PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer, Gray – Fast and Easy Vegetable & Food Steaming

Exactly what I was looking for, a small steamer that I can use in the microwave when at work. Easy to use. Water goes in the gray bottom container, vegetables go on the Green colander and the lid sits on top. Steam your veggies or protein and enjoy. I carry raw veggies like potatoes and broccoli everyday, and in a rush I grab some frozen shrimp and head on out (if I forgot to prep my protein the day before). With this, I can still have real food for lunch/ dinner since nothing is open at night but McDonald’s. I work 12 hours shifts, and keep seasoning for steaming in my lunch box too. I purchased this item because ziplock stopped selling the steam bags. However, this container is more cost effective, as I don’t need to purchase steamer bags every few weeks anymore (that is, if they were still being manufactured). I’m able to keep it in the top of my maxcool igloo lunchbox (in the pic). However, it’s a big lunch box. If you have a small lunchbox, you may have a hard time transporting it daily. The pic with the kcup and paper towel on top is to illustrate the general size of the unit. Yes, the green and grey lip do get hot from being in the microwave. The lid also doesn’t snap onto the lower container. However, I’m only using it to steam in the microwave, not transport food in. The unit is easy to clean and thus far I haven’t had any issues with staining. I wash the container out immediately after removing my food. So far I’ve only steamed veggies and shrimp with seasoning; so I only use it for a max of about 6 minutes at a time. A couple of times I’ve had to pop it back in the microwave for a minute or two more (like when steaming sweet potatoes), but still have had no issues with staining and item was easy to clean.

I love to eat vegetables w every meal but sometimes I don’t have time or energy to pull out the big metal steamer and cook on the stove. It seems like too much of a hassle for just myself and one serving. I just wanted something small, fast and easy. After reading reviews, I went w this Progressive International mini microwave steamer for $10. Some of the reviews said the mini steamer burnt in their microwave but I feel, after using, that this was because they didn’t decrease their microwave’s power level. Not every food needs to be heated at the same power level which is defaulted at high on most. I filled the mini steamer w broccoli and added 5 tbsp of water. I like my veggies soft so I added more water than the recommended 2 tbsp. I have a 1200 watt microwave so I had to adjust the power down. I set it at level 7 out of 10. This was all trial n error which you’ll have to do too the first few times using. I cooked the broccoli for 2 1/2 minutes then checked it. I thought they didn’t look soft enough so I cooked for an additional 1 1/2 minutes. (I probably should’ve tasted instead of eyeballing.) While eating, I noticed a few very tiny brown spots where the microwave was just starting to burn them. It didn’t affect the taste but I think I should’ve only cooked for 3 1/2 minutes total instead of 4. This was my fault. The steamer “handles” weren’t hot when I grabbed them nor did I have an issue w the escaping steam but I’d still be very careful especially for longer microwaved foods. The lid-by design-does not snap onto the bowl. This is to avoid it filling w steam and exploding in the microwave. So I can’t deduct any stars for that detail. It’s not for storage either; Only for steaming! The bowl holds enough vegetables for 1-2 people depending on serving size. It’s perfect for me or for someone to use at work. I appreciate how easy it is to clean too. The parts fit inside each other perfectly for easy storage. The diameter of the inside of the steaming bowl is 5 inches on the top down to 4.75 inches tapering to the bottom. As suggested, I wouldn’t add any oil, sauce, spices, etc to the bowl to avoid possible burning, staining or odors. Make sure to cut bigger pieces into smaller for faster cooking and less likelihood of overcooking or burning. Many people may not know this but carrots often burn in the microwave because of the soil they’re grown in which contains trace minerals (like iron or magnesium) which can create sparks or become arcs when heated by the microwave. This is why so many people complain of their carrots burning. Carrots also have natural sugars that could caramelize and catch fire. Cutting into smaller pieces or cooking at a lower but longer temp may help avoid this issue. Again, I can’t take off any stars for this as it’s just what happens if you don’t take steps to avoid it. Not the products fault at all! All in all, I’m very happy w the steamer and would recommend it to anyone. It’s a very handy kitchen helper. It also makes eating more vegetables very easy w little cleanup. I think the few negative reviews are due to the power level not being adjusted and carrots naturally burning which can be avoided.

I bought this product to steam some veggies for single-serve meals, and it worked great! I used it for sliced zucchini and squash. When I steamed them (separately), I added a little over the recommended two tablespoons and cooked it for about a minute and 45 seconds each. They came out tasting great and it worked like a charm. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and can steam slightly more than one serving. The lid does not click on like a normal tupperware container, so you’ll need to store your veggies separately if you want a secure lid for on the go. Overall, it’s a great product and the price is fair!

I liked this steamer but it's very small. Quality seems good but because of the size I returned it. Would be perfect for a single person/serving.

I LOVE this little microwave dish! I bought this so I could take healthier lunch options to work. I have a small kitchen area that does not have a stove. I have a mini-fridge, microwave and a toaster-oven. Figuring out how to have more options for lunch at work has been problematic for me. This little gem solved a lot of that. I have made all sorts of fresh, steamed veggies in this as well as steamed shrimp and it works wonderfully! The dish does not get too hot on the exterior so I don't have to worry about burning my hands. The size of it is just perfect for a meal or snack for one person. It only takes a small amount of water to steam perfectly! It's super light-weight and stores away in a drawer.

A quality item. Easy to use and clean. Perfect for those smaller portions. Looks well. Certainly steams well in the microwave, saving time and money. Expensive but perfect for purpose. Well packaged.

De fato é bem pequena, mas pra uma família de 3 ou até 4 pessoas, está perfeita. Material parece ser muito bom, bora ver com o tempo rsrs

very effective in steaming

Super práctica. De buen tamaño para una porción de vegetales al vapor, trae un Manuel del tiempo para cada verdura, me encanta.

Tres utile pour les légumes congelés