How do I steam shrimp in the Rival Select Steamer. Where/ how do I use those 2 clear plastic containers - tops and bottom?

Mine started steaming from the top and a little plastic piece inside where the handle attaches to the wand cracked. I had to purchase an entire head and after one use it did the same thing again. It is a poorly made steamer with cheap plastic parts! Since it was out of warranty, I threw it in the dumpster!

For white rice, put 2 cups water in the bottom and 2 cups water in the rice dish along with 2 cups rice (also in the rice dish!). Plug it in and when the light goes out, it's ready. Also, one thing to remember is to clean the little well after each use with a bit of vinegar so it doesn't build up hard water deposits (unless you're lucky enough not to have hard water!) It makes a BIG difference in the rice steamer's operation. BTW: each mark on the side of the steamer's base is about 1 cup which equals about 20 minutes of steam time. Hope that helps. -Donna

The manual is available from http://kitchen.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/rival_1/4450.html

I suspect you have done something on this by now but . . . You need to pry out a plastic cap/insert in the top of the handle. Beneath it are 1-2 screws to remove. The halves will then come apart. I have mine broken down but have no idea what to do now. It is not making steam. Reply if you have any thoughts.

Keith

Remove the 2 screws on the bottom of the steamer, that holds the center panel on. (Not the screws that hold the whole bottom.) Use a needle the clear the steam holes. Soak the panel in white vinegar for a couple of hours and scrub with aa brush to remove the lime calcium deposits. Check the center hole that goes into the steam and make sure it is clear. Reattach the panel. If the panel does not fit snuggly (either end does not contact the base panel, add two more screws about an inch in from either side. I used stainless steal screws because of the consist moisture. Used screws that are no more than 3/4 on an inch long and about the same diameter as the two you removed.

I would not recommend replacing just the plasic basket, too expensive. Once the plastic parts begin to fail, the uint has seen better days (our basket was still ok, but the unit started to leak out the bottom and the timer would stop during the steaming).

Bought a replacment B&D Handy Steamer, oval shape allows longer food items to be steamed (approx 10"x8"), water res & can be filler while steaming. Price was $25 in local hardware (Jan 09). Not worth fixing the old one IMO.

If your steam mop is Enviro Steam Mop by Eureka. remove the 2 screws on the bottom of the steamer, that holds the center panel on. (Not the screws that hold the whole bottom.) Use a needle the clear the steam holes. Soak the panel in white vinegar for a couple of hours and scrub with aa brush to remove the lime calcium deposits. Check the center hole that goes into the steam and make sure it is clear. Reattach the panel. If the panel does not fit snuggly (either end does not contact the base panel, add two more screws about an inch in from either side. I used stainless steal screws because of the consist moisture. Used screws that are no more than 3/4 on an inch long and about the same diameter as the two you removed.

Here's all the info I've been able to find:

The older Rival rice cooker steamer should have a base, a lid, steamer basket, and rice bowl.

To cook rice, fill center basin of base with water. Place the rice bowl on basin. Add rice and water as follows. For white rice add water in a 1:1 ratio to rice plus 1/2 cup. For brown rice add water in a 1:1 ratio to rice plus 3/4 cup. Examples: 1 cup white rice, 1-1/2 cup water; 2 cups brown rice, 2-3/4 cups water. Put lid on and plug in and in about 50 minutes you should have delicious rice.

Timing is Everything
Whether using the Rival Steamer for a main dish or for a side dish, cooking is easy. But not Fast. Rice and steamed vegetables actually take twice as long to cook in this steamer. The simplicity comes since you add your rice or vegetables in one step. No waiting for one thing to happen before you can do the next. Put water and fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry or rice in the basket or bowl that come with the unit, cover, plug in and wait for the light to go off per the timing chart.
1/4 cup water takes 6 -7 minutes
1/2 cup water takes 10-12 minutes
3/4 cup water takes 16-17 minutes
1 cup water takes 19-22 minutes
1.25 cups water takes 24-26 minutes
1.5 cups water takes 26-30 minutes
2 cups water takes 38-39 minutes
2.5 cups water takes 43-44 minutes
3 cups water (max fill) takes 45-50 minutes.

Steamed Chocolate Pudding (From the Rival Steamer Guide)
3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1.5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped nuts
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Cream butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beat well. Add egg and melted chocolate; blend well. Add milk alternately with dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold nuts into batter. Pour into greased 8"x4" loaf pan. Cover pan with aluminum foil. Place pan in steamer basket. Cover and steam until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm with **Marshmallow Cream Sauce. Water: 1 cup. Time: 19-22 min.

**Marshmallow Cream Sauce:
16 large marshmallows
1/3 cup cream
In a small saucepan, combine ingredients and melt over low heat. Serve over Steamed Chocolate Pudding.

Rival 4450 Steamer Manual.pdf

This gave me the full manual thanks to someone else who posted this link.

Hi,

• The water level as long do not overflow is ok. Ensure water do touches the centre of the element.It's important to ensure there is sufficent water in the base of the steamer by visually viewing the transparent water level gauage.You can top up water on the either side handle.Turn the timer on if you think that the food will cook at 20 min or so.A receipes will help and tell you to set the exact min for cooking.

Regards
Alan