The Salton Richard Simmons Steam Heat Electronic Steamer EST7 is an innovative appliance with three individually controlled steaming compartments and a smart electronic control system.

This unit, available from eSalton, is a sophisticated steaming appliance that can prepare an entire meal, including three different types of food, and have everything ready for serving at the same time.

The secret is in the individually controlled timer. The three separate steaming compartments can each be set for a different cooking time using the electronic pushbutton controls. The compartment with the longest cook time will begin steaming first and the other compartments will activate in turn. Everything finishes together so your food is perfectly cooked and ready to eat.

The digital control panel was easy to operate with one button to select the bowl, plus and minus buttons to add or subtract minutes from the cook time, a set button to accept the selected settings and an on/off button to start steaming. Each compartment can be set up to steam for up to 99 minutes.

The unit's three heaters operate independently so you can choose to heat in only one tray while leaving the other trays off. Once the cook time has elapsed, the unit switches to a keep warm setting for up to 60 minutes, after which time it shuts itself off.

The approximate cooking times for different foods are listed in the instruction booklet. Some foods, such as rice, take longer in the steamer than they would on the stovetop. Other foods, such as vegetables or shellfish, cook relatively quickly. When first starting out, refer to the suggested cooking times as a guideline.

This unit is a bit larger than other steamers. It measures approximately 18 inches long by 12 inches deep by 10 inches tall. The water compartment holds up to 10 cups of water and can be easily refilled through a front opening.

We loved the versatility and expanded capacity of this steamer. The center compartment can accommodate up to 2 pounds of clams, 4 lobster tails or 1 pound of king crab legs. The steamer also comes with a bowl for preparing up to 1 cup of rice, or 6 scrambled eggs. Each side compartment can handle up to 1 pound of produce or seafood. Meats that have been precooked can be reheated in the steamer bowls. You can also use the steamer to hard boil eggs or prepare delicious fruit desserts.


Pros: Extra-large capacity, three-in-one steaming, separate timing so all foods are ready simultaneously
Cons: Bulky housing

Warranty
1 year, limited