If you enjoy steamed vegetables or rice, you probably already own a steamer/rice cooker. They are relatively inexpensive--because they are relatively simple in operation. Yet they, like other small appliances, may need some work at the Fix-It Club.

How Does It Work?

A steamer is a small appliance designed to steam foods, primarily vegetables. A rice cooker is a steamer designed specifically for steaming rice, but many can be used to steam other foods as well. All steamers use enclosed heating elements. Some include a thermostat. Simple steamers have a rotary timer that turns off the elements after a set time. Other units have a sensor that knows when the water has boiled off in the pan and automatically switches to a lower heat setting.

What Can Go Wrong?

The electrical cord may need replacing. The heating element or resistor may be faulty. Switch contacts or other appliance controls may become dirty.

Fix-It Tip

Save the appliance owner's manual. In addition to operating instructions and troubleshooting tips, some manuals include recipes.