Steaming veggies in the kitchen is a game changer. Using gentle steam heat, steamers lock in nutrients, color, and freshness. Picking the right steamer, though, feels like finding a needle in a haystack thanks to endless choices and mixed reviews. **Here’s help**. Through lots of testing and research, handy tips come your way to find your perfect vegetable steamer.
The best steamer for vegetables should offer durability, versatility, and ample capacity. It should be easy to use, clean and store. A bonus is the ability to double up as a rice or even fish steamer. We’ve tested a number of steamers on these criteria and are confident that you will find the right fit for your kitchen after reading our insights.
Selection of the Best Steamer For Vegetables
In the world of cooking tools, a good steamer for your vegetables is instrumental. It should offer efficient and even heat distribution, have a decent holding capacity, are easy to clean and store, and are versatile enough to handle a variety of foods well. With a plethora of options in the market, finding the perfect one can be an intimidating process. So, we did the hard work for you and have created a list of the best steamers for vegetables based on our hands-on usage and experience.
In this selection, we aim to provide valuable information that can be directly instrumental to your buying process. We meticulously worked with each steamer, gauging its performance, quality, ease of usage and other critical facets. Our aim is to guide you to an informed decision, ensuring that at the end of this journey, you’ve found the perfect fit for your culinary needs.
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 steamer that can cook multiple dishes at the same time, the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The stackable design allows you to cook multiple dishes at the same time, saving you time and effort.
- The removable base makes it easy to add water and ingredients, and the auto shut-off feature ensures safety.
- The steamers are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The steamer only has a 7.4-quart capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The steamers may not be suitable for cooking certain types of foods, such as thicker cuts of meat or large vegetables.
- The steamers 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 dishes, including dumplings, rice, and vegetables. The stackable design allowed us to cook multiple dishes at the same time, which was a huge time-saver. The removable base made it easy to add water and ingredients, and the auto shut-off feature gave us peace of mind knowing that the steamers would turn off automatically if the water ran out.
One thing to note is that the steamer only has a 7.4-quart capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, the steamers may not be suitable for cooking certain types of foods, such as thicker cuts of meat or large vegetables. Finally, the steamers may not be as durable as some other models on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a steamer that can cook multiple dishes at the same time and you have a smaller family or gathering size, the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer is a great option. However, if you need a larger capacity or plan to cook thicker cuts of meat or larger vegetables, you may want to consider a different model.
Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert for Veggie Fish Seafood Cooking, Expandable to Fit Various Size Pot (5.1″ to 9″)
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer basket, the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert is a great option.
Pros
- The expandable design makes it compatible with most pots and pans, so you can use it with your existing cookware.
- The foldable design makes it easy to store, and it won’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
- The high-low vent design allows you to adjust the steam output, so you can customize the cooking process to your liking.
Cons
- The handle can get hot during cooking, so you’ll need to use oven mitts or a pot holder when handling the basket.
- The basket may not be large enough to steam an entire chicken or other large items.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.
We’ve used this steamer basket to cook a variety of vegetables, fish, and seafood, and it has performed well in each instance. The expandable design is a standout feature, as it means you can use the basket with pots and pans that you already have in your kitchen. The foldable design is also convenient, as it makes the basket easy to store when not in use.
One thing to keep in mind is that the handle can get hot during cooking, so you’ll need to use oven mitts or a pot holder when handling the basket. Additionally, the basket may not be large enough to steam an entire chicken or other large items, so keep that in mind if you plan to use the basket for those types of dishes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and versatile steamer basket, the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert is definitely worth considering.
Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steam cooker, the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The steamer insert is removable, making it easy to switch between steaming and boiling.
- The clear lid allows you to easily monitor the cooking process.
- The stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- The lid does not lock in place, which can be inconvenient when transferring the pot.
- The steamer insert may be too small for larger vegetables or meats.
- The price point may be higher than some other steam cookers on the market.
