Okay, so I’ve been on a health kick lately, trying to get more veggies into my diet. Steaming seemed like the way to go, and that’s when I stumbled upon the Nesco ST-25P. The price was right, so I thought, “Why not?” Now, after a few weeks of steaming everything in sight, I’m ready to spill the beans.
Right off the bat, the Nesco ST-25P is pretty basic. It looks like your typical food steamer – stainless steel base, clear plastic trays. Nothing fancy, but it seemed promising. The specs looked good: 400 watts, a 5-quart capacity, a timer that goes up to an hour, and it shuts off automatically. Plus, it comes with two trays and a rice bowl, which is a nice little bonus.
So, how did it perform? Well, I mostly used it for veggies – broccoli, carrots, the usual suspects. I even got a little adventurous and steamed some salmon. That double-decker design? Seriously handy! I could steam my broccoli and salmon at the same time, which saved me a ton of time and meant less mess to clean up. I was a bit worried about the flavors mixing, but honestly, I didn’t notice anything. And that auto shut-off? Lifesaver! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost burned things because I forgot about them.
For a small family, or even just a couple, the 5-quart capacity is pretty decent. I had no problem steaming enough veggies for dinner for two. And that rice bowl? It’s a nice touch, although I’m more of a quinoa fan myself, so it hasn’t seen a ton of action.
Here’s what I loved:
- The Price: You can’t beat the price. If you’re just starting out with steaming, this is a great way to dip your toes in without breaking the bank.
- Super Simple: Seriously, it doesn’t get easier than this. Fill it with water, load up the trays, set the timer, and you’re good to go.
- Double the Fun: That double-decker design is a game-changer. Cooking two things at once? Yes, please!
- Cleanup is a Breeze: The parts are dishwasher-safe, which is always a win in my book.
- Just Right Size: The 5-quart capacity is perfect for smaller meals.
But, it’s not all sunshine and roses:
- Feels a Little Cheap: Let’s be honest, the plastic trays feel a bit flimsy. They’ve held up so far, but I’m not sure how long they’ll last.
- Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock: That timer? It’s loud! The ticking can get a little annoying after a while.
- Where’s the Water Line?: A water level indicator would have been nice. It’s a guessing game trying to figure out how much water to add.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Nesco ST-25P is a decent little steamer, especially if you’re on a budget. It’s not the fanciest thing in the world, but it gets the job done. If you’re looking for something simple and affordable, this is definitely worth a look. But, if you want something more durable with all the bells and whistles, you might want to keep shopping. For me, it’s a good little workhorse that helps me get those veggies in, and that’s what matters!