Glad Simply Cooking Microwave Steaming Bags Review

Overall 4.29 of 5 view all 69 reviews

CyndiA
southern, NC

Microwave steamer bags by Glad - interesting idea.

into trying new things, concerned about the environment, homeowner, trying to eat more vegetables

Pros

neat idea, simple, online recipes, no clean up

Cons

learning curve, dehydrates veggies, one time use on bags

SEP

2007

Glad Simply Cooking Microwave Steaming Bags —

There was a lady at Food Lion with a display for the new Glad Simply Cooking bags. I stopped and spoke with her. I'd guess it gets pretty dull just standing around the grocery store.

She explained that these bags are really simple to use. Just put some vegetables in, zip the bag, microwave. That's it. They even list the times on the bag for some common veggies.

I had the urge for some asparagus, so I bought a bundle. It said on the Glad bags to cook for 3 to 4 minutes for fresh. That's quick.

I put my asparagus in the bag and zipped it up like a baggie. I double checked to see that I was actually supposed to do that. I had images of exploding marshmallows and such in my head. But, the bag is supposed to be zipped.

When I put the bag in the microwave, it puffed up. That was pretty neat. The bag got all wet as did the entire inside of the microwave. Once the bag was removed it began shrinking back to the normal size. The directions call for waiting 30 seconds before removing food to prevent getting steam burns.

I cooked my aspargus for the 4 minutes, and it was all shriveled up. Sigh. I do so love asparagus. It was edible but not great.

Next time I'll go with the shorter end of the cooking time. I'm sure I oversteamed my asparagus. I also needed to add seasonings. I didn't think about it, so the asparagus was really bland.

Glad has a site up to help with the bags, and that's a good idea. It would take a little practice to get foods just right in these. I think I may try the mashed potato recipe and perhaps the omlette. Both of those sound good though they could be made in the microwave without the bags. As for the hot dogs, I can't imagine using a zip bag to microwave a hot dog. Just poke a hole in those and wrap them in a paper towel. They cook just fine without buying bags.

The price isn't bad - about 30 cents per bag. On the other hand, you can buy a microwave steamer and use it over and over and only invest once.

I enjoyed trying out these new bags, but I'm not sure that I'd buy more. The idea is neat. But, I didn't too real well with that aspargus. I wish I'd just steamed it like I usually do. Oh well. That's how it goes sometimes.

Glad Simply Cooking Microwave Steaming Bags is not recommended by CyndiA

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Comments about CyndiA’s Review

In response to mindyvol's comment from Aug 22, 2008 at 7:05AM:

Do take a look at a stove top steamer or even an insert that goes in a pot you have. It works the same really and about the same amount of time. Heat for water to boil. Dump in veggies above. Cook until crispness you prefer. You can still use the recipes too. The bags are fine though. That's why I went in the middle. If they help out, then that's good. They do add to the cost and all, but if they mean more veggies, there ya go. Nice they invented. them.

Even though I don't like contributing more plastic to a landfill, I really like these bags. I'm not much of a cook so these have helped me to cook more veggies for my family. I didn't realize that there were recipes online though so I'm definitely going to look into that.

I think I will stick to steaming my veggies the old-fashioned way - nothing worse than overcooked veggies. Thanks for the tip.

I had not heard of them before. I'm a little old fashioned. I might give them a look, but then go back to the way I always do it. Thanks for the info. Your review was well written and easy to follow. Glad some one had the courage to try them and let the rest of us know about it.