What is the advantage of this appliance over a microwave for steaming veggies?
1882511
If you are health conscious, all you have to do is google the dangers of microwaving. With the instant Pot, the only risk you will have is not properly letting the valve released the steam and as a result, burn yourself by the steam. I bought the instant pot as a replacemenfor the microwave. I was looking at a steam oven but found the price way out of my budget.
1882512
None. The advantages are that you can cook meats, soups, stews and curries in a fraction of the time. The flavor and texture of the food is amazing. This cooker goes far beyond steaming veggies! Microwaving is totally safe and convenient, and i use mine a lot, but i wouldn't use the instant pot for just that.
1882513
If the only thing you want to do is steam veggies, it may not be the best appliance. I use it as a pressure cooker for beans, a rice/grain cooker, a soup pot (great because you can saute right in the pot before you put in water or stock) and a slow cooker. I really love this appliance and use it regularly. That being said, I usually steam my veggies on the stove top in a stainless steamer pot.
1882514
As far as the quality of the veggies, I am not sure there is one for veggies like broccoli or leafy vegetables. I use both inter changeably, as I am often cooking several things at one time. I do prefer the I Pot for corn on the cob, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Particularly with the root vegetables, micro steaming can be tricky as the cooking time varies with the size. I have over baked potatoes in the microwave more than once. With the I Pot, they always come out right using the standard cooking time. Bottom line, if I had to choose only one appliance to steam vegetables, it would be the I Pot.
1882515
As far as the quality of the veggies, I am not sure there is one for veggies like broccoli or leafy vegetables. I use both inter changeably, as I am often cooking several things at one time. I do prefer the I Pot for corn on the cob, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Particularly with the root vegetables, micro steaming can be tricky as the cooking time varies with the size. I have over baked potatoes in the microwave more than once. With the I Pot, they always come out right using the standard cooking time. Bottom line, if I had to choose only one appliance to steam vegetables, it would be the I Pot. As far as the quality of the veggies, I am not sure there is one for veggies like broccoli or leafy vegetables. I use both inter changeably, as I am often cooking several things at one time. I do prefer the I Pot for corn on the cob, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Particularly with the root vegetables, micro steaming can be tricky as the cooking time varies with the size. I have over baked potatoes in the microwave more than once. With the I Pot, they always come out right using the standard cooking time. Bottom line, if I had to choose only one appliance to steam vegetables, it would... » Read More As far as the quality of the veggies, I am not sure there is one for veggies like broccoli or leafy vegetables. I use both inter changeably, as I am often cooking several things at one time. I do prefer the I Pot for corn on the cob, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Particularly with the root vegetables, micro steaming can be tricky as the cooking time varies with the size. I have over baked potatoes in the microwave more than once. With the I Pot, they always come out right using the standard cooking time. Bottom line, if I had to choose only one appliance to steam vegetables, it would be the I Pot. « Show Less
1262954
Any vegetable, rice, I've even steamed leftovers so they stay moist. It also works to blanch vegetables or tomatoes to make it easy to peel them for soups, canning, etc. Much more useful than I originally thought it would be.
80901
The vegetables are placed in the top steamer basket and a few inches of water in the bottom pot. Place the steamer basket on top of the pot and cover with lid. Steam - cooking on med to low heat until the veggies are cooked to your liking. Cooking times will vary depending on your vegetable. Be sure to use pot holders with the handles - as they do get hot
1891544
All I know is that it cooks faster and I like the fact it will not destroy nutrients as a microwave can. I use it when it very hot in the summer and I can put this on my deck and not heat the kitchen with the range. If it cooks faster the electricity is on a shorter period of time, but then one has to compare the energy output versus to what one is comparing it, if you want to know if you are saving electricity. So in my humble opinion check the energy output of what you would use , calculate the time you have to use it then compare the same data to that of the convection oven. Hope this helps. All I know is that it cooks faster and I like the fact it will not destroy nutrients as a microwave can. I use it when it very hot in the summer and I can put this on my deck and not heat the kitchen with the range. If it cooks faster the electricity is on a shorter period of time, but then one has to compare the energy output versus to what one is comparing it, if you want to know if you are saving electricity. So in my humble opinion check the energy output of what you would use , calculate the time you have to use it then compare the same data to that of the convection oven. Hope this... » Read More All I know is that it cooks faster and I like the fact it will not destroy nutrients as a microwave can. I use it when it very hot in the summer and I can put this on my deck and not heat the kitchen with the range. If it cooks faster the electricity is on a shorter period of time, but then one has to compare the energy output versus to what one is comparing it, if you want to know if you are saving electricity. So in my humble opinion check the energy output of what you would use , calculate the time you have to use it then compare the same data to that of the convection oven. Hope this helps. « Show Less
2233542
Use a regular microwave cooker, as you would for veggies. The Potato Express isn't worth your time or money.
