Richard Simmons EST7 Steam-Heat Electronic Food Steamer
by Salton
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Our Price: $32.95
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: SaltonBrand: Salton
Release Date: 2006-10-13
Model: EST7
Color: White
Product features:
- Electronic food steamer with 3 individually controlled steaming compartments
- Express-steam and direct-start functions; keep warm with 1-hour auto shut off
- Electronic control panel with LCD display and 5 function keys
- 2-2/5-liter water tank; dishwasher-safe parts; cooking bowl included
- Measures 13 by 14 by 11 inches
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Richard Simmons EST7 Steam-Heat Electronic Food Steamer
Customer Review: This steamer makes dinner preparation less stressful.
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this steamer. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because there are so many parts to clean and dry after using it. I used it the first time tonight, and made steamed salmon using the recipe in the book that came with it with a couple of modifications, basmati rice with my usual herbs and spices, and baby asparagus. Each food went into a separate container and the timers were set for each. The only problem I had was that I didn't allow more time for the asparagus because it was frozen. After I started the steamer, I had time to make fresh salads for my husband and I, and actually had time to sit down and enjoy it. Each of the foods started steaming at the appropriate time so that I didn't have to keep jumping up from the table to start something cooking like I normally do. Everything was done and ready to serve at the same time.
There was a little more to clean-up than usual because I normally line baking pans with foil to eliminate having to clean them, and most other cooking containers are corningware. So they are rinsed and go into the dishwasher. For this unit, containers, tops, and the drip tray were washed and dried by hand. I guess they can be put into the dishwasher, but I tend to baby new appliances. So this could just be a personal problem.
At any rate, the food was wonderful. The salmon was moist and perfectly cooked. The rice was fluffy but a little dry for my tastes(next time I will start with more liquid), and the asparagus was cooked but still a bit crisp. I have cooked rice since this first time, and realized that the problem occured because I use chicken broth instead of water and it was refrigerated. Warming the broth in the microwave before putting it in the steamer solved this problem. Recommended cooking times in the cookbook are for fresh, not frozen. So allow extra time for frozen, or defrost before steaming.
I also bought the Oster 5712 steamer to compare it to the Richard Simmons steamer.
The differences are:
- The rice cooker with the Oster is much larger than the Richard Simmons.
- The two stacking steamer containers with the Oster are larger than any of the 3 with the Richard Simmons. So larger portions can be steamed.
- When using the 2 stacked steamer containers on the Oster, juices from the food in the top container can drip to the lower one. The containers with the Richard Simmons are side-by-side. So foods, odors, and juices don't mix.
- The Richard Simmons has separate timers for each container that count down so that food start cooking at appropriate times so they are all done at the same time. For the Oster, there is one timer for the whole unit, and the cook has to put each food in at the right time to make them come out at the same time.
- The Richard Simmons has a small flavor tray over the heating element that can be used for spices that flavor the food through the steam. The heating element on the Oster is not covered and must be cleaned to remove juices.
- The handles for the cover on the Oster are on the sides of the lid so taking off the lid you have to be more careful not to be burned with steam. The Richard Simmons has a handle on top of each lid so you can take the lid off to let steam out the back.
- The Oster has a delay time set for up to 12 hours, the Richard Simmons does not have this feature.
- After cooking is complete, the Oster enters a keep warm cycle for up to 1 hour. The Richard Simmons does not have this feature.
- The steamer containers and rice bowl fit inside each other for storage and the unit is much smaller than the Richard Simmons. Much more storage space is needed for the Richard Simmons.
- The cook times shown in the book for the Oster are much longer than those in the book for the Richard Simmons. At this point, I can't say if the Oster just takes longer or which times are correct, but the salmon was perfect using the Richard Simmons timing.
- The Richard Simmons includes recipes to get you started. The Oster includes no recipes.
Once I use the Oster steamer, I will submit a separate review for it, but I thought a comparison of the two units would be helpful for someone considering them.
I have now used both steamers, and both have some advantages depending on what you are making for dinner. I didn't think I would used a steamer much, but, boy was I wrong. I have made fish a number of times in the steamers, and prefer this method of cooking fish to any other. I have also made various vegetables and chicken.
The Oster unit is useful if you are making larger portions or only want to steam a couple of foods. It's easier to clean because there are less compontents to clean. The disadvantages are that the smaller bowl must be below the larger bowl, and you have to plan for cook times of the foods. This adds more to the planning and personal involvement in cooking a meal. The Oster unit takes less storage space since the cooking containers fit inside each other for storage. Since the cooking units are stacked, you must think about putting foods that release liquids while being cooked being in the lower container. For example fats from fish cooked above will drip on veggies cooked below. There isn't this problem with the Richard Simmons cooker.
In conclusion, I have, and use, both depending on what I am cooking for dinner. I wouldn't part with either one of them. When I can, I use the Oster steamer because it's much easier to clean, but the Richard Simmons unit makes dinner preparation so much easier once everything is setup in it. Once food is in it and times are set, you can sit back and relax until it's all done at one time.
Description of Richard Simmons EST7 Steam-Heat Electronic Food Steamer
Richard Simmons Electronic Food Steamer with three steaming chambers with individual heating elements that allow you to cook three types of food at different times and finish at the same time.Steamers & Rice Cookers
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