Q&A for How to Use a Vegetable Steamer

If you're using a stovetop or microwave steamer, you can add salt right to the water. If you're using an electric steamer, though, you should never add anything but plain water to the reservoir (adding anything else to the water may damage the steamer). If you're using an electric steamer and you want to salt your veggies, it's best to add salt to the vegetables themselves after they've finished steaming and are on your plate.

Check the instruction manual that came with your steamer. Generally speaking, it's usually safe to fill up to the maximum fill line, but you should never exceed that line. Always go with the specific instructions that came with your steamer, though, to ensure the best results.

Wash the pan as normal with warm water and detergent and use a metallic or plastic scratching cloth/pad. This will scrape off the brown stain. You could also wet a paper towel and rub this on the brown stain for about 10 minutes, which should remove it.

Yes. It's easiest to steam frozen veggies in the microwave. All you need is a couple tablespoons of water and a microwave-safe bowl and lid.

No, the vegetable with the longest cooking time should go on the bottom.

No, you do not need to stack steaming bowls on top of the rice basket when steaming rice.

No, you should not use a steamer to steam a hot dog bun. It will make the bun soggy, and you will not be able to use it.

Some steamers include wells for adding spices to season while steaming. If yours isn't one of these, you can add seasonings to the vegetables once they've been steamed. Seasonings can include premixed spice mixes, ground rock salt, salt and pepper, ground garlic granules, lemon or lime juice, grated cheese, pepper flakes, cheese sauce, red sauce, etc. Try different seasonings according to what you like most by way of flavors.

The heat will reach both levels evenly, provided the first level doesn't somehow block the second level. The steam will keep trying to reach the top, going through both levels until it hits the lid. Don't overfill either level, to ensure that the steam can reach all the food on both levels. However, if you have something thicker, it would be a good idea to put it on the first level and lighter foods on the top level; this will allow the water heat and steam to work on the lower level most.

It depends on what you are cooking, but yes it should work. Just make sure the basket doesn't actually touch the cooking liquid.