The Always Pan, a kitchen darling that has captivated home cooks and social media enthusiasts alike, boasts a myriad of functions and sleek design. Its all-in-one promise has made it a sought-after item, leaving many wondering about its full capabilities. One question that frequently arises is: Does the Always Pan actually come with a steamer? Let’s delve into the answer and explore what this multifunctional pan truly offers.
The Always Pan: What It Is and What It Claims to Do
The Always Pan, manufactured by Our Place, has positioned itself as more than just a frying pan. It’s marketed as a versatile kitchen tool designed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware. This includes a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. The pan’s core features include its non-stick ceramic coating, a modular lid, a steamer basket/colander, and a built-in spoon rest.
The brand heavily emphasizes its ability to simplify cooking, reduce clutter, and enhance the overall culinary experience. The pan’s aesthetic appeal also plays a significant role in its popularity. It comes in a range of stylish colors, making it an attractive addition to any kitchen.
Diving Deeper into the Features
The Always Pan’s non-stick ceramic coating is a key selling point. It’s advertised as being free of potentially harmful chemicals like PFOA, lead, and cadmium. This allows for healthier cooking with less oil and easier cleanup. The pan is made of aluminum, which ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and promoting consistent cooking.
The custom-fit lid is designed to trap steam and heat, aiding in various cooking methods. The integrated spoon rest on the handle is a clever feature, preventing messy countertops and keeping the cooking area tidy.
Answering the Burning Question: The Steamer Basket
So, does the Always Pan come with a steamer? The answer is both yes and no, depending on how you define a “steamer.” The Always Pan does not include a standalone, traditional steamer basket. However, it includes a custom-designed nesting steamer basket/colander that is specifically intended for steaming.
This steamer basket is designed to fit perfectly inside the Always Pan, resting securely on the pan’s rim. It’s made from stainless steel and features small perforations that allow steam to circulate effectively, cooking vegetables, dumplings, or other foods.
How the “Steamer” Works in Practice
The Always Pan’s “steamer” function is quite simple to use. You add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan, place the steamer basket inside, and then add your desired food to the basket. Cover with the lid, and the steam generated from the boiling water cooks the food.
The colander function of the basket also comes in handy for rinsing vegetables or draining pasta. Its dual purpose adds to the pan’s overall versatility.
Pros and Cons of the Always Pan Steamer Function
While the Always Pan’s built-in steamer is a convenient feature, it’s important to consider its pros and cons.
The Advantages of the Integrated Steamer
The integrated steamer offers several benefits:
- Space-saving design: It eliminates the need for a separate steamer, freeing up valuable storage space in your kitchen.
- Convenience: The steamer is readily available whenever you use the Always Pan, making it easy to steam vegetables or other foods on a whim.
- Easy cleanup: Both the pan and the steamer basket are easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Part of a cohesive system: The steamer is designed specifically for the pan, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its advantages, the integrated steamer also has some limitations:
- Size limitations: The steamer basket’s size is constrained by the pan’s dimensions, which may not be suitable for steaming large quantities of food.
- Not a dedicated steamer: The Always Pan’s steamer function might not replicate the performance of a dedicated, multi-tiered steamer for large-scale steaming tasks.
- Reliance on the Always Pan: You can only use the steamer when you’re using the Always Pan, limiting its flexibility.
- Price Point Considerations: Given the Pan’s price, the steamer may or may not be considered a value-added feature based on individual steaming needs.
Exploring Alternatives: Steaming Without the Always Pan Steamer Basket
If you find the Always Pan’s steamer basket insufficient or prefer alternative steaming methods, several options are available.
Using a Traditional Steamer Basket
Traditional steamer baskets are typically made of stainless steel or bamboo. They come in various sizes and can be used with any saucepan or pot that is large enough to accommodate them. These steamers often have multiple tiers, allowing you to steam different types of food simultaneously.
The Bamboo Steamer Option
Bamboo steamers are a popular choice for Asian cuisine. They are often used to steam dumplings, buns, and vegetables. Bamboo steamers are known for their ability to impart a subtle flavor to the food.
DIY Steaming Solutions
If you don’t have a dedicated steamer, you can create a makeshift steamer using items you likely already have in your kitchen. For example, you can place a metal colander inside a pot and elevate it using heat-safe objects like ramekins or canning rings. Add water to the pot, ensuring it doesn’t reach the bottom of the colander, and cover with a lid.
The Importance of Proper Steaming Technique
Regardless of the steaming method you choose, it’s essential to follow proper steaming techniques to ensure optimal results.
Tips for Successful Steaming
- Use the right amount of water: Add enough water to the pot to create steam, but avoid letting the water touch the food in the steamer basket.
- Maintain a gentle simmer: The water should be simmering gently, not boiling vigorously.
- Cover the pot tightly: A tight-fitting lid is crucial for trapping steam and ensuring even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the steamer: Overcrowding the steamer can prevent the steam from circulating properly, resulting in unevenly cooked food.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork or knife to check the food for doneness. Steamed vegetables should be tender-crisp.
The Final Verdict: Is the Always Pan’s Steamer Enough?
