't try swinging it around or anything
1283928
There is a red plug that you keep in the spout. The fat naturally rises to the top of the container and the liquid to the bottom, so while pouring, keep the red thing in til the last second, then pull it out and it keeps the fat from coming out of the spout. I don't get it, but it works.
2164429
Gal, there is a groove around the bottom. This is strictly a lasagne pan I think. I tried to use for roast chicken and vegetables; had to struggle to keep juices even in pan. Otherwise, I love it!
1829217
I haven't used it as a steamer but it should work well. The center insert is light but seals well on the silicone. It acts like a lid and only when liquid hits it does it lift up to allow the liquid to bubble up into the boil over part.
474739
I may be misunderstanding you but this is not meant to float. You only put a small amout of water (I do about an inch in a small sauce pan) and then you sit this steamer at the very bottom of the pan. You dont want to put too much h20, where, say, if you were steaming veggies, they end up under water and being boiled instead.
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.
300687
There are two areas where the water resides - at the bottom where it is filled and another smaller area that handles water during the steaming process resting right above it. With the steaming process, everything that holds the hot/boiling water is kept rather clean. I do not use any additives in my food as I don't want anything to go down into the water. After the steaming process, the smaller tray can be washed with soap and water (haven't put it in the dishwasher) and the larger one at the bottom can be drained and simply wiped out when cooled. I love this steamer and have a friend who feels the same way....you will not be sorry!!!! There are two areas where the water resides - at the bottom where it is filled and another smaller area that handles water during the steaming process resting right above it. With the steaming process, everything that holds the hot/boiling water is kept rather clean. I do not use any additives in my food as I don't want anything to go down into the water. After the steaming process, the smaller tray can be washed with soap and water (haven't put it in the dishwasher) and the larger one at the bottom can be drained and simply wiped out when cooled. I love this steamer and have a friend who... » Read More There are two areas where the water resides - at the bottom where it is filled and another smaller area that handles water during the steaming process resting right above it. With the steaming process, everything that holds the hot/boiling water is kept rather clean. I do not use any additives in my food as I don't want anything to go down into the water. After the steaming process, the smaller tray can be washed with soap and water (haven't put it in the dishwasher) and the larger one at the bottom can be drained and simply wiped out when cooled. I love this steamer and have a friend who feels the same way....you will not be sorry!!!! « Show Less
1494051
Since steaming requires only a bit of water in the bottom, if your basket has legs, it can be used alone for steaming quantities of items, like carrots. The tray is usually best for steaming things like fish. However, if your basket does not have legs, then you need to use the tray, too. The idea is to keep the food above the water.
2134625
It does drip on the layer below but I put the most bland item on the top layer and others on the bottom. Example: Potatoes, cauliflower on top, broccoli, onions, carrots etc on the bottom tray. I don't notice any flavor transfer because the steam doesn't take much out of the vegies. I don't know about meat. I am a vegetarian.
428606
The two setting are pressure cook, and steam. If you want to pressure steam food, it is done under pressure cook, and the trivet is used to keep the food above the liquid. The steam button also uses the trivet to keep the food above the liquid, but the cooking is not done under pressure.
1665318
It's actually not a steamer insert. It's a pasta insert, so it is very deep, extending nearly all the way to the bottom of the dutch oven/soup pot. It's made to fit specifically in this pot and shares its diameter.
2256240
Put a magnet or magnetic stick up on the pot bottom. If the magnet sticks to the bottom of the cookware, it will work. If it does not stick, it will not work. A thick bottom that conducts heat evenly is best for even cooking.
688826
I use mine for cooking vegetables, not just warming. As for adding Spices, it works fine. I haven't tried steaming meat and fish yet. I will have to try that. I see no reason it would not work.
1622339
This cooker is not a steamer. But I use it as a double boiler when cooking things like instant potatoes or other items that burn easy. Just place about 1/2 gallon of water in the bottom pan, and the liquid (milk & water) in the top pan then when this mixture reaches about 150 degrees mix in the potatoes blend well add butter, cream, salt, whatever you want. turn the control to warm. then serve.the Mfg doesn't recommend placing water in the bottom pan, but I've been doing so for years with good results. Hope this helps you.
1602141
Pan stays off bottom of outer pan by about 1.5 inches. I use it to steam veggies all the time.