Customer Reviews

Calphalon Stainless Steel All-Purpose Stack Steamer

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This Calphalon 18/10 Stainless Steel All-Purpose Stack Steamer is one of the newer line of steamers and inserts in the Calphalon line. I own several of the Calphalon hard-anodized aluminum steamers, and even though they are supposed to be non-reactive to foods and "safe," I am upgrading to the stainless steel ones. This stack steamer is for the larger Calphalon pans and stockpots (4 1/2-quart to 8-quart). They are large enough to hold asparagus when trimmed and placed flat in the steamer. Another great feature of these steamers is that they can be stacked on top of the pot filled with boiling water, similar to the use of a wok with bamboo steamer inserts and top. Thus, you can prepare a whole meal of fish and vegetables using only one burner on your stove top.

Be sure to hand-wash and dry this beautiful heavy-gauge stainless steamer. Highly recommended!

Okay, a steamer ain't rocket science. But this one's built for a lifetime and beautifully matches (and fits) the 6.5 quart pasta pot from Calphalon. A little pricey? Sure, but over the 30 or 40 years I'll be using it, it will always be just as gorgeous as it is today.

This little gem, used in connection with the 8 quart stockpot and pasta insert are just what you will need to either build or complement your perfect kitchen setup.

The steamer is well constructed and designed to really fit with the corresponding pots with very little wiggle room....thusly avoiding the usual water splatter that is common with a lot of the lesser quality sets on the market.

Storage is a breeze! Find a spot that is about 12x12 inches in a tall cabinet and you are set!

As a closing note, I HIGHLY recommend the purchase of the pasta insert!

This steamer isn't compatible with the Tri-Ply stainless steel set. According to Calphalon, it is only compatible with Calphalon One and the older professional and commercial sets. You have to get the universal steamer insert with lid instead (which is more expensive, unfortunately). The website doesn't display compatibility information well, and I told the customer service rep that their website should display this information.

A nice stainless steamer with a glass lid that lets you see when the broccoli starts turning bright green, the crab legs turn bright red, etc. without lifting the lid and letting all the steam out. It does fit over a variety of pans so it's very versatile.
The only problem is that the steamer handles and the lid handle get very very hot. You must use mitts or you'll burn your hands.

I thought the premium price I paid for this steamer was an indication that it was made in the USA, as are my older Calphalon pots and pans. I didn't know Calphalon was now making their products in China. This same product can be purchased at about one-third the price, and is probably made in the same Chinese factory.