What is the steamer basket made of? Mine arrived. Looks cheap. No instructions. Box labels the pot as stainless steel-not so w/ steamer.
1132634
The steamer tray on mine is stainless steel. Same appearance as the pot, just the metal is thinner. I've been using it for over 2 years and it's always worked great, never any problems. Even dropped the lid from 5 ft. once :-O, and it was perfectly fine. The tray is marked S.S304 on the side. I googled this number, and as I expected it is an abbreviation for stainless steel grade 304. However, I understand that some earlier models of this rice cooker did have an aluminum tray, so it's possible, although not likely, that you could have gotten an earlier model. If the tray is marked S.S.304 or if it has the same color and shine as the pot, it's pretty safe to say it's stainless steel. If it's more dull and isn't marked it's likely aluminum.
1132635
I have this rice cooker and its very hard finding one that is stainless. As to steamer, I don't think is stainless. I couldn't figure out how to use it either.
1670110
Hi. It's not really stainless but rather a light silver-ish metallic. Very very easy to clean. I love mine and make all my crock pot recipes in it. I highly recommend it.
1997539
No, it's aluminum. Very low grade non-stick aluminum, at that. My understanding is that some of these units were constructed with non-stick SS cookers, but those offered for sale here are not. The only stainless steel on this unit is the very thin facing on the front of the machine. Also, this is a Chinese built unit: not built in Japan, despite the name.The one I bought from Amazon, I donated to Salvation Army. The cheapness of the build was appalling, and the vastly protracted cooking times were absurd. Two hours for brown rice! My $15. rice cooker puts this thing to shame. Seriously. No, it's aluminum. Very low grade non-stick aluminum, at that. My understanding is that some of these units were constructed with non-stick SS cookers, but those offered for sale here are not. The only stainless steel on this unit is the very thin facing on the front of the machine. Also, this is a Chinese built unit: not built in Japan, despite the name.The one I bought from Amazon, I donated to Salvation Army. The cheapness of the build was appalling, and the vastly protracted cooking times were absurd. Two hours for brown rice! My $15. rice cooker puts this thing to shame.... » Read More No, it's aluminum. Very low grade non-stick aluminum, at that. My understanding is that some of these units were constructed with non-stick SS cookers, but those offered for sale here are not. The only stainless steel on this unit is the very thin facing on the front of the machine. Also, this is a Chinese built unit: not built in Japan, despite the name.The one I bought from Amazon, I donated to Salvation Army. The cheapness of the build was appalling, and the vastly protracted cooking times were absurd. Two hours for brown rice! My $15. rice cooker puts this thing to shame. Seriously. « Show Less
552567
Yes there's a steam basket. I wouldn't recommend this rice cooker if you make quick meals often. It takes an hour to cook! My old rice cooker took 15 minutes.
627848
I saw this site had replacement pots. http://vitaclaychef.com/replaceable-inner-pot--4.html I would like to know which model you got? Can you program it in 1 minute increments? The reason I ask is that I thought it might work as a steamer, if I used a steamer basket inside. Also, do you have any favorite recipes?
1976520
It isn't stamped "stainless steel", but it definitely is. I have occasionally forgotten for several hours to empty the water from the pot below, and the residual moisture would have long ago started to rust regular steel.
303953
I will be honest with you. These pots are cheaply made. Save your money and buy some from Cuisinart or some other brand.
1153785
The legs are held by aluminum. This thing rusts all over (who would make a steamer basket that rusts from steam?) and the wings fall off. I am buying a differnt kind now! This basket is just a poor excuse for the job it should be doing. Do not buy this you will be sorry you did--I am. Will not last.
2190450
I was worried about the same thing and ordered a replacement basket. Those instructions explicitly claim that the coating with scratches from use poses no danger. Since that was a vague answer, I bought a new one. The coating sure appears to be teflon. We decided to err on the side of caution since the product was good and reliable; sort of like changing your worn tires. Larry
143422
I don't know. It appears that the pot is made of mild steel. I would call the manufacture.
306287
Sorry--I just saw this inquiry (was traveling abroad). I never used the product--returned it immediately upon inspecting saw how very shoddy construction was. I is supposed to be cast iron--dishwasher would cause it to rust. These products are found in Asian markets--considerably more $$ but heavy and has deeper drip pan to prevent flare ups. Save your $, this product is JUNK. I see it at thrift ($1 stores) for $5 to 6 dollars...
823043
I believe it's stainless. The basket and stem are the basic...I think aluminum.
737800
I commented earlier that the basket, basket lid, and perk tube were stainless, which is correct. I also said it was 100% stainless, which is incorrect. Upon further investigation it appears that the cup at the bottom of the pot where the perk tube rests in is not made of stainless and may be made of aluminum. I have edited my first comment providing the additional information. Sorry for the bad info.
625175
extra pot with steam basket and cover. maybe 8qt, not sure like a spaghetti pot:)
2280615
I bought this from Amazon and the original box says "Made in France" as does the pot itself. There are some Le Creuset items that are made in China, but not the tagine that I bought. I always thought it was supposed to have a hole to let the steam out, but that is not the idea--the steam rises and drips back down making the food moist, whether you use it on the gas stove top or in the oven. You can brown the meats in the cast iron bottom first if you like that.
355899
It IS ceramic. Ceramic mechanisms are usually white and look like plastic, but are not plastic. They will outlive a metal mechanism and you can use them for salt (the will not corrode'/rust. You also do not have to worry when using it over a pot of boiling soup, since the steam will also not harm the ceramic mechanism.
2098129
Please do not buy this, it is not stainless steel, read my review, I also wanted this for a pressure cooker. The metal type says " silver tone" its a cheap $1. Store type product. Its also very tiny.