Product Overview
The Sunbeam 8 Quart Food Steamer, Model 4713, is designed to provide a healthy and convenient way to cook a variety of foods using steam. With its generous 8-quart capacity, it can accommodate multiple ingredients simultaneously, making meal preparation efficient. This electric steamer features durable stainless steel components and is easy to operate, ideal for steaming vegetables, fish, poultry, and even rice.
Image: The Sunbeam 8 Quart Food Steamer, Model 4713, displayed in its retail packaging. The image highlights the steamer's transparent dual-tier baskets, lid, and base unit with a control dial. Surrounding the steamer are illustrations of various healthy steamed foods, including vegetables, corn on the cob, and rice, demonstrating its versatility.
Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using this appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
- 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, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- 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.
Parts Identification
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Sunbeam Food Steamer:
- Lid: Transparent lid to cover the steaming baskets.
- Upper Steaming Basket: For steaming larger quantities or different food types.
- Lower Steaming Basket: Sits directly above the water reservoir.
- Rice Bowl: A separate bowl designed for cooking rice or other grains within the steamer.
- Drip Tray: Collects condensation and food juices, keeping the water reservoir clean.
- Water Reservoir: The base unit where water is heated to produce steam.
- Control Dial/Timer: Used to set the steaming time.
- Power Indicator Light: Illuminates when the steamer is operating.
Before First Use
Before using your Sunbeam Food Steamer for the first time, it is important to clean all removable parts:
- Wash the lid, steaming baskets, rice bowl, and drip tray in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry all parts completely.
- Wipe the exterior of the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base unit in water.
Setup and Assembly
Follow these steps to set up your steamer for use:
- Place the base unit on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface.
- Fill the water reservoir with cold tap water up to the MAX fill line. Do not overfill.
- Place the drip tray onto the base unit, ensuring it is properly seated.
- Place the lower steaming basket onto the drip tray.
- If using, place the upper steaming basket on top of the lower basket.
- Place the lid securely on top of the uppermost steaming basket.
Operating Instructions
Using your Sunbeam Food Steamer is simple:
- Prepare your food by washing, peeling, and cutting as necessary.
- Arrange food in the steaming baskets. Do not overcrowd the baskets, as this can impede steam circulation and result in uneven cooking. For best results, place larger or denser items in the lower basket.
- If cooking rice, place the desired amount of rice and water into the rice bowl, then place the rice bowl into one of the steaming baskets.
- Ensure the lid is securely in place.
- Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
- Turn the control dial/timer to the desired steaming time. The power indicator light will illuminate.
- Steam will begin to generate within minutes.
- When the set time has elapsed, the steamer will automatically shut off and a bell may sound.
- Carefully remove the lid, using oven mitts as steam will be hot.
- Remove the steamed food.
- Unplug the steamer from the outlet.
General Steaming Guidelines:
- Cooking times vary based on the type, quantity, and freshness of food.
- Always ensure food is cooked thoroughly before consumption.
- For frozen foods, add extra steaming time.
- You can add herbs and spices to the water reservoir for infused flavors, but ensure they do not block the steam vent.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your steamer:
- Always unplug the steamer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove the lid, steaming baskets, rice bowl, and drip tray. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water or place them on the top rack of a dishwasher if they are dishwasher safe (refer to product manual for specific dishwasher compatibility).
- Empty any remaining water from the water reservoir.
- Wipe the interior and exterior of the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base unit in water or any other liquid.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling or storing.
Descaling:
Over time, mineral deposits from water may build up in the water reservoir, affecting performance. Descale your steamer regularly, especially in areas with hard water.
- Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water.
- Run the steamer for approximately 20-30 minutes (without food or baskets).
- Unplug and allow to cool.
- Empty the vinegar solution and rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water several times to remove any vinegar odor.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Steamer does not turn on. | Not plugged in; timer not set; power outage. | Ensure plug is securely in outlet; turn timer dial to desired setting; check household circuit breaker. |
| No steam is being produced. | Insufficient water in reservoir; mineral buildup. | Add water to the reservoir (up to MAX line); descale the water reservoir as per cleaning instructions. |
| Food is not cooking evenly. | Baskets are overcrowded; food pieces are too large. | Do not overcrowd baskets; cut food into smaller, more uniform pieces; rearrange food during steaming if necessary. |
| Water leaks from the base. | Drip tray not properly seated; reservoir overfilled. | Ensure drip tray is correctly positioned; do not fill water above the MAX line. |
Specifications
- Model: 4713
- Brand: Sunbeam
- Capacity: 8 Quarts
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: White, Black, Stainless Steel accents
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 13.4 inches (L x W x H)
- Item Weight: 5.5 Pounds
- UPC: 027045029575
- Power: Electric
Warranty and Support
Sunbeam products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, product registration, or customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Sunbeam website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For further assistance, you may visit the Sunbeam Store on Amazon or contact Sunbeam customer service directly.
