Braun FS 20 Multi Gourmet Food Steamer Instruction Manual

1. Important Safety Instructions

Please read these instructions carefully before using the appliance and keep them for future reference. Failure to follow these safety guidelines may result in electric shock, fire, or injury.

• Electrical Safety: Ensure the voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to your local mains voltage before connecting. Do not immerse the appliance base, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid. Always unplug the steamer from the outlet when not in use, before cleaning, and before adding or removing parts.
• Hot Surfaces and Steam: The appliance generates hot steam during operation. Always use oven mitts or a cloth when handling hot parts, such as the lid, steam baskets, or rice bowl, to avoid burns. Do not touch hot surfaces.
• Water Level: Never operate the steamer without water in the reservoir. Do not overfill the water reservoir beyond the maximum fill line.
• Children and Vulnerable Persons: This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• Placement: Place the steamer on a stable, heat-resistant, and level surface, away from the edge of the countertop. Ensure adequate ventilation around the appliance. Do not place near hot gas or electric burners, or in a heated oven.
• Damage: Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Contact an authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
• Cleaning: Refer to the "Maintenance and Cleaning" section for proper cleaning procedures. All removable parts are dishwasher safe.

2. Product Overview

The Braun FS 20 Multi Gourmet Food Steamer is designed for healthy and efficient steaming of various foods. Familiarize yourself with its components:

• Base Unit: Contains the 850-watt heating element, water reservoir, and control panel.
• Water Reservoir: Located within the base unit, for holding water to generate steam.
• Steam Baskets (x2): Two universal 3.1-liter capacity baskets for steaming food.
• Dark Extra Bowl: A specialized bowl for steaming foods that may stain, such as carrots or beets.
• Rice Basket (2.0 L): A dedicated basket for cooking rice or other liquid-based dishes.
• Drip Trays (x2): Collects condensation and food juices.
• Lid: Covers the top steam basket to retain steam.
• Timer: 60-minute mechanical timer with automatic shut-off.
• Indicator Light: Illuminates when the appliance is operating.

Figure 1: The fully assembled Braun FS 20 Multi Gourmet Food Steamer, showing the base unit, two steam baskets, and the lid.

Figure 2: A single white steam basket, demonstrating its design for holding food items.

Figure 3: The dark extra bowl, designed for steaming foods that might cause discoloration.

Figure 4: A slotted dark bowl, which may function as a drip tray or a specialized steaming basket.

3. Setup and First Use

3.1 Unpacking and Initial Cleaning

1. Carefully remove all packaging materials and promotional labels from the steamer.
2. Wash the steam baskets, dark extra bowl, rice basket, drip trays, and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Alternatively, these parts are dishwasher safe.
3. Wipe the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base unit in water.

3.2 Assembling the Steamer

1. Place the base unit on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
2. Fill the water reservoir in the base unit with cold tap water up to the maximum fill line. Do not exceed this line.
3. Place one drip tray onto the base unit.
4. Place a steam basket onto the drip tray. If using two baskets, place the second drip tray on top of the first basket, then the second steam basket on top of the second drip tray.
5. Place the lid on the uppermost steam basket.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Steaming Food

1. Prepare your food by washing and cutting it into appropriate sizes.
2. Place the food into the steam baskets. Ensure food is not packed too tightly to allow steam to circulate. For foods that may stain, use the dark extra bowl.
3. Assemble the steamer as described in Section 3.2.
4. Plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet.
5. Set the timer to the desired cooking time. The indicator light will illuminate, and steaming will begin almost immediately due to the unique steam accelerator.
6. When the set time has elapsed, the steamer will automatically switch off, and the timer will ring.
7. Carefully remove the lid and steam baskets using oven mitts. Be aware of escaping steam.
8. Serve the steamed food immediately.

Figure 5: Placing chopped carrots into the dark extra bowl, which is then positioned on a steam basket for cooking.

Figure 6: Asparagus in the top steam basket and potatoes in the bottom steam basket, ready for simultaneous steaming.

Figure 7: Two whole fish placed in a steam basket, illustrating preparation for steaming.

4.2 Using the Rice Basket

The 2.0-liter rice basket is suitable for cooking rice, sauces, or terrines.

1. Add rice and the appropriate amount of water to the rice basket.
2. Place the rice basket into one of the steam baskets.
3. Proceed with steaming as described in Section 4.1. Cooking times for rice will vary depending on the type of rice.

Figure 8: Cooked rice in the dark extra bowl, being carefully removed from the steamer.

5. Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your steamer.

1. Before Cleaning: Always unplug the steamer from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Removable Parts: The steam baskets, dark extra bowl, rice basket, drip trays, and lid are all dishwasher safe. They can also be washed by hand in warm, soapy water, then rinsed and dried thoroughly.
3. Base Unit: Wipe the exterior of the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Never immerse the base unit in water or any other liquid.
4. Water Reservoir and Heating Element: After each use, empty any remaining water from the reservoir. If mineral deposits (limescale) build up on the heating element, descaling is necessary.

5.1 Descaling

Limescale buildup can affect steaming efficiency. Descale your steamer regularly, depending on the hardness of your water and frequency of use.

• Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of white vinegar and water (e.g., 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) up to the maximum fill line.
• Do not add any food or baskets. Place the lid on the base unit.
• Set the timer for 20-30 minutes.
• After the cycle, unplug the steamer and let it cool.
• Empty the reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water several times to remove any vinegar residue.
• Run one cycle with fresh water only to rinse the internal components.

Figure 9: Various removable parts of the Braun FS 20 steamer, including baskets and bowls, placed in a dishwasher for convenient cleaning.

6. Troubleshooting

7. Specifications

• Brand: Braun
• Model Number: FS20
• Power/Wattage: 850 watts
• Voltage: 230 Volts
• Capacity: 3.1 Liters (per steam basket), 2.0 Liters (rice basket)
• Product Dimensions: 37 x 24 x 35 cm
• Weight: 2.76 kg
• Material: Plastic
• Color: White

8. Warranty and Support

This Braun appliance comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, including terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Braun website.

For technical support, service, or to order replacement parts, please contact Braun customer service in your region. Contact information can typically be found on the Braun website or in the product packaging.

You can also visit the official Braun store on Amazon for more information: Braun Store