OVENTE Electric Food Steamer FS62S Review Compact 2-Tier Design for Healthy Cooking

Description

First Impressions and Key Features

The OVENTE FS62S Electric Food Steamer immediately caught my attention with its sleek stainless steel base and stackable design. It’s compact, yet big enough to handle a decent-sized meal with its 5-quart capacity. What stood out to me was its efficiency and simplicity. You just add water, place your food in the clear, stackable baskets, and set the timer. With a 60-minute timer and auto shut-off feature, it’s virtually foolproof, though I did have to keep an eye on the water level initially to get the hang of it.

Using it for the first time, I steamed some veggies and fish, and I must say, the results were impressive. Everything was evenly cooked, retaining its natural color, texture, and nutrients. The 400-watt power ensures quick steam generation, making meal prep fast and hassle-free. Plus, the stackable baskets are surprisingly handy for cooking multiple items without merging flavors.

Healthier Cooking Without the Hassle

Steaming food has always been something I avoid because, let’s face it, it can seem complicated. But this steamer turned that around for me. It’s ideal for a healthy lifestyle, especially for someone like me who’s trying to cut back on oils and fats. It’s great for everything from vegetables and fish to more adventurous recipes like dumplings or dim sum.

The built-in steaming guide was a lifesaver when I was unsure about cooking times. For instance, I wasn’t sure how long to steam broccoli, but the guide made it easy. The automatic shut-off feature gave me peace of mind, especially since I tend to get distracted while cooking. And let’s not forget, everything cooks in its own juices, preserving the flavor and nutrients without added calories.

Positives

This steamer has a lot going for it, and here are the key benefits I found:

• Convenience: The 60-minute timer and automatic shut-off make it incredibly easy to use.
• Health-Focused Cooking: Steaming food retains natural nutrients while eliminating the need for oils.
• Versatility: From veggies to proteins and even creative dishes, it handles a wide range of foods.
• Compact Design: The parts nest together neatly, saving space in my already cluttered kitchen.
• Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe baskets mean less time scrubbing and more time eating.

Less Favorable Aspects

While the steamer is fantastic, it’s not without its caveats:

• Water Capacity: The 500ml limit on the water reservoir means I had to refill it for longer cooking sessions.
• Plastic Baskets: Although functional, the plastic material of the baskets doesn’t feel as durable as the stainless steel base.
• Steam Time for Dense Foods: For denser items like sweet potatoes, I noticed I needed to experiment with the timing a bit.

These are more quirks than deal-breakers, but they’re worth considering if you’re a perfectionist about your kitchen gadgets.

Ease of Cleaning and Storage

Cleaning this steamer was a breeze. Since it uses just water, I didn’t have to deal with grease or sticky residues. The stackable baskets and food tray are dishwasher-safe, which really saved me time. What I appreciated even more was how compactly everything nests together. Living in a small apartment, I’m always struggling for counter and cabinet space, so this design was a game-changer.

Product Competitors

When comparing the OVENTE FS62S to other food steamers, a few things stood out. Models like the Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer offer a digital display, which can be appealing for some, but I found the simple analog timer on this one equally effective. Unlike the Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer, which is bulkier, the OVENTE’s compact design makes it far more versatile for smaller kitchens.

That said, some competing brands have larger water reservoirs, reducing the need for refills. However, the quick steam generation on the OVENTE makes up for this minor inconvenience. If you’re a fan of simplicity and efficiency, this steamer is a solid contender.

Bang for the Buck

It’s fair to say this steamer offers great value for money. While it doesn’t have the flashy digital features of higher-end models, its practical design and functionality make it worth considering. The fact that it’s compact, easy to use, and simple to clean makes it perfect for everyday use. For families or individuals looking for a healthier way to prepare meals without breaking the bank, this steamer is a smart investment.

Additional information