Thanks everyone, that's all really helpful. I have seen an Andrew James one on Amazon which is digital and has a hinged lid so having a think about this. I would sit it on our cooker if I got one. This is where I use my slow cooker and it works well but my slow cooker is smaller. I only really thought about a halogen oven yesterday whilst looking for a small electric steamer. I have one of those steamers that sits on top of a saucepan and it's brilliant and so easy to use and clean. I have only decided to look for an alternative as having the children I don't want to use the hob so much. I just happened to see a halogen oven and noticed you could use it as a steamer so that's what got my attention. The fact that I could do other things like roast would be a bonus. So Kath, I am torn between just getting another steamer or trying the halogen oven. Decisions, decisions!

Sue