Posts: 104
4/10/11 7:19 P

I have a smaller one to the Rival 2-tier steamer, but I *have purchased that one for my in-laws as a Christmas present a few years back!

Before I started watching my weight and participating in SP, I tended not to use the steamer very often, as I was frying more of my foods than I should have. Now that I'm on the program and being careful how and what I eat, I use that little thing at least once a week.

It's a good investment for the larger one if you have more than two people (including yourself) to cook for (I don't). Steaming veggies is usually better than any other method of cooking, after all! Plus, they usually include a rice basket, which is always nice if you have lots going on on the stovetop and could use the extra space.

current weight: 254.5

265 240 215 190

165

SparkPoints: (17,347)
Fitness Minutes: (19,217)
Posts: 435
4/10/11 6:01 P

I own a steamer. I never use it. I do use the bags though. So I guess it is a matter of convenience.

SparkPoints: (18,720)
Fitness Minutes: (8,380)
Posts: 1,771
4/10/11 5:38 P

i bought a steamer for the microwave at wal mart no need to dispose of just clean. I still by the steamer bags of veggies cause it quick and simple

current weight: 226.0

248 223.5 199 174.5

150

Posts: 12,871
4/10/11 3:41 P

Many plastics break down when exposed to heat. Definately any containing BPA do. Don't know if these do, but it's worth checking into. That could be just one reason why they say not to re-use them....

Other things to consider:
cost:You could buy a steamer for about $29.00. How many bags can you buy for the same amount? How long would the steamer last? If you compare the number of uses for the steamer versus the number of bags you would need to get that same number of uses, which one is more cost efficient?

Enviroment: What do you do with these when you can no longer re-use them. Do they go into the landfill? Can they be recycled?

Just some of my concerns....

Total SparkPoints: 95,900

	80,000 84,999 89,999 94,999	99,999
SparkPoints Level 19

SparkPoints: (17,347)
Fitness Minutes: (19,217)
Posts: 435
4/10/11 1:19 P

I just started using Ziploc Veggie Steamer Bags. They are with the sandwich bags. They work very well. I recommend them. They say don't use again but I've washed them out with soapy water and left them to air dry and reused them.

I'm not sure why we shouldn't reuse them so if you have a good reason let me know.

SparkPoints: (18,720)
Fitness Minutes: (8,380)
Posts: 1,771
4/10/11 10:27 A

i buy the steamer bags of veggies just pop in microwave they are really good.

current weight: 226.0

248 223.5 199 174.5

150

Posts: 12,871
4/9/11 5:40 P

I used to have one that was an egg cooker, rice cooker and steamer all in one. I loved it but eventually gave up the ghost. I have thought of getting another one but as mentioned, it must be multi-functional....I havn't found one I like yet.

Edited by: LITTLEWIND53 at: 4/9/2011 (17:41)

Total SparkPoints: 95,900

	80,000 84,999 89,999 94,999	99,999
SparkPoints Level 19

Posts: 20,445
4/9/11 5:38 P

I have a one tier steamer basket and don't even use that too much. I prefer roasting and grilling vegetables lately.

Pounds lost: 11.0

0 3 6 9

12

Posts: 3,690
4/9/11 3:17 P

I don't have one since I use the microwave to cook veggies. Just put in casserole, add a few tablespoons of water, cover and cook.

I have a small kitchen so any purchases I make have to be worth the space they take up. Multi-taskers work best for me.

Cheers,
Catherine

Posts: 200
4/9/11 2:47 P

I've been considering buying a two tier Rival brand food steamer. Does anyone here use it or something similar? I'm really looking for honest comments, both negative and positive, to help me decide. All posts will be read and sincerely appreciated. Thanks in advance.