Black & Decker Handy Steamer® and Rice Cooker

We received the larger steamer as a gift many years ago, and used it until we burned out the heating element! But I always felt that it was too large for just the 2 of us. I couldn't find one locally in any store to replace it, but I found one on Amazon.com and purchased it. This time I got the smaller HS800 version, which was a perfect size for a family of 2. I use it almost daily and couldn't live without it! I use it to steam veggies, cook brown rice (comes out perfectly!) and even hard-cook eggs. The eggs are perfectly cooked, peel easier than traditional boiled ones, and never have that green ring around the yolk! Best of all, you set the timer and walk away and 35 minutes later the eggs are perfectly hard-cooked! We prefer brown rice to white, but since it takes so long to cook the traditional way and leaves a sticky mess in the pot, I use the steamer to cook the maximum amount the cooker will hold. It takes about an hour (but again you don't have to watch the pot!)...Read more

I love this steamer. Simple to use. Seems well made. As far as the complaint of some about no handle in the center of the cover. It is true the design is poor so the steam can burn your hands when you remove the lid. I went to the hardware store and bought a white plastic cabinet knob for $1.99. There is a dimple in the center of the cover where I drilled a small hole and installed the knob. It works great and you would think it came that way from the factory. I hope this helps people with that complaint. Also a quick note, the screw that comes with the knob is too long so make sure and get a shorter one while at the hardware store.

I got this as a gift. I have been steaming just about everything...chicken, veggies, fruits. I am even making my infant daughters baby food with it! So far, I have not screwed up anything in the steamer (which I apparently do when cooking quite often). The only complaint I have is that there is not an easier way to remove the lid to get the food. If there is still steam in there, you have to be VERY careful when removing the lid so as not to burn yourself. You have to wear potholders. It would be nice if it had some sort of handle on top or something like that. Other than that, perfect! And very reasonably priced.