Tamale steamers are essential for any kitchen that enjoys Latin American cuisine. These multipurpose cookware items are ideal for preparing tamales, a traditional Mesoamerican dish. However, achieving perfectly cooked tamales necessitates the use of the right tamale steamer pot.
The best tamale steamer pot should be durable, heat-efficient, easy to use and clean. Using an inadequately designed steamer pot can lead to uneven cooking, burnt tamales, or even damaging your stove. So, with the multitude of options available in the market, it’s crucial to select an appropriate tamale steamer pot.
When purchasing a tamale steamer pot, pay attention to the materials used. The main body can be made from aluminum, stainless steel, or tamale-specific pots made with clay or lava rock. An ideal steamer pot might have multiple layers for steaming several tamales at once and a fitted lid to trap steam efficiently. The pot should also have secure handles, which will not get too hot to handle.
In our capacity as culinary enthusiasts, we have researched, tested, and tried various tamale steamer pots to help you select the best one for your needs. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the necessary information to make an informed decision and cook the most delicious tamales.
Best Tamale Steamer Pot
Choosing the right tamale steamer pot for your kitchen is crucial for achieving perfect tamales every time. The pot must be sturdy, efficient at heat distribution, and easy to use and clean. It can be quite a task to sift through the abundance of options available in the market. Hence, we have used our expertise to identify the best tamale steamer pots to simplify the decision and ensure you have a top-quality product.
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, dumplings, or seafood, the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart is a great option.
Pros
- The 52-quart capacity allows you to steam large batches of food at once, making it perfect for big families or parties.
- The stackable design of the steamer makes efficient use of space, so you can steam multiple dishes at the same time.
- The steamer is made of high-quality stainless steel, which ensures even heat distribution and makes it durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- The steamer’s legs can be a bit wobbly, which can make it difficult to move around or stack other pots and pans on top of it.
- The steamer’s lid can be a bit difficult to remove, especially if you’re trying to do it with wet hands.
- The steamer’s price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
We’ve used the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart to steam large batches of tamales and seafood, and we’ve been very impressed with its performance. The steamer’s large capacity means that we can steam enough food for our entire family and still have leftovers for later.
One of the things we really like about this steamer is its stackable design. We’ve been able to steam multiple dishes at the same time, which has saved us a lot of time and effort in the kitchen. The steamer’s high-quality stainless steel construction also ensures that the food we steam tastes great and looks beautiful.
While the steamer’s legs can be a bit wobbly, we haven’t found this to be a major issue. We’ve also had some trouble removing the lid, but this is a minor inconvenience that we’re willing to overlook.
Overall, we would highly recommend the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart to anyone who needs a large-capacity steamer for their kitchen. It’s a durable, easy-to-clean, and high-performing appliance that will make your life in the kitchen much easier.
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 easy-to-use steamer rack, the WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack is a great option.
Pros
- The steamer racks can be used separately or stacked together, making them suitable for different types of pots and pans.
- The racks are made of food-grade stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
- The racks are easy to install and remove, and they won’t scratch your pots and pans.
Cons
- The racks may not fit all types of pots and pans, so it’s important to measure your cookware before purchasing.
- The racks may be too large for some users, who may prefer a smaller size.
- The racks may not be suitable for steaming large items, such as whole chickens or turkeys.
We’ve used the WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack to steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, dumplings, and seafood. The racks are easy to use and clean, and they don’t take up too much space in our kitchen.
One of the best things about these steamer racks is that they can be used separately or stacked together. This means that you can use them with different sizes of pots and pans, depending on what you’re cooking. The racks are also made of food-grade stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. This means that they’ll last for a long time, even with regular use.
Another great feature of these steamer racks is that they’re easy to install and remove. You can simply place them in your pot or pan, and they’ll stay in place thanks to the suction cups on the bottom. When you’re finished cooking, you can easily remove the racks and clean them in the dishwasher.
Overall, we would recommend the WANGYZJ Stainless Steel Steamer Rack to anyone who is looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer rack. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to cook healthy and delicious meals at home.
IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver
If you’re looking for a steamer that can cook large amounts of food, then the IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver is a great option.
Pros
- The steamer is made of high-quality aluminum, which ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots.
- The glass lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to open the lid, which helps to retain the heat and moisture inside the steamer.
- The steamer comes with a removable rack and 3 different sizes of steam trays, which make it easy to cook different types of food at the same time.
Cons
- The steamer is quite large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
- The steamer requires a bit of elbow grease to clean, as the aluminum surface can retain stains and discoloration over time.
- The steamer’s knob can get quite hot during use, which may be a concern for some users.
We’ve used the IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver to cook a variety of dishes, from dumplings to vegetables, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The steamer heats up quickly and retains heat well, which means that your food stays warm for longer.
