Place your stainless steel steamer basket into a large pot big enough to hold your steamer. Add some water to the pot; add your clams and cover. Bring to a boil. Won't take long because there isn't going to be much water in the pot.
Depending on how many clams you are steaming, it should take about 5-10 minutes for them to open up, exposing the tender little morsels that you will soon be dipping into butter.
If you are steaming a lot of steamers, you may have to take some of the open ones out of the pot so the rest have a chance to steam and open.
IMPORTANT: If the clams refuse to open, throw them out. They are no good and not safe to eat. Do not try to force them open. Just get rid of them.
Remove all the open steamers and transfer to a large serving bowl and serve with small bowls or ramekins of melted butter.
Don't forget plenty of napkins and a large bowl for the shells.