Tesco 3TDS08 - 3Tier Steamer With Digital Control Manual

INTRODUCTION

Please read all the instructions and the safety notes carefully and familiarise yourself with the features and operation of your steamer before use.

This appliance is for normal household use only. It is unsuitable for commercial use.

UNPACKING THE STEAMER

Unpack your steamer carefully. Identify all the components listed in the drawing in instruction.

The components of your steamer are:

• Steamer Base
• Drip tray
• Lower steamer bowl with integrated egg holders (Bowl No 3)
• Middle steamer bowl with integrated egg holders (Bowl No 2)
• Top steamer bowl with integrated egg holders (Bowl No 1)
• Rice Bowl
• Steamer lid

If any items are missing or damaged, contact your nearest Tesco store for assistance.

• Remove all wrappings, labels, etc. from the containers.
• Retain the packaging for future transportation of the steamer. If you dispose of the packaging, please do so with regard to any recycling provisions in your area.

PREPARATIONS FOR USE

• Choose a flat stable work surface away from sources of cold, heatand damp and with unrestricted access.
• Ensure ample operating space in the work area.
• Make sure there is no object, cupboard etc. above the steamer asthe steam could damage it.
• Wash the lid, steamer bowls, and drip tray in warm soapy water, rinse well and dry thoroughly.
• The water basin in the base unit should be thoroughly wiped outwith a damp cloth.
• Assemble the steamer as shown in the assembly diagram on the next page. The bowls are marked 1, 2 and 3 on the handles for easy identification during assembly and storage.
• Always operate the steamer with the drip tray and the lid in place though you may use one, two or three steamer bowls depending on the amount of food you wish to steam.

STORAGE

The steamer is designed for easy compact storage, with the bowls fitting inside each other as shown and the lid inverted.

USING THE STEAMER

ADDING WATER

Make sure the steamer is unplugged from the mains supply.
Place the appliance on a firm, stable surface.

Fill the water basin with fresh tap water up to the max mark. Do not exceed the max. Level! You may fill the reservoir either directly or via the filler compartment as shown.

Only fresh water should be added to the water basin. NEVER add seasonings, or other liquids to the water.

ASSEMBLY

Place the drip tray in the base. Make sure it sits securely.

ADDING FOOD AND FLAVOURINGS

The drip tray has an integral flavour screen. You may add condiments such as chopped herbs, garlic, whole or powdered spices into the screen. During cooking the steam will rise through the screen and gently add subtle flavours to your food.

Fill one or two bowls with the food you wish to steam. Do not overfill the bowls or some food will only be partially cooked.

FILLING THE BOWLS

Place the bowls in the order shown in the drawing. Use one or more bowls as needed. If you are using several bowls, note that the Bowl marked 1 on the handles should always be at the bottom.

If you are using the rice bowl, place it in one of the steamer bowls for support and make sure it is at the top of the stack.

Cover the uppermost bowl with the lid.

OPERATION

• Plug the unit into the mains and switch the power on.
  The steamer will beep and the digital indicator will flash '60'.
• Press the +/– buttons to increase or decrease the steaming time. You can set any time from 1min to 90 minutes in 1 min intervals.
• When you have set the time press the START/STOP button to start steaming.

The COOK light will flash all through the steaming time.

After about 1 minute steaming will begin. (Condensation will occur during steaming - this is normal.) During steaming the timer counts back to 00 indicating the time remaining.

During cooking you can increase or decrease the remaining steaming time by pressing the +/– buttons.

When steaming is complete: The steamer will beep twice and the appliance will go to 'KEEP WARM' state. This icon will flash

In the KEEP WARM state the steamer will switch on and off keeping the food warm with gentle steam for 20 minutes. This enables you to steam several courses and serve them individually while keeping the rest warm.

The timer will count back to 00 indicating the remaining time. After the keep warm time has elapsed the steamer will emit five beeps and switch off. The steamer will beep periodically to warn you that the appliance contains hot water. When the water cools the beeps stop.

At any time you can switch the steamer off by pressing and holding the START/STOP button for a few seconds.

To switch the steamer on again press and hold the START/STOP button until the display lights up.

during steaming do not touch the base, bowls or lid as they get very hot.

to prevent burns, always use oven gloves or a cloth when removing the lid or steaming bowls as hot steam will escape. Remove the lid slowly with the inside of the lid pointing away from you and let the steam escape gradually. Hold the lid over the unit to allow any condensation to drain into the steamer.

DO NOT reach into the unit while steaming. If you need to check on cooking progress or to stir the food, use a long handled utensil.

ADDING WATER

Periodically look into the water filler compartment. If you cannot see the water level you need to add water to the steamer (especially if you are steaming for a long period). Add water via the filler compartment and top it up to the MAX level. Do NOT overfill. You may use lukewarm (but not hot) water if you wish.

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED

To prevent foods from being overcooked, remove the steamer bowl immediately, using a cloth or oven gloves and place it on a plate or on the reversed lid.

• If you have placed any food utensil in a steamer bowl, remove it carefully, holding it by the sides. If necessary use a kitchen implement long enough for this.
• After use, unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before emptying the water basin. Make sure the appliance cannot inadvertently be knocked over while the water cools.
• Do not leave the appliance plugged in longer than necessary.
• Empty the water basin and change the water after each use.

USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS

USING MORE THAN ONE STEAMER BOWL

Always place the largest pieces or food with the longest cooking time in the lowest bowl. You may place different foods in the bowls, but as condensation will drip from the topmost bowl be sure the flavours complement each other.

When steaming meat or poultry with vegetables, place the meat or poultry in the lower bowl so juices from raw or partially cooked meat cannot drip onto other foods.

Steaming times for food in the upper bowls usually takelonger so allow an extra few minutes.

If foods with different cooking times are being steamed, start steaming with the food with the longest cooking time in the lower bowl. When the remaining steaming time reaches that of the food with the shorter cooking time, carefully remove the lid with oven gloves and place the next bowl on top. Cover with the lid and continue steaming.

STEAMING EGGS AND RICE

RICE:

1. Set up the food steamer as described.
2. Place a steam bowl on top of the base.
3. Place 1 cup of rice and 1½ cup of water in the rice/vegetable bowl. You can cook up to 250 grams of rice.

EGGS:

Stand eggs upright in the recesses provided in the steaming trays.

STEAMING CHARTS

• Steaming times are for the quantity stated in the chart or recipe. For larger or smaller quantities, adjust the time accordingly. Times may vary depending on the size of food pieces, spacing of the food in the steamer basket, freshness of food and personal preference. As you become familiar with the steamer, adjust cooking times.
• Steaming times are all based on food cooked in the lower basket, unless stated otherwise. Food cooked in the upper basket may take slightly longer to cook.
• All times stated in the charts and recipes are based on the use of cold water. To slightly reduce the steaming time you may start with warm (but not boiling) water.
• For best results, be sure pieces of food are similar in size. If pieces vary in size layering is required. Place smaller pieces on top. A single layer of food steams faster than several layers.
• Do not crowd food in the steaming bowl. Arrange the food with spaces between pieces to allow for maximum steam flow. When steaming large quantities of food, remove lid about halfway through the steaming time and stir using a long handled utensil, protecting your hands from the steam with oven gloves.
• Save the liquid in the drip tray to use in soups, sauces and gravies. Do not use fatty stock from steamed meat and poultry if you are on a low fat diet or counting calories.
• Never steam meat, poultry or seafood from frozen. Always thaw completely first.
• Rice, fruit, vegetables, vegetable pates, puddings, etc. should be steamed in the bowl provided or in heatproof utensils designed for use with steamers. Ensure there is ample room for steam to circulate throughout the steamer.
• There must be ample room around the bowl for steam to circulate freely through the steamer.

STEAMING VEGETABLES

• Cut off thick stems from cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.
• Steam leafy, green vegetables for the shortest possible time as they lose colour easily.
• Salt and season vegetables after steaming.
• Frozen vegetables should not be thawed before steaming.

STEAMING MEAT AND POULTRY

• Steaming has the advantage of allowing all the fat to drip away during cooking. Due to the gentle heat only choose tender lean cuts of meat and trim off all fat. Meat suitable for grilling is ideal for steaming.
• Serve steamed meat and poultry with flavoursome sauces or marinade before steaming.
• Thoroughly cook all food before serving. Pierce with a knife or skewer to check that the centre is cooked and juices run clear.
• Use fresh herbs while steaming to add flavour.

STEAMING FISH

• Fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Frozen fish may be steamed without defrosting if the pieces are separated before steaming and the cooking time is extended.
• Add lemon wedges and herbs while steaming to improve flavour.

CLEANING AND CARE

These steps should be taken after every use.

• Unplug the appliance at the wall socket and leave it to cool completely before cleaning.
• Do not clean any part of the unit with abrasive cleaners, washing soda, or bleach.
• Do not clean the bowls or appliance body with the abrasives or abrasive cleaners.
• Remove any residual herbs and spices from the flavour screen and clean the screen with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Wash the lid, steamer bowls and drip tray in hot water and washing-up liquid. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Fill the water basin with warm, soapy water and wipe with a cloth. Rinse thoroughly and pour out all the residual water.

Cleaning the filter:

The filter is located at the right of the steam diffuser. Lift it out and brush it under running water. Replace the filter.

• Wipe the base with a damp cloth. DO NOT immerse the base of the unit in water
• Store the unit correctly assembled, in a safe, dry place out of the reach of children. The steamer may be stored in the storage or assembled position.

DESCALING

The steamer must be descaled regularly to maintain steam production and extend the life of the unit. The frequency with which you need to descale the steamer will vary as scale build up depends on the hardness of the water in your area and the amount of use.

• Fill the water basin with a strong solution of white vinegar and water up to the maximum mark. Do not use brown vinegar, or any other chemical or a proprietary descaler.
• Assemble the steamer and plug into the mains.
• Set the timer for 20-25 minutes.
  
  if the vinegar begins to boil over the edge of base, unplug and switch off the timer. Reduce the quantity of vinegar slightly.
• When the timer bell rings, unplug from the wall socket and allow to cool completely before pouring out the vinegar.
• Rinse the water basin several times with cold water.

SPECIFICATIONS