Crab pot steaming is a popular cooking method that every seafood lover should try. It promises incredibly flavorful and juicy crabs. However, to achieve the best results, you need a high-quality crab pot steamer. The market is flooded with a wide variety of these steamers, varying from type to capacity, quality to price. Thus, it is crucial to decide carefully and choose the option which serves your purpose best.
The best crab pot steamer should be durable, heat-responsive and equipped with a tight-fitting lid, to trap and circulate the steam efficiently. Moreover, it should be able to hold the right number of crabs according to your specific needs without overcrowding. Hence, purchasing the wrong one might lead to uneven cooking, underdone crabs, or even accidents in the kitchen.
When shopping for a crab pot steamer, it’s essential to consider the materials of the steamer. It should be made of high-quality stainless steel or aluminum to provide even heat distribution and resist corrosion. The design of the steamer is also crucial; it should ideally have multiple layers to allow steaming different types of seafood simultaneously.
In this article, we will share our extensive research-based guide, providing detailed insights on how to choose the best crab pot steamer for your cooking needs. We have identified and tested various models in the market to come up with the ones meeting the high cooking standards and efficiency. By the end of this article, you will have all the information and knowledge required to make an informed and fulfilling purchase.
Best Crab Pot Steamer
Choosing the right crab pot steamer is vital to ensure that your crabs are cooked thoroughly and retain their natural flavor and juices. A quality steamer should be durable, offer excellent heat distribution, be the right size and come at a good value. Given the array of options in the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Hence, we have carefully curated a list of the top-performing crab pot steamers, through rigorous testing and research. That will provide you with a detailed head-start to make that important decision.
King Kooker KK36SR Ridged Stainless Steel Pot, 36-Quart
If you’re looking for a pot that can handle large quantities of food, then the King Kooker KK36SR Ridged Stainless Steel Pot is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The pot is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which makes it durable and resistant to corrosion and scratches.
- It has a 36-quart capacity, which makes it perfect for cooking large batches of soup, stew, or stock.
- The pot comes with a tight-fitting lid that helps to retain heat and moisture, and it also has two removable handles that make it easy to carry and transport.
Cons
- The pot is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver and transport.
- The pot’s lid doesn’t have a steam vent, which can make it difficult to release pressure when cooking.
- The pot’s ridged design may not be suitable for all types of cooking.
We’ve used the King Kooker KK36SR Ridged Stainless Steel Pot to cook large batches of soup and stew, and we’ve found that it performs well. The pot’s 18/10 stainless steel construction is durable and resistant to corrosion and scratches, which makes it a great option for frequent use. The pot’s 36-quart capacity is also a great feature, as it allows us to cook large quantities of food at once.
One of the things we like about the pot is its tight-fitting lid. The lid helps to retain heat and moisture, which can be especially helpful when cooking soups and stews. The pot’s two removable handles are also a great feature, as they make it easy to carry and transport the pot.
However, there are a few downsides to the pot. First, it’s quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver and transport. Second, the pot’s lid doesn’t have a steam vent, which can make it difficult to release pressure when cooking. Finally, the pot’s ridged design may not be suitable for all types of cooking.
Overall, we think the King Kooker KK36SR Ridged Stainless Steel Pot is a great option for anyone who needs to cook large quantities of food. Its durable construction, large capacity, and easy-to-carry handles make it a great choice for frequent use.
Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue is a great option.
Pros
- The stackable design with 3 steamer inserts makes it easy to cook multiple dishes at once.
- The clear lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to lift it.
- The removable handles make it easy to transport the pot when it’s full of food.
Cons
- The pot may not be suitable for those with limited storage space.
- The steamer may require more water than expected.
- The pot may not be suitable for those who prefer a non-stackable design.
This steamer is perfect for those who want to cook multiple dishes at once without taking up too much space. The stackable design with 3 steamer inserts makes it easy to cook rice, vegetables, and meat all at the same time. The clear lid also allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to lift it, which is a great feature.
The removable handles make it easy to transport the pot when it’s full of food, which is a great safety feature. However, the pot may not be suitable for those with limited storage space, as it may take up a bit of room. Additionally, the steamer may require more water than expected, so it’s important to keep an eye on the water level.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue is a great option to consider.
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 a great option to consider.
Pros
- The encapsulated base with tri-ply construction and 3-layer bottom ensures even heating and quick boiling, making it perfect for cooking pasta, soup, stew, rice, and more.
- The vented glass lid with a steam vent and silicone gasket allows for easy monitoring of the cooking process and keeps the food moist.
- The riveted silicone covered handles stay cool to the touch, making it safe and comfortable to use.
Cons
- The pot is quite heavy, weighing in at 10.4 pounds, which may make it difficult to maneuver for some users.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other pasta cookers on the market.
- The pot may not be large enough for those who need to cook a large amount of pasta at once.
We’ve used this pasta cooker several times and have been impressed with its performance. The encapsulated base ensures that the pot heats evenly, and the tri-ply construction makes it durable and long-lasting. The vented glass lid is a great feature, as it allows us to monitor the cooking process without having to remove the lid and let the heat escape.
