**Vegetable steamers** add a neat twist to kitchen gear, whipping up tasty, healthy meals fast. They cook veggies evenly and lock in all those good-for-you nutrients, perfect for any kitchen setup. To get the most out of it, choosing the right steamer is key.
The best vegetable steamer should be efficient, easy to use, versatile, and compact for convenient storage. The wrong steamer can lead to uneven cooking, nutrient loss, and potentially unsafe usage. It’s essential to pay attention to factors such as materials, capacity, and how it handles different types of vegetables.
When purchasing a vegetable steamer, you must look for one that is made with food-grade and non-toxic materials for your health and safety. Additionally, the steamer should have multiple compartments or expandable trays to accommodate different quantities of food. As we’ve experienced through testing various models and brands, these qualities ensure that your steamer provides reliable operation with consistent results.
This article aims to guide you through your search for the best vegetable steamer. By leveraging our research and hands-on testing, we have identified the top-rated and most efficient steamers in the market. Our goal is to provide you with an informative and insightful review, thus aiding decision-making process when selecting a vegetable steamer that meets your specific requirements.
Best Vegetable Steamer
Choosing the right vegetable steamer is essential for efficient and healthy meal prep. It needs to be easy to use, safe, and versatile, providing consistent results with different vegetables. With so many options available in the market, selecting the right one can be daunting. In this article, we have curated a list of the best vegatable steamers, with each recommendation backed by our extensive research and testing process, to help you make a well-informed decision.
Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer
If you’re looking for a compact steamer that can fit into small spaces, the Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The 60-minute countdown timer with auto shut-off feature ensures that your food is cooked to perfection without any hassle.
- The steamer is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for busy individuals.
- The BPA-free steam tray and lid make it safe to use and ensure that your food is free from harmful chemicals.
Cons
- The steamer is not suitable for large quantities of food, making it a poor choice for those who frequently cook for a crowd.
- The steamer may take up to 10 minutes to heat up, which can be a bit of a wait for those who are in a hurry.
- The steamer may not be suitable for cooking certain types of meat, such as beef or pork, as they require longer cooking times.
The Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer is a great choice for those who are looking for a compact and easy-to-use steamer. The 60-minute countdown timer with auto shut-off feature ensures that your food is cooked to perfection without any hassle. The steamer is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for busy individuals. Additionally, the BPA-free steam tray and lid make it safe to use and ensure that your food is free from harmful chemicals.
However, the steamer is not suitable for large quantities of food, making it a poor choice for those who frequently cook for a crowd. Additionally, the steamer may take up to 10 minutes to heat up, which can be a bit of a wait for those who are in a hurry. Finally, the steamer may not be suitable for cooking certain types of meat, such as beef or pork, as they require longer cooking times.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use steamer that can fit into small spaces, the Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer is a great option to consider.
Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steam cooker, the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware is a great option.
Pros
- The steamer insert is removable, making it easy to switch between steaming and boiling.
- The see-through glass lid allows you to monitor the food without lifting the lid.
- The cookware is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to remove at times.
- The steam release knob can be hard to turn.
- The cookware is not induction compatible.
We’ve used the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware to make a variety of dishes, including rice, vegetables, and pasta. The removable steamer insert is a great feature, as it allows us to use the pot for both steaming and boiling.
The see-through glass lid is also a nice touch, as it allows us to monitor the food without having to lift the lid and let the heat escape. The high-quality stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, making this cookware a great investment for any home cook.
While the lid can be difficult to remove at times, and the steam release knob can be hard to turn, these are minor quibbles. Overall, we highly recommend the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steam cooker.
BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids and Stackable Baskets & Removable Base for Fast Simultaneous Cooking – Auto Shutoff & Boil Dry Protection, 7.4 QT, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient food steamer, the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The stackable baskets allow for fast simultaneous cooking, making it perfect for busy individuals or families.
- The removable base and dishwasher safe lids make it easy to clean, saving you time and effort.
- The auto shutoff and boil dry protection features ensure safety and peace of mind during use.
Cons
- The steam may leak out if the lid is not properly sealed, which can be frustrating and messy.
- The steamer may not be large enough to cook a full meal for a large family.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
The BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer is a great choice for those who want to cook healthy meals quickly and efficiently. The stackable baskets allow for fast simultaneous cooking, which means you can cook multiple dishes at the same time. This feature is especially useful for busy individuals or families who want to save time in the kitchen.
Another great feature of this food steamer is the removable base and dishwasher safe lids. This makes it easy to clean and maintain, saving you time and effort. The auto shutoff and boil dry protection features are also great for ensuring safety and peace of mind during use.
However, the steam may leak out if the lid is not properly sealed, which can be frustrating and messy. Additionally, the steamer may not be large enough to cook a full meal for a large family. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
Overall, the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer is a great option for those who want to cook healthy meals quickly and efficiently. It’s versatile, efficient, and easy to clean, making it a great choice for busy individuals or families.
Veggie Vegetable Steamer Basket, Folding Steaming Basket, Metal Stainless Steel Steamer Basket Insert, Collapsible Steamer Baskets for Cooking Food, Expandable Fit Various Size Pot(5.3″ to 8.6″) YLYL
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer basket, the Veggie Vegetable Steamer Basket by YLYL is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The steamer basket is made of food-grade stainless steel, which is durable and rust-resistant.
