5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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.
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.
