Cookware Accessories

Common Questions About Cookware Accessories

What is a steamer ring for?

Steamer rings are used to stack steamers on top of each other for increased steaming capacity. Steamer rings fit their companion pot (listed in each ring's description) to elevate the steamed product to a proper height. They also enable operators to steam multiple dishes at a time, raising the second and third tiers high above the first so that they don't interfere with whatever is being cooked beneath. A steamer ring is a handy cookware accessory that saves space and increases kitchen efficiency.

What are X and T racks for?

X and T racks separate the opening of a large pot into smaller sections, enabling operators to use multiple strainers or steamers at once. Their most common use is for straining or skimming different types of noodles. An X rack divides each pot into four equal portions, while a T rack divides the pot into two small portions and one larger portion. Both types of rack are designed to fit the dimensions of a particular pot, which will be specified in the product description. These racks have hooks at either end that latch onto the edges of a pot and stabilize the rack.

What do pot grates do?

Grates in this category sit inside their companion pot (listed in the description) and form a barrier for blanching or steaming a dish. The grate keeps whatever you're cooking above the middle of the pot, preventing it from resting on the bottom and potentially burning. When steaming a dish, the grate provides a surface above the boiling water for the strainer to rest on. When you need to manage the elevation of a dish, these grates and their appropriate pots give you added control.

Why do I need a pot with overflow?

Pots with overflow mechanisms prevent boiling water from reaching whatever is being steamed. As the water begins to heat, it will expand and rise towards the top of the pot. Once the water begins to boil, bubbles formed by escaping gases will cause the maximum water level to rise further. The overfill mechanism is a spout that gives excess liquid a way to escape the pot before it starts to damage your dish. This feature is especially important if you're using a steamer on top of a boiling pot of water, as boiling water could harm the final product if it soaks the steaming vegetables, dumplings, or whatever food you're preparing.

What is the purpose of a two-tiered pot?

The two-tiered pot is a cookware accessory that enables you to cook ingredients together without cross-contaminating your dish. This functionality enables operators to cook in a simmering stock, imparting flavor but not material. To use the two-tiered pot this way, you will need to purchase the appropriate grate.

Are all steamers stackable?

If you want to stack steamers in order to use more than one at a time, you need to have equipment that matches. The cookware accessories on this page list their companion parts in their descriptions, so you can be sure that any equipment you get works together without complications. We cannot guarantee that equipment made by different manufacturers will always work together, so we recommend buying from a single set to ensure that your food is cooked quickly and properly.