Black+Decker Food Steamer User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Black+Decker Food Steamer. This appliance is designed to provide a healthy and convenient way to prepare a variety of foods, including vegetables, rice, and more. Featuring Fast Steam technology, it offers efficient cooking with a built-in timer and automatic shutoff for ease of use. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your new food steamer to ensure safe and optimal performance.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• Do not immerse the base unit, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
• Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to “off”, then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
• This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Product Components

Familiarize yourself with the parts of your Black+Decker Food Steamer:

• Steamer Base: Contains the heating element and control knob.
• Water Reservoir: Area within the base where water is added for steaming.
• Steaming Basket: Transparent basket where food is placed for steaming.
• Rice Bowl: A smaller, opaque bowl designed for cooking rice, which fits inside the steaming basket.
• Flavor Scenter Screen: A removable screen located above the heating element, designed to hold herbs and spices to infuse flavor into your food.
• Lid: Covers the steaming basket to trap steam.
• Timer Knob: Used to set the desired steaming time.

Image: The Black+Decker Food Steamer, showing the main unit with a clear steaming basket filled with Brussels sprouts and red bell peppers. A white rice bowl is visible on the left side, and the timer knob is on the front of the base unit.

Setup and First Use

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
2. Clean: Before first use, wash the steaming basket, rice bowl, flavor scenter screen, and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. The base unit should only be wiped with a damp cloth.
3. Assemble: Place the steamer base on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
4. Add Water: Fill the water reservoir in the base unit with clean tap water. Do not exceed the maximum fill line. For enhanced flavor, you can add white wine, lemon juice, or broth to the water.
5. Insert Flavor Scenter (Optional): If desired, place herbs and spices onto the flavor scenter screen before placing it into the base.
6. Place Steaming Basket: Position the steaming basket securely onto the base.

Operating Instructions

1. Prepare Food: Wash and prepare your food items. Cut larger items into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Load Steaming Basket: Place food directly into the steaming basket. Do not overfill, as this can impede steam circulation and result in uneven cooking.
3. Using the Rice Bowl: For cooking rice, add rice and the appropriate amount of water to the 4-cup rice bowl, then place the rice bowl inside the steaming basket.
4. Cover: Place the lid securely on top of the steaming basket.
5. Plug In: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
6. Set Timer: Turn the timer knob clockwise to the desired steaming time. The steamer will begin to heat and produce steam. The maximum timer setting is 75 minutes.
7. Steaming Process: Steam will begin to generate quickly. The appliance will automatically shut off and signal with a bell when the set time has elapsed.
8. Remove Food: Carefully remove the lid, lifting it away from you to avoid steam burns. Use oven mitts or a potholder when handling hot parts. Remove the steamed food.
9. Unplug: Always unplug the steamer from the outlet after use.

Cooking Tips:

• Add herbs and spices to the built-in flavor scenter screen to spice up food.
• Enhance the flavor of vegetables, seafood, chicken, or fish.
• White wine, lemon juice, or broth added to the water expands food flavor.
• For foods with different cooking times, add longer-cooking items first, then add quicker-cooking items later.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning will help maintain the performance and longevity of your food steamer.

1. Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the steamer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Wash Removable Parts: The steaming basket, rice bowl, flavor scenter screen, and lid are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended) or can be washed by hand in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Clean Base Unit: Wipe the exterior of the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base unit in water.
4. Descaling: Mineral deposits from water can build up on the heating element over time. To descale, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Run the steamer for 20-30 minutes. Unplug, let cool, then pour out the solution and rinse the reservoir thoroughly. Repeat if necessary. Descale regularly, especially in areas with hard water.
5. Storage: Ensure all parts are dry before storing. Store the steamer in a cool, dry place.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Black+Decker website or the documentation included with your purchase. A digital version of the user manual is also available:

Download User Manual (PDF)

If you experience any issues not covered in this manual, please contact Black+Decker customer service for assistance.