Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer
by Joyce Chen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Joyce ChenBrand: Joyce Chen
Release Date: 2004-10-10
Model: J26-0050
Color: White
Product features:
- 6-piece microwave steamer set for rice, vegetables, and meat
- Includes 2-quart steamer bowl, steamer insert, an inner lid for circulating steam, and a locking outer lid
- Also comes with special lid for popping popcorn and rice paddle
- Steams a healthy, low-fat meal in mere minutes
- Safe to use in dishwasher
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer
Customer Review: 3 of 4 ain't bad! ;) Design issues though
Summary: 2 Stars
I've had this about 6 months. I do these things on the stovetop usually (rice, steaming, pasta) as I consider these to be simple... and I don't have a problem doing it and cleanup is about the same. I don't use a dishwasher as I don't have a family with me anymore, so a dishwasher is pretty wasteful for me.
This little device can be helpful though:
*Microwave usually takes about half the time as it heats faster
*If you're the forgetful type or are distracted, the microwave turns off and you don't have to worry about most "unwatched" issues
*it can free up stovetops for other tasks
It has its problems too though:
*microwaves vary widely both in power and in efficiency of delivering the heat to the food. This means almost everything done in it takes "trial and error" adjustment of liquid ratios and recipe timings.
For this little gadget, I'd rate FUNCTIONALITY as follows:
-Steaming foods: 5 STAR-- works fine. many other units do the same though as steaming is easy and non-critical ..
-Popcorn: 3 STAR-- this is pretty bad.. it can be made to work and that's about it. This is fussy and % pop is lower. The Nordic Ware Microwaver Popcorn Popper 12 Cup (available as part of sets and individually) works rather better.
-Rice: 4 STAR-- This works as well as other microwave rice makers..I don't find it to be any better and its more expensive.
-Pasta: 4 STAR-- This is pretty much the same as rice..
DESIGN issues are POOR.
*This unit is quite unstable, having only 3 legs and they aren't even at the edge.. Any "jiggle" of this with something in it will tip it over.
*Plastic used for the bowl/leg unit is definitely breakable. If you drop it for any reason, its likely broken. The "locking lid" is likewise pretty prone to damage.
*The plastic, though fairly tolerant of heat will definitly melt and soften/warp if overheated.. usually due to inadequate water or just letting it run without checking it.
Overall 2 STAR for design including safety, usability, durability, and convenience... This is a serious issue to me and will affect every user.
The unit isn't bad, and certainly can be a useful addition to the kitchen, but for me it's OK at best. I find that the Nordicware is better in almost every safety category and at least equal in performance. (it isn't perfect either, just better)
All of the units I looked at take up a lot of room and are "fussy" in that there are bits and pieces that have to be stored and kept track of in various ways. They are NOT compactly stored :( At least they aren't electric so they are light and have no "power" issues such as plug access and cleaning issues.. hehe.
I'd love to rate this higher as it is a useful tool, but I feel that its negatives are high and there are equal or better alternatives.
Description of Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer
Joyce Chen opened her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958. She found that the selection and quality of Chinese cookware in America didn't live up to her high standards? so she developed her own. Today, Joyce Chen Products sources from all over the Pacific Rim to bring the best of Asia to you. This 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer has a 2 quart capacity. The 6 piece set includes: Steamer Bowl, Locking Outer Lid, Steam Recirculating Inner, Popcorn Lid, Steaming Insert, and Rice Paddle.Steamers
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