474876
The steamer can handle a 12-16 oz size bag of frozen veggies or 4-5 servings of broccoli, carrots, etc. It's 9.5"x 9.5" x 3.5" deep. The steam insert fits in side so it's slightly smaller than the above measurements. The lid snaps on so it can go into the fridge when I don't want to dirty up another dish. I'm single, but I don't want to cook every night, so this gives me a servings for several meals. So, I think it is the perfect size.
560153
This is the perfect little steamer for fresh veggies. It will hold 2 nice size servings. I like to put fresh broccoli, cauliflower and carrots together. A few minutes in the microwave and you have a perfect compliment to a nice piece of chicken for a healthy dinner.
1912471
I've only cooked pasta in this pot. You can cook them together, but you will have to see if the vegetable texture is what you like. Steaming vegetables is different than cooking them. They are crisper if you steam them.
1929432
Well, I have a microwave that has a fresh veggie setting and also a frozen veggie setting so I use them. I have found that for green beens or broccoli or carrots it takes about 5 minutes depending on whether you like them crunchy or softer. We like them softer. For peas and corn it is about 3 minutes. So you just have to try it to see. I usually put about a half inch of water on the veggies but green beans tend to dry out more easily so I add a bit more water to them. I love the cooker though. I missed having it so much when my other one finally cracked after probably 10 years. You just have to try it to find out what your microwave does. Ours is a 1200 watt so that makes a difference too. Good luck. Well, I have a microwave that has a fresh veggie setting and also a frozen veggie setting so I use them. I have found that for green beens or broccoli or carrots it takes about 5 minutes depending on whether you like them crunchy or softer. We like them softer. For peas and corn it is about 3 minutes. So you just have to try it to see. I usually put about a half inch of water on the veggies but green beans tend to dry out more easily so I add a bit more water to them. I love the cooker though. I missed having it so much when my other one finally cracked after probably 10 years. You just... » Read More Well, I have a microwave that has a fresh veggie setting and also a frozen veggie setting so I use them. I have found that for green beens or broccoli or carrots it takes about 5 minutes depending on whether you like them crunchy or softer. We like them softer. For peas and corn it is about 3 minutes. So you just have to try it to see. I usually put about a half inch of water on the veggies but green beans tend to dry out more easily so I add a bit more water to them. I love the cooker though. I missed having it so much when my other one finally cracked after probably 10 years. You just have to try it to find out what your microwave does. Ours is a 1200 watt so that makes a difference too. Good luck. « Show Less
1971444
I like this product so much that I have one in our Arizona home and another in our summer house. I think I use it almost daily in my microwave to steam veggies and rice. It cooks food perfectly every time and the clean-up is effortless.
1955169
Great steamer! Add small amount water in base (follow directions), few minutes in microwave according to food type. Perfect veggies, shrimp, fish, etc.
1606035
I think so, although I don't know how much you intend to steam. It holds 4 cups. We are 3 adults and eat a hearty serving of steamed vegetables every night. Sometimes we get carried away and make too much and the steamer is not all that full. Why would you have to steam everything in one operation? The water comes to a boil quickly and the vegetables cook in a few minutes.
906941
It's a Steam Canner, if you use it with can, yes you can steam can your vegetables. It's super easy Steam Canner.
1029279
I am not one who purchases kitchen electronics that are limited in their purpose, however I took exception to the Breville risotto steamer as a splurge and I never regretted it. It cooks risotto to perfection along with not having to constantly stir like making traditional risotto. I have also used it to make other rices including basmati rice and it came out exactly as it should.
72387
The structure of the steamer is like a double boiler steamer that you use on the stove-top. You get four parts to your unit: 1) The bottom "pan" is where you put just an INCH of water. The idea is to get this small amount of water boiling. I start with hot tap water to get things rolling faster. 2) The insert "pan" (just a bit smaller than the water holding pan) has holes through the bottom so the steam can get through to do the cooking. 3) There is an insert "shelf" for the pan with the holes, so that you can put two layers of veggies in--say potatoes in the bottom and something that needs less heat or cooking time on the shelf. One thing that I do all the time is put veggies in the bottom and poach a salmon fillet on the shelf. 4) The fourth piece is the lid. All in all, this is a great item. I eat steamed veggies from it all the time and they cook in less than half the time that a steamer on the stove does. Cut up potatoes or broccoli cooks in 4-6 minutes. Frozen peas are ready in a minute (the water has to get boiling to make steam!) Of course time increases with the amount of stuff you load in! Mine are single servings. If you are cooking for a family, just do it in a stove-top steamer! PS: Cleans with a quick rinse under the tap. Just the thing for a busy single person like me!
1113989
For my steaming needs,there is plenty of space. You can see the water level from the top of the basket. I have used it quite a bit and have never had to add water. I always start off with a half cup and that has been adequate to steam broccoli and cauliflower for two. I hope this helps!
302550
An 8 inch by 8 inch square. Will steam enough vegetables for a couple meals. I have done two large zucchini and two large squash and an onion in mine at once....made alot !! Steamed asparagus also. Nice size for a family.