Let’s dish about a real gem I recently rediscovered: the Krups 652-70 OptiSteam Plus. Now, full disclosure, this steamer is officially “DISCONTINUED,” which, in today’s world of instant-everything, practically makes it an antique. But hear me out! Just like that cast iron skillet your grandma swore by, some things are classic for a darn good reason.
Popping the top on this thing (well, imagining I was – finding a pristine, boxed one is mission impossible!), I got slammed with a serious wave of early 2000s kitchen vibes. Remember that era? White plastic everything! But honestly, beyond the retro look, it’s the sheer usefulness of this steamer that grabbed my attention.
Forget those dinky, single-serving steamers. The Krups OptiSteam Plus is built to feed an army (or at least a hungry family). Seriously, with its two massive tiers – we’re talking a 13-cup and a 10-cup capacity! – plus a bonus 6-cup rice bowl, you could prep a feast fit for royalty. I’m picturing mountains of perfectly steamed broccoli, flaky salmon fillets, and fluffy, fragrant rice all cooking together. Talk about a healthy meal-prep win!
Back in the day, when I was trying to ditch the takeout and embrace the “eat clean” thing, I practically lived on steamed veggies. This steamer would have been my best friend! Just imagine tossing in whatever veggies were lurking in the crisper drawer, setting the timer, and boom – healthy dinner, done. And that 60-minute timer with the little ding? A lifesaver, I tell you! No more mushy, waterlogged veggies ending up in the compost bin.
And the design? Seriously clever. That external fill spout with the water level indicator is pure genius. No more awkward contortions trying to pour water into some tiny hole without making a mess. Plus, the big steaming tray has a divider! Separate your green beans from your carrots, or just steam a smaller portion of something without it sliding all over the place. Smart, right?
Okay, gotta keep it real. This thing is a dinosaur. Finding one that’s not beat-up might take some serious eBay skills. And while it’s got stainless steel accents, let’s be honest, it’s mostly plastic. But hey, that’s part of its charm, right?
So, bottom line? If you stumble across a Krups 652-70 OptiSteam Plus in decent shape, snatch it up! It’s a real workhorse of a steamer, with a smart design and enough space to feed a crowd. Perfect for veggie lovers, meal-prep masters, or anyone who appreciates a good dose of kitchen nostalgia. Just remember, you’re buying a piece of history – so treat her right!