Tamale steamers, **must-have kitchen tools** for cooking tamales, **bring joy** to any kitchen. Coming from Latin America, their **versatility** and **ease of use** have made these gadgets popular everywhere. To **ensure perfectly cooked tamales**, it’s crucial to **select the right tamale steamer**.
The best tamale steamer should be a sturdy, efficient, and easy to use. Moreover, they should be safe to use on your stovetop or can be easily adapted to your cooking preferences. Choosing the wrong tamale steamer can lead to uneven cooking, burned tamales, or even accidents in the kitchen.
When shopping for a tamale steamer, pay attention to key elements such as size, material, and additional features. The steamer should have enough space for your needs, be made of a high-quality, durable material that heats evenly, and potentially include a removable insert for easy serving.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to choosing the best tamale steamer. We have tirelessly researched and tested various steamers to identify the ones that will give you perfect, mouthwatering tamales every time. By the end of this article, you will be furnished with all the information to make your tamale cooking journey a smooth and delicious one.
Best Tamale Steamer
Selecting the right tamale steamer can dictate your tamale cooking experience. Your chosen steamer should be sturdy, efficient, and offer even heat distribution. With numerous options available in the market, the task of picking the perfect one may appear daunting. Fear not. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best tamale steamers carrying out in-depth research and rigorous testing, assuring that these will offer you the most delectable tamales possible.
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 to consider.
Pros
- The steamer basket is made of food-grade stainless steel, which is durable and resists rust, ensuring safety and health.
- The expandable size of the steamer basket makes it suitable for various sizes of pots, ranging from 5.1″ to 9″.
- The steamer basket is foldable and removable, making it easy to store and clean.
Cons
- The steamer basket may not be suitable for larger quantities of food, as it can only hold a certain amount of vegetables or seafood.
- The steamer basket may require additional support or stabilization when steaming larger items, such as whole fish.
- The steamer basket may not be suitable for use in the microwave or dishwasher, as it is designed for stovetop use only.
Overall, we found the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert to be a great choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use steamer basket. The food-grade stainless steel material ensures safety and health, while the expandable size and foldable design make it easy to store and clean. However, it may not be suitable for larger quantities of food or certain cooking methods.
The steamer basket is perfect for those who want to maintain the nutrition and flavor of their food. It is suitable for steaming vegetables, fish, seafood, and even rice. The steamer basket is easy to use and can be folded into small size when not in use. It is also easy to clean, just rinse it under warm water after use.
In conclusion, 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 definitely worth considering.
Steamer Rack 8.5 Inches 304 Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Steam Tray with Removable Legs for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker Multi-functional Steamer Basket
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer rack, the Steamer Rack 8.5 Inches 304 Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Steam Tray with Removable Legs is a great option.
Pros
- The removable legs make it easy to adjust the height of the rack to fit different pots and pans.
- The steam rack is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and rust-resistant.
- The rack is multi-functional and can be used for steaming, straining, and serving food.
Cons
- The rack may be too small for some users, depending on their cooking needs.
- The legs may be difficult to remove for some users.
- The rack may not be suitable for use in the dishwasher.
We’ve used this steamer rack for a variety of dishes, and it has performed well each time. The removable legs are a particularly useful feature, as they allow us to adjust the height of the rack to fit different pots and pans. This means that we can use the rack with a variety of cookers, including pressure cookers, stockpots, and even rice cookers.
The stainless steel construction of the rack is also a plus, as it ensures that the rack is durable and rust-resistant. We’ve found that the rack is easy to clean, simply by wiping it down with a damp cloth. We’ve also used the rack for serving food, by placing it directly on the table.
One potential downside of the rack is its size. While it is adjustable, it may still be too small for some users, depending on their cooking needs. Additionally, some users may find the legs difficult to remove, especially if they are in a hurry. Finally, the rack may not be suitable for use in the dishwasher, so users will need to clean it by hand.
Overall, we would recommend the Steamer Rack 8.5 Inches 304 Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Steam Tray with Removable Legs to anyone in need of a versatile and durable steamer rack.
ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer, Tamale Steamer Pot, Seafood Boil Pot with Divider and Steamer Rack, 5 Gallon
If you’re looking for a versatile and large-capacity steamer pot, the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The 20-quart capacity allows you to steam a large amount of food at once, making it perfect for big families or gatherings.
- The removable dividers allow you to steam different types of food separately, which is convenient and prevents the flavors from mixing.
- The steamer rack can hold up to 12 pounds of food, which is impressive and saves you time and effort.
Cons
- The lid doesn’t have a vent, which can make it difficult to release steam when needed.
- The pot is quite heavy, which can make it challenging to move around.
