Choose a steamer insert that fits your pot or is part of a set. It should fit snugly and be made of stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning. Simple inserts are versatile, while higher-end ones are larger and more durable. Bamboo inserts are cheaper but less durable. They are available at high-end cookware stores or online.
To choose the best steamer insert, you need to find one that fits the pot you want to boil water in, or find a steamer insert that is part of a set. Ideally, the steamer insert is designed to fit snugly into the pan underneath, so that enough heat can be built up to create steam. If it’s shaped like a frying pan or pot, it should have a snug-fitting top for the same reason. The highest quality inserts are made of stainless steel.
A steamer insert can come in various sizes and shapes. Higher-end varieties often look like a regular pan or dish and have a perforated bottom for steam to enter the pan. Some come with tops while others are sold without one, so they may fit in another pan that has a top. A simple steamer insert comes in the shape of a circle and has perforated leaves that fold over each other. The simplest ones have feet on the bottom so they can rest on the bottom of a pan and leave enough room for water to boil underneath them.
The benefit of a simpler and generally less expensive steamer insert is that they can fit a variety of different sized pots and take up less space when not in use. Those that resemble a frying pan are often more durable and typically last longer without breaking. Higher-end steamers are usually larger, allowing you to steam more food than a simpler, smaller steamer insert.
Most are made of stainless steel because it is the most suitable material. Stainless steel does not corrode easily and retains its strength even at high temperatures. It is very easy to clean and its surface is non-porous which means that it is difficult for bacteria to remain on the stainless steel. Stainless steel steamers are also relatively cheap compared to other metals.
While stainless steel is generally considered the best option, some inserts are available in wood, such as bamboo. They are not easy to clean, but they are very cheap. Bamboo can last quite a long time, but not as long as stainless steel.
High-quality steamer inserts are available at high-end cookware stores. They often come as part of a set with other cookware, such as pots and pans. Less expensive options that can fit a variety of cookware are available in a multitude of places, including many larger retail outlets and online stores that cater to the kitchen.
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