Black & Decker HS2000 Flavor Scenter Steamer and Rice Cooker

One day when my Sweetie came over he had this steamer tucked under his arm and a look of uncertainty on his face. "I bought this through my Gold Box" he said "but I don't know if it was a good idea or not." That was nearly 2 years ago.I didn't see the point of it at first since it was easy enough to steam veggies on the stove but we decided to give it a try. We unpacked it from the box, plugged it in and have enjoyed better veggies and fluffier rice ever since. We've tried all kinds of things in it including broccoli, asparagus, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, squash, rice and shrimp to name a few, and not once have we been the slightest bit disappointed!The look of uncertainty disappeared quickly after the first time we use it as the veggies looked and tasted so much better! It was clear that this was a wise choice, and in time proved to be an exceptional value for the money!It's so easy to use, just fill the bottom with water to the designated line (low or high), put the veggies in and set the timer according to the chart. Everything comes out perfect with vibrant color, and just the right texture and all of the flavor! No more pale, limp broccoli. No more mushy cauliflower, no more clumpy or nasty under or over-cooked rice!There are 5 pieces to this steamer, the base - which is where you put the water, a drip tray - which collects drippings, a clear bin - which is where you put the veggies, an inner basket - used for rice and finally the lid. The pieces all fit well together and have little edges that fit inside each other so there's no fear of the bin being knocked off while it's steaming.We both like to cook and sometimes make elaborate meals that take hours. Often we'll steam shrimp as an appetizer to munch on while we prepare the meal. In about 15 minutes the shrimp is steamed to perfection, we have a tasty treat to hold off starvation, and as a bonus, the tray is filled with what is now shrimp stock that pours easily through the little end slots into a container for use in other recipies such as seafood gumbo. The drippings in the tray from veggies can be used as vegetable stock for soups or stews or as a treat for your houseplants (after it cools).Not all of our meals are elaborate or time consuming, and this steamer works great for a quick side dish... just toss in some veggies and in a few minutes you're done. Broccoli = 13 minutes, carrots = 16, summer squash = 12 minutes.The tray has an area in the center to put herbs or seasonings if you want to add a touch of something different to your veggies. Try a sprig of rosemary or thyme, or a bit of taragon, oregano, cilantro or basil. The book that comes with the steamer has a well laid out, very easy to follow chart that shows amounts, steaming time, water level, suggested seasonings and tips, and is printed in 3 languages.Since that first day when we were both skeptical of it's usefullness, we've given this little work horse a tremendous amount of use, and after all this time it still looks new and works great! It's easy to use, cleans up well, and will always have a place on my countertop.I like it so much that I've started giving these as gifts to friends and family.

Quite honestly, I do NOT understand why so many others complain about the Flavor Scenter not being made for cooking rice. I followed the directions in the included manual (exact amounts of rice & water), and I've had PERFECT results every time, and I cook all kinds of rice; white, wild, long grain, AND brown rice. This is by far the most dependable and SIMPLE way to cook rice! Throw the ingredients into the steamer, add the water, plug it in, set the timer, and you don't have to do anything else with it! I've also cooked delicious whole grains in the rice bowl; an incredible way to add fiber to your diet. And the veggies... let it suffice to say this: I have always enjoyed veggies, but the veggies that I make with the herbs in the flavor scenter are absolutely unbelievably delicious. That flavor scenter option puts INCREDIBLE flavors into those "same old veggies". Onion & chive potatoes, rosemary carrots, fresh asparagus... WOW! Both preparation AND clean-up are so easy with this steamer. It's an essential appliance in my kitchen!!

... The oval shape of the Black & Decker was the selling feature for me and the Spice screen, which works remarkably, was a bonus. I haven't had this appliance for very long and I don't use it everyday, but I can tell you that it's easy to use, easy to clean, and with a little practice you can learn to cook much healthier meals with it. I mostly use it for vegetables (especially greens) and for fish so far. The cooking guide is extremely helpful but you still need to practice to find the timing that suits your own taste. I love this product and will never be without one. I believe that Black & Decker offers great quality at fairly reasonable prices and wouldn't hesitate to try their other products as the need arises.

I had one of these in the past and they are awesome. Seller taped the lid on with what looks like clear shipping tape. It’s impossible to get the tape residue off plastic. I Tried washing numerous times and now it looks worse and feels sticky. I basically wasted my money on a steamer that looks terrible.

This little steamer looks so simple and harmless, it's hard to believe that it has become my single favorite kitchen appliance. But it has. I use it 50 to 100 times a year. When a friend took my first one, I immediately bought another to replace it.My hat is off to the people at Black & Decker (or their design consultant) who made this steamer so simple. Easy to use, easy to clean, reliable, does a great job, looks good, and doesn't cost too much. Makes pretty good rice (effortlessly) and excellent steamed foods such as veggies, dumplings, or Chinese-style steamed buns. If you are into healthy cooking and/or Asian cooking, you won't go wrong with this steamer.

I purchased this unit because it was inexpensive and is supposed to also be a rice cooker. I was disappointed to find it takes 50 minutes to cook rice; way too long, and I'm returning it. So, this might be a fine steamer (it takes up to 12-21 minutes to steam things), it should not be considered a suitable rice cooker for anyone who cooks in less than an hour.

I have purchased this stemer about a half a year ago and have used it every single day since then! It was my first time buying a steamer and wanted to start with a relatively simple one. It's super easy to handle! It comes with time and seasoning suggestions for all kinds of veggies. Also, easy to store - although I haven't put it away once yet.I also make rice in it which needed a little experiencing. I like my rice sticky and I found that for that I needed more water than was suggested in the manual.Cleaning is easy and fast - and you can even keep the veggies in the steamer bowl and put it in the fridge.If you're looking for a reliable steamer for one or two people this is the perfect buy.