Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6-Quart Food Steamer
by Oster
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List Price: Our Price: $39.95 You Save: $5.04 (11%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $31.55 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6-Quart Food Steamer
Customer Review: Cooks everything perfectly!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the first steamer I have ever purchased and I must say that I'm very pleased with it. My original intent was to buy a rice cooker, but after checking reviews and prices I came to the conclusion that purchasing a regular food steamer would be better. After several weeks of use I think it's a shame that I did not get one sooner. The clear sides of the steamer make it very easy to keep track of broccoli. I'm horrible about over cooking it. I also like the double layers. I cook a lot of veggies and in this steamer I can cook 4 separate types all at once. This gives me more than enough for dinner, lunches and left overs. So far I've only used this steamer twice to make rice and I must say it does an excellent job at that too. I cooked up two large batches of sticky rice and both times it came out perfectly. As far as ease of use this steamer couldn't be easier. Just put your food in, fill the reserve with water, punch in the time you want the food to cook and hit the start button. The steam starts rising almost instantly. If you cook your food a long time (over an hour) the machine will beep at you to refill the water reserve. The only complaint I can say about this machine is that the drip pan is a bit of a pain. You have to wait for the machine to cool before you can lift it up and if you've been steaming for about an hour it can be pretty full which makes it easy to slop water over the edges. But in all, I'm very happy with this product, so much I purchased another one for my mother for Christmas. She's trying to cook healthier and I think that this steamer will be a welcome addition to her kitchen.Customer Review: Good value, sturdy and stores easily
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the third electric steamer I have owned. The first two were mechanically timed Black and Decker models. The heating element ceased in the first of these after several years of continual usage. So, I purchased another about 4 years ago. The second is still working. However, somehow the clear compartments are cracked, almost in two. I guess they where smashed in the cabinets at some point. I use the steamer quite often. Cooking rice and frozen vegetables is worry free as there is not an open flame to tend to.
I replaced the Black and Decker steamer with this Oster unit. I have noticed that the plastic parts seem to be made of a denser/sturdier material. I perfer the durable feel of this model. Also, the baskets are graduated and stack into each other. This makes for storing this unit much easier than the Black and Decker model. It is a family size appliance. We have five in our family and this unit is perfect for us. The stay warm feature and the delay cooking feature are also additions in comparison to the Black and Decker model. I used the Oster to cook carrots and as others have said about the manual, I had to cook a little longer than indicated. Still, I love using this appliance--as I had from the Black and Decker models. The Oster units begins to steam immediately and I hope to get many years of service from this appliance. We are going to try steaming shellfish tonight. I can't wait to enjoy!
Customer Review: A very good thing
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this to augment (not replace) an older discontinued Oster/Sunbeam two tier steamer. Refreshingly, the "improvements" over the prior model were actually improvements.
This one has a keep-warm feature after timed steaming is done.
I use it to steam potatoes for "whipped" potatoes, now I only use instant flakes to thicken gravies. By steaming the potatoes in the large upper tier, and putting small bowls in the lower smaller tier, I can collect potato water.
I bought a ExcelSteel Professional Quality 6-1/2-Inch Heavy Gauge Mesh Colander With Santopreme Handles so I could steam frozen peas, and it works extremely well.
It doesn't need constant attention, so in the summer it steams away politely in the garage.
For rice I use a Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker, or its larger brother the Zojirushi NHS-10 6-Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer & Warmer, White--'too good and too easy.
Hint: when steaming asparagaus, raise them off the steamer's container floor'I break bamboo chopsticks for this. Even better, roast in the oven or sauté the asparagus in a little extra virgin olive oil & butter!
Customer Review: excellent food preparer
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a little concerned about cooking in plastic - but I solved that problem! I have some old corningware pans, pyrex would be excellent too - I put the food in those, put them in the steamer - and voila!
I've always been "cooking with gas" - but after burning/destroying 2 pots & 2 kettles - electric it is!
I am delighted at how easy this is to use. Cooktime is a little longer than gas - I'm experimenting as I go along. But so easy to taste - and reset the timer for additional cooking time. -
One concern is keeping enough water in the steamer underneath. That seems to need periodic checking on - the unit turns off if the water level is too low, and then cooking stops.
I have found a funnel helps when pouring water into steamer underneath.
So far I've made cereal, pasta, rice, soup, steamed vegetables. Everything tasted quite good.
I'm grateful for all the warnings about not removing the water pan until everything has cooled off - but once cool the unit is very easy to clean.
So I am very happy with it - and SO grateful that I can cook without worrying about destroying my beautiful pans (sigh) - and God forbid - even burning the house down!
Customer Review: My new favorite kitchen appliance!
Summary: 5 Stars
I researched every form of steamer from bamboo stacked steamers, to rice steamers, to this, double steamer. Previously I used a microwave two piece steamer or my stovetop stockpot with steamer basket. I LOVE this steamer! I have used it for various vegetables (fresh and frozen), many different rices including the Lipton flavored rice packages (after experimenting with water quantity - use less water than package instructions), and everything has been wonderful. The flavors are fresher, the texture is more appealing, and the effort is much easier than my traditional ways of preparing vegetables and rice. I love the double tray, I only wish there were two of the larger basket. Cleanup is super easy, very very easy. I leave the parts on my counter for a day to air dry. I have found I rarely pack this into my cabinet since I am constantly using it. Have not experimented with meats yet, or other options with pastas, potatoes, etc. There are so many rice varieties available now I have been busy making different flavor combinations along with fresh or frozen vegetables (corn on cob, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, squash, zucchini, peas, corn, mixed medleys, and more).