Crab steamer pots are vital kitchen tools that make cooking, steaming, and serving crabs both convenient and efficient. Initially popular in coastal areas, these pots have found favor globally because of their excellent steaming capability and easy-to-clean features. However, the secret to perfectly steamed crabs lies in using the right crab steamer pot.
The best crab steamer pot should evenly and efficiently distribute heat. It should also be large enough to accommodate the crabs and it should have easy-to-grip handles for safe maneuvering. Using an unsuitable pot could lead to uneven steaming, crabs being under or overcooked, and in some worst cases, injury.
When shopping for a crab steamer pot, pay close attention to the materials used, the size, and the design. The pot should be made of heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel or aluminum which offer excellent heat distribution and durability. It should also come with a tight-fitting lid and a removable steaming tray.
In this article, we will guide you in selecting the best crab steamer pot. Our team has rigorously researched, tested and analyzed a wide range of steamer pots to determine which ones truly deliver the ideal steaming conditions needed for cooking crabs. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the information required to choose the best crab steamer pot to suit your needs, ensuring you consistently serve perfectly steamed crabs.
Best Crab Steamer Pot
Selecting the right crab steamer pot is critical to ensure even and effective steaming of crabs. The pot must distribute heat evenly, accommodate the crabs comfortably, and come with a user-friendly design. With the vast variety of options available in the market, finding the perfect one for your crab-steaming needs can be challenging. In this article, we’ve put together a well-researched list of the best crab steamer pots that we have tried and tested, helping take the guesswork out of your selection process.
Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer, with Lid and Insert. Enameled steel perfect for seafood, soups or sauces.
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable steam cooker, the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The large capacity of 15.5 quarts makes it perfect for cooking large batches of food, such as seafood or soups.
- Made from heavy-duty enameled steel, this steam cooker is built to last and is easy to clean.
- The steamer insert is removable and can be used as a serving bowl, making it perfect for taking dishes to potlucks or parties.
Cons
- The lid does not have a steam vent, which can make it difficult to check on the food while it’s cooking.
- The steam cooker is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver.
- The steamer insert can be a bit tricky to remove from the pot without burning yourself.
We’ve used the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer to cook a variety of dishes, including seafood boils, soups, and sauces. The large capacity of the pot makes it perfect for cooking for a crowd, and the heavy-duty enameled steel construction ensures that it will last for years to come.
One thing to note is that the lid does not have a steam vent, which can make it difficult to check on the food while it’s cooking. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker for us, as we usually just lift the lid slightly to check on the food.
Overall, we highly recommend the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer to anyone in the market for a durable and versatile steam cooker.
ARC 40QT Stainless Steel Stock pot 6-Piece For Seafood Boil Pot with Basket and Steamer Rack,Cookware for Crawfish Crab Shrimp Lobster Boiling Pot, Turkey Fryer Pot, Tamale Steamer Pot with Strainer
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable pot for your seafood boils, the ARC 40QT Stainless Steel Stock pot is a great option. We’ve used it for crawfish boils, crab boils, and even turkey frying, and it’s held up well.
Pros
- The pot is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and resistant to corrosion.
- The 40-quart capacity is perfect for large batches of seafood, and the included basket and steamer rack make it easy to cook multiple items at once.
- The pot is easy to clean, and the stainless steel material won’t retain odors or flavors.
Cons
- The pot is quite large and heavy, which may make it difficult to maneuver and store.
- The lid could be more securely fastened to prevent it from coming loose during cooking.
- The pot may be too large for smaller kitchens or stovetops.
The ARC 40QT Stainless Steel Stock pot is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook large batches of seafood. The pot is built to last, and the included basket and steamer rack make it easy to cook multiple items at once. However, the pot’s large size and weight may make it difficult to maneuver and store, and the lid could be more securely fastened to prevent it from coming loose during cooking.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and versatile pot for your seafood boils, the ARC 40QT Stainless Steel Stock pot is definitely worth considering.
Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile steam cooker, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 16-quart capacity allows for cooking large quantities of food at once, making it perfect for family gatherings and dinner parties.
- The adjustable steamer basket insert allows for multi-level cooking, allowing you to steam, poach, or steam-roast multiple dishes at the same time.
