Steaming is one of the healthiest and most straightforward cooking methods, preserving vital nutrients and natural flavors in your food without the need for added oils or fats. A dedicated food steamer can simplify meal preparation, allowing you to cook vegetables, seafood, grains, and more with consistent results. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or creating a quick, nutritious dinner, the right steamer is an invaluable kitchen tool.
From compact two-tier models perfect for singles or couples to larger, multi-functional units designed for family meals, the market offers a variety of options. This roundup highlights the best food steamers available, focusing on capacity, ease of use, and unique features to help you find the perfect appliance for your healthy cooking journey.
The Best Food Steamers for Your Kitchen
- Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker
- BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids
- Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware Dutch Oven
- OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer for Cooking Vegetables
- Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6.1-Quart Food Steamer
- Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker
- Cuisinart STM-1000 Electric 2-Tier Steamer
- Elite Gourmet 3-Tier Electric Food Steamer
Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker
This versatile appliance combines the functions of a food steamer and a rice cooker, making it simple to prepare an entire meal with one device. Its 5.5-quart capacity is managed through two stackable steaming bowls and a dedicated rice basket, providing ample space for vegetables, seafood, and grains. The center divider can be removed to accommodate larger items, adding to its flexibility for different recipes.
The digital touchpad eliminates guesswork, allowing you to set a timer and walk away. Once the cooking cycle is complete, the unit automatically switches to a warm setting to keep your food ready until you are. Additional features like a delay start and auto shutoff provide both convenience and safety for busy households.
BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer
With a spacious 7.4-quart capacity, the BELLA steamer is excellent for preparing a variety of foods, from fresh vegetables and tofu to fish and meats. Its two-tier design enables simultaneous cooking of different dishes without blending their flavors. A helpful steaming guide chart is included to take the guesswork out of cooking times for various ingredients.
Cleaning up is straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe, stackable baskets and a removable base. This design makes storage more convenient and ensures maintenance is not a chore. The unit also includes essential safety features like auto shutoff and boil-dry protection for peace of mind.
Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Dutch Oven
For those who prefer a stovetop solution, this 3.0-quart Dutch oven with a steamer basket offers a classic and effective approach to steaming. It is perfectly suited for vegetables and can even be used to cook rice at the same time. Its sturdy stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution and long-lasting durability.
This versatile pot is not limited to steaming; it can also be used for boiling, simmering, and reheating foods like tamales. Its compact size, measuring 8.5 inches in diameter, makes it easy to store while still providing sufficient capacity for side dishes or meals for one or two people.
OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer
The OVENTE steamer is a compact and efficient unit designed for convenience. Its 400-watt power and 60-minute timer with auto shutoff allow for hassle-free cooking with minimal supervision. The two clear, stackable containers provide a total of 5 quarts of cooking space, ideal for preparing family-sized meals or multiple dishes at once.
This model is versatile enough to handle everything from dumplings and fish to baby food. The clear lids and baskets let you monitor the cooking progress without releasing steam. Its user-friendly design makes it a great choice for everyday healthy cooking.
Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier Food Steamer
This Oster model offers a 6.1-quart capacity and an advanced set of features for precise cooking control. The LCD display and 95-minute timer allow you to set exact cooking times, while the delay cook function lets you program the steamer to start up to 12 hours in advance. After cooking, the auto keep-warm setting ensures your food stays at the perfect temperature.
An external water-fill system with a see-through reservoir makes it easy to add water without disturbing the cooking process. The steaming trays are fully collapsible, which significantly reduces the appliance’s footprint for easy storage in your kitchen cabinets.
Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer
Ideal for larger families or meal prepping, this Hamilton Beach steamer boasts a generous 8.25-quart capacity across three clear, stackable bowls. You can use one, two, or all three tiers to steam a complete meal, and the dividers between the bottom bowls can be removed to fit taller items like corn on the cob.
The easy-to-use digital touchpad lets you set the cooking time with the press of a button. When finished, the steamer beeps and automatically switches to a keep-warm mode for one hour. The delay start feature is particularly useful, allowing you to load the steamer and program it to begin cooking up to 24 hours later.
Cuisinart STM-1000 Electric 2-Tier Steamer
Known for its reliability and performance, the Cuisinart STM-1000 is a solid choice for consistent steaming results. This two-tier electric steamer is designed to cook a wide array of foods gently and evenly, preserving their texture and nutritional value. The polished stainless steel housing gives it a durable and professional look that fits well in any kitchen.
It includes a convenient measuring cup and a recipe book to help you get started with a variety of healthy meals. User-friendly controls and an automatic shut-off function make it a safe and straightforward appliance to use for daily cooking.
Elite Gourmet 3-Tier Electric Food Steamer
Maximize your cooking capacity with the Elite Gourmet 3-Tier steamer. The three stacking baskets provide ample room to cook entire meals with separate compartments for proteins, vegetables, and grains. This design is perfect for creating well-balanced, healthy plates without using multiple pots and pans.
The unit is designed for ease of use, typically featuring a simple on/off switch and an indicator light. An automatic safety shutoff turns the steamer off when the water runs low, preventing damage and ensuring safe operation. Its efficient design makes it an excellent value for those needing high volume.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Food Steamer for Healthy Meals
I’ve been using a food steamer for years to make my weekly meal prep easier and healthier. If you’re looking to add one to your kitchen, it can be tricky to know where to start. The right choice really depends on your lifestyle, kitchen space, and what you plan to cook. Let me walk you through the main things I consider when choosing a steamer.
First, think about capacity and size. How many people are you usually cooking for? If it’s just you or one other person, a compact two-tier steamer might be perfect. For families or anyone who loves to meal prep in large batches, a model with three or more stacking baskets is a game-changer. You can cook your vegetables, fish, and grains all at the same time. Also, consider the physical footprint of the appliance. If you have limited counter space, a vertical stackable steamer is often more space-efficient than a large, wide pot-style steamer.
Next, let’s talk about power and performance. A higher wattage doesn’t always mean better, but it generally leads to faster heat-up times and more consistent steam. I look for a model with at least 800 to 1000 watts for efficient cooking. A clear lid is a small feature I now find essential—it lets me keep an eye on the food without releasing all the precious steam and dropping the temperature.
Material and ease of cleaning are huge for me. Baskets made from BPA-free plastic are common, lightweight, and often dishwasher-safe, which is a major plus. Some higher-end models use stainless steel, which is durable and doesn’t retain stains or odors. I always check if the parts are dishwasher safe because, after a long day, the last thing I want to do is hand-wash a bunch of plastic baskets.
Finally, consider the extra features. A built-in timer with an auto-shutoff is fantastic for preventing overcooked, mushy vegetables and for safety. Some steamers come with accessories like rice bowls, egg racks, or even trays for reheating larger items. A keep-warm function can be a lifesaver if your dinner times are unpredictable. While these bells and whistles are nice, I focus on the features that will genuinely fit into my routine. By thinking about your own cooking needs in these areas, you can find one of the best food steamers for healthy meals that will serve you well for a long time.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of using a food steamer?
I find the biggest benefit is that steaming preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling, where nutrients can leach into the water. It also requires little to no added oil, making it a great way to prepare low-fat meals. Beyond health, it’s incredibly simple—I just add water, set the timer, and walk away without worrying about stirring or burning my food.
Can I cook frozen vegetables in a steamer?
Absolutely. My steamer gets a lot of use for cooking frozen broccoli, green beans, and mixed vegetables. You don’t even need to thaw them first. Just spread them in a single layer in the basket. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time compared to fresh vegetables, but it works perfectly.
Besides vegetables, what else can I cook in a food steamer?
You’d be surprised how versatile a steamer is. I regularly use mine to cook fish fillets and shrimp, which come out tender and flaky. You can also steam dumplings, heat up leftovers, cook grains like quinoa and rice in a dedicated bowl, and even make soft-boiled or poached eggs. It’s a truly multi-purpose appliance.
How much water do I need to use?
Every steamer is different, but they all have a maximum fill line. It’s crucial not to exceed this line, as overfilling can cause water to bubble up into the food baskets. As a general rule, most steaming sessions for vegetables won’t require the full reservoir. I usually start with the recommended amount in the manual and adjust based on my cooking times.
Are food steamers difficult to clean?
Most modern steamers are designed for easy cleaning, which is one of the reasons I use mine so often. The baskets and drip tray are typically dishwasher safe. For the base unit that houses the heating element, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. Just make sure it’s completely unplugged and cool before you clean it.
Is a bamboo steamer a good alternative to an electric one?
Bamboo steamers are excellent for certain tasks, like heating buns or dumplings, and they look beautiful. However, for everyday use, I prefer an electric steamer. It provides a consistent, hands-off heat source and often has a timer. A bamboo steamer requires you to monitor the water level in your wok or pot actively, which is less convenient for busy weeknights. For anyone building a kitchen arsenal, finding one of the best food steamers for healthy meals that fits your routine is key.