Using the Food Steamer (cont.)
Important: If steaming food for a long period of time, check the that there is water in the water reservoir though the water level indicator. If the water level is low, add water through the easy fill spout in the rear of the appliance.
Warning: To prevent scalds or burns, use oven mitts or potholders when removing the lid or the steaming baskets as hot steam will escape. Remove the lid slowly with the inside of the lid pointing away from you and let the steam escape slowly. Hold the lid over the appliance to allow the condensation to drain into the steamer.
Do not reach into the food steamer while the appliance is still steaming. If you need to check on the cooking progress or to stir, use a wooden or plastic utensil with a long handle.
•To avoid food from becoming overcooked, remove the steaming basket immediately using pot holders or oven mitts and place on a plate. If you used the rice bowl, remove this carefully holding it by the sides or if necessary, use a kitchen utensil with long handles.
•After you have finished using the appliance, unplug it from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool completely
before cleaning.
Warning: Be careful when removing the drip pan because it will have hot water in it.
Cleaning Your Food Steamer
•NEVER IMMERSE THE STEAMER BASE, POWER CORD OR PLUG IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUID.
•Unplug appliance from electrical outlet and let cool completely before cleaning.
•Do not use abrasive cleansers when cleaning this appliance.
•Do not clean the steamer baskets rice bowl or steamer lid with the abrasive side of a sponge or pad.
•Wash all parts except the steamer base in warm liquid with a dishwashing liquid. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Cleaning Your Food Steamer (cont.)
•These parts may also be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher in a light cycle. Please note though that continual use of a dishwasher may result in a slight loss of exterior gloss and dulling of the steaming baskets.
•Empty and clean the water reservoir after each use.
•Do not immerse the steamer base in water. Fill the water reservoir with warm, soapy water and wipe with a cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
•Wipe the steamer base with a damp cloth.
Descaling the Water Reservoir
After using the appliance several times in hard water areas, scale deposits may build up on the heating element and the inside surface of the water reservoir. This is a normal occurrence and the degree of buildup will depend on the hardness of the water in your area. It is essential that the food steamer is descaled regularly to maintain good steam production and to prolong the life of the appliance.
•Fill the water reservoir with 6.5 oz (200 ml) vinegar to 27.5 oz. (800 ml) water. Do not use other chemical or descaling products. Do not overfill the water reservoir.
•Do not place the drip pan or any other accessory on top of the steamer base during this procedure.
•Let the unit stand with the vinegar and water solution overnight. Then empty.
•Rinse several times with cold water and dry thoroughly before storing.
Storing Your Food Steamer
Before storing your food steamer, allow the unit to cool completely and clean the water reservoir and steaming baskets. All parts must be thoroughly dry before storing. Store the food steamer in a dry location with the electrical cord wound into a coil and secured with a twist tie.
Useful Hints & Tips
•You can reduce cooking times by filling the water reservoir with warm water.
•Do not pack the steaming baskets too tightly with food. Leave some space for the steam to circulate as much as possible.
•The time required to steam may vary depending on the size of the pieces of food, the space left between items, the quality of the food used and individual tastes. For best results, use pieces of food of approximately the same size. If the pieces are of different sizes, layer the pieces putting the smallest pieces on top.
•If you are steaming large quantities of food, remove the steamer lid halfway through the steaming process, stir the food and then replace the steamer lid.
•You can use the water collected in the drip pan to make soups, sauces, etc.
•Do not add salt or any other seasonings to the food until after the steaming process is completed. Seasoning the food before steaming may cause damage to the appliance.
•Never steam frozen meat, poultry or seafood. Always allow to thaw first.
•The rice bowl is ideal for steaming other foods such as fruit, puddings, quick breads, etc.
Using Two or More Steaming Baskets
•Always place the largest pieces or food that takes longer to cook on the lowest steaming basket.
•You may place different foods in the steamer baskets, but as condensation will drip from the upper steaming basket to the lower ones, be sure that the flavors complement each other.
•If steaming meat or poultry, always place these in the lower steaming basket so that the juices from the meat or seafood does not drip onto other foods.
Adding More Water During Cooking
•For recipes with long cooking times, set the timer and add more water as needed through the filling spout in the rear of the unit. See illustration below.
•When refilling, always turn the timer to the OFF position and unplug the appliance first.
•Add sufficient warm water, making sure that you do not overfill past the MAX level on the water level indicator.
•Turn the timer back on to the desired amount of time and continue steaming your food.
Thermostat
This appliance is equipped with a protective thermostat. If the water reservoir runs out of water during steaming, the appliance will automatically turn OFF. To turn the unit back on, unplug from electrical outlet. Refill the water reservoir with cold water and let the unit cool down for approximately 8-10 minutes. Once the unit is cool, re-plug in the appliance and set the timer to the desired amount of cooking time.