- The price point is a bit high compared to other steamers in the market.
We’ve used this steamer pot for several occasions, and it has always performed well. The 20-quart capacity is perfect for us, as we have a large family, and it saves us time and effort by cooking a large amount of food at once. The removable dividers are also a great feature, as they allow us to steam different types of food separately, which prevents the flavors from mixing and saves us time on cleaning.
The steamer rack can hold up to 12 pounds of food, which is impressive and saves us time and effort. We’ve used it to steam dumplings, vegetables, and seafood, and it has always turned out well. The stainless steel material is also durable and easy to clean, which is a plus.
However, there are a few downsides to this steamer pot. The lid doesn’t have a vent, which can make it difficult to release steam when needed. This can be a problem if you’re cooking something that requires constant stirring or monitoring. The pot is also quite heavy, which can make it challenging to move around. Lastly, the price point is a bit high compared to other steamers in the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and large-capacity steamer pot, the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer is a great option. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can hold a large amount of food. However, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a steamer with a vented lid, this might not be the best option for you.
IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart, Silver
If you’re looking for a large-capacity steamer that can handle big batches of tamales or seafood, the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart, Silver is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 52-quart capacity is perfect for large families or parties.
- The steamer comes with a removable basket, which makes it easy to add or remove food without having to lift the lid.
- The locking lid ensures that the steamer stays tightly sealed, which helps to keep the food moist and flavorful.
Cons
- The steamer is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
- The removable basket can be a bit difficult to clean, as it has a lot of nooks and crannies.
- The steamer’s legs can be a bit wobbly, which can make it a bit unstable when you’re trying to add or remove food.
We’ve used the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart, Silver to make a big batch of tamales, and we were really impressed with how well it performed. The 52-quart capacity was more than enough to hold all of our tamales, and the removable basket made it easy to add more water or steam the tamales for longer if needed.
One thing we really appreciated about this steamer is that it comes with a built-in temperature gauge. This made it easy to check the temperature of the water without having to lift the lid, which helped to keep the tamales from drying out.
Overall, if you’re looking for a large-capacity steamer that can handle big batches of tamales or seafood, the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart, Silver is definitely worth considering. It’s well-designed, easy to use, and can handle even the biggest batches of food.
WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack, Steamer Rack for Pots, Round Cooking Rack, 3-Layer Steaming Rack for Kitchen (3pcs, 22-24-26), Silver
If you’re looking for a versatile and practical steamer rack, the WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack is worth considering.
Pros
- The 3-layer design of the steamer rack makes it suitable for cooking various types of food at the same time.
- The round shape of the steamer rack allows for easy access to food and efficient use of space.
- Made of high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, the steamer rack is durable and rust-resistant.
Cons
- The steamer rack may take up some space in your kitchen due to its size.
- The steamer rack may not be suitable for larger pots or pans.
- The steamer rack may not be as sturdy as some other models on the market.
We’ve used the WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack to cook a variety of foods, including dumplings, bao, and vegetables. The 3-layer design of the steamer rack allowed us to cook multiple dishes at the same time, which was very convenient.
The round shape of the steamer rack also made it easy to access the food while cooking, and the efficient use of space was a plus. We were able to fit the steamer rack into our pot easily and cook our food without any issues.
The steamer rack is made of high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, which is durable and rust-resistant. We were impressed with the sturdiness of the steamer rack, and it didn’t show any signs of rust or corrosion even after multiple uses.
However, the steamer rack may take up some space in your kitchen due to its size. It may not be suitable for larger pots or pans, so it’s important to keep that in mind before purchasing. Additionally, the steamer rack may not be as sturdy as some other models on the market, so it’s important to handle it with care.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and practical steamer rack, the WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack is a great option to consider. Its 3-layer design, round shape, and durable construction make it a solid choice for any home cook.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best tamale steamer, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various steamers and have come up with a list of features that are essential for a quality product.
Size and Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the size and capacity of the steamer. Depending on how many tamales you plan to make at once, you will want to choose a steamer that can accommodate your needs. A larger steamer may be necessary if you plan to make tamales for a large gathering or party.
Material
The material of the steamer is also an important consideration. Steamer pots can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose one that will best suit your needs.
Steaming Basket
A steaming basket is another important feature to look for in a tamale steamer. This basket will help to keep the tamales elevated above the water, preventing them from becoming soggy. Look for a steamer with a basket that is large enough to hold your tamales without overcrowding them.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the steamer. Look for a product that is easy to assemble and clean, and that has a secure lid to prevent steam from escaping. A product with a non-stick surface can also make cleaning up a breeze.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best tamale steamer for your needs and ensure that your tamales come out perfectly every time.
