7
COOKING HINTS
The steamer efficiently cooks vegetables or other foods for immediate serving. Steam cooking should
be carefully time controlled. Keep hot food holding-time to a minimum to produce the most appetizing
results. Prepare small batches, cook only enough to start serving, then cook additional amounts to
meet demand.
Preparation
Prepare vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood and poultry normally by cleaning, separating, cutting,
removing stems, etc. Cook root vegetables in a perforated pan. Other vegetables may be cooked in
a perforated pan unless juices are being saved. Liquids can be collected in a solid 12" x 20" pan placed
under a perforated pan.
Perforated pans are used for frankfurters, wieners and similar items when juices do not need to be
preserved. Solid pans are good for cooking puddings, rice, and hot breakfast cereals. Vegetables and
fruits are cooked in solid pans in their own juice. Meats and poultry are cooked in solid pans to preserve
their juice or retain broth.
Canned foods can be heated in their opened cans (cans placed in 12" x 20" solid pans) or the contents
may be poured into solid pans. DO NOT place unopened cans in the steamer.
Frozen Food Items
Separate frozen foods into smaller pieces to allow more efficient cooking.
Use a pan cover for precooked frozen dishes that cannot be cooked in the covered containers in which
they are packed if they require more than 15 minutes of cooking time. When a cover is used,
approximately one-third additional cooking time is necessary.
Cooking time for frozen foods depends on the amount of defrosting required. If time permits, allow
frozen foods to partially thaw overnight in a refrigerator. This will reduce their cooking time.
Acceptable Pan Sizes
The steamer accommodates combinations of 12 x 20" pans, solid or perforated.
Model
Number of Pans Accommodated
Depth of Pan
1"
2.5"
4"
6"
VSX3
VSX4
VSX5
6
8
10
3
4
5
2
2
3
1
2
2
DRAINING THE BOILER
Drain the boiler after each day's use to flush out minerals and minimize scale build-up. The boiler
drains automatically for approximately 4 – 6 minutes after the main power switch is turned OFF.
