topic Re: Steamer pot? in Kitchen

Steamer pot?

Zhills — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:52:41 GMT

Can anyone explain to me why this steamer pot has the uneven bottom. The basket sits about 1 1/4" off the bottom and 1/4" off the sides. It has a vent in the lid you can open or close. There is not a name on the pot.

I use it to boil pasta (without the basket) because of the size.

Re: Steamer pot?

SilleeMee — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:58:12 GMT

You don't want the basket to touch the bottom or the sides of the pot because of the heat from it. The steam is what you want to cook your food, not the heat from the pot itself.

Re: Steamer pot?

Zhills — Wed, 10 May 2017 16:02:08 GMT

But why would the pot that boils the water have a raised center? Only about 1 1/4 on the outside edge actually sits on the burner.

Re: Steamer pot?

SilleeMee — Wed, 10 May 2017 16:21:41 GMT

This is just my assumption but I think the pot has a raised bottom so that it creates a circular channel for the water. With steamer pots, you don't want a lot of water in them...just enough to cover the bottom and maybe a little more but not enough to touch the food.

Re: Steamer pot?

Zhills — Wed, 10 May 2017 16:55:29 GMT

Interesting concept!

Re: Steamer pot?

Poodlepet2 — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:21:41 GMT

No matter what, Boy that's a big pot! Great for lobster, blue crab....shrimp...a little sausage, corn and potatoes-and let's not forget the Old Bay!

@Zhills, chill the beer and spread out the newspaper on the table: I am coming to your house!

Hugs,

Poodlepet2

Re: Steamer pot?

SilleeMee — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:22:09 GMT

The raised bottom might have a structural purpose as well. It helps prevent the pan from warping on the bottom especially if it is aluminum and thin.

Re: Steamer pot?

Zhills — Wed, 10 May 2017 19:16:17 GMT

It is stainless, but thin. Just always wondered why it is so different than my other pots. You are probably correct on both counts. Thank you.

Re: Steamer pot?

Zhills — Wed, 10 May 2017 19:17:28 GMT

@Poodlepet2 This pot is actually not that big (5-6 qt). However, I have a bigger one and do a mean 'Low Country Boil' but I prefer Paul Prudhomme's Seafood Magic to Old Bay. We can do both! Just say when! I'll make sure the beer is chilled!

Re: Steamer pot?

Poodlepet2 — Thu, 11 May 2017 11:33:44 GMT

@Zhills, II will bring the French bread: there is nothing like it as a great accompaniment to sea food! My Luzianna upbringing dictates that we throw some crawfish in that pot too!

Poodlepet2