Kitchen

[Zhills]

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.

[SilleeMee]

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.

[Zhills]

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.

[SilleeMee]

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.

[Zhills]

Interesting concept!

[Poodlepet2]

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

[SilleeMee]

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.

[Zhills]

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.

[Zhills]

@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!

[Poodlepet2]

@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