Steamer cookers play a big role in kitchens around the world because they’re easy to use, **healthy**, and versatile. They cook all sorts of foods perfectly with high-temperature steam, preserving important nutrients and flavor. As more people focus on healthy eating, picking the right steamer cooker becomes essential.
The best steamer cooker should be easy to use, maintain, and efficient in its cooking process. It should allow various foods to cook simultaneously without mixing flavors. The wrong steamer can result in uneven cooking, under-nutritious food, and in some cases, damage to the product itself.
When purchasing a steamer cooker, it’s crucial to consider features such as capacity, material quality, cooking settings, and additional functionalities like a timer or auto shut-off. Ideally, the steamer cooker should offer a balance between speed, health benefits, and flavor retention.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best steamer cooker. We have painstakingly researched and tested an array of steamer cookers to identify those that deliver excellent culinary performance. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the vital information you need to select a steamer cooker that’s perfect for you.
Best Steamer Cooker
Picking the most suitable steamer cooker can heavily impact your cooking results and overall kitchen experience. A reliable steamer cooker should handle multiple foods adeptly, offer different cooking settings, and most importantly, be sturdy. The myriad of options in the market can be overwhelming. Therefore, we have curated a list of the best steamer cookers, providing an in-depth analysis of their features to assist you in making a reputable choice.
Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer, One Size, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steam cooker, the Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 1000W power level allows for quick steaming, and the digital countdown timer makes it easy to set the cooking time.
- The 4.7-quart water capacity and 6-cup capacity steamer basket allow for cooking a variety of foods at once.
- The keep-warm function ensures that your food stays warm until you’re ready to serve it.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the steamer basket is difficult to clean.
- The steam release valve can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get the hang of.
- The steamer may not be suitable for larger families or those who frequently cook for a crowd.
Overall, we’ve found the Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer to be a reliable and convenient option for steaming a variety of foods. The digital display and keep-warm function make it easy to use, and the adjustable height steamer rack allows for flexibility in cooking.
One thing to keep in mind is that the steamer basket may be a bit small for those who frequently cook for a larger group. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the steam release valve, so it may be important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Overall, if you’re looking for a steam cooker that is easy to use and versatile, the Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer is definitely worth considering.
MANO Steamer Pot for Cooking 11 inch Steam Pots with Lid 2-tier Multipurpose Stainless Steel Steaming Pot Cookware with Handle for Vegetable, Dumpling, Stock, Sauce, Food
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer pot, the MANO Steamer Pot is a great option.
Pros
- The two-tier design allows for flexible cooking and steaming of multiple dishes at once.
- Made of high-quality stainless steel, it is sturdy and durable.
- The removable dividers make it easy to customize the compartments to your liking.
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to remove at times.
- The steamer pot may not be suitable for larger quantities of food.
- The price point may be higher than some other steamer pot options on the market.
We’ve used the MANO Steamer Pot for a variety of dishes, including dumplings, vegetables, and sauces. The two-tier design is particularly useful for cooking multiple dishes at once, and the removable dividers make it easy to customize the compartments to your liking.
The stainless steel material is of high quality and durable, making it a great option for long-term use. Additionally, the steamer pot is easy to clean and maintain.
One potential downside of the MANO Steamer Pot is that the lid can be difficult to remove at times, which can be frustrating during the cooking process. Additionally, the steamer pot may not be suitable for larger quantities of food, so it may not be the best option for larger families or gatherings.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer pot, the MANO Steamer Pot is a great option to consider. Its high-quality stainless steel material and flexible two-tier design make it a great choice for a variety of dishes.
Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked) (3-Cup Uncooked) Pot Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer (ARC-743-1NG), White
If you’re looking for a rice cooker that can also steam food, the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NG is a great option.
Pros
- The keep warm function ensures that your rice stays warm for up to 40 minutes after cooking, making it a great option for busy individuals.
- The removable lid and steamer basket make it easy to clean and prepare food.
- The non-stick inner pot makes it easy to clean and prevents rice from sticking to the bottom.
Cons
- The rice cooker only has a 3-cup uncooked rice capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking larger cuts of meat or other large items due to its size.
