[Paul Plots]

Can i recommend a tiered pan system.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Craft-KCCVSTEAM20-Three-Steamer/dp/B0001IWY9Q

You put water in the bottom section and the you have two pan inserts that then fit into the top with a lid.

Much better than a colinder as the steam stays in the pan and it cooks quicker.

Veg is never the same again

Now there's always someone who has to go all technical on you - isn't there!!       

A tiered pan system is just what we use only we call it a "steamer" but it doesn't sound half so posh   

(just been discussing this on the thread to do with microwaves -or am I getting confuse-alled again???  ) 

[DD.]

I won't say the name of the supermarket, but they have two quite cheap ones on sale for about £9 and £15.

You can cook far more in them than a collander and only using one lot of power.

Yes, I admit it, I've got one of their's!

[Sharonx]

How about this one. not just any steamer but an M&S steamer 

http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/images/B001U8XU8K/ref=dp_product-image/279-2514347-5385012?ie=UTF8&n=42966030&mnSBrand=core

For £12 stainless steel with glass lid I think it's a true bargain. It's a good weight and size too.

[Debz]

I got one from M&S and it is just fabulous for doing my veg in.

[rivkele]

but if you don't want to spend so much the "fan" doofies you mentioned work just fine. you don't need a particularly heavy pot lid, just one which fits.
i've got one i think it cost me 3€.
or if you go to a chinese owned dime store (all the dime stores in catalunya seem to be owned by chinese people, no idea if that's the case in britain) you can get bamboo ones. they're cuter and stackable, and also pretty cheap. i find them a bit hard to clean though, and they tend to make things taste of bamboo, so i'm sticking to my fan doofy.

[Lady Lottie]

I only recently discoverd that steaming potatoes is far better than boiling them - whether you want to just serve them up boiled, mashed or throw them in the oven to roast.  They absorb far less water and keep their flavour better I think.  I have no idea why (as I steam everything else) but I always kinda thought "urrgghhhhh.....steamed potatoes - yuck!"  But they are lovely!  And as everyone has said, easy peasy to do and you save electricity/gas too!

I think we will all want to see a picture of your sparkly new steamer when you get it SClarke624!!

[LivvyW]

I agree with everyone that steaming tastes better and is better for you. You are also much less likely to get soggy veg.

I have a metal fan thing and it works fine, but when that gives up the ghost i like the
look of the silicone version.  Both metal and silicone fit every pan. I'm thinking the silicone will be easier to clean.

The only negative to using one of these steamers is if you let the water boil out, and temporarily burns the pan. The stink of burnt veg juice is ghastly.

When i throw PSB in on top of carrots, the carrots come out with purple spots on!

[DD.]

The only negative to using one of these steamers is if you let the water boil out, and temporarily burns the pan. The stink of burnt veg juice is ghastly.

You don't get that with an electric steamer, as they have automatic cut offs.

Also if you have occasion to cook for a lot, they free up a lot of hob space.

[love-my-plot]

I use my steamer for all things veg   

It's a three tier, electric one ... think it cost about £15 a few yrs ago. Wouldn't be without it, so yep, my vote to the the eletric tiered ones 

[Parsnip]

I won't say the name of the supermarket, but they have two quite cheap ones on sale for about £9 and £15.

You can cook far more in them than a collander and only using one lot of power.

Yes, I admit it, I've got one of their's!

That'll be Tesco, cos that's where I got mine from...

I've been steaming my veg for yonks...definitely the best way much tastier and nutritous...Frees up hob space, the little boats that the veg go in only need a rinse too...I wouldn't be without it..

At Christmas I had all my veg for 7 people in it..

[DD.]

That'll be Tesco, cos that's where I got mine from...

 

[Paul Plots]

So no pressure cookers then? 

[DD.]

Can't get enough in them!

[Lady Lottie]

So no pressure cookers then? 

Frightened of 'em!! :blink:   And have horrible memories of incredibly overcooked, icky, mushy veg.

[Kristen]

We have a three-tiered steamer pan too.

I'm sure obvious but in case not:

Easy to put first tier on for something that takes longer (Spuds) and then second tier later (Spinach).

Can also boil things in the bottom pan, whilst steaming, if you want to.