What am I doing wrong with my steamer

[InisSunset]

I have just bought a food steamer from Morrisons. The instructions were useless, they didn't explain properly how to use it. My problem is, is the water supposed to turn rusty looking and does the water go in at the very base, the bit where the metal bit that heats up is, or on the next level. My vegetables are coming out hard, even after 30 minutes. I keep topping the water up constantly so it can't be that. Please can someone tell me where I'm going wrong.

[AugustRose]

The water should go in the very bottom with them metal element to create the steam, there should be a minimum and maximum level. Is the water actually rusty or just changed colour depending on what you are cooking, eg carrots?

30 mins should be more than long enough to cook vegetables but bear in mind if you are using more than one basket, the top layer will take longer than the bottom layer. I used mine for years until my family grew and I now use a 3 tier stainless steel steamer on the hob. I find it easier to cook with and more consistent.

[InisSunset]

Thanks August but the water always seems to seep up to the next level and I have to keep topping the base up. I did cook carrots today but I'm sure the water colour has changed even when I haven't.