- The rice cooker may not be as durable as other more expensive models on the market.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NG to cook a variety of rice dishes, and it has always turned out well. The keep warm function is especially useful for busy individuals who may not have time to eat immediately after cooking. The removable lid and steamer basket make it easy to clean and prepare food, and the non-stick inner pot prevents rice from sticking to the bottom, making it easy to clean.
One potential downside of the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NG is its smaller size, which may not be suitable for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, the rice cooker may not be as durable as other more expensive models on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rice cooker that can also steam food and have a smaller family or cooking needs, the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NG is a great option to consider.
BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids and Stackable Baskets & Removable Base for Fast Simultaneous Cooking – Auto Shutoff & Boil Dry Protection, 7.4 QT, Black
If you’re looking for a food steamer that can help you cook healthy meals quickly and efficiently, the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The steamer comes with two removable baskets and two dishwasher safe lids, making it easy to steam different foods at the same time.
- The removable base allows for fast and simultaneous cooking, and the steamer is also easy to clean.
- The steamer has an automatic shut-off feature and boil-dry protection, ensuring your safety while cooking.
Cons
- The steamer may not be suitable for cooking large quantities of food, as it has a 7.4-quart capacity.
- The steamer may take up some counter space, as it measures 10.5 x 12.25 x 9.5 inches.
- The steamer may not be as durable as some other models on the market.
We’ve used the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, and dumplings. The steamer heats up quickly and cooks the food evenly, resulting in delicious and healthy meals. The removable baskets and dishwasher safe lids make it easy to steam different foods at the same time, while the automatic shut-off feature and boil-dry protection ensure your safety while cooking.
One of the things we like about the steamer is its versatility. We’ve used it to steam vegetables, fish, and dumplings, and it has performed well in all cases. The removable base also makes it easy to serve the food, as you can simply remove the base and transfer the food to a serving dish.
However, the steamer may not be suitable for cooking large quantities of food, as it has a 7.4-quart capacity. This may be a limitation for some users, especially those who frequently cook for a large family or group of people. Additionally, the steamer may take up some counter space, as it measures 10.5 x 12.25 x 9.5 inches.
Overall, we would recommend the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer to anyone who is looking for a quick and efficient way to cook healthy meals. Its removable baskets and dishwasher safe lids make it easy to steam different foods at the same time, while its automatic shut-off feature and boil-dry protection ensure your safety while cooking.
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
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use food steamer, the OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The stackable and dishwasher safe design makes it easy to clean up after cooking.
- The steamer has a large capacity, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once.
- The automatic shut-off and 60-minute timer make it easy to set and forget.
Cons
- The steamer doesn’t come with a lid for the top tier, which can make it difficult to steam certain foods.
- The steamer’s power cord is relatively short, which can limit where you can place it.
- Some users have reported that the steamer’s base can be difficult to clean.
We’ve used the OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer to cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables and dumplings to fish and chicken. The steamer’s stackable design makes it easy to cook multiple dishes at once, and the dishwasher safe baskets make cleanup a breeze.
One thing to note is that the steamer doesn’t come with a lid for the top tier, which can make it difficult to steam certain foods that need to be covered. Additionally, the steamer’s power cord is relatively short, which can limit where you can place it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use food steamer, the OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer is a great option. Just be aware of its limitations when it comes to the top tier and power cord.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best steamer cooker, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help you make an informed decision and choose a product that meets your needs.
Size and Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a steamer cooker is its size and capacity. You want to make sure that the cooker is large enough to accommodate the amount of food you plan to steam. If you typically steam large quantities of food, you’ll want to look for a cooker with a larger capacity.
Material
Another important factor to consider is the material of the steamer cooker. Most cookers are made of either stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean, but it can also be more expensive. Aluminum is lighter and more affordable, but it may not last as long.
Steaming Basket
A steaming basket is an essential component of any steamer cooker. It allows you to steam vegetables, seafood, and other foods without them sitting in the water. Look for a steamer cooker with a high-quality steaming basket that is easy to clean and won’t warp or bend over time.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the overall ease of use of the steamer cooker. Look for a product that is easy to assemble and disassemble, and that has simple controls. You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of the cooker, especially if you plan to store it in a small space.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best steamer cooker for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a large capacity cooker or a compact model, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences.
