Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Multi-Steamer with Glass Lid, fits 16 cm, 18 cm and 20 cm Pans

I bought this steamer to go with my Le Creuset 3 ply pans. It fits the 16/18/20 cm snugly, blending into one unified utensil. For the technically minded the water evaporates from the base pan, through a number of holes on top of which rests the food. I was able to count some 322 but that is not precise. Le Creuset could sequentially number these in later models as the amount of holes directly correlates to efficiency of the cooking process and is essential to make meaningful comparison with other streamers. This utensil came with a booklet "A Guide to Steaming" written in 9 European languages. I have serious concerns with this. First this gives cooking guidelines for 14 vegetables, poultry, fish and sweet and savoury. The recommended steaming time for courgettes (thick slices, baton shapes, or baby whole) was a preposterous 8 minutes - between 7 to 7 minutes 15 seconds being sufficient. Second, minority languages (Arab, Asian etc), and a Braille impression, are not included in the booklet which some may see as discriminatory and a health and safety issue. After all we are dealing with boiling water in a home environment. Finally, there were no guidelines to indicate what sort of water should be used to ensure optimal steaming performance! Do they expect us to use tap water? While the booklet did state "Check water levels regularly throughout the steaming process to prevent the pan from boiling dry" this should have been much larger. Le Creuset seems oblivious to the risks that this steamer could pose. Ascetically the roundness of the pan is pleasing, the transparent lid allows a clear view the interior. The item came in an elegant cardboard box in steel and marine blue, much nicer than the orange used in some items (large wok, frying pan packaging etc). I have kept mine to ensure in the future when this object becomes a collectors item the owner - if it is not me, possibly handed down through generations as a family heirloom - is able to maximise the value at auction. At the current price this is exceptional value but Le Creuset should consider a titanium limited edition steamer. Surely some luxury brand manufacturer (Hermes for example) would make this steamer an aspirational high-end gift item. This steamer is a brilliantly simple design classic, essential to the modern cook. After considerable reflection, I have to take off one star for the serious limitations in the instruction book.

This is a great product which looks good is sturdy, very practical and great for not overcooking vegetables.

Bought this steamer to go with my set of orange le creuset pans. It's good. It does fit all the pans, but does not sit perfectly in to my 16. Cleans easily. Been using it most days for a couple of weeks now. Pleased with it.