Steaming is one of the oldest and healthiest cooking methods, preserving the natural flavors, vibrant colors, and essential nutrients in your food. A bamboo steamer is the traditional tool for this, ideal for creating authentic dim sum, fluffy buns, and perfectly cooked vegetables and fish. Its natural material absorbs excess moisture during cooking, preventing soggy results and imparting a subtle, earthy aroma to your dishes.
Choosing the right bamboo steamer for your stovetop can seem simple, but differences in construction, size, and included accessories can impact your cooking experience. This roundup highlights eight excellent options, from classic multi-tier bamboo baskets to innovative steamer inserts designed for specific cookware, helping you find the perfect match for your kitchen and culinary style.
The Best Bamboo Steamers for Your Kitchen
- Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets, 10-Inch
- Trademark Innovations Bamboo Steamer – 3 Piece – 10 Inch
- Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Food Steamer with Lid
- Reishunger Bamboo Steamer Handmade Basket, 10 Inch
- Rösle Stainless Steel Bamboo Steamer Insert
- Lodge 7-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Steamer Insert
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Stir-Fry Pan with Cover
- GreenLife Ceramic Nonstick Steamer Insert, 7.5-Inch
Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets, 10-Inch
The Joyce Chen steamer is a time-tested favorite for home cooks looking to achieve restaurant-quality results. Its simple two-tier design allows you to cook multiple dishes or larger portions simultaneously, making it perfect for family meals or entertaining. You can steam everything from dumplings and buns to fish fillets and fresh vegetables with ease.
Using this steamer is remarkably straightforward. Just place it in a wok or pan with a few inches of boiling water, and the rising steam will gently cook your food. The natural bamboo construction is durable and helps manage condensation for better texture. This model is a reliable and classic choice for anyone starting their steaming journey.
Trademark Innovations Bamboo Steamer – 3 Piece – 10 Inch Diameter
This three-piece set from Trademark Innovations offers excellent value, featuring two steaming tiers and a domed lid. Made from 100% natural bamboo, it provides a healthy and sustainable way to prepare your meals. The set is designed to fit perfectly on a 9.5-inch diameter pot, ensuring stability during use.
The two spacious baskets give you the flexibility to cook different foods at the same time without mixing flavors. The domed lid is designed to trap heat and steam effectively, promoting even cooking. For those who need a versatile and straightforward stovetop steamer, this set is a solid and practical option.
Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Food Steamer with Lid
Helen’s Asian Kitchen focuses on healthy cooking by using steam to retain fresh textures, vibrant flavors, and vital nutrients in your food. This 100% natural bamboo steamer is lightweight yet sturdy, made from a sustainable and renewable material. It is also safe to use with nonstick cookware, adding to its versatility.
The tiered baskets offer ample room to steam single or multiple servings of dumplings, dim sum, veggies, or fish. A key benefit of bamboo is its ability to absorb condensation, which helps prevent water from dripping onto your food and making it soggy. This steamer is a great tool for preparing nutritious meals with less oil and fat.
Reishunger Bamboo Steamer Handmade Basket, Traditional 2-Tier Design
The Reishunger Bamboo Steamer is handmade and designed for cooking your favorite Asian foods like dim sum, dumplings, and rice the traditional way. Its stackable two-tier design is efficient, allowing you to prepare multiple components of a meal at once. The dome-shaped lid features an extra-tight weave to maintain a consistent cooking temperature throughout the baskets.
This steamer promotes a healthier type of cooking by gently using steam, which helps preserve delicious flavors and valuable nutrients that can be lost through other methods like frying. As a bonus, the set includes two cotton cloths, which are placed under the food to prevent sticking and are essential for authentic preparation.
Rösle Stainless Steel Bamboo Steamer Insert
For those who already own a suitable pot, the Rösle steamer insert offers a modern and durable alternative to full bamboo baskets. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this insert is built for long-lasting performance and is easy to clean. Its design incorporates a bamboo-style aesthetic with the resilience of metal.
The insert rests securely inside your existing pots and pans, converting them into an efficient steaming vessel. This is an excellent space-saving solution for cooks who appreciate the function of a steamer but prefer the maintenance and durability of stainless steel over natural bamboo.
Lodge 7-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Steamer Insert
The Lodge steamer insert brings the exceptional heat retention and even cooking properties of cast iron to your steaming routine. It comes pre-seasoned, making it ready to use and naturally nonstick. This insert is incredibly durable and will last for generations with proper care.
Its 7-inch size makes it ideal for smaller pots and for steaming individual portions or sides. Because it is made from cast iron, it can also be used for other cooking methods, adding versatility to your kitchen toolkit. This is a unique and heavy-duty option for the serious home cook.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Stir-Fry Pan with Glass Cover
This option from Cuisinart is a complete cooking system. The stir-fry pan has a flat bottom suitable for most stovetops and a wide, sloping surface that is perfect for stir-frying. The included glass cover is essential for trapping steam when you want to gently cook vegetables or protein.
While not a traditional bamboo steamer, the combination of a versatile pan and a tight-fitting lid offers multiple cooking functions in one piece of cookware. You can sear, stir-fry, and then add a little liquid and cover to steam, making it an incredibly efficient and space-saving choice for a multifunctional kitchen.
