Steamer

I am thinking about buying a steamer. There are soooo many on the market.  What style  do you use for steaming?

I use a glass dish with a glass lid in the microwave with a bit of water at the bottom - no steamer.

It depends on what I'm steaming.  I use the same method as puh8suwrux for most veggies, but for things like steamed shrimp, fish...(or steamed asian dumplings - yum!) where texture/microwaving is more of an issue, I use a bamboo steamer that I place over a wok with a small amount of water. 

Mm.. steamed dumplings!!! I think I will make those this weekend, thanks cc31!   I don't have a microwave so I use a stainless steel steamer over a pot of boiling water.

 Oops, double post.

I would never bother buying one of those steaming machines. It's such a waste of money! I too just use the glass bowl in microwave method.  My mum has a metal steamer that fits into a pot/saucepan so thats another good way to go.  So much cheaper than a machine!!!

I have a rice cooker that I bought for about 25 bucks at Target that has an insert try that you can steam food on.  I didn't buy it for the steam feature, but I definitely use it.  And the book that came with the machine has a chart with steaming times so that you have a general idea how long to cook things.  Veggies are pretty intuitive, but meat can be a bit trickier.  I've cooked dumplings, bean paste buns, chicken, country pork ribs, and it all comes out great.

This is my all purpose pot of choice

4 piece steamer double boiler  this is similar to mine which is made by Hamiton Beach, stainless steel.  The lid on mine is solid steel, not glass. 

It has replaced 3 pots - a 3 quart, heavy duty saucepan, a double boiler, and a steamer.  I love the versatility, and especially the tight-fitting lid has a vent to control the steam pressure.  It's just right for me.

They have those bags that are similar to zip ones but that steam items. Not sure if you may want to try something like that instead.