- The collapsible design of the steamer basket makes it easy to store in your kitchen, saving you a lot of space.
- The steamer basket can fit most pots with a diameter of 5.3 to 8.6 inches, making it compatible with most cookware.
Cons
- The steamer basket is relatively small, which may not be suitable for larger families or those who frequently cook for a crowd.
- The steamer basket may be difficult to clean, as food and steam can get trapped in the crevices of the collapsible design.
- The steamer basket may not be suitable for cooking certain types of food, such as large cuts of meat or whole chickens.
The Veggie Vegetable Steamer Basket is a great option for those who want to eat healthier and want to steam their vegetables, seafood, or meat. The steamer basket is easy to use, and the stainless steel material ensures that your food is cooked evenly and retains its nutrients.
The collapsible design of the steamer basket is a great space-saving feature, and it makes it easy to store in your kitchen cabinet or drawer. Additionally, the steamer basket is compatible with most pots, so you don’t have to worry about buying new cookware.
However, the steamer basket is relatively small, which may not be suitable for larger families or those who frequently cook for a crowd. Additionally, the steamer basket may be difficult to clean, as food and steam can get trapped in the crevices of the collapsible design. Finally, the steamer basket may not be suitable for cooking certain types of food, such as large cuts of meat or whole chickens.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer basket, the Veggie Vegetable Steamer Basket by YLYL is a great option to consider.
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 vegetable steamer, the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert is a great option.
Pros
- Made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion and scratches.
- Expands from 5.1″ to 9″ to fit most pots and pans, making it suitable for different types of cooking.
- Foldable design with silicone-wrapped handles for easy storage and portability.
Cons
- May not fit some larger pots or pans.
- Some users may find it difficult to open or close the steamer basket.
- The silicone handles may not be as heat-resistant as the stainless steel body.
We’ve used this steamer basket for several months and found it to be a reliable and convenient tool for cooking vegetables, fish, and seafood. The 18/8 stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean, and the expandable design makes it suitable for various types of pots and pans.
One of the best features of this steamer basket is its foldable design with silicone-wrapped handles. This makes it easy to store and transport, and it takes up less space in the kitchen. The silicone handles also provide a comfortable grip, even when the pot is hot.
However, we did find that the steamer basket may not fit some larger pots or pans, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, some users may find it difficult to open or close the steamer basket, especially if they have larger hands.
Overall, we would recommend the Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile steamer basket. It’s easy to use, clean, and store, and it’s made of durable stainless steel material.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best vegetable steamer, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the ones that make steaming vegetables easy and efficient.
Capacity
The capacity of a vegetable steamer is an important factor to consider. It determines how much food can be steamed at once. If you frequently cook for a large family or entertain guests, a steamer with a larger capacity may be more suitable.
Material
The material of the steamer is another important consideration. It affects the durability, ease of cleaning, and safety of the product. Stainless steel steamers are popular due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. However, plastic steamers are lightweight and affordable, making them a good option for those on a budget.
Design
The design of the steamer can also impact its functionality. A steamer with multiple layers can cook different types of food at the same time, saving time and energy. A collapsible steamer can be easily stored in small kitchens or apartments.
Price
The price of a vegetable steamer can vary greatly depending on its features and quality. It is important to consider your budget and choose a steamer that fits your needs and preferences.
In summary, when choosing the best vegetable steamer, consider its capacity, material, design, and price. By doing so, you can ensure that you select a product that is efficient, durable, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a vegetable steamer?
Steaming vegetables is a healthy way to cook them as it retains their nutrients and natural flavors. It also reduces the amount of oil used in cooking, making it a healthier option. A vegetable steamer is also easy to use and clean, making it a convenient kitchen tool.
How do you clean a vegetable steamer after use?
After use, the vegetable steamer should be allowed to cool down before cleaning. The removable parts can be washed in warm soapy water and dried thoroughly. The steamer basket can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. It is important to dry the steamer thoroughly before storing to prevent rusting.
What features should you look for in a high-quality vegetable steamer?
A high-quality vegetable steamer should have a large capacity to steam a good amount of vegetables at once. It should also be made of durable material such as stainless steel or aluminum. Additionally, it should have a locking lid to prevent steam from escaping and a removable steamer basket for easy cleaning.
Can you recommend a vegetable steamer that is suitable for small kitchens?
A vegetable steamer that is suitable for small kitchens is the Collapsible Vegetable Steamer. It has a compact design that can be easily stored in small spaces. It also has a large capacity that can steam a good amount of vegetables at once.
What are the top-rated vegetable steamers available on Amazon?
The top-rated vegetable steamers available on Amazon are the ChefSteam 4-Quart Digital Countertop Steam Cooker, the Cuisinart CSC-330P1 Steam & Chill 3-in-1 Food Steamer, and the KitchenAid KSS1111OB 11-Cup Steam & Reheat Food Steamer.
How does a vegetable steamer compare to a pressure cooker for cooking vegetables?
A vegetable steamer and a pressure cooker are both effective in cooking vegetables, but they work in different ways. A vegetable steamer uses steam to cook the vegetables, while a pressure cooker uses high pressure and temperature to cook the vegetables quickly. A vegetable steamer is best for delicate vegetables that can easily become mushy when cooked under high pressure.
