Calphalon steamer inserts are praised for their high-quality construction, durability, and even heat distribution. This versatility makes it an essential kitchen tool, suitable for both amateur chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike. However, with a variety of steamer inserts to choose from, finding the best one isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we have taken the time to test and review the top Calphalon steamer inserts, to help guide you toward choosing the best for your needs.
The best Calphalon steamer insert should be both functional and durable. It should be able to withstand regular use and dishwasher cleaning while providing your food with even, efficient steam. A poorly made steamer can lead to unevenly cooked meals, heat spots, rust, and a shortened lifespan. Definitely not what you want from such an important kitchen tool.
When shopping for your Calphalon steamer insert, pay attention to its materials, specifically stainless steel, as this will offer both longevity and heat resistance. It’s also beneficial to consider the size. Ensure that it fits your existing pots and pans while supplying enough space for your typical meals.
In this article, we shall guide you through our findings from testing out various Calphalon steamer inserts. Having plunged into the world of Calphalon steamer inserts, we’ve recognized which models offer the best features, the most sturdy build, and the most even cooking potential. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped with all the necessary knowledge to choose a top-quality Calphalon steamer insert.
Best Calphalon Steamer Inserts
Picking the perfect Calphalon steamer insert is paramount for achieving healthy, well-steamed meals. The right one will distribute heat evenly and efficiently, last for years to come, and is easy to clean. Considering these factors, and having thoroughly tested a lineup of models, we’ve compiled a list to help navigate your purchase easier. Our list focuses on top-caliber Calphalon steamer inserts that shone during our rigorous testing process.
Calphalon Premier 8 Quart Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Multi-Pot Cookware with Tempered Glass Lid and Steamer Inserts, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use multi-pot, the Calphalon Premier 8 Quart Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Multi-Pot Cookware with Tempered Glass Lid and Steamer Inserts, Black is a great option.
Pros
- The hard-anodized nonstick surface is durable and easy to clean, and it ensures even heating and excellent food release.
- The multi-layer base provides superior heat distribution, and it is compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- The steamer inserts allow you to steam food right in the pot, and the tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking without losing heat.
Cons
- The pot is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The lid doesn’t seem to fit quite right, which can be frustrating when trying to keep steam in.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.
We’ve used this multi-pot for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pasta and rice, and it has performed well every time. The hard-anodized nonstick surface is a standout feature, as it ensures that food doesn’t stick or burn, even when using metal utensils. The multi-layer base is also impressive, as it heats evenly and distributes heat well.
One thing to note is that the pot is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the lid doesn’t seem to fit quite right, which can be frustrating when trying to keep steam in. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.
Overall, we would recommend the Calphalon Premier 8 Quart Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Multi-Pot Cookware with Tempered Glass Lid and Steamer Inserts, Black to anyone looking for a versatile and durable multi-pot that can handle a variety of dishes.
Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Steamer Insert with Lid
If you’re looking for a steamer insert that is durable, easy to use, and can hold a lot of food, then the Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Steamer Insert with Lid is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Anolon steamer insert is made from high-quality stainless steel, which makes it sturdy and durable.
- The removable lid and steamer insert can be used separately, making it easy to cook different foods at the same time.
- The steamer insert can hold a lot of food, making it perfect for families or for entertaining guests.
Cons
- The Anolon steamer insert is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to lift out of the pot.
- The steamer insert can be a bit difficult to clean, especially if you’ve been cooking foods that have a lot of residue.
- The Anolon steamer insert is quite large, which can make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
We’ve been using the Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Steamer Insert with Lid for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The stainless steel material is of high quality and the steamer insert is sturdy and durable. We love the fact that the lid and steamer insert can be used separately, which makes it easy to cook different foods at the same time.
One of the things we really like about this steamer insert is its size. It can hold a lot of food, which is perfect for families or for entertaining guests. We’ve been able to cook a variety of dishes at the same time, and everything has come out perfectly cooked.
However, there are a few downsides to this steamer insert. It is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to lift out of the pot. This can be a bit of a problem if you have arthritis or if you’re not very strong. Additionally, the steamer insert can be a bit difficult to clean, especially if you’ve been cooking foods that have a lot of residue. Finally, the steamer insert is quite large, which can make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Steamer Insert with Lid to anyone who is looking for a high-quality steamer insert that is durable, easy to use, and can hold a lot of food.
Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 8 quart Stock Pot with Steamer and Pasta Insert
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable stockpot, the Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 8 quart Stock Pot with Steamer and Pasta Insert is a great option.
Pros
- The 3-layer, 18/10 stainless steel construction with an aluminum core provides even heating and eliminates hot spots.
- The steamer basket and pasta insert make it easy to cook multiple dishes at the same time.
- The stockpot is compatible with all gas, electric, and induction cooktops, as well as oven safe up to 500°F.
Cons
- The stockpot is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The lid does not have a handle, which may make it difficult to remove the lid from the pot while cooking.
- The stockpot is relatively large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
We’ve used the Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 8 quart Stock Pot with Steamer and Pasta Insert to cook a variety of dishes, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The 3-layer, 18/10 stainless steel construction with an aluminum core provides even heating and eliminates hot spots, which makes it easy to cook pasta, rice, and soups without worrying about burning or overcooking. The steamer basket and pasta insert are also very useful, as they allow you to cook multiple dishes at the same time without having to use separate pots and pans.
One of the best things about this stockpot is that it’s compatible with all gas, electric, and induction cooktops, as well as oven safe up to 500°F. This means that you can use it for a wide range of cooking tasks, from boiling water and simmering sauces to sautéing vegetables and browning meats. The stockpot is also very durable and easy to clean, which makes it a great investment for anyone who loves to cook.
However, there are a few downsides to this stockpot. It’s quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the lid does not have a handle, which may make it difficult to remove the lid from the pot while cooking. Finally, the stockpot is relatively large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
Overall, we would recommend the Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 8 quart Stock Pot with Steamer and Pasta Insert to anyone who is looking for a durable and versatile stockpot that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks.
Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware, 8-Quart Multi-Pot with Pasta and Steamer Inserts and Cover
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use multi-cooker, the Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware, 8-Quart Multi-Pot with Pasta and Steamer Inserts and Cover is a great option.
Pros
- The nonstick surface ensures even heating and easy cleaning.
- The multi-cooker can be used for sautéing, browning, simmering, steaming, and even making pasta.
- The removable handle with stay-cool coating allows for easy transport of the pot.
Cons
- The pot may not be large enough for very large quantities of food.
- The lid may not fit securely, causing steam to escape.
- The pot may be difficult to clean if food sticks to the surface.
We’ve used this multi-cooker for a variety of dishes, and it has performed well each time. The nonstick surface ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pot, making it easy to clean up afterwards. We’ve also been able to make a variety of dishes in this pot, from soups and stews to pasta and rice.
One thing to note is that the pot may not be large enough for very large quantities of food. However, for most home cooks, this shouldn’t be an issue. Additionally, the lid may not fit securely, causing steam to escape. This can be frustrating, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Overall, we would recommend the Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware, 8-Quart Multi-Pot with Pasta and Steamer Inserts and Cover to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use multi-cooker.
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 durable vegetable steamer basket, the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert is a great option.
Pros
- The foldable design makes it easy to store in any size pot, and it expands from 5.1″ to 9″.
- Made of premium 18/8 stainless steel, it’s durable and won’t rust or peel.
- The double-walled design with silicone no-slip handles ensures safe and comfortable handling.
Cons
- The holes in the steamer basket may be too small for some vegetables, requiring parboiling.
- It may not be suitable for very large pots or pans.
- The price point may be higher than some other vegetable steamer baskets on the market.
We’ve used this steamer basket to cook a variety of vegetables, seafood, and even ravioli, and it has performed well each time. The foldable design is a great space-saver, and the premium stainless steel construction ensures that it will last for years to come.
The double-walled design with silicone no-slip handles is a thoughtful feature that ensures safe and comfortable handling, even when the steamer basket is hot. We appreciate that it’s made of food-grade material, ensuring safety and health.
One thing to note is that the holes in the steamer basket may be too small for some vegetables, requiring parboiling first. Additionally, it may not be suitable for very large pots or pans. However, for most home cooks, this steamer basket should fit the bill.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality vegetable steamer basket that will last for years, the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert is a great choice.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Calphalon steamer insert, there are a few key factors to consider. As someone who has used and tested various steamer inserts, I can attest to the importance of these features.
Size and Compatibility
The first thing to consider is the size and compatibility of the steamer insert. It is important to ensure that the insert fits properly into your Calphalon pot or pan. Check the dimensions of both the insert and the pot to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, consider the size of the insert in relation to the amount of food you plan to steam. A larger insert may be necessary for larger portions.
Material
The material of the steamer insert is also an important factor to consider. Calphalon steamer inserts are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean. However, some inserts may have a non-stick coating, which can make food release easier. Consider the type of food you plan to steam and whether a non-stick coating is necessary.
Steam Vent
A steam vent is a crucial feature to look for in a Calphalon steamer insert. This vent allows steam to escape, preventing the insert from becoming pressurized and potentially causing an explosion. Look for an insert with a securely fastened steam vent to ensure safety during use.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Finally, consider the ease of use and cleaning of the steamer insert. Look for an insert with a simple design that is easy to assemble and disassemble. Additionally, consider the number of parts the insert has and whether they are all dishwasher safe. A more complex insert may require more time and effort to clean.
In summary, when choosing the best Calphalon steamer insert, consider the size and compatibility, material, steam vent, and ease of use and cleaning. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you choose an insert that is safe, functional, and easy to use.
