Comparison: Best Steamer For Food (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Steaming is a healthy and efficient cooking method that preserves nutrients and flavor. With a variety of food steamers available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide compares different types of steamers to help you find the best fit for your needs. We’ll explore key features like capacity, material, ease of use, and cleaning, considering factors that impact cooking performance and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned steamer or just starting out, this comparison will provide the information you need to make an informed decision and elevate your healthy cooking game.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for best budget:
Vegetable Steamer Basket -
Best for two tiers:
BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids and Stackable Baskets & Removable Base for Fast Simultaneous Cooking – Auto Shutoff & Boil Dry Protection -
Best for best overall:
OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer for Cooking Vegetables -
Best for tri-ply stainless:
SUNHOUSE – 3.1 Quart Steamer Pots With Lid 2-Tier Multipurpose Stainless Steel Steaming Pot Cookware With Handle For Vegetable -
Best for dutch oven:
Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware -
Best for baby food:
nutribullet Baby BSR-0801N Turbo Food Steamer -
Best for digital control:
Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker for Quick -
Best for collapsible design:
Consevisen Vegetable Steamer Basket for Cooking Food -
Best for compact steamer:
Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer -
Best for fast heating:
Secura Electric Food Steamer
Product Comparison: Best Steamer For Food
Best budget
Vegetable Steamer Basket, Premium Stainless Steel Veggie Steamer Basket – Folding Expandable Steamers to Fits Various Size Pot Small by SAYFINE (5.5" to 9.2")
SAYFINE
- 【UPGRADE DESIGN & QUALITY 】- The steamer basket with premium food grade stainless steel petals design, Steaming is a healthy cooking choice because it helps retain more than 90% of the nutrients lost when boiling.
- 【SIZE FIT ANY POT】 – This Steamer basket expands to 9.2 inches once petals are stretched out. Almost fit various pot/pan sizes or pressure cooker, Opens like a water lily and it folds compactly to save storage space.
- 【REMOVABLE CENTER POST 】- 2.4" Central post helps easy insertion to the pots and safe removal from the boiling water. When your food is ready, remove it from the boiling water with a fork so won’t burn your fingers.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN & EXTREMELY COMPACT 】- You can clean the steamer very easily. When You are ready to put away, then fold in to its original half size.
- 【MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS】 – The Steamer rack not only can be used as a food steamer basket, also you can also use it for filter extra water when washing vegetable and fruit.
Two tiers
BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids and Stackable Baskets & Removable Base for Fast Simultaneous Cooking – Auto Shutoff & Boil Dry Protection, Stainless Steel, 7.4 QT, Black
BELLA
- COOK A VARIETY OF FOODS: Whether you're in the mood for japanese or chinese cuisine, or just want to steam some fresh vegetables, tofu, fish or meats for dinner, this steamer and rice cooker can do it all. Turn the switch and make a full meal with sides
- TWO TIERS FOR SIMULTANEOUS COOKING: With the electric food steamer, you can cook multiple items at the same time without mixing them together! The steam pot comes with a guess-free steaming guide chart that makes it easy to make your favorite dishes
- STACKABLE BASKETS & REMOVABLE BASE: The removable base makes it easy to clean your electric cooker and veggie steamer. The stackable Plastic baskets make it easy to store your food once it's done and can be removed safely washed in your dishwasher
- EASY TO READ WATER LEVEL INDICATOR: No more guessing when it's time to refill your water! BELLA's vegetable steamer is equipped with a clear water level indicator that tells you exactly how much liquid is left so you can refill the steamer pot comfortably
- AUTO SHUTOFF & BOIL DRY PROTECTION: The auto shutoff and boil dry protection will turn the rice steamer off automatically if it's left on for too long or runs out of water. This prevents any accidents from happening and makes it simple and safe to use
Best overall
OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer for Cooking Vegetables, Stainless Steel Base, Stackable and Dishwasher Safe Baskets, 400W with Auto Shutoff and 60-Minute Timer, 5 Quart Capacity, Silver FS62S
OVENTE
- COOK A VARIETY OF FOODS – Whether you're craving Japanese or Chinese cuisine, or simply want to steam dumplings, fish, meats, or vegetables for the baby, this versatile steamer can do it all. Prepare a full, delicious meal for your family in just minutes.
- EFFICIENT & CONVENIENT – Enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience with minimal effort and supervision. Featuring 400 watts of power, an indicator light, a 60-minute timer, and an automatic shut-off function when the timer ends or the water tank is empty.
- SIMULTANEOUS COOKING – Equipped with two clear, stackable steaming containers, each holding up to 5 quarts of food. You can use either one or both tiers to cook multiple dishes at once, keeping them separate and organized.
- HEALTHY LIFESTYLE – Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, as it lowers cholesterol and requires no oil. It preserves the food's natural color, structure, and nutrients, ensuring you get the maximum vitamins and minerals. Comes with a built-in, foolproof steaming guide for perfect results every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN & STORE – With just water needed for steaming, there's no grease or sauce residue to clean. The steam baskets and food tray are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup. Plus, all parts can nest together for compact storage, making it ideal for small spaces.
- MAXIMUM FILL CAPACITY – The steamer has a maximum fill capacity of 500ml, allowing you to steam the perfect amount of food for small to medium-sized meals without overfilling.
- US-BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE LETS YOU BUY WITH CONFIDENCE – OVENTE warranties that the product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and conditions, for 1 year from the original purchase date.
Tri-Ply Stainless
SUNHOUSE – 3.1 Quart Steamer Pots With Lid 2-Tier Multipurpose Stainless Steel Steaming Pot Cookware With Handle For Vegetable, Dumpling, Sauce, Food – Triple Bottom, Measurement Line
Sunhouse
- Healthy Cooking Made Easy – Sunhouse's 3.1 Quarts stock pot which made of premium material is non-toxic and food-grade for better health, nutrition, and cooking. The high-quality stainless-steel cooking surface won't react with food or alter natural flavours for consistent cooking results
- Heats Up Quickly With Tri-Ply Stainless Steel – The unique whole body tri-ply bonded construction alternates layers of stainless steel and aluminum for maximum durability. This pot heats up quickly and evenly while preventing hot spots, ensuring better food cooking and energy savings. Say goodbye to hot spots and toxins, enjoy healthy consistent cooking results that last a lifetime
- Best Quality, Easy Cleaning, Durable – The steamer stock pot is dishwasher safe, but handwashing is best to maintain the visibility of interior measurement lines. Plus, the steamer stock pot is collapsible, allowing easy storage and keeping your kitchen space organized and ready for more delicious endeavours. All steamer stock pots are safe up to 400℉ with the lid safe up to 482℉
- Multi-Function Steamer Pot For Cooking – Single and double layers can be freely combined to steam and cook at the same time to meet different needs. Suitable for steaming tamales, veggies, broccoli, couscous, pasta and dumplings, crab legs, shrimp, lobster, oyster, clam and other seafood.
- Induction Pot For All Stovetops – This stock pot has a magnetized base (3-ply construction) that allows for even heat distribution, making it compatible with all stovetops, including induction, gas, ceramic, electric, halogen, etc.
- Visualised Lid & Handle Design – The unique design of handles on both sides allows you to use them more comfortably and prevent burns. The transparent glass lid will let you know the cooking schedule and lock the food's flavour, heat and moisture. In addition, It has "L" measurement lines on the inside of the pot
- A Special Gift For You – We firmly believe these ingenious cookware are the best you will ever own. Comes in a package box, this steamer stock pot is a perfect gift for Weddings, birthdays, Housewarming, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Just contact us through your order if you have any questions and we will serve you until you get your 100% satisfaction.
Dutch Oven
Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart Dutch Oven w/Steamer Basket
Oster
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: 3.0-Quart Dutch Oven w/Steamer Basket
- HEALTHY COOKING: Perfect for steaming vegetables and cooking rice at the same time as well as re-steaming tamales as leftovers
- STACKABLE MEASUREMENTS: 8.5" in diameter x 6.2" Height. Maximum Heating Temperature not to exceed 400 °F (Fahrenheit).
