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Food steamers conveniently make healthy, nutritious food quickly and easily. They are ideal for preparing rice, vegetables, and meat, with many units featuring separate baskets that enable you to cook them all simultaneously. Compared to conventional ovens, these small appliances can help you create meals much faster and in a more energy-efficient manner. Due to their practical design, they come in a range of different styles to accommodate varying demands. This article evaluates top products and highlights their key features to assist you in determining the best possible option for your home and needs.
How We Compared Food Steamers
To find the right food steamers, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Size
- Design
- Ease of Use
- Cleaning
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Food Steamer Reviews
Aigostar 3 Tier (Editor’s Choice)
This pick is perfect for healthy and fast cooking that minimises the loss of vitamins and nutrients. It is ideal for preparing rice, vegetables, fish, and meat and has a generous size.
The Aigostar Food Steamer has a nine-litre capacity. It consists of three-tiered trays that make cooking for two to six people simple and straightforward. This appliance has an energy-saving design powered by 800 watts. It has a polished stainless steel base and a BPA-free lid and rice bowl. The interior also has a built-in egg rack for enhanced versatility, and the entire unit facilitates compact storage.
This tool is equipped with a turbo steam ring that produces high-speed results in only 15 seconds. It also has water level gauges on the side of the base, a 0 to 60-minute timer, and two water inlets for simplified refilling. In the bottom, an accumulation tray catches any drips, and the trays are dishwasher safe, ensuring a simple clean-up process.
Pros:
- Top-grade components
- Large 9-litre capacity cooks for up to six people
- Turbo steam ring facilitates rapid results
- Simple to clean design
- Two side water inlets and level gauges
Cons:
- It could leak a small amount
- The baskets may not be as stable as expected
- It might not be ideal for frozen veg
Morphy Richards Intellisteam (Luxury Choice)
An intelligent design and refined functions make this product stand out among the competition. This selection also can facilitate a synchronised finish, so each part of your meal is ready at the same time.
The Morphy Richards Intellisteam Food Steamer features three chambers that are individually controlled. It contains stainless steel containers with glass lids and is BPA-free overall. Additionally, the unit has a powerful 1600-watt build with a 6.8-litre capacity. For enhanced convenience, it also enables external water refilling.
An LCD panel makes using this appliance super simple, plus it has pre-set timings and an automatic keep-warm function. It comes with a rice container, a fish rack, and a sauce container. After use, dishwasher-safe components make for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Three individually controlled chambers
- Superior quality build
- 6.8-litre capacity
- Digital control panel
- Advanced cooking functions
Cons:
- The base may not be the easiest to clean
- It might be somewhat bulkier than other models
- The compartment dividers could be rather fiddly
Reishunger Bamboo Steamer (Best Value)
This selection is constructed like a traditional cooker for Asian-style dishes, so it is ideal for cooking curries, Dim Sum and all kinds of rice, including Jasmine and glutinous types. It is also suitable for preparing meat, fish, and vegetables, providing you with a convenient tool overall.
The Reishunger Food Steamer is made from high-quality bamboo that is processed and resistant. It has a 20 cm diameter that is suitable for two people. It features two tiers with lids, allowing it to cook on both levels simultaneously. This product enables gentle food preparation, which helps preserve nutrients and enhances the intrinsic flavour of dishes.
This tool can also be placed on the table when you are done, so it doubles as a serving dish. In addition to the main portion, it comes with reusable cotton cloths that ensure the rice does not fall through the grooves. They are washable, and the central components are easy to clean with hot water and a little soap if needed.
Pros:
- Two tiers with lids
- Classic Asian style design
- Two reusable cotton cloth liners
- Top-quality bamboo build
- Functions as a cooker and serving dish
Cons:
- The lids may not be very secure
- It might not be ideal without an exterior heat source
- The material could start to split with extended use
Salter EK2726Z (Best for Versatility)
This cooking accessory has a multifaceted design that is easy and convenient to use. It allows you to prepare an entire meal in one place and can produce freshly cooked veggies in just minutes and sweet puddings in seconds.
The Salter Food Steamer has a large 7.5-litre capacity. It is built with three tiers, and you can use any number of them simultaneously. The configuration has a stainless steel body with a large water reservoir. It complements any kitchen and is perfect for making rice and full-flavour fish and meats.
This energy-efficient appliance is equipped with a 60-minute timer to simplify food preparation. Overall, this product is compact and easy to store. It also has simple-to-clean accessories, and you can place the lid and bowl in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Three-tiered design for multifaceted use
- 7.5-litre capacity
- Straightforward cleaning
- Built-in timer for simplified operation
- Energy efficient by design
Cons:
- It may not be as durable as other options
- The baskets could be somewhat flimsy
- It might have a tendency to leak
Tower T80836 (Best for Durability)
With a tough and dependable format, this device makes a fantastic choice for most homes. It is designed for use with an external heat source and is suitable for all types of hobs, including induction.
