The Best Food Steamer - 2020
We looked at the top 10 Food Steamers and dug through the reviews from 45 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Food Steamers.
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Our Picks For The Top Food Steamers
- The Best Food Steamer
- 1. Farberware Stack ‘N’ Steam Steamer Set, 3-Quart
- 2. Sunsella Vegetable Steamer
- 3. Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer, 5-Liter
- 4. Mockins Stainless Steel Steamer Set, 3-Quart
- 5. OXO Silicone Steamer
- 6. Sistema Microwave Collection Steamer, 2.4-Liter
- 7. Secura Electric Food Steamer, 8.5-Quart
- 8. Circulon Stainless Steel Steamer, 4-Quart
- 9. Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer, 5.5-Quart
- 10. Oster Double Tiered Food Steamer, 5-Quart
Even CookingThe build of the Farberware Stack 'N' Steam Steamer Set, 3-Quart is designed for even cooking, with a thick aluminum core and stainless steel build.
Versatile and PortableThe Sunsella Vegetable Steamer expands and contracts to fit in a variety of pan sizes, making it also easy to store.
One-Compartment SteamingThe Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer, 5-Liter lets you steam meats, rice, vegetables and other items all in one go.
Classic DesignThe stacked design .of old-fashioned steamers is at play with the Mockins Stainless Steel Steamer Set, 3-Quart
Why we recommend these food steamers?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 10 Food Steamers and also dug through the reviews from 45 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Food Steamers.
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The Best Overall
Farberware Stack ‘N’ Steam Steamer Set, 3-Quart
Our Take
You'll get delicious results every time with the Farberware Stack 'N' Steam Steamer Set, 3-Quart, which is built to cook evenly. The stainless steel design also means you'll get years of reliable use. It's dishwasher safe, as well as oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Sunsella Vegetable Steamer
Our Take
The Sunsella Vegetable Steamer utilizes a petal design that easily folds up for storage. This design also means you can use it in smaller pots, if you're cooking for a small family, or much larger pans for entertaining a large group. The stainless steel build means it will give you years of reliable use.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Our Food Steamer Findings
Farberware Stack ‘N’ Steam Steamer Set, 3-Quart
What We Liked: You’ll get delicious results every time with the Farberware Stack ‘N’ Steam Steamer Set, 3-Quart, which is built to cook evenly. The stainless steel design also means you’ll get years of reliable use. It’s dishwasher safe, as well as oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunsella Vegetable Steamer
What We Liked: The Sunsella Vegetable Steamer utilizes a petal design that easily folds up for storage. This design also means you can use it in smaller pots, if you’re cooking for a small family, or much larger pans for entertaining a large group. The stainless steel build means it will give you years of reliable use.
Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer, 5-Liter
What We Liked: Whether you’re planning a seafood boil or making a dinner of poultry and rice, the Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer, 5-Liter can do everything at once. Simply insert your items and start steaming. The glass lid makes it easy to monitor your food’s progress without interfering with the cooking process.
Mockins Stainless Steel Steamer Set, 3-Quart
What We Liked: The Mockins Stainless Steel Steamer Set, 3-Quart uses a stacking design that you can use on any type of stovetop. The aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel ensures heat is distributed evenly through your food while cooking. The handles are coated in a protective material that keeps your hands safe.
OXO Silicone Steamer
What We Liked: With the OXO Silicone Steamer, you get high walls and a flat bottom, making it ideal for cooking items like fish and vegetables. The high walls keep items from falling out during cooking, and the flat bottom gives you plenty of space to spread out various types of meat. When you’re finished with it, you can roll it up like a scroll and store it in a drawer or other small space.
Sistema Microwave Collection Steamer, 2.4-Liter
What We Liked: Make delicious meals and snacks in the library using the Sistema Microwave Collection Steamer, 2.4-Liter, which has a lid that lets steam out. The steamer and lid are both dishwasher and freezer safe, making it a great addition to your kitchen. It comes in a variety of sizes and matching containers that are stackable for easy storage between uses.
Our Food Steamer Buying Guide
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to food steamers. In fact, there are so many different styles, you’ll first have to decide the type of steamer you want to use. One of the easiest, most affordable, ways to add a steamer to your kitchen appliance collection is by choosing a steamer basket that fits into your existing pots and pans. You can even find steamer baskets that will slide handily into your pressure cooker.
Another popular option is the steamer set, which features the large outer pot and the steamer insert that fits inside. Like the steamer basket, you’ll use this type of steamer on your stove, so it’s important to make sure you choose an option that will work on the type of stovetop you have. Many are made from stainless steel, so they’ll work with gas or induction stoves and should also be safe for ceramic cooktops.
One last type of steamer is the dedicated appliance. These set up on any surface and include everything you need to steam food. The downside of this type is that you’ll need somewhere to store it when it isn’t in use, but the upside is that it keeps your stovetop free for cooking other items.
DWYM Fun Fact
When you think of food steamers, your mind probably immediately goes to rice and vegetables. But steam cooking can bring out the best in a wide range of food types. Shelled seafood like crab legs and shrimp are great for steaming, along with fresh corn and potatoes. Steamers also bring out the nutrients in leafy green vegetables such as collard greens and bok choy, which you can eat as is or use in smoothies. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower also taste delicious after being steamed. If you have frozen leftovers, you can use a steamer to defrost and cook them for moist, fresh-taking results.
The Food Steamer Tips and Advice
- Safety is a top consideration when you’re considering any cooking appliance. With a steamer, take an especially close look at the handles. Some steamers promote their handles as safe to touch even without oven mitts, but you may want to test this before trusting it. Some consumers report that the handles get hotter than advertised.
- The design of the steamer contributes to how evenly it can cook the food inside. Many basket-based steamers have a thick aluminum core covered in stainless steel on either side to promote even cooking. Other types of steamers emit steam from the top of the unit down to ensure heat is distributed as evenly as possible.
- As you’re shopping for a steamer, pay attention to the lid, as well. Some steamers include self-basting lids to lock flavor in. Many others have clear lids so you can monitor the progress of the food inside.
- If you’re not a fan of handwashing dishes, look for a steamer that is dishwasher safe.
- Some steamers go beyond steaming food to let you also boil, heat and simmer items. If you plan to use your steamer in the oven, make sure it’s rated for oven use.
- Stainless steel is typically the best bet when it comes to cookware you want to last.
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About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She's also a foodie who loves trying out new cooking techniques and tools. She is addicted to meal preparation kits and regularly shares photos on social media of her creations. Her favorite thing about traveling is trying out new restaurants and tasting different cuisines.