OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer With Extendable Handle

Steaming is a great way to cook and this one is generous in size and has the handle-how convenient is that? I can steam vegetables and eggs. Cleans easily. Sturdy material and reasonable cost.

**** SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 UPDATE **************************************Please read my review and earlier updates below. Here is a final update. I am updating to 5 stars after receiving a replacement from OXO. The replacement is an improved design that omits the spring that caused the handle to pop up. This was a great design modification by OXO. As far as I could tell, the only purpose served by the spring was to make the lid pop off the pot during use (I must admit it was amusing the first time it happened). The handle still telescopes up and down using friction in the telescoping mechanism to hold it in place - that system works great.I now recommend this steamer without reservation. My compliments to OXO for listening to reviewer comments on this issue and to implementing an effective solution.***************************************************************I like the design, very rugged and well built. I especially like the sturdy fold-down legs. I also liked the design of the pop-up handle with slot allowing you to lift the hot steamer with a fork. I would give this product 5 stars, like the majority of other reviews except for one big problem. The telescoping spring-loaded handle design permits three handle-height positions: fully down, half-way up and fully extended. The problem is that my handle will not stay down. With a lot of work I can get it to stay half-way down for a short period before it pops fully up on its own. I can rarely get it fully down and then for no more than a couple of seconds. When I get it half-way down, it tends to pop up when it gets hot during steaming and shoots the lid off my pot. I have to fully remove the handle (yes, it's removable) before I can use it for steaming. I don't know if this is just a manufacturing defect in my steamer, but if you have the opportunity, carefully check out the steamer in person before you buy one. I really want to love this steamer.*** July 27, 2013 update:See comments to this post, particularly those by J. Masters and my reply, for an effective fix to this problem.*** July 10, 2015 update:I just got an unsolicited response to this post from OXO, which is shown below. This should be very helpful for those who hesitate to purchase this product based on my review or other similar reviews.Thanks for your feedback on the OXO Pop-Up Steamer. We're sorry to hear about the issue you've been experiencing with the handle popping-up on its own.Through user feedback like yours, we learned of this issue and investigated; we developed a new telescoping handle that is extendable instead of spring-loaded and will not pop-up on its own while in use.At OXO we have a Satisfaction Guarantee on all OXO products and we'd love the chance to make this right, please contact us directly at tellus@oxo.com.Thoughtfully yours,OXO

I have been steaming vegetables for many years. Steaming seems to leach less of the essence of delicate vegetables, though I'm no scientist and I can't say for sure if this is true. (Experts say microwaving leaches least.) Anyway, steaming does a good job with vegetables and leaves them toothsome and colorful. The only problems I've had with steamers are their legs are sometimes flimsy and the ring in the center of the steamer (for fishing it out of the pot) is too deep and causes one to burn his fingers when he reaches in to get the hot vegetables. This steamer solves both problems. The legs are sturdy and (here's the best part) the telescoping handle in the center of the steamer allows one to take the hot stuff out of the pot with ease. The telescoping handle retracts so it fits in a four quart pot then, toggle-like, a tap of a finger releases it so it pops up when the veggies are cooked, leaving your hand far from the hot stuff. If you are particularly sensitive to heat, the handle has a slot to fit a fork for extra insulation. Those OXO people are real engineers. Whenever I can't decide which brand I need for a kitchen tool, I just reach for the OXO and I'm never disappointed. I strongly recommend the tea kettle that opens when you tip it, and the vegetable peeler that never gets dull and has a handle that somehow, because it's thick I guess, expedites peeling. This steamer is worth the extra few bucks. I only wish OXO included a "dishwasher safe" notice with the product. Instead, there were no washing instructions. I've been washing by hand--after all, how thoroughly do you have to scrub a steamer?

I've purchased this streamer tray twice now because it feels much more sturdy than any other collapsible steamer trays out there. The telescoping handle is really cool but my first one fell off, thus the second purchase. Fix that OXO and it would be the best

There is a reason this steamer costs more than others, and it is well worth it.We eat a lot of steamed foods and this is the best steamer I've ever used. It is useful for veggies, chicken, fish etc. I've had MANY problems with blades coming loose from the cheaper brands, but this one is well built and more durable, so I have not experienced that issue. The legs can fold up, won't scratch non stick surfaces, and are long enough to give you plenty of water for prolonged cooking times. This is a welcome addition because many of the cheaper brands have short legs, forcing you to constantly monitor the water level else get that nasty burning smell when it runs dry. There is also a handle which pushes down for a low profile when cooking (so you can use a lid), and then raises to easily pull the steamer out when it's done.The only caveat, as with all stainless steel steamers, is that when cooking fish or chicken it will be a huge mess to clean up if you do not use a non-stick spray product beforehand. The meat gets stuck in the holes and between the blades and takes some effort to clean off by hand. This is dishwasher safe, but putting it into the dishwasher with a lot of food still stuck on it will only dry it up onto the steamer. Coat with PAM or brush with olive oil before steaming and you'll be fine.