Countertop Steamers -- non-plastic models available?

[lone diner]

After many years of a two-piece steamer pot taking up a burner on my stovetop, I thought I might free up a burner by investing in one of the many countertop steamers that are available. So I dashed out and bought a two-tier model from WeilSpring, the Dr. Weil-branded line (which I've heard has been discontinued, incidentally). But those two convenient see-through baskets are made of plastic -- not what I'd consider an ideal material to cook with, especially with the latest news about the risks of the chemical BPA.

Any countertop alternatives -- say, glass or metal?

[Jennalynn]

I was surfing past HSN last night and stopped a minute to watch Wolfgang Puck hawk a stainless steel rice cooker / steamer.

It seems to be what you're looking for.
http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/wolfgan...

[lone diner]

It's sold out already. . . . In terms of the material -- stainless steel -- it does indeed fit the bill. But it's got more features -- and more bulk -- than I need. I rarely make rice -- rather, it's small quantities of vegetables that I steam at any given time. But I'll keep my eye on this and grab it if no other leads come up. Thanks Jennalynn!

[Joe Blowe]

It's available from some other sources as well:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&am...

I've also noted something similar at Costco...

[Robin Joy]

I didn't realise that plastics were much of an issue. What's BPA please?

I would struggle to find much food which had not had extensive plastic contact in packaging etc. This morning I've eaten cereal with milk from a plastic carton, an apple from a plastic bag and a yoghurt from a plastic tub....I thought I was eating well!

[Joe Blowe]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=What+is+BPA%3F
 

[Robin Joy]

Many thanks.

Wanna buy a used steamer?

[lone diner]

Joe Blowe thanks for the shopping links. More on that later, perhaps . . .

Robin, with regards to plastic packaging, that's a thornier issue. Obviously, at this point, we can't avoid plastic food packaging. It should be noted, though, that BPA-free plastic packaging is out there and will hopefully become the norm. Anyway, we're talking here about COOKING with plastic, i.e., heat + plastic.

The Weilspring steamer actually says "BPA-free" on the box. But I returned it to the store anyway.

Here's something from Weil himself on BPA, other compounds, and plastics:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA400068