One of the things we love about this steamer is its size. With a 24-quart capacity, it can cook enough food for a large family or a big gathering. The steamer also comes with a removable rack and 3 different sizes of steam trays, which makes it easy to cook different types of food at the same time.
Another great feature of this steamer is its glass lid. Unlike other steamers with metal lids, the glass lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to open the lid. This helps to retain the heat and moisture inside the steamer, which means that your food stays moist and flavorful.
Overall, we would highly recommend the IMUSA USA Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 24-Quart, Silver to anyone who is looking for a high-quality steamer that can cook large amounts of food. While it may require a bit of extra effort to clean, its even heat distribution, glass lid, and removable rack make it a great investment for any home cook.
IMUSA USA Red Ruby 20-Quart Steamer with Glass Lid
If you’re looking for a steamer that can handle large quantities of food, the IMUSA USA Red Ruby 20-Quart Steamer with Glass Lid is a great option.
Pros
- The large capacity of 20 quarts makes it perfect for families or large gatherings.
- The steamer comes with 3 different sizes of steam baskets, a removable condensate tray, and a steamer rack, making it versatile and easy to use.
- The stackable design with locking lid and knob makes it easy to store and transport.
Cons
- The steamer requires 2 inches of water at the bottom, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The lid can be difficult to clean due to its size and shape.
- The steamer may take up a lot of space in your kitchen due to its size.
We’ve used the IMUSA USA Red Ruby 20-Quart Steamer with Glass Lid to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. The steamer performed well in all cases, cooking the food evenly and retaining its flavor and texture.
The steamer’s large capacity is one of its standout features, making it perfect for families or large gatherings. The steamer comes with 3 different sizes of steam baskets, a removable condensate tray, and a steamer rack, making it versatile and easy to use. The stackable design with locking lid and knob also makes it easy to store and transport.
However, the steamer requires 2 inches of water at the bottom, which may be inconvenient for some users. The lid can also be difficult to clean due to its size and shape. Additionally, the steamer may take up a lot of space in your kitchen due to its size.
Overall, if you’re looking for a steamer that can handle large quantities of food and is versatile and easy to use, the IMUSA USA Red Ruby 20-Quart Steamer with Glass Lid is a great option.
Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
If you’re looking for a large capacity steamer that can handle a variety of foods, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid is a great option.
Pros
- The removable steamer insert and basket make it easy to steam a variety of foods, from vegetables to seafood.
- The pot is made of durable stainless steel and has a large 16-quart capacity, making it perfect for larger families or for entertaining guests.
- The steamer pot is compatible with all Kenmore Electric Cooktops, allowing for versatile cooking options.
Cons
- The pot is quite heavy, weighing in at 11 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around or store.
- The pot’s lid does not have a vent, which may make it difficult to release steam if needed.
- The pot’s insert and steamer basket may be difficult to clean, as they have a lot of nooks and crannies where food can get trapped.
We’ve used the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid to steam a variety of foods, and it has performed well every time. The removable steamer insert and basket make it easy to steam different foods at the same time, and the pot’s large capacity means we can steam enough food for our whole family.
One thing to keep in mind is that the pot is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or store. Additionally, the pot’s lid does not have a vent, which may make it difficult to release steam if needed. Finally, the pot’s insert and steamer basket may be difficult to clean, as they have a lot of nooks and crannies where food can get trapped.
Overall, we would recommend the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid to anyone looking for a large capacity steamer that can handle a variety of foods. It’s durable, easy to use, and versatile, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best tamale steamer pot, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the critical features that make a steamer pot stand out.
Size and Capacity
One of the essential factors to consider when choosing a tamale steamer pot is the size and capacity. The size of the pot will determine how many tamales you can steam at once. If you plan to steam tamales for a large group, you will need a bigger pot with a higher capacity.
Material
The material of the steamer pot is also an important consideration. The pot should be made of durable and heat-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel and aluminum are popular materials for tamale steamer pots due to their durability and heat resistance.
Steaming Basket
A steaming basket is an essential component of a tamale steamer pot. The basket should be made of a material that is heat-resistant and does not react with the tamale dough. The size of the basket should also match the size of the pot to ensure that the tamales are fully submerged in the steam.
Lid
The lid of the steamer pot should fit securely to prevent steam from escaping. A tight-fitting lid will ensure that the tamales are steamed evenly and thoroughly. Look for a lid with a vent to release excess steam and prevent the pot from overflowing.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Finally, consider the ease of use and cleaning of the steamer pot. Look for a pot with a wide opening for easy filling and removal of tamales. The pot should also be easy to clean, with no hard-to-reach crevices or difficult-to-clean materials.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best tamale steamer pot for your needs. Whether you’re steaming tamales for a small family gathering or a large holiday feast, the right pot will make the process easier and more enjoyable.
