How to Troubleshoot an Electric Food Steamer

An electric steamer can be used to steam vegetables or cook rice to perfection. The food is healthy since it is not boiled or cooked in oil. Steamers are almost fool proof, but if problems occur, the tips below may help to ensure the steamer is cooking again as quickly as possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Heating Element

1. Unplug the steamer from the electrical outlet. If possible, remove the cord from the actual appliance. Also, remove the pan and the cover.

2. Flip the steamer over, and remove the connectors attaching the base to the steamer.

3. Locate and remove the heating wire from one terminal. It will still be connected to the other terminal.

4. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance. Make sure the multimeter is set at RX1. Touch the two terminals with the tester probe. A reading of approximately 0 ohms shows that the heating element is functioning well.

Resistor

5. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 from Section 1 to prepare steamer for troubleshooting the resistor.

6. Disconnect the lead to the heating element. This allows the multimeter to test the resistor only.

7. Program a multimeter to measure resistance at RX1.

8. Apply the testing probe both terminals. The resistor is functioning properly if the meter shows a reading around 20 ohms.

Switch Contacts

9. Verify that the switch is working, if the sections above test in the normal regions.

10. Check to see if the switch contacts connect fully to ensure steamer is turned on or off.

11. File contacts with a small nail file very lightly to allow a better connection. Over time, a build up of residue may prohibit the contacts from delivering the appropriate charge.

12. Spray electrical contact cleanser on the contacts to clean oils and minor residue.