Vegetable Steamers

Ervin Smith
17 min readJun 10, 2024

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Welcome to our roundup of the best vegetable steamers on the market! In this article, we’ll take a look at a variety of options designed to make your life easier when it comes to cooking veggies. From compact countertop models to larger capacity steamers, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned veggie lover or just looking to add more fresh produce to your diet, our roundup is the perfect place to start your search.

The Top 11 Best Vegetable Steamers

  1. Hamilton Beach 5.5 Quart Digital Vegetable Steamer — Invest in the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer to easily prepare nutrient-rich, colorful meals, store space efficiently, and enjoy the convenience of perfectly steamed seafood, vegetables, and more.
  2. Norpro 1 Quart Stainless Steel 3-Piece Set Vegetable Steamer — Savor the delight of nutritious and tantalizing cuisine with the 1 Quart Norpro Stainless Steel 3 Piece Set Steamer Cooker, equipped with Tri-Ply Encapsulated technology for consistent temperature distribution and optimal steaming performance.
  3. Classic Cuisine Electric Vegetable Steamer and Rice Cooker — Cook healthy and delicious meals with ease using the Classic Cuisine Vegetable Steamer Rice Cooker, featuring a built-in timer, stackable 2-tier baskets, and the capacity to steam up to 16 eggs at once.
  4. Hamilton Beach Digital 3-Tier Vegetable Steamer/Rice Cooker — Experience the ultimate steaming solution with the Hamilton Beach 3-Tier Digital Food Steamer — a stainless steel marvel that delivers nutritious, delicious meals with minimal effort.
  5. Fast Heating 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Steamer with 1200W Power — Experience the health benefits of steam cooking with the Bear Electric Stainless Steel Food Steamer, featuring a 3-tier design, 8L capacity, 60-minute timer, and fast heat-up technology, all while maintaining a sleek and durable exterior.
  6. Secura Electric Double-Tiered Vegetable Steamer with Fast Heating and Timer — Versatile and nutrient-rich, the SECURA Electric Food Steamer features delay start time settings, stackable 2-tier baskets, and a powerful 1200W steam system, making it perfect for healthy family meals.
  7. 3-Tier Vegetable Steamer with Convenient Timer — Indulge in the delight of mouthwatering, nutritious meals with the Elite Gourmet Tri-Tier Food Steamer, boasting a 9.5-quart capacity and a convenient 60-minute timer to simplify your cooking process.
  8. Euro Cuisine Stainless Steel 2-Tier Electric Vegetable Steamer — Experience delectable, nutrient-packed meals with ease using the Euro Cuisine Stainless Steel Electric 2-Tier Food Steamer, a versatile and high-quality appliance perfect for steaming vegetables and seafood.
  9. Aroma 5-Quart Stainless Steel Food Steamer: Perfect for Healthy Cooking — Experience the convenience of effortless health with the Aroma 5-Quart Food Steamer — perfect for steaming a variety of delicious meals and retaining nutrients, all in a sleek, space-saving design.
  10. Aroma 5-Quart Dual Deck Electric Food Steamer for Healthy Vegetables — Elevate your home cooking to new heights with the Aroma 5-Quart Two-Tiered Electric Food Steamer. Designed for ease, wellness, and convenience, this innovative appliance is perfect for creating nutritious and stress-free meals for your loved ones.
  11. Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless Universal Steamer — Tri-ply & Cool Grip Handle — The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Universal Steamer, with its premium triple-ply construction, offers perfect heat distribution and drip-free pouring, making it the ultimate choice for gourmet chefs seeking professional cooking results.

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Reviews

Hamilton Beach 5.5 Quart Digital Vegetable Steamer

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With the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer, I finally discovered the joy of enjoying fresh and healthy meals at home. It’s a lifesaver for parents, like myself, who are always looking for quick and nutritious food options. I especially love how it’s easy to use and store away, making it a perfect addition to any busy kitchen.

One of the highlights of this steamer is its digital touchpad, which adds a touch of convenience to steaming your meals. It fits neatly in cabinets, and the tