The Best Food Steamer
We looked at the top 13 Food Steamers and dug through the reviews from 48 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Food Steamers.
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Food Steamers
When it comes to must-have kitchen tools, this food steamer should be on your list. It expands and can fit both small and large pots with a diameter between 5.1 and 9 inches. While the basket is constructed using a durable metal, the center handle is made of silicone for added safety.
Affordable Price TagThis food steamer folds up for easy storage in any cabinet or pantry shelf.
Perfect for small apartment, in-law suites or RVs, this food steamer is a stand alone unit that doesn't require the use of a stove. It features two tiers for cooking meat on one level and vegetables or rice on the other. Using the unit is a breeze as well, as it features a water indicator level and just one front knob.
All the Bells and WhistlesThis food steamer comes in a choice of a 7.4 or 9.5-quart capacity, as well as the option to select two or three tiers.
This food steamer uses a stacking design that you can use on any type of stovetop. The aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel ensures heat is distributed evenly through your food while cooking. The handles are coated in a protective material that keeps your hands safe.
Classic DesignThe stacked design of old-fashioned steamers is at play with this food steamer set.
You'll get delicious results every time with this food steamer, which is built to cook evenly. The stainless steel design also means you'll get years of reliable use. It's dishwasher safe, as well as oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even CookingThe build of this food steamer is designed for even cooking, with a thick aluminum core and stainless steel build.
Whether you're planning a seafood boil or making a dinner of poultry and rice, this food steamer can do everything at once. Simply insert your items and start steaming. The glass lid makes it easy to monitor your food's progress without interfering with the cooking process.
One-Compartment SteamingThis food steamer lets you steam meats, rice, vegetables and other items all in one go.
Buying Guide
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to food steamers. In fact, there are so many different styles, you’ll first have to decide the type of steamer you want to use. One of the easiest, most affordable, ways to add a steamer to your kitchen appliance collection is by choosing a steamer basket that fits into your existing pots and pans. You can even find steamer baskets that will slide handily into your pressure cooker.
Another popular option is the steamer set, which features the large outer pot and the steamer insert that fits inside. Like the steamer basket, you’ll use this type of steamer on your stove, so it’s important to make sure you choose an option that will work on the type of stovetop you have. Many are made from stainless steel, so they’ll work with gas or induction stoves and should also be safe for ceramic cooktops.
One last type of steamer is the dedicated appliance. These set up on any surface and include everything you need to steam food. The downside of this type is that you’ll need somewhere to store it when it isn’t in use, but the upside is that it keeps your stovetop free for cooking other items.
Why we recommend these food steamers?
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What to Look For
- Safety is a top consideration when you’re considering any cooking appliance. With a steamer, take an especially close look at the handles. Some steamers promote their handles as safe to touch even without oven mitts, but you may want to test this before trusting it. Some consumers report that the handles get hotter than advertised.
- The design of the steamer contributes to how evenly it can cook the food inside. Many basket-based steamers have a thick aluminum core covered in stainless steel on either side to promote even cooking. Other types of steamers emit steam from the top of the unit down to ensure heat is distributed as evenly as possible.
- As you’re shopping for a steamer, pay attention to the lid, as well. Some steamers include self-basting lids to lock flavor in. Many others have clear lids so you can monitor the progress of the food inside.
- If you’re not a fan of handwashing dishes, look for a steamer that is dishwasher safe.
- Some steamers go beyond steaming food to let you also boil, heat and simmer items. If you plan to use your steamer in the oven, make sure it’s rated for oven use.
- Stainless steel is typically the best bet when it comes to cookware you want to last.
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