Black & Decker HS2000 Flavor Scenter Steamer and Rice Cooker
by Black & Decker
Product Summary
Manufacturer: Black & DeckerBrand: Black & Decker
Model: HS2000
Product features:
- Electric steaming unit cooks food without added fat
- Includes oblong steam bowl with screen for herbs and a 7-cup rice bowl
- Automatic timer (up to 75 minutes)
- Bowl, cover, and drip tray are dishwasher-safe
- Two-year warranty
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Black & Decker HS2000 Flavor Scenter Steamer and Rice Cooker
Customer Review: No kitchen should be without one!
Summary: 5 Stars
One day when my Sweetie came over he had this steamer tucked under his arm and a look of uncertainty on his face. "I bought this through my Gold Box" he said "but I don't know if it was a good idea or not." That was nearly 2 years ago.
I didn't see the point of it at first since it was easy enough to steam veggies on the stove but we decided to give it a try. We unpacked it from the box, plugged it in and have enjoyed better veggies and fluffier rice ever since. We've tried all kinds of things in it including broccoli, asparagus, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, squash, rice and shrimp to name a few, and not once have we been the slightest bit disappointed!
The look of uncertainty disappeared quickly after the first time we use it as the veggies looked and tasted so much better! It was clear that this was a wise choice, and in time proved to be an exceptional value for the money!
It's so easy to use, just fill the bottom with water to the designated line (low or high), put the veggies in and set the timer according to the chart. Everything comes out perfect with vibrant color, and just the right texture and all of the flavor! No more pale, limp broccoli. No more mushy cauliflower, no more clumpy or nasty under or over-cooked rice!
There are 5 pieces to this steamer, the base - which is where you put the water, a drip tray - which collects drippings, a clear bin - which is where you put the veggies, an inner basket - used for rice and finally the lid. The pieces all fit well together and have little edges that fit inside each other so there's no fear of the bin being knocked off while it's steaming.
We both like to cook and sometimes make elaborate meals that take hours. Often we'll steam shrimp as an appetizer to munch on while we prepare the meal. In about 15 minutes the shrimp is steamed to perfection, we have a tasty treat to hold off starvation, and as a bonus, the tray is filled with what is now shrimp stock that pours easily through the little end slots into a container for use in other recipies such as seafood gumbo. The drippings in the tray from veggies can be used as vegetable stock for soups or stews or as a treat for your houseplants (after it cools).
Not all of our meals are elaborate or time consuming, and this steamer works great for a quick side dish... just toss in some veggies and in a few minutes you're done. Broccoli = 13 minutes, carrots = 16, summer squash = 12 minutes.
The tray has an area in the center to put herbs or seasonings if you want to add a touch of something different to your veggies. Try a sprig of rosemary or thyme, or a bit of taragon, oregano, cilantro or basil. The book that comes with the steamer has a well laid out, very easy to follow chart that shows amounts, steaming time, water level, suggested seasonings and tips, and is printed in 3 languages.
Since that first day when we were both skeptical of it's usefullness, we've given this little work horse a tremendous amount of use, and after all this time it still looks new and works great! It's easy to use, cleans up well, and will always have a place on my countertop.
I like it so much that I've started giving these as gifts to friends and family.
Description of Black & Decker HS2000 Flavor Scenter Steamer and Rice Cooker
Steams food without adding fats or calories / Built-in flavor scenter to spice up fish, chicken, and vegetables / 75-Minute timer with signal bell Clear view container shows how much juice is made Removable parts for easy cleaning Dishwasher-safeAfter three days with Black & Decker's Flavor Scenter, I had used it to perfectly steam asparagus, artichokes (flavored with garlic in the steamer's flavor screens), and leeks. Though I doubted its usefulness when I first got it, I was a convert! This is an extremely useful appliance, a real boon especially to those trying to eat more healthily. The steam bowl's oblong shape perfectly holds vegetables, such as asparagus and corn, as well as three (or six, when layered) mid-size artichokes, which fit in upright. The rice cooker bowl is slightly smaller but can still hold 7 cups of cooked rice. Put water in the base and vegetables, seafood, or rice in the steamer; set the timer according to the instruction manual; and have your hands free until it rings. As an added feature, two small screens below the bowl can be filled with herbs to scent and flavor whatever's cooking. This cooker would also be ideal in a starter kitchen or dorm room, where its multiple uses would really come in handy. It's dishwasher-safe, but because it doesn't ever come near grease, it's easily wiped clean. --Maria Dolan
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