Any insight on nickel allergy and stainless steel steamers?

[Bossy Monkey]

Or pots and pans generally? I recently got a steamer (one of these damn things: ) and crazy mad loved it. Wanted to get one for my dad for Father's Day and in fact did, then remembered that he has a nickel allergy and that this might not be so smart. They sell plastic ones, but frankly, that sounds insane. What are thoughts? I doubt he would use it anyway, and figured it to be in the "It's the thought that counts" category already before remembering about the allergy. It's just that I don't want to be like my sister, who keeps bringing him and my brother candy even though they're both diabetic (and it isn't diabetic candy). So I don't mind "It's the thought that counts"; I just want it to be a thoughtful one.:)

[Red State Rebel]

1. I have a nickel allergy

but it relates to metal on my skin, not ingested food cooked in metal. I believe the steamer baskets like that in the picture (I have one) are stainless.

I hope this helps....

[Bossy Monkey]

3. That's how his problem presents, too (can't wear wristwatches)

but it stands to reason that if it reacts with your skin, it's going to react worse with your insides. You know of course that stainless steel is made with nickel.

[quakerboy]

2. If I had to guess

I would think it would be safe.

To be safer, you could seek out one of the silicon ones. Not quite the same as plastic. I am very fond of what silica cook wear I have, except for one unfortunate bake sheet that adds flavor. Unwanted flavor.

[Bossy Monkey]

4. I think my kitchen supply choices are down to Bed, Bath & Beyond

(where they only have the stainless steel one) and Big Lots/Dollar General etc. I can go back to Big Lots and see if the steamer basket that looks like plastic is actually silicon, but I know which way I'm betting. Wonder if Kohl's has a decent kitchen section? You would think that Target would at least have more than Big Lots, but I guess steamer baskets aren't that popular anymore.