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Dishwasher-safe / Hand wash recommended.
- IDEAL FOR ANY KITCHEN: Smaller size than traditional stockpot steamers for smaller gatherings and space-saving
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Designed for use with gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops, providing reliable performance and even heat distribution (not compatible with induction cooktops).
Baby food
nutribullet Baby BSR-0801N Turbo Food Steamer
NutriBullet
- The nutribullet Baby Turbo Steamer is fast, easy to clean, and a real go-getter just like you. Not only does it steam cook fresh ingredients for homemade baby food, it also defrosts frozen foods and sterilizes baby bottles, pacifiers, utensils, and toys for easier baby times, all around.
- YOU'VE GOT OPTIONS: Cook fresh food for warm purées, defrost batch-cooked baby food, and sterilize bottles, pacifiers, and beyond; this versatile steamer does it all.
- SET & STEAM: With 5 steam settings and a built in timer, you can easily cook fresh fruits, vegetables, and more in minutes. Homemade baby food made simply and quickly.
- DEFROST & ENJOY: Take batch-cooked baby food from frozen to ready-to-eat in minimal time, without any extra mess.
- STERALIZE IN A SNAP: Sterilize baby bottles, pacifiers, nipples, utensils, teethers, toys, and more.
- CLEANS LIKE A DREAM: Less mess, less stress. All components are dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup.
- Cord Length – 39.3"
Digital control
Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker for Quick, Healthy Cooking for Vegetables and Seafood, Stackable Two-Tier Bowls, 5.5 Quart, Black & Stainless Steel
Hamilton Beach
- FOOD STEAMER AND RICE COOKER: Easily cook a whole meal with one appliance with 5.5 quarts of cooking capacity. Includes 2 steaming bowls plus rice basket for rice or small foods.
- VERSATILE STEAMING: Versatile, stackable 2-tier steaming to cook multiple foods at once for quick and easy meal solutions. Use 1 tier for small quantities and 2 tiers for a whole meal. The center divider can also be removed to fit larger quantities of foods.
- GUESS-FREE STEAMING: Just fill it up and set the timer. When the food is ready, it will automatically switch to Warm. It also includes Delay Start and Auto Shutoff DIGITAL TOUCHPAD: Easily set the countdown timer and other functions easily.
- FITS NEATLY IN CABINETS: The tiers nest together to easily store away.
- PERFECTLY COOKED EGGS: Cook eggs from soft cooked to hard-boiled. Cook up to 16 large eggs at a time by simply standing them up on each steam bowl's egg holders.
- SEAFOOD: Easily steam delicate fish, lobster and shrimp
- VEGETABLES: Fits corn on the cob or a head of broccoli or whatever you choose.
