Mini Microwave Steamer, Gray – Fast and Easy Vegetable & Food Steaming

I love to eat vegetables w every meal but sometimes I don’t have time or energy to pull out the big metal steamer and cook on the stove. It seems like too much of a hassle for just myself and one serving. I just wanted something small, fast and easy. After reading reviews, I went w this Progressive International mini microwave steamer for $10. Some of the reviews said the mini steamer burnt in their microwave but I feel, after using, that this was because they didn’t decrease their microwave’s power level. Not every food needs to be heated at the same power level which is defaulted at high on most. I filled the mini steamer w broccoli and added 5 tbsp of water. I like my veggies soft so I added more water than the recommended 2 tbsp. I have a 1200 watt microwave so I had to adjust the power down. I set it at level 7 out of 10. This was all trial n error which you’ll have to do too the first few times using. I cooked the broccoli for 2 1/2 minutes then checked it. I thought they didn’t look soft enough so I cooked for an additional 1 1/2 minutes. (I probably should’ve tasted instead of eyeballing.) While eating, I noticed a few very tiny brown spots where the microwave was just starting to burn them. It didn’t affect the taste but I think I should’ve only cooked for 3 1/2 minutes total instead of 4. This was my fault. The steamer “handles” weren’t hot when I grabbed them nor did I have an issue w the escaping steam but I’d still be very careful especially for longer microwaved foods. The lid-by design-does not snap onto the bowl. This is to avoid it filling w steam and exploding in the microwave. So I can’t deduct any stars for that detail. It’s not for storage either; Only for steaming! The bowl holds enough vegetables for 1-2 people depending on serving size. It’s perfect for me or for someone to use at work. I appreciate how easy it is to clean too. The parts fit inside each other perfectly for easy storage. The diameter of the inside of the steaming bowl is 5 inches on the top down to 4.75 inches tapering to the bottom. As suggested, I wouldn’t add any oil, sauce, spices, etc to the bowl to avoid possible burning, staining or odors. Make sure to cut bigger pieces into smaller for faster cooking and less likelihood of overcooking or burning. Many people may not know this but carrots often burn in the microwave because of the soil they’re grown in which contains trace minerals (like iron or magnesium) which can create sparks or become arcs when heated by the microwave. This is why so many people complain of their carrots burning. Carrots also have natural sugars that could caramelize and catch fire. Cutting into smaller pieces or cooking at a lower but longer temp may help avoid this issue. Again, I can’t take off any stars for this as it’s just what happens if you don’t take steps to avoid it. Not the products fault at all! All in all, I’m very happy w the steamer and would recommend it to anyone. It’s a very handy kitchen helper. It also makes eating more vegetables very easy w little cleanup. I think the few negative reviews are due to the power level not being adjusted and carrots naturally burning which can be avoided.

I love this steamer! It’s perfect for smaller portions and works extremely well. It’s very simple and easy to clean.

Super quick for steaming frozen vegetables. I make all my lunch and dinner vegetables in 3-4 minutes in the microwave straight from the freezer.

Works great for single serving. Adjust microwave cooking level.

Works fantastic and cleans up well in the top dishwasher rack.

I've had this little steamer for over two years, and it's still working fine for me. I misplaced the instructions before using it, so I guessed how much water to add. I filled the "pot" part to the bottom of the "strainer" part, then added my veggies, then nuked them. So far, they've come out perfect every time. Yes it's small -- (hello! "mini microwave steamer" kind of gives it away, right?) -- but since I cook for one, it's just the right size for a good-sized serving of veggiesHere's my situation: I live in an assisted living facility as an "independent" resident -- and although meals are provided, I much prefer to do my own cooking. Each apartment is furnished with what is euphemistically called a "kitchenette": a (surprisingly decent-sized) refrigerator and a microwave. I've augmented the appliance situation with a toaster oven, a countertop induction burner, a countertop grill, and a coffee maker. Since I'm preparing meals only for myself, smaller pots and pans are fine, bearing in mind that storage is also an issue.Enter this little steamer -- my microwave is of the "lower power" variety (800W), so that usually means longer cooking times when I nuke things. So, for example, when I do baby potatoes, I usually set the microwave on "high" for 6.5 minutes. They come out perfect every time. Same with Brussels sprouts and carrots. They're "denser," so take a bit longer. For frozen peas or corn, I usually go "high" for 5 minutes.So far, no complaints at all. No dishwasher here, so cleaning is by hand. Again, no problems. Very happy with this!

a lot smaller than I wanted. I guess I missed the word “mini“. Good thick plastic and would be very nice for someone who wants a small microwave steamer.

Works better than I thought. I was surprised . Vegetables come out better than when I use pot and steamer basket. Easy to clean. Great for people who get home from work late with little time to make something healthy