Whether the Always Pan’s integrated steamer is sufficient depends on individual cooking habits and preferences. For those who occasionally steam small portions of vegetables or dumplings, the Always Pan steamer offers a convenient and space-saving solution. However, if you frequently steam large quantities of food or prefer a more traditional steaming experience, a dedicated steamer basket or other alternative steaming method may be more suitable.
The Always Pan offers convenience, but it might not be the perfect steamer for everyone. Weigh your needs and preferences to decide if its integrated steamer meets your culinary requirements. Ultimately, the Always Pan’s strength lies in its versatility as an all-in-one cooking tool.
Does the Always Pan Actually Include a Steamer Basket?
No, the Always Pan does not inherently come with a steamer basket as a standard inclusion. While the Always Pan is marketed as a versatile cooking tool designed to replace multiple kitchen items, a dedicated steamer basket is not part of the original package. Its design focuses on functions like frying, boiling, sautéing, and searing, but steaming requires a separate accessory.
The official Always Pan website and promotional materials consistently highlight its other features and capabilities, omitting any explicit mention of a built-in steaming function. To steam food using the Always Pan, you would need to purchase a compatible steamer basket separately or utilize a different steaming method that fits within the pan. It’s best to check the manufacturer’s website for recommended accessories.
If the Always Pan Doesn’t Include a Steamer, How Can I Steam Food Using It?
While a dedicated steamer basket isn’t included, you can improvise to steam food with your Always Pan. The most common method is to use a heat-resistant colander or strainer that fits inside the pan without touching the bottom. Add water to the pan, ensuring it doesn’t reach the bottom of the colander, then place your food inside the colander and cover with the Always Pan’s lid to trap the steam.
Alternatively, you can use a metal cooling rack elevated on heat-safe ramekins or small bowls inside the Always Pan. The ramekins will hold the rack above the water level, allowing steam to circulate around the food. Remember to monitor the water level and add more if necessary to prevent the pan from drying out. Ensure that your chosen method is stable and safe for handling hot steam.
What are Some Good Steamer Basket Alternatives for the Always Pan?
Several excellent steamer basket alternatives can be used with the Always Pan. Collapsible steamer baskets, often made of stainless steel, are adjustable to fit various pan sizes and are a practical choice. Look for one that expands to a diameter suitable for your Always Pan, ensuring it rests securely on the rim.
Another option is a bamboo steamer, which adds a subtle flavor to your steamed food. These steamers typically consist of two or more stackable tiers and can be placed directly inside the Always Pan, provided the pan is deep enough. Silicone steamer baskets are also a popular choice, being heat-resistant, easy to clean, and flexible to fit different pan shapes. Consider your cooking needs and preferences when choosing the best steamer basket alternative for your Always Pan.
Where Can I Purchase a Compatible Steamer Basket for My Always Pan?
Finding a compatible steamer basket for your Always Pan involves checking several sources. Start by exploring the official Our Place website or authorized retailers that sell the Always Pan. They may offer recommended or specifically designed steamer baskets that fit perfectly.
Additionally, online marketplaces like Amazon, Target, and specialty kitchenware stores are excellent places to search for universal steamer baskets. Pay attention to the dimensions of the steamer basket and compare them to the inner diameter of your Always Pan to ensure a proper fit. Read customer reviews to gauge the quality and compatibility of the steamer basket before making a purchase. Also consider the material, stainless steel and silicone are durable and food safe options.
Are There Any Potential Drawbacks to Steaming with the Always Pan?
While the Always Pan can be used for steaming with the right accessories, there are potential drawbacks to consider. The Always Pan’s non-stick coating, while convenient for cooking, may be susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to high heat and steam, especially if using metal steaming accessories that could scratch the surface.
Furthermore, the pan’s relatively shallow depth might limit the amount of food you can steam at once, making it less efficient for larger batches. It’s important to use gentle cleaning methods after steaming to preserve the non-stick coating and avoid harsh abrasives that could compromise its integrity. Monitoring the water level is essential to prevent the pan from overheating and damaging the coating.
What Types of Food are Best Suited for Steaming in the Always Pan (with an Appropriate Steamer)?
With a compatible steamer accessory, the Always Pan can effectively steam a variety of foods. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and leafy greens are excellent candidates for steaming, as it preserves their nutrients and vibrant colors. Seafood, such as fish fillets, shrimp, and scallops, also steams beautifully in the Always Pan, resulting in tender and flavorful results.
Other foods well-suited for steaming in the Always Pan include dumplings, bao buns, and smaller portions of rice or grains. Steaming ensures even cooking and prevents the food from drying out. When steaming, it’s crucial to cut the food into uniform sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate and achieve the desired texture. Be mindful of the steaming time to avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy or rubbery textures.
How Does Steaming in the Always Pan Compare to Using a Dedicated Steamer?
Steaming in the Always Pan with a separate steamer basket can be a convenient option, but it differs from using a dedicated steamer. A dedicated steamer typically offers more space and multiple tiers, allowing you to steam larger quantities of food or different items simultaneously. This can be more efficient for meal preparation.
Dedicated steamers are also designed specifically for steaming, often featuring built-in water level indicators and precise temperature control, ensuring optimal results. The Always Pan, while versatile, relies on your own judgment for water levels and temperature adjustments. While you can achieve satisfactory results using the Always Pan for steaming, a dedicated steamer may provide a more controlled and streamlined steaming experience, especially for frequent or large-scale steaming.