Cooking buffs would love wooden steamers in the kitchen. These traditional Asian tools open up tons of ways to cook: steaming veggies, seafood, and meat into healthy, oil-free meals. But remember, not all wooden steamers are the same. Make sure to pick one that truly fits what you need.
The best wooden steamer should be made from high-quality, food-safe, and dense hardwood. It should also have tight-fitting lids and a well-fitting base to keep the steam inside and cook the food evenly. Using the wrong type of wooden steamer could lead to uneven cooking, inconsistent results, and, worst of all, it may not be safe for cooking.
When purchasing a wooden steamer, be sure to consider the type of wood it’s made from, its construction quality, and its size. The wood used should be durable and able to withstand high heat without warping or cracking. Bamboo and beechwood are popular choices due to their strength and resistance to heat and moisture. Also, the steamer should be of the right size to fit your pots or woks comfortably.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of choosing the best wooden steamer for your needs. We have thoroughly researched and tested various steamers to provide you with the ones that guarantee superior food preparation results. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to pick a wooden steamer that will add quality and diversity to your kitchen cooking.
Best Wooden Steamer
Choosing a wooden steamer that adequately meets your cooking requirements is fundamental to achieving great culinary results. The wooden steamer you pick should be made from a durable and heat-resistant hardwood, must be well-built, and of a suitable size. Since there are many types of steamers available in the market, it can be quite challenging to pick the right one to match your needs. In this article, we have narrowed down the list to the very best that we’ve confidently tested and approved for optimal cooking performance.
Dumpling Bamboo Steamer 10 Inch 2 Tier Wooden Basket With Handle, Reusable Silicone Liner, Kit For Cooking Baby Bao Bun, Dim Sum, Rice Potsticker Steaming Chinese Asian Food & Vegetables
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable steamer, the Dumpling Bamboo Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The wooden construction of the steamer is sturdy and long-lasting.
- The silicone liner is reusable and easy to clean.
- The steamer is stackable, making it space-efficient.
Cons
- The steamer requires a lot of water to prevent the buns from sticking, which can be inconvenient.
- The lid doesn’t seal tightly, which can cause steam to escape.
- The steamer can only hold a small amount of food at a time.
We’ve used the Dumpling Bamboo Steamer to cook a variety of foods, including dumplings, bao buns, and vegetables. The wooden construction of the steamer is sturdy and long-lasting, making it a great investment for anyone who loves to cook.
The silicone liner is a great feature, as it’s reusable and easy to clean. We’ve found that it’s important to oil the liner before using it to prevent the food from sticking.
One downside of the steamer is that it requires a lot of water to prevent the buns from sticking, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, the lid doesn’t seal tightly, which can cause steam to escape. Finally, the steamer can only hold a small amount of food at a time, which can be limiting if you’re cooking for a large group.
Overall, we would recommend the Dumpling Bamboo Steamer to anyone who is looking for a versatile and durable steamer for their kitchen. While it may have some minor flaws, it’s a great investment for anyone who loves to cook Asian-inspired dishes.
Bamboo Steamer Basket for Chinese Asian Cuisine – 2 Tier 10-Inch Steaming Basket Bun Vegetable Steamer, Dumpling Steamer bamboo steam basket, Sauce Dish, Chopsticks, Reusable Liners, Ring
If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality bamboo steamer, the Bamboo Steamer Basket for Chinese Asian Cuisine is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The steamer comes with two tiers, making it perfect for steaming multiple dishes at once.
- The set includes a bamboo steam basket, a sauce dish, chopsticks, reusable liners, and a ring, providing you with everything you need to get started.
- The steamer is made from high-quality bamboo and is built to last, ensuring that you can enjoy delicious steamed dishes for years to come.
Cons
- The steamer may require some assembly, which could be a downside if you’re looking for a quick and easy setup.
- The steamer’s capacity may be too small for larger families or for those who frequently entertain guests.
- The steamer’s price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
Overall, the Bamboo Steamer Basket for Chinese Asian Cuisine is a great choice for anyone who loves to cook and enjoy delicious steamed dishes. The steamer’s high-quality construction, versatile design, and included accessories make it a great value for its price. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this steamer is sure to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
Helen’s Asian Kitchen 97010 Food Steamer with Lid, 12-Inch, Natural Bamboo
If you’re looking for a traditional bamboo steamer, the Helen’s Asian Kitchen 97010 Food Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- Made of 100% natural bamboo, making it environmentally friendly.
- Steamer basket is large enough to cook a variety of foods at once.
- Comes with a lid to keep food moist and flavorful.
Cons
- May require extra attention when cleaning to prevent warping.
- Some users have reported that the lid doesn’t fit quite right, which can be frustrating.
- The bamboo material may not be as durable as other materials.
This steamer is perfect for those who want to cook traditional Asian dishes at home. The natural bamboo material not only looks beautiful but is also eco-friendly. The steamer basket is large enough to cook a variety of foods at once, making it perfect for families or those who like to cook in bulk.
One of the best things about this steamer is that it comes with a lid. This is especially important when cooking dishes like dumplings or bao buns, as the lid helps to keep the food moist and flavorful. It also makes the steamer more versatile, as you can use it to steam vegetables, seafood, or meat.
However, there are a few downsides to this steamer. Firstly, the bamboo material may not be as durable as other materials, so it may require extra attention when cleaning to prevent warping. Secondly, some users have reported that the lid doesn’t fit quite right, which can be frustrating. Finally, while the natural bamboo material looks beautiful, it may not be as durable as other materials, so it may not last as long.
Overall, if you’re looking for a traditional bamboo steamer that is eco-friendly and versatile, the Helen’s Asian Kitchen 97010 Food Steamer is a great option. Just be prepared to give it a little extra care to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket 10-inch | 2-Tier Steamer for Cooking | 50 Liners, Chopsticks & Sauce Dish | Dumpling Steamer, Food Steamer Baskets for Cooking – Rice & Vegetable Steamer Pot
If you’re looking for a versatile and practical steamer basket, the Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket is a great option.
Pros
- The 2-tier design provides ample space for cooking a variety of foods, making it perfect for preparing multiple dishes at once.
- The basket is made of premium bamboo material, which is both eco-friendly and durable.
- The set comes with 50 steamer liners, 2 pairs of chopsticks, and a sauce dish, making it a complete set for your cooking needs.
Cons
- The steamer may not be suitable for larger pieces of food, as the compartments are not extremely spacious.
- The quality of the chopsticks could be improved, as they may not be as sturdy as other materials.
- The price point may be higher than some other steamer baskets on the market.
Overall, we found the Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket to be a great addition to our kitchen. The 2-tier design allowed us to cook multiple dishes at once, and the bamboo material was both eco-friendly and durable. While the steamer may not be suitable for larger pieces of food, and the quality of the chopsticks could be improved, the set still came with a great set of accessories that made it a complete set for our cooking needs.
If you’re looking for a practical and versatile steamer basket that can help you prepare a variety of dishes, the Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket is definitely worth considering.
Bamboo Steamer 10 Inch 2 Tier Wooden Basket With Handle, Ring Adapter, Reusable Silicone Liner, Kit For Cooking Dumpling Baby Bao Bun, Dim Sum, Rice Potsticker Steaming Chinese Asian Food & Vegetables
If you’re looking for a traditional bamboo steamer, the Bamboo Steamer 10 Inch 2 Tier Wooden Basket With Handle is a great option.
Pros
- The steamer is made of 100% natural bamboo, making it a great eco-friendly option.
- The removable silicone gasket ensures a perfect seal for even steaming.
- The steamer is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it a great option for those who are short on time.
Cons
- The steamer may require a bit of seasoning before use to prevent cracking.
- The steamer may not be as durable as other, more expensive options.
- The steamer may not be as large as some other options, making it less ideal for larger families or groups.
We’ve used the Bamboo Steamer 10 Inch 2 Tier Wooden Basket With Handle to cook a variety of dishes, including dumplings, bao buns, and rice potstickers. The steamer is easy to use and clean, and the removable silicone gasket ensures that food stays contained and doesn’t spill out during the steaming process.
One thing to note is that the steamer may require a bit of seasoning before use to prevent cracking. Additionally, while the steamer is made of high-quality materials, it may not be as durable as other, more expensive options. Finally, the steamer may not be as large as some other options, making it less ideal for larger families or groups.
Overall, if you’re looking for a traditional bamboo steamer that is easy to use and clean, the Bamboo Steamer 10 Inch 2 Tier Wooden Basket With Handle is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best wooden steamer, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the key features that make a wooden steamer stand out.
Material
The material of the steamer is an important factor to consider. We recommend choosing a steamer made of high-quality, food-grade wood such as maple or beech. These types of wood are durable, heat-resistant, and do not contain harmful chemicals that could leach into your food.
Size
The size of the steamer is another important consideration. We recommend choosing a steamer that is large enough to accommodate the types of foods you plan to steam. However, keep in mind that a larger steamer will take up more counter space.
Steaming Basket
A steaming basket is an essential component of a wooden steamer. Look for a steamer with a high-quality, sturdy basket that is easy to clean and does not warp or bend when exposed to heat.
Lid
The lid of the steamer is also an important factor to consider. We recommend choosing a steamer with a tight-fitting lid that is easy to remove and replace. A good lid will help to retain the steam and keep your food moist and flavorful.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the steamer. Look for a model with a simple design that is easy to assemble and disassemble. A steamer with a removable handle is also a good option, as it makes it easier to transport the steamer when it is full of hot food.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best wooden steamer for your needs.