- The removable lid and steamer basket make it easy to add and remove food, and the built-in handle makes it easy to transport the pot from the stove to the table.
Cons
- The pot is quite heavy, weighing in at 11 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users.
- The steam release valve can be difficult to open at times, which may require some extra effort.
- The pot is not dishwasher safe, so it will require some extra effort to clean after use.
Overall, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot is a great option for those looking for a spacious and versatile steam cooker. Its 16-quart capacity and adjustable steamer basket insert make it perfect for cooking large quantities of food, while its removable lid and steamer basket make it easy to add and remove food. However, its weight and difficulty to open the steam release valve may be drawbacks for some users. If you’re in the market for a steam cooker, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot is definitely worth considering.
EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker with Encapsulated Base, Vented Glass Lid, and Riveted Silicone Covered Handles, 10″D x 13.75″W x 14″H
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable pasta cooker, the EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The encapsulated base ensures even heat distribution, making it easier to cook pasta to perfection.
- The vented glass lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to lift the lid, which can help prevent overcooking.
- The 6-quart inner pot is made of stainless steel and is compatible with all stovetops, including induction.
Cons
- The lid can be a bit difficult to remove at times, which can be frustrating.
- The cooker is quite large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other pasta cookers on the market.
We’ve used this pasta cooker several times and have been impressed with its performance. The encapsulated base ensures that the pasta is cooked evenly, and the vented glass lid makes it easy to monitor the cooking process without having to constantly lift the lid. The 6-quart inner pot is also a nice touch, as it’s large enough to cook a decent amount of pasta at once.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lid can be a bit difficult to remove at times, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the cooker is quite large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other pasta cookers on the market, but we feel that the quality justifies the cost.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and versatile pasta cooker that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, the EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker is definitely worth considering.
IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver
If you’re looking for a large capacity rice cooker that can also steam food, the IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver is a great option.
Pros
- The removable steamer basket and insert allow for versatility in cooking.
- The non-stick coating makes cleaning up a breeze.
- The glass lid allows for easy monitoring of cooking.
Cons
- The rice cooker function may not work as well for certain types of rice.
- The lid may be difficult to clean due to the handle.
- The rice cooker may not be suitable for smaller households.
This rice cooker is perfect for those who want to cook large batches of rice or steam vegetables. The removable steamer basket and insert make it easy to cook different foods at the same time. The non-stick coating ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pot, making cleaning up a breeze. The glass lid allows for easy monitoring of cooking, so you can see when your food is ready.
However, the rice cooker function may not work as well for certain types of rice. Some users have reported that the rice comes out too sticky or not cooked evenly. Additionally, the lid may be difficult to clean due to the handle, which can be a hassle. Finally, the rice cooker may not be suitable for smaller households, as it has a capacity of 24 quarts.
Overall, if you’re looking for a large capacity rice cooker that can also steam food, the IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver is a great option. Just be aware of its limitations when it comes to cooking certain types of rice.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best crab steamer pot, there are several factors to consider. These factors will ensure that you get a product that meets your needs and preferences.
Material
One of the critical factors to consider when buying a crab steamer pot is the material. The material determines the durability, weight, and heat conductivity of the pot. Stainless steel is a popular material for crab steamer pots because it is durable, easy to clean, and does not react with the acidic environment of the crab.
Size
The size of the crab steamer pot is another important factor to consider. The size determines how much crab you can cook at once. If you plan to cook a large amount of crab, you should consider a larger pot. However, if you have limited storage space, a smaller pot may be more suitable.
Steamer Basket
A steamer basket is an essential component of a crab steamer pot. It helps to keep the crab off the bottom of the pot, preventing it from overcooking or burning. When choosing a crab steamer pot, it is important to ensure that it comes with a steamer basket or that it is compatible with one.
Lid
The lid of the crab steamer pot is also an important factor to consider. It should fit tightly to prevent steam from escaping. A tight-fitting lid ensures that the crab is cooked evenly and prevents the pot from losing heat.
Handles
Finally, the handles of the crab steamer pot are an important consideration. They should be sturdy and easy to grip, especially when the pot is hot. Look for handles that are made of heat-resistant materials and have a non-slip grip.
In summary, when choosing the best crab steamer pot, consider the material, size, steamer basket, lid, and handles. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you get a pot that meets your needs and preferences.