GreenLife Ceramic Nonstick Steamer Insert, 7.5-Inch
The GreenLife steamer insert features a ceramic nonstick coating, which is a popular choice for those seeking an easy-to-clean and PTFE-free surface. The 7.5-inch diameter is well-suited for standard-sized pots, and the vibrant color options can add a touch of style to your kitchen.
Its design includes convenient handles for safe and easy lifting from a hot pot. The nonstick surface ensures that delicate foods like dumplings or fish release easily without breaking. This insert is a great modern solution for quick, healthy, and hassle-free steaming.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bamboo Steamer for Stovetop Use
I’ve been using bamboo steamers for years, and I can tell you that not all are created equal, especially when you plan to use them directly on a stovetop. The key is finding one that balances durability, size, and design to work seamlessly with your pots and cooking style. Here’s what I always look for.
First, let’s talk about construction. A good bamboo steamer should feel sturdy but not overly heavy. The bamboo strips should be tightly woven without large gaps. I check the rim; a reinforced rim with thicker bamboo or a sturdy binding is a great sign, as it prevents warping from the heat and moisture. The lid is just as important—it should fit snugly to trap steam effectively. For stovetop use, you absolutely need a flat, stable base. Some steamers have a slightly convex bottom, which is fine for woks but can be wobbly on a flat-bottomed pot. I look for one with as flat a base as possible.
Size is your next big decision. I consider both the diameter and how many tiers it has. A 10-inch steamer is a versatile starting point, fitting nicely over most standard pots and holding enough food for a couple of people. If you cook for a family or love meal prepping, a set with two or three tiers is a game-changer. You can steam vegetables, fish, and dumplings all at once. Just remember that with multiple tiers, you need to arrange food strategically—items that need the most steam (like dense root vegetables) go on the bottom, closer to the heat source.
Don’t forget the liner. Bamboo steamers almost always come with a liner, usually a piece of parchment paper or a thin bamboo mat. This is crucial for preventing food from sticking to the bamboo. I prefer the perforated parchment sheets you can cut to size, but the bamboo mats work well too; just make sure they are easy to clean. Speaking of cleaning, it’s a simple process but vital for longevity. I never use soap; I just use a stiff brush and hot water to scrub them out, then let them air dry completely before storing. This prevents mold and keeps the bamboo from cracking.
Finally, think about the handle. A sturdy, well-attached handle makes moving a hot, heavy steamer much safer. I avoid any with flimsy or loosely tied handles. By focusing on these aspects—sturdy construction, the right size, a good liner, and a safe handle—you’ll find a bamboo steamer that becomes a reliable partner in your kitchen. It’s one of the simplest tools I own, but it consistently helps me make healthy and flavorful meals.
FAQ
How do I use a bamboo steamer on an electric stovetop?
I use my bamboo steamer on an electric coil stovetop all the time. The trick is to use a pot that fits the steamer snugly. Fill the pot with a couple of inches of water, making sure the water level is below the base of the steamer. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer before placing the steamer on top. You want active steam, but not so much that it boils over and soaks your food. Always ensure the pot you’re using has a flat bottom that makes good contact with the electric coil for consistent heat.
Do I need to season a new bamboo steamer before its first use?
Yes, I always recommend seasoning a new bamboo steamer. This process cleans it and helps prevent cracking. It’s simple: just wash the steamer (tiers and lid) with warm water, then steam it empty for about 15-20 minutes over boiling water. This allows the bamboo to expand and contract gently, “setting” it for future use. Afterward, let it air dry completely. This initial care goes a long way in extending its life.
Can bamboo steamers handle high heat?
Bamboo is surprisingly resilient to heat, but it’s not indestructible. I find it handles a steady, medium-high simmer perfectly for stovetop use. The real danger isn’t the heat from the steam itself, but direct contact with a flame or an excessively dry environment. Never let your pot boil dry, as the intense direct heat from the pot’s base can scorch and crack the bamboo. As long as there’s plenty of water creating steam, your bamboo steamer for stovetop use will be just fine.
How do I prevent my food from sticking to the bamboo?
This is a common concern, but it’s easily solved. I always use a liner. Most steamers come with a parchment paper sheet or a thin bamboo mat. You can also lightly brush the bamboo with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil before placing food, but I find a liner is cleaner and more effective. For dumplings, cabbage leaves are a traditional and fantastic liner that adds a subtle flavor.
What’s the best way to clean and store a bamboo steamer?
Proper cleaning is essential. I never use soap, as the bamboo is porous and can absorb the flavor. Instead, I use a stiff brush under hot running water to scrub away any food particles immediately after use. Then, I shake out the excess water and let it air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight. For storage, I keep the lid slightly ajar or store it separately to ensure air circulation, which prevents any musty smells or mold from developing.
Are there any foods I shouldn’t cook in a bamboo steamer?
Generally, it’s a very versatile tool, but I avoid foods with extremely long cooking times (over an hour) as the constant steam can be hard on the bamboo over many sessions. Also, be mindful of very liquidy batters or sauces that could drip through the slats and make a mess in the water below. For most everyday items like vegetables, fish, buns, and dumplings, it performs beautifully.