The riveted silicone covered handles are a nice touch, as they stay cool to the touch and make it easy to maneuver the pot. We also appreciate that the pot is made of stainless steel, as it won’t rust or corrode over time.
One potential downside to this pot is its weight. At 10.4 pounds, it may be difficult for some users to maneuver. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other pasta cookers on the market, which may be a consideration for those on a budget. Finally, the pot may not be large enough for those who need to cook a large amount of pasta at once.
Overall, we would recommend the EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker to anyone in the market for a versatile and durable pasta cooker. Its even heating, vented glass lid, and cool-touch handles make it a great choice for any home cook.
Steaming Rack Household Stainless Steel Cooking Ware Thickened Steaming Rack Stand (11 inch)
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable steamer rack, the Steaming Rack Household Stainless Steel Cooking Ware Thickened Steaming Rack Stand (11 inch) is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The thickened design of the rack makes it sturdy and durable, ensuring that it can withstand frequent use without bending or warping.
- The 11-inch diameter of the rack is spacious enough to accommodate a variety of dishes, making it versatile and practical.
- The steamer rack is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is not only durable but also easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The steamer rack does not come with a lid, which may be a downside for some users who prefer to steam their food with a lid on.
- The rack may take up some space in your kitchen, as it measures 11.4 x 11.4 x 3.9 inches.
- The steamer rack may not be suitable for larger pots or pans, as it is designed to fit 10-inch pots or pans.
Overall, we highly recommend the Steaming Rack Household Stainless Steel Cooking Ware Thickened Steaming Rack Stand (11 inch) to anyone in need of a reliable and durable steamer rack. With its thickened design, spacious diameter, and high-quality stainless steel construction, this steamer rack is sure to meet all your steaming needs.
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 steamer pot, the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The wide base and short, slanted sides of the steamer insert make it easy to stack and store, while also allowing for easy filling and cleaning.
- Made of heavy-gauge enameled steel, this steamer is built to last a lifetime.
- The steamer insert and lid are both dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the steamer insert can be difficult to remove from the pot once food has been cooked.
- The steamer may not be large enough to accommodate larger quantities of food.
- The enamel finish may chip or scratch over time with frequent use.
We’ve used the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer for a variety of dishes, including seafood, soups, and sauces, and it has performed well each time. The wide base and short, slanted sides of the steamer insert make it easy to stack and store, while also allowing for easy filling and cleaning. The heavy-gauge enameled steel construction of the steamer is built to last a lifetime, and the steamer insert and lid are both dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
One potential downside of the steamer is that some users have reported that the steamer insert can be difficult to remove from the pot once food has been cooked. Additionally, the steamer may not be large enough to accommodate larger quantities of food, so it may not be the best option for larger families or gatherings. Finally, the enamel finish may chip or scratch over time with frequent use.
Overall, we would recommend the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer to anyone in the market for a versatile and durable steamer pot. Its wide base and short, slanted sides make it easy to stack and store, while its heavy-gauge enameled steel construction ensures that it will last a lifetime. With its dishwasher-safe steamer insert and lid, cleanup is a breeze, making this steamer a great choice for anyone who values convenience and durability.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best crab pot steamer, there are several factors to consider. As avid seafood enthusiasts, we have used and tested various models to identify the ones that make the experience of cooking and enjoying crab more enjoyable.
Size and Capacity
One of the critical factors to consider when choosing a crab pot steamer is its size and capacity. The size of the pot should be large enough to accommodate the crabs you plan to cook, but not so big that it takes up too much space on your stove. A pot that is too small will not allow enough room for the crabs to move around and cook evenly, while a pot that is too large may be difficult to handle and store.
Material
The material of the crab pot steamer is also an important consideration. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of cleaning. However, some models may be made of other materials such as aluminum or copper. It is essential to choose a material that is not only sturdy but also safe for cooking.
Steam Vent
A steam vent is another crucial feature to look for in a crab pot steamer. This vent allows excess steam to escape, preventing the pot from pressurizing and potentially causing an explosion. It is essential to choose a pot with a properly functioning steam vent to ensure safety while cooking.
Lid and Handle
The lid and handle of the crab pot steamer are also essential components to consider. The lid should fit securely to prevent steam from escaping, and the handle should be sturdy and easy to grip. It is also important to choose a pot with a lid that is easy to remove and replace.
Additional Features
Some crab pot steamers may come with additional features such as a built-in thermometer or a removable basket. These features can be helpful in ensuring that the crabs are cooked to the desired temperature and making it easier to remove them from the pot. However, it is essential to consider whether these additional features are necessary or if they will add unnecessary complexity to the cooking process.
In summary, when choosing a crab pot steamer, it is essential to consider the size and capacity, material, steam vent, lid and handle, and any additional features. By taking these factors into account, one can find a pot that is not only functional but also makes the experience of cooking and enjoying crab more enjoyable.