- Kindly refer user manual attached below
Collapsible design
Consevisen Vegetable Steamer Basket for Cooking Food, Stainless Steel Veggie Steam Basket for Pot, Folding Expandable Steaming Insert with Extendable Handle Fits Various Size Pot, 5.1" to 9"
Consevisen
- Healthier cooking choices: The steamer basket with high quality stainless steel petals, food grade plastic handle and silicone feet will promote your health. It is non-rust, scratch proof and corrosion resistant, easy to clean for long use. Steaming is a healthy cooking choice because it helps retain more than 90% of the nutrients lost when either boiling or microwaving food. The foldable steam basket can be used to steam veggies, seafood, eggs, meats, desserts, baby food and much more
- Expandable and collapsible: Vegetable steamer basket collapsed diameter is 5.1 inches. It expands to 9 inches once petals are stretched out. The "wings" that fold in and out allow the steaming basket fit various pot/pan sizes or pressure cooker, turning any pan into a steamer. This steamer for cooking opens like a water lily and it folds compactly to save storage space
- Foldable, heat-resistant: 3 foldable legs with silicone will not scratch your pot, and prevent slip when place on counter tops. They are 1.2 inch in length to keep food above boiling water. You can pour more water in the pot and check the water level less often. When the steamer for cooking is not in use, the legs can be folded flat. The veggie steamer can withstands temperature so you do not worry about melting. The holes on petals are for easy steaming and draining
- Telescoping removable center post: The handle can be retracted so it doesn’t interfere with pot lid. It is extendable and long enough to help easy insertion to the deep pots. It is safe to remove the steamer basket from the boiling water. It is designed with a hole on the top of handle, so you can use a fork to remove the steamer basket for pot, keeping your hands away from hot steam. The handle is also removable to steam large items like corn on the cob
- Multiple functions: Not only can it be used as a food steamer basket, but also can be used as a strainer or fruit container. You can also use it to filter extra water when making salad. From busy moms to college students to culinary artist, this product is a definitely a must have for anyone who wants to get more health into their diet. It comes in a idea sized box makes it an awesome gift for your family & friends
Compact steamer
Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer, 400W with BPA-Free Tray, Auto Shut-off 60-min Timer, Veggies, Seafood, Chicken, Egg Cooker and more
Elite Gourmet
- BPA-FREE STEAMER TRAY: Hold up to 2.5 quarts food capacity for vegetables, baby food, seafood, and up to 6 eggs.
- EASILY CUSTOMIZE YOUR COOKING: Steam a whole meal or just a side dish to go with any healthy appetite.
- FAST & EFFICIENT STEAMER: With 400 Watts of heating power, the quick-steam start-up will replace the need for multiple cooking pots and pans, reduce cooking time and retain nutrients in food for healthier meals.
- AUTO SHUT-OFF TIMER: Convenient timer can be set up to 60 minutes of cook time with an indicator bell.
- EASY TO CLEAN: BPA-Free steaming tray is stain-resistant and dishwasher safe.
Fast heating
Secura Electric Food Steamer, Vegetable Double Tiered Stackable Baskets with Timer 1200W Fast Heating Stainless Steel Digital Steamer 8.5 Quart
Secura
- 1200 watt stainless steel digital vegetable steamer, 15 seconds generate steam, fast heat up and cooks fish, veggies, crab, dumplings, chicken, grains or rice, you can cook as many food as you want evenly.
- Versatile electric steamer: It can as a hot dog steamer, bun steamer, seafood steamer, tortilla steamer, veggie steamer electric or rice steamer. Setting the delay start time with 1 hour increments up to 10 hours, keep warm about 176℉.
- Stackable 2-tier food steamer baskets for cooking, steam cooker glass lid with the non-slip upper knob, anti-scalding handle, clear water line and LED display.
- Steaming retains nutrients and eliminates the need for cooking oils. Boil-dry protection, auto shut off once No water. Easy clean and dishwasher-safe.
- 120 Volt 60 Hertz power supply, please check your voltage if not in North America. 2-Year on this product that ensures your satisfaction, so you can enjoy it for years to come
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the benefits of using a food steamer?
Food steamers help retain nutrients, moisture, and flavor in food, offering a healthy cooking method.
What types of food can I cook in a steamer?
You can steam vegetables, seafood, poultry, rice, and even baby food.
What is the difference between an electric steamer and a steamer basket?
Electric steamers are standalone appliances, while steamer baskets are used inside pots on the stovetop.
How do I clean a food steamer?
Most steamers have dishwasher-safe parts. Wipe down the base and descale regularly to remove mineral buildup.
What should I look for in a food steamer?
Consider capacity, material (stainless steel or plastic), features like timers, and ease of cleaning.
Are stainless steel steamers better than plastic steamers?
Stainless steel is more durable and doesn't leach chemicals, while plastic steamers are often more affordable and lightweight.
Can I cook rice in a food steamer?
Some food steamers come with a rice cooking bowl specifically designed for steaming rice.
How long does it take to steam vegetables?
Steaming time varies depending on the vegetable, but it generally takes between 5 and 20 minutes.
