Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer (Model 37537) Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer, Model 37537. Designed for versatile cooking, this steamer features two tiers with a removable divider, allowing for simultaneous steaming of various food items such as vegetables, fish, and eggs. Please read all instructions carefully before use.

Image: Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer, fully assembled with two steaming tiers and lid.

Important Safety Information

• Always ensure the unit is unplugged before cleaning or assembly.
• Do not immerse the base unit in water or other liquids.
• Use only water in the reservoir. Do not add other liquids or ingredients directly to the water reservoir.
• Keep hands and face away from steam vents during operation to avoid burns.
• Always place the steamer on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Do not operate the steamer if the power cord or plug is damaged.
• Supervise children when the appliance is in use.
• Warning: Raw meat should NEVER be cooked using the Delay Start Timer.

Components

Your Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer includes the following parts:

• Base Unit: Contains the heating element and control panel.
• Water Reservoir: Located within the base unit, for holding water.
• Drip Tray: Sits above the water reservoir to collect condensation and food juices.
• Lower Steaming Basket: The larger basket, designed to sit on the drip tray.
• Removable Divider: Can be placed in the lower steaming basket to separate food or removed for larger items.
• Upper Steaming Basket: Sits on top of the lower steaming basket for multi-tier cooking.
• Rice Bowl: A smaller bowl for cooking rice or other grains.
• Lid: Transparent lid to cover the steaming baskets.

Image: All individual components of the Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer laid out.

Setup

1. Placement: Place the base unit on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. Ensure it is near an electrical outlet.
2. Fill Water Reservoir: Remove the drip tray and steaming baskets. Fill the water reservoir with clean water up to the "MAX" line indicated on the water level indicator. For optimal performance and to prevent mineral buildup, distilled or filtered water is recommended.
3. Assemble Steamer:
   • Place the drip tray onto the base unit.
   • Place the lower steaming basket onto the drip tray. If steaming large items like corn on the cob or a whole head of broccoli, the removable divider can be omitted. For eggs, place them upright in the designated indentations on the divider.
   • If using two tiers, place the upper steaming basket on top of the lower steaming basket.
   • If cooking rice, place the rice bowl into the upper steaming basket. Follow rice package instructions for water-to-rice ratio.
   • Cover the top steaming basket with the lid.
4. Plug In: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.

Image: Steamer set up with corn on the cob in both tiers, demonstrating capacity for larger items.

Image: Steamer with eggs placed in the designated holders within the steaming basket.

Operating Instructions

1. Add Food: Place your desired food items into the steaming baskets. Ensure the lid is securely in place.
2. Power On: Press the ON/OFF button. The display will show a default cooking time (e.g., 20 minutes).
3. Set Cook Time: Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the desired cooking time in minutes. Refer to the cooking guide for approximate times.
4. Start Steaming: Once the desired time is set, the display will flash for a few seconds and then begin counting down, indicating that steaming has started.
5. Delay Start (Optional): To use the delay start function:
   • After setting the cook time, press the DELAY TIME (HOURS) button.
   • Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to set the desired delay in half-hour increments.
   • The steamer will begin the delay countdown, and then automatically start steaming once the delay time has elapsed.
   • Important: Do not use the Delay Start Timer for raw meat or perishable foods to prevent bacterial growth.
6. Keep Warm Function: After the set cooking time has elapsed, the steamer will automatically switch to a "KEEP WARM" cycle for up to one hour. The display will show "WARM".
7. Low Water Indicator: If the water level in the reservoir becomes too low during operation, the "LOW WATER" indicator will flash, and the display may show two dashes. To add more water, carefully lift the steaming baskets using the black handles and pour water into the reservoir. Some newer models may feature an external water refill slot.
8. Finish: Once cooking is complete and the unit has entered the keep warm cycle or been manually turned off, carefully remove the lid and steaming baskets using oven mitts to avoid steam burns.

Image: Steamer with cooked lobster tails and asparagus, ready to serve.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your steamer.

1. Unplug: Always unplug the steamer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Wash Components: The steaming baskets, rice bowl, drip tray, and lid are generally dishwasher-safe (top rack) or can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
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 Buildup): Over time, mineral deposits may accumulate on the heating element. To descale:
   • Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
   • Run the steamer for approximately 20-30 minutes.
   • Unplug, allow to cool, and then drain the vinegar solution.
   • Rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if necessary.
5. Storage: For compact storage, the steaming baskets can be nested inside each other, with the rice bowl and lid placed on top.

Image: Steamer components nested for compact storage inside a kitchen cabinet.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model Number: 37537
• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Color: Black/SS (Stainless Steel accents)
• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: 6 Quarts
• Item Weight: 4.5 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 9.69 x 9.19 x 13.88 inches
• Power: Electric
• UPC: 040094375370, 031112542904, 778890006456, 400943753702

Warranty and Support

Warranty: The manufacturer provides a 1-year limited warranty for this product. Please refer to the original product packaging or the official Hamilton Beach website for full warranty details and terms.

Support: For further assistance, product registration, or to access digital copies of this manual, please visit the official Hamilton Beach website or contact their customer service. You may also find additional resources on the product's listing page on Amazon.