Steaming is an easy and healthy way to cook. Should consumers choose to use electric food steamers, they are advised to use them with care so as not to get burnt by steam.
A safety test on 9 electric food steamers conducted by Consumer Council revealed that in 3 samples the temperature rise of the lid of the steamer and/or the handle exceeds the limit of 60℃ during operation, ranging from 61.1℃ to 76.9℃.
The Consumer Council reminds users not to touch the steamer with bare hands or to let their hands or face get close to the steam vent when it is in operation to avoid getting burnt.
The prices of the 9 electric food steamer samples ranged from HK$129 to HK$698. Making reference to international standards (IEC60335-1 and IEC60335-2-15), the Consumer Council carried out tests on protection against accidental contact to live parts, temperature rise, construction, marking and user instructions, etc. Among the tested models, 5 samples passed all the safety tests conducted.
The Council's test results also revealed that 2 samples missed some marking and instructions, in which, one tested sample failed to remind users not to immerse the steamer in water.
4 samples failed to provide user manual in Chinese which may cause inconvenience to users who can only read Chinese.
5 samples were found to have external water inlets and therefore filling them with water is more convenient, while 3 samples do not have such inlets, nor do they have any see-through gauges for checking the water level.
Consumers are advised to take heed of the following when using electric food steamers:
- Assemble the steamer compartments in the order suggested by the manufacturer;
- Use the appliance on a stable, firm and level surface;
- Fill up the water reservoir before plugging in the socket. Do not exceed the maximum water level, otherwise boiling water will spill over.
- Avoid blocking the small holes at the bottom of the each compartment when food is put in the steamer, so as to allow the steam freely circulate;
- When steaming food, do not touch the hot surface of the steamer, and never let the hands or the face get close to the steam vent on the cover of the steamer to avoid steam burn;
- Use long handle cooking tools to stir the food inside the steamer to avoid steam burn;
- Clean the steamer regularly. Unplug the appliance before cleaning.
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