This steam cooker is perfect for those who want to incorporate more healthy steamed meals into their diet. The removable steamer insert makes it easy to switch between steaming and boiling, and the clear lid allows you to easily monitor the cooking process. The stainless steel construction is also durable and easy to clean.
However, the lid does not lock in place, which can be inconvenient when transferring the pot. Additionally, the steamer insert may be too small for larger vegetables or meats. Finally, the price point may be higher than some other steam cookers on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steam cooker, the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware is a great option to consider.
Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer
If you’re looking for a compact and efficient steamer, the Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The steamer is compact and easy to store, making it perfect for small kitchens or apartments.
- It comes with a 60-minute timer and automatic shut-off feature, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.
- The steamer basket is removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The steamer only has one layer of steam basket, which may limit the amount of food you can steam at once.
- The cord storage at the bottom of the base may not be as effective as other cord storage methods.
- Some users have reported issues with the lid not sealing properly, which can lead to steam escaping.
We’ve used the Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer and found it to be a reliable and efficient option for steaming food. The compact size of the steamer makes it perfect for small kitchens or apartments, and the 60-minute timer and automatic shut-off feature ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.
One potential downside of the steamer is that it only has one layer of steam basket, which may limit the amount of food you can steam at once. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the lid not sealing properly, which can lead to steam escaping. However, overall we believe that the Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer is a great option for anyone looking for a compact and efficient steamer.
Zocy Premium Expandable Steam Basket to Fit Various Size Pots Medium (6.1″ to 10.5″))
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steam basket, the Zocy Premium Expandable Steam Basket is a great option.
Pros
- The expandable design makes it easy to use with various size pots, from 6.1″ to 10.5″.
- Made of food-grade 304 stainless steel, it’s durable and rust-resistant.
- The detachable handle design with silicone insulation makes it comfortable to use and protects your hands from heat.
Cons
- The bottom of the basket may not fit some pots perfectly, which can cause steam to escape.
- It may be a bit difficult to remove the basket from the pot when the food is done cooking.
- Some users have reported that the steam release function doesn’t work properly.
We’ve used the Zocy Premium Expandable Steam Basket with our Instant Pot and found it to be a great addition to our kitchen. The expandable design makes it easy to use with different size pots, and the stainless steel material ensures that it’s durable and long-lasting. The detachable handle with silicone insulation is also a nice touch, as it makes it comfortable to use and prevents burns.
One thing to keep in mind is that the bottom of the basket may not fit some pots perfectly, which can cause steam to escape. However, this isn’t a major issue and can be easily fixed by adjusting the pot slightly. Additionally, some users have reported that the steam release function doesn’t work properly, but we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves.
Overall, if you’re looking for a steam basket that’s easy to use and versatile, the Zocy Premium Expandable Steam Basket is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best steamer for vegetables, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. We have used and tested various steamers, and here are some of the key features to look for:
Capacity
One of the first things to consider is the capacity of the steamer. If you plan on cooking large quantities of vegetables at once, you’ll want a steamer with a larger capacity. However, if you have limited counter space or only plan on cooking small amounts of vegetables, a smaller steamer may be more suitable.
Material
The material of the steamer is also an important factor to consider. Steamers can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and glass. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while plastic and glass are more lightweight and affordable. However, plastic and glass may not be as durable as stainless steel and may require more frequent cleaning.
Steam Basket
A steam basket is a crucial component of any steamer. It is used to hold the vegetables and keep them elevated above the water. A good steam basket should be made of a sturdy material and have a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping. It should also be easy to clean and remove from the steamer.
Additional Features
Some steamers come with additional features, such as a removable base for easy cleaning, a built-in timer, or a locking lid for easy transport. These features can make the steamer more convenient to use and may be worth considering depending on your needs.
In summary, when choosing the best steamer for vegetables, it’s important to consider the capacity, material, steam basket, and any additional features. By taking these factors into account, you can find a steamer that meets your needs and makes cooking vegetables a breeze.
