Kitchen shops, Asian markets and retail stores such as Target and Bon-Macy's are good sources for all sorts of steaming equipment, but even hardware stores and some grocery stores have a few basics. Consider your needs and storage space, and use the following list as your guide.

Collapsible metal steamer baskets are inexpensive, usually under $10, and easy to store. They have the added advantage of fitting almost any sized saucepan or pot. Some have legs that can be extended slightly, allowing for more water under the steamer. Collapsible baskets are usually set closer to the boiling water, so the food may cook more quickly.

Bamboo steamers are relatively inexpensive, with prices beginning at about $14, and are sold in a range of sizes. Two or more stackable baskets can cook a variety of food at the same time and can be easily rotated so everything cooks evenly. These baskets have more surface space that can hold a small, whole fish or cut-up chicken. The domed bamboo lid absorbs moisture so it doesn't dilute seasonings.

To keep the baskets clean, they are lined with cabbage leaves or parchment paper. Place on a wok, skillet or Dutch oven that's 2 inches wider than the basket. If the steamer basket is too large for the pan, seal the edges with folded strips of aluminum foil or thin kitchen towels.

BARRY WONG / THE SEATTLE TIMES Cut a notch in one chopstick.

BARRY WONG / THE SEATTLE TIMES Set the other chopstick on top for form an X. Then place the X-shape in a wok.

Improvise a steamer by forming two wooden chopsticks into an X. Cut a shallow V-shaped groove in the center of one so the other doesn't slide off. Place the chopsticks inside a wok and add water to a level just below them. (A clean tuna can with the top and bottom removed can also be substituted for the chopsticks.) Set a heat-proof dish or plate on top to hold pieces of seasoned fish or chicken, vegetables or dim sum.

Metal steam pots, and some pasta pots, include a deep, perforated metal insert that holds asparagus spears, corn-on-the-cob, lobster and shellfish. Prices begin at around $40.

Specialized food steamers from companies such as Black & Decker, Oster and Cuisinart range in size from 2-½ quarts to 8 quarts. Larger steamers have tiered racks for cooking whole meals at one time. Rice, potatoes, broccoli, chicken and fish all cook well in these steamers. Prices range from about $20 to $80.

CeCe Sullivan, Seattle Times home economist

Sources: "Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Companion: The A to Z Guide to Everyday Cooking Equipment & Ingredients"; "The Breath of a Wok" by Grace Young and Alan Richardson; "The Cook's Catalogue" edited by Burt Wolf, Emily Aronson and Florence Fabricant.