Steamers always have a cover and at least one other section/bowl. They can be multi-tiered for preparing different items at the same time.

This is a single basket steamer.

Place both sections in sink under running water and totally soak all sections of the steamer.

Thoroughly soaked lid

Add vegetable to basket, cover with lid, place in wok or over uncovered saucepan of boiling water. Note that steamer sits above, not in, the boiling water. Thanks for viewing. http://goo.gl/wRi61C