Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6.1-Quart Food Steamer User Manual

Product Overview

The Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6.1-Quart Food Steamer is designed for healthy and convenient meal preparation. This electric steamer features a two-tiered design, allowing for simultaneous steaming of different food items without flavor transfer. Its user-friendly electronic controls and automatic functions simplify the steaming process, making it an efficient addition to any kitchen.

Key Features

• 2-Tiered 6.1-Quart Capacity: Creates instant steam for preparing a variety of foods.
• Electronic Controls: LCD display with a 95-minute timer for precise cooking.
• Delay Cooking: Option to delay cooking for up to 12 hours.
• Auto Keep-Warm Setting: Maintains ideal serving temperature for up to an hour after cooking.
• External Water-Fill System: Features a see-through reservoir and external inlet for no-interruption refilling during operation.
• Collapsible Trays: Fully collapsible steaming trays for compact storage.
• Versatile Accessories: Includes a 3.8-quart and 2.3-quart steaming bowl, plus 8 egg holders for soft- or hard-cooked eggs.

Setup Instructions

Unboxing and Initial Inspection

Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect for any damage. Ensure all parts listed in the user manual are present.

Image: Oster 5712 Food Steamer components as they appear unboxed, showing the base unit, steaming bowls, and lid.

Image: The Oster 5712 Food Steamer base and bowls individually wrapped in protective plastic, ready for assembly.

Assembly

1. Place the main body (base unit) on a stable, flat surface.
2. Position the drip tray onto the main body.
3. Place the desired steaming bowl(s) (3.8-quart or 2.3-quart) onto the drip tray. For two-tier steaming, stack the smaller bowl on top of the larger one.
4. If using, insert the rice bowl into the lower steaming bowl or place eggs in the egg holders.
5. Cover with the secure-fitting lid.

Image: The fully assembled Oster 5712 Food Steamer with two tiers and lid in place, ready for use.

Initial Cleaning

Before first use, wash all removable parts (steaming bowls, rice bowl, lid, and drip tray) in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. The main body should be wiped with a damp cloth.

Operating Your Food Steamer

1. Filling the Water Reservoir

• Ensure the steamer is unplugged before filling.
• Fill the water reservoir with cold water up to the 'MAX' line using the external water-fill inlet on the base of the unit. The transparent reservoir allows you to monitor water levels.
• Do not overfill.

2. Loading Food

• Place your food items (vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, rice) into the appropriate steaming bowl(s) or rice bowl.
• For two-tier steaming, place foods requiring longer cooking times in the lower bowl.
• Ensure the lid is securely placed on top of the uppermost steaming bowl.

3. Setting the Timer and Cooking

• Plug the steamer into a standard electrical outlet. The LCD display will illuminate.
• Use the push-button control panel to set the desired cooking time (up to 95 minutes). Refer to the included recipe book or quick reference guide for suggested cooking times.
• To delay cooking, use the 'Delay' function to set a delayed start time (up to 12 hours).
• Press 'Start' to begin the steaming process. The 'Cook' indicator light will illuminate.

4. Monitoring Food

• The clear steaming bowls and lid allow you to monitor the cooking progress without lifting the lid.
• If you need to check food doneness or add ingredients, you can press the 'Pause' button to temporarily stop steaming.

5. Reheating

• The steamer features an automatic 'Keep-Warm' setting that activates after the cooking cycle is complete, maintaining food at an ideal serving temperature for up to one hour.
• You can also manually use the reheat function if needed.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning

• Always unplug the steamer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
• The steaming bowls, rice bowl, lid, and drip tray are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, they can be washed by hand in warm, soapy water.
• Wipe the main body with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main body in water or any other liquid.
• Empty the water reservoir after each use to prevent mineral buildup.

Storage

The steaming bowls are designed to nest together, allowing for space-saving storage when the unit is not in use.

Troubleshooting Guide

• Steamer not producing steam: Ensure the water reservoir is filled to the appropriate level. Check that the unit is properly assembled and plugged in.
• Food not cooking evenly: Ensure food items are cut into similar sizes. Avoid overcrowding the steaming bowls.
• Low water indicator: If the 'Low Water' indicator illuminates, add water through the external fill inlet immediately.
• Timer not working: Ensure the timer is set correctly and the 'Start' button has been pressed.

Product Specifications

Warranty and Support

This Oster Food Steamer comes with a user manual and a recipe book, providing detailed instructions and culinary inspiration. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty section within the included user manual. For further assistance or support, please contact Oster customer service as directed in your product documentation.