Okay, folks, as a food blogger, I’m constantly bombarded with new kitchen gadgets promising to revolutionize the way we cook. So, when the Black+Decker Flavor Center Steamer HS89 showed up, I was like, “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”
First Glance:
Right off the bat, it’s a decent-looking steamer. The black and stainless steel is classic, nothing too fancy. Size-wise, the 4-quart capacity seems just right for my family. Plus, the fact that it comes with a rice bowl is a major win in my book – we’re rice fanatics around here.
Steaming My Way Through Dinner:
Getting started was a breeze. I poured some water into the reservoir, added a splash of chicken broth (because why not?), and then I got a little fancy. I grabbed a handful of herbs from my garden and tossed them into that “flavor center” thingy. I was curious to see if it actually worked. Next, I piled in some broccoli, carrots, and shrimp, set the timer for 15 minutes, and crossed my fingers.
Now, about that “fast steam in less than a minute” claim… Let’s just say it’s a tad optimistic. It took a few minutes to really get going, but once it did, it was steaming like a champ. The 75-minute timer is super generous, and I really appreciate the auto-off feature. I’m notorious for getting sidetracked, so it’s a lifesaver.
The Flavor Factor: Hype or Legit?
Alright, the million-dollar question: Does that flavor center actually make a difference? Honestly, it’s subtle. The herbs definitely gave the shrimp and veggies a nice, delicate aroma and a hint of extra flavor. It’s not like BOOM, flavor explosion, but it’s a nice little something that makes steaming a bit more interesting. I’m already brainstorming different herb and spice combos to try next time.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, the Black+Decker Flavor Center Steamer HS89 is a solid, dependable steamer. It’s not going to win any beauty contests, but it does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and those extra features – the flavor center and the rice bowl – are a nice bonus.
The Good Stuff:
- Perfect size for families
- Super simple to use and clean
- Flavor center adds a subtle flavor boost
- Rice bowl included!
- Long timer with auto-off for forgetful cooks like me
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- “Fast steam” is a bit of a stretch
- Flavor infusion is subtle, not a game-changer
- No customer reviews to peek at before buying
So, Should You Buy It?
If you’re after a simple, no-brainer way to steam your veggies, rice, and seafood, and you dig the idea of adding a touch of flavor with herbs and spices, then yeah, the Black+Decker Flavor Center Steamer HS89 is worth a look. It’s a good value for what you get, and it’s definitely earned a spot on my kitchen counter.
View Customer Reviews on Amazon
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.