The Tower Food Steamer has a long-lasting stainless steel build with a polished mirror finish. It features three tiers and has a non-stick coating for simplified food release. This option also has a 2.1-litre capacity and is oven safe up to 200 degrees Celsius.
An encapsulated base establishes better heat distribution throughout this product. It has a robust tempered glass lid containing a steam vent for improved safety. Riveted silicone handles also facilitate a cool and comfortable grip while manipulating. Lastly, this accessory is dishwasher safe, making for nearly effortless cleaning.
Pros:
- Rugged stainless steel build
- Tough ventilated glass lid
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Compatible with all types of hobs
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It may not be large enough for some families
- The handles might retain some heat
- It could be less than ideal if you prefer an electric model
Russell Hobbs 21140 (Best for Ease of Use)
This cooker is ideal if you are looking for an appliance that facilitates direct interactions. It is faster, uses less energy than a traditional oven, and is great for entertaining guests or families.
The Russell Hobbs Food Steamer has a generous nine-litre capacity, giving you plenty of room to prepare larger portions. It is built with three tiers and runs off 800 watts, making it relatively powerful. A turbo steam ring also starts producing in less than 40 seconds, so you can anticipate quick results.
This selection features a 60-minute timer and two water inlets, so it can easily be refilled from either side. As a bonus, it also comes with a rice bowl. Thanks to needing no oil and not making smoke, it does not make much of a mess either.
Pros:
- Large 9-litre capacity
- Straightforward and convenient
- Turbo steam design
- 800 watts of power
- Two water inlets
Cons:
- It may not be safe for the dishwasher
- The structure might be less stable than other models
- It could develop stains over time
Joseph Joseph 45001 (Best for Practicality)
This cooking set is designed for use in the microwave. It has a simple build with cool-touch technology and useful functions that make it easy to use.
The Joseph Joseph Food Steamer has a stackable configuration. It consists of four pieces: a two-litre cooking pot, a griddle level, a steamer basket, and a lid. When combined, the components allow you to cook an entire meal in a matter of minutes.
This product features integrated handles on the lid and bowl for more comfortable removal after heating. The lid can also be used as a base for the steamer and griddle portions or alone as a plate. This tool has colourful sections and is dishwasher safe, so cleaning is hassle-free.
Pros:
- Stackable four-piece build
- Easy microwave design
- Compact 2-litre pot capacity
- The lid doubles as a plate or base
- Simple to clean in the dishwasher
Cons:
- It could be too small for some purposes
- The steamer basket might lack handles
- It may not be ideal if you prefer a hob or electric model
How to Choose a Food Steamer
Selecting the ideal food steamer depends on your specific needs. The following sections explore prominent features found in products to help you gain a better understanding of your options. Evaluate which functions will serve you and your home’s demands best, and choosing the right model will be easy.
Size
The size of a food steamer should be a main consideration. Not only must you take into account the overall dimensions, but the internal capacity ultimately determines how well a device can accommodate the cooking requirements of your home. While more compact models are ideal for making smaller portions, they may be too restrictive for some preferences. Larger units are often better suited to families and entertaining guests. Keep in mind that these products are typically capable of making an entire meal simultaneously, so a good amount of space is ideal.
Design
Food steamers have several different designs. The most common models are electric and work as stand-alone appliances. This cooker style is highly convenient and often has advanced features like timers or keep-warm modes. If a comprehensive device is not your preference, there are also units that function in tandem with an external heat source. You can use some options with the microwave and others on the hob or in the oven. These devices are often more compact and have a more traditional feel.
Ease of Use
Using your new food steamer should be easy. Due to advanced built-in features, many users find electric models the most straightforward. They produce a consistent temperature, work quickly, and feature timers so you can leave them on without constant monitoring. However, products that function with your hob or microwave can also be simple to use, especially if you have experience steaming ingredients and prefer a more hands-on approach. They also allow for temperature adjustments, something more elaborate options do not.
Cleaning
The best food steamers will also be simple to clean. Regardless of their design style, many products feature dishwasher-safe components that make for a nearly effortless washing process. For the most part, these tools are made from materials like stainless steel and hard plastic, which are approved for machine cleansing, so sanitation should not be an issue. Just remember the base of electric models should only be wiped down with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the internal elements.
Summary
The Aigostar 3-Tier Food Steamer features 800 watts of power and a three-tiered build that is versatile and accommodating. It has a large 9-litre capacity that easily cooks for up to six people and is built using quality components. This selection is equipped with a turbo steam ring that starts visibly working in just 15 seconds to facilitate rapid results. The design also includes a polished stainless steel base, two side water inlets and level gauges, and a built-in egg rack. It comes with a BPA-free lid and rice bowl, and the entire unit enables compact storage. Conveniently, this product is also easy to clean, making it an all-around great choice for most homes and needs.
Emily is a woman of many talents. She has a B.A. in English and enjoys writing. Emily loves accessorising her home with quality products that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall convenience and tranquillity of her living space; there’s nothing like coming home to your own personal sanctuary after a long day! She loves anything that can make life easier or more comfortable—from dishware to furniture to lighting fixtures.