BELLA 2-Tier Food Steamer
Instruction Manual & Recipe Guide
Product Overview
This document provides instructions and recipes for the BELLA 2-Tier Food Steamer.
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Important Safeguards
WARNING: When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed:
- Read all instructions.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use pot holders.
- Do not immerse cord, plug, or base unit in water.
- Close supervision is necessary when used by or near children.
- Unplug when not in use, before putting on/taking off parts, and allow to cool before cleaning.
- Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug, or after malfunction. Return to authorized service.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended attachments.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Keep cord away from hot surfaces.
- Do not place near hot gas/electric burners or in heated ovens.
- Use caution when moving appliance with hot food/liquids.
- Lift and open cover carefully to avoid scalding.
- Do not place unit directly under cabinets (produces steam).
- Some water remaining in reservoir after shutoff is normal.
- Do not use steam parts in microwave or on heated surfaces.
- Fill reservoir with water before plugging in.
- If supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by manufacturer or qualified personnel.
- Appliance not intended for use by unsupervised children or persons with reduced capabilities. Supervise children.
- Avoid circuit overload; do not operate other high-wattage appliances on the same circuit.
- Extension cords may be used with care (proper rating, arranged to prevent tripping).
- Do not immerse base unit in water or other liquids.
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Additional Important Safeguards
Notes on the Cord
Use the provided short power-supply cord. Do not use an extension cord. Always plug directly into a wall outlet.
Notes on the Plug
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). It fits a polarized outlet only one way. If it doesn't fit, reverse the plug. If it still doesn't fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug.
Plasticizer Warning
To prevent plasticizers from migrating to furniture finishes, place non-plastic coasters or place mats between the appliance and the furniture surface.
Electric Power
Operate on a separate electrical circuit from other appliances to avoid overload.
Caution
Disconnect from mains before removing cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Safety Precaution
Do not expose to rain or moisture. Mains Supply: 120 Volts / 60Hz AC only. Connecting to other power sources may damage the unit.
Getting to Know Your 2-Tier Food Steamer
Product may vary slightly from illustrations.
Figure 1: Components
- Cover: The lid for the steamer.
- Rice Bowl: A bowl for cooking rice or other grains/foods.
- Steaming Bowl (No. 2): The upper steaming bowl.
- Egg Holders: Indentations within the steaming bowls for holding eggs.
- Steaming Bowl (No. 1): The lower steaming bowl.
- Drip Tray: Catches condensation and drips from food.
- Water Inlet Drawer: For adding water to the reservoir.
- Heating Element: Heats the water to create steam.
- Water Reservoir: Holds the water for steaming.
- Power Indicator Light: Shows when the unit is powered on.
- 60 Minute Timer: Sets the cooking duration.
- Water Level Indicator: Shows the water level in the reservoir.
- Base: The main unit containing the heating element and controls.
Before Using For The First Time
- Unpack the steamer and remove all packing materials.
- Wash the lid, rice bowl, steaming bowls, and drip tray in warm soapy water or on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Wipe the inside of the reservoir and heating element with a damp cloth.
- To assemble:
- Place the drip tray into the base.
- For single layer steaming, align Steaming Bowl #1 onto the drip tray and place the lid on top.
- For double layer steaming, place Steaming Bowl #2 securely onto Steaming Bowl #1.
Operating Instructions
- Place the unit on a flat, sturdy surface with adequate clearance. Caution: Do not place under wall cabinets.
- Fill the water reservoir with cold tap water to the appropriate fill line (see Figure 2). Do not exceed the MAX line.
- Place food in the steaming bowl(s) and put the cover on the top layer.
- Place the steaming bowl(s) onto the base, plug in the power cord, and set the timer (max 60 minutes).
- When time expires, a signal bell will sound and the power light will turn off.
- Use pot holders when handling hot bowls or the drip tray.
Note: Meat or fish should be placed in the lower steaming bowl to prevent juices from dripping onto lower layers.
Tips: Add chicken broth or white wine to the water for extra flavor. Avoid beer, red wine, oil, extracts, or fruit juices as they may stain or damage the heater. Add herbs and spices for flavor.
Important: Arrange food in the center of the bowl and do not block steam vents. The steamer is not for use in microwaves, conventional ovens, or on stovetops.
Figure 2: Water Levels
Shows the maximum and minimum water levels in the reservoir.
Adding Water To The Reservoir Mid-Cycle
Slide out the inlet drawer and add water to prolong the steaming cycle. Caution: Do not remove steaming bowls or drip tray during cooking; steam is scalding hot.
Steaming Eggs
Both steaming bowls can be used for eggs. Indentations are designed to fit 8 eggs per layer (Figure 3).
Figure 3 & 4: Egg Steaming and Rice Bowl Setup
Illustrates egg placement in steaming bowls and the rice bowl setup.
Rice & Grain Bowl
Add rice, seasonings, and water directly into the rice bowl. Fill the main reservoir to the appropriate line.
Important: U.S. cup measures (240 mL) differ from rice industry standards (180 mL). Use rice industry guidelines for best results.
- The steamer includes a rice bowl with a 5-cup (cooked) capacity.
- Measure ingredients accurately into the bowl and fill the reservoir.
- Stir rice at the minimum suggested time to check consistency. Avoid dripping condensation into the rice bowl.
Note: The rice bowl can be used in steaming trays for rice, grains, or foods with sauces/liquids.
Rice Steaming Guide
| Type of rice | Combined in rice bowl (Amount of uncooked rice) | Amount of cold water | Approx. cooked rice yield | Water fill line in base | Approx. time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White - regular, long and medium grain | 1 cup | 1 1/2 cups | 2 cups | MAX | 19-24 mins |
| White - regular, long and medium grain | 2 cups | 2 1/2 cups | 4 cups | MAX | 23-28 mins |
| White - regular, long and medium grain | 3 cups | 3 1/2 cups | 6 cups | MAX | 27-32 mins |
| Brown - regular, long and medium grain | 1 cup | 1 1/2 cups | 2 cups | MAX | 28-33 mins |
| Brown - regular, long and medium grain | 2 cups | 3 cups | 4 cups | MAX | 32-37 mins |
| Extra long grain white rice | 1 cup | 1 1/3 cups | 2 cups | MAX | 50-55 mins |
Care and Maintenance
Unplug the unit and allow it to cool before cleaning. Never immerse the base, cord, or plug in water.
- Empty the drip tray, water inlet, and water reservoir.
- Wash lid, steaming bowl, rice bowl, and drip tray in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
- Clean reservoir with soapy water, then wipe with a damp cloth.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- For compact storage, the lower steaming bowl and rice bowl can be stored inside the upper steaming bowl with the lid on top (Figure 5).
- Descaling (for hard water areas): Scale can build up on the heating element. Clean every 7-10 uses. Pour 3 cups of clear vinegar into the water reservoir, then fill with water to MAX level. Do not use lid, bowls, or drip tray during this procedure. Plug in, set timer for up to 20 minutes. When the bell rings, unplug and allow to cool completely before emptying and rinsing the reservoir.
Figure 5: Storage
Illustrates how to store components compactly.
Steaming Guide: Vegetables
| Variety | Weight/or number pieces | Suggested herbs and spices | Water fill line in base | Approx. time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artichokes, whole | 6 medium | Garlic, tarragon, dill seed | MAX | 35-38 |
| Asparagus, spears | 1/2 -1 lb (about 1/2" in diameter) | Lemon, thyme, bay leaves | MIN | 10-13 |
| Beans, green/wax cut or whole | 1 lb | Dill seed | MAX | 15-18 |
| Broccoli, spears | 1 lb | Cilantro, tarragon, crushed red pepper | MIN | 14-17 |
| Cabbage | 1 lb (about 1/2 small head) | Savory, caraway seed | MAX | 22-25 |
| Carrots | 1 lb | Mint, dill | MIN | 16-19 |
| Cauliflower - whole head | Medium size (about 2 1/2 lbs untrimmed) | Rosemary, basil | MAX | 20-23 |
| Corn on cob | Up to 8 pieces (2 3/4"-3" in length) | MAX | 20-23 | |
| Mushrooms, whole -medium | 10 ounces | MIN | 10-11 | |
| Onions, whole (to partially cook for grilling use) | 1 lb medium size (about 4-2 1/2" diameter) | MIN | 7-9 | |
| Peas - green | 1/2 lbs in pod | Cilantro, garlic, ginger | MIN | 8-10 |
| Peppers, whole -sweet green or red (to partially, cook, then stuff) | Up to 4 medium | MIN | 9-11 | |
| Potatoes, halved - red | 1 lb (about 8 small, 1 1/2"-2" in width) | Rosemary, chives, dill | MAX | 35-40 |
| Spinach | 1 lb | Thyme, garlic | MIN | 14-16 |
| Squash -summer yellow and zucchini | 1 lb medium size | Basil, oregano | MIN | 11-13 |
| Turnips | 1 lb (about 5 small) | Basil, parsley | MIN | 14-16 |
Steaming Guide: Fish and Seafood
Fish
| Type of fish | Amount | Water fill line in base | Approx. time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fillets - Sole, Flounder, other favorite fillets | 3/4 lbs (1/4-1/2"thick) | MIN | 10-12 |
| Steaks - Halibut | 1-2 pieces | MAX | 13-14 |
| Steaks - Salmon | 1-1 1/2 lbs 1"thick | MAX | 19-22 |
| Steaks - Tuna | 3/4-1"thick | MAX | 20-23 |
| Poached fillets - your favorite fish fillets | 1/2 -3/4 lb. (3-4 fillets; 1/4 -1/2"thick) | MAX | 30-35 |
Seafood
| Type of seafood | Amount | Water fill line in base | Approx. time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clams | 1/2-1 lb in shell | MIN | 12-17 |
| King crab | 1 lb (about 6 pieces) | MIN | 15-18 |
| Lobster -tails | 1 or 2 (7 to 8 ozs each) | MIN | 18-20 |
| Mussels (fresh) | 1 lb in shell | MIN | 12-14 |
| Oysters (fresh) | About 1/2 dozen | MIN | 11-13 |
| Scallops (fresh) | 1/2 lb shucked | MIN | 14-17 |
| Shrimp | 1 lb in shell | MIN | 15-17 |
Steaming Guide: Meat
| Type of meat | Weight / or number pieces | Water fill line in base | Approx. time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless fillets | 1 1/4 lbs (4 pieces) | MAX | 22-25 |
| Chicken breast, split with bone | 1-1 1/4 lbs (2 pieces) | MAX | 37-41 |
| Chicken drumsticks, with bone | about 1 lb (4 pieces) | MAX | 32-36 |
| Chicken thighs, with bone | about 1 lb (4 pieces) | MAX | 34-37 |
| Poached chicken breast, split -boneless or with bone | 1 lb (2 pieces) | MAX | 45-47 |
| Frankfurters - regular length | Up to 1 lb (8-10 franks) | MIN | 14-17 |
| Sausage - fully cooked -Bratwurst | Up to 1 lbs | MIN | 17-19 |
| Sausage - fully cooked -Kielbasa | Up to 3/4 lbs | MAX | 19-21 |
Steaming Guide: Other Foods
| Food | Weight / or number pieces | Water fill line in base | Approx. time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs -large size hard boiled | 1-16 | MIN | 13-15 |
| Apples | 5 medium (2 lbs) | MIN | 10-13 |
| Tamales | 6-8 | MIN | 45-55 |
| Dumplings | 10-12 | MIN | 15 |
Limited Two-Year Warranty
SENSIO Inc. warrants this product against mechanical defects in material and workmanship for TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, and for 90 days for non-mechanical parts. SENSIO Inc. will repair, replace, or refund the product at its discretion.
This warranty is valid only for the original retail purchaser and is non-transferable. Keep the original sales receipt as proof of purchase.
Exclusions:
The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from negligent use, improper voltage/current, inadequate maintenance, use contrary to instructions, disassembly, unauthorized repair, or acts of nature (fire, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes).
SENSIO Inc. is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Implied warranties are limited to the duration of this warranty, subject to applicable law.
How to Obtain Warranty Service:
Contact Customer Service toll-free at 1-866-832-4843. If the issue cannot be resolved by phone, you will receive a case number and instructions to return the product. Include your name, address, phone number, case number, and a description of the problem, along with a copy of the original sales receipt. Ship prepaid to SENSIO Inc.'s address. SENSIO Inc. is not responsible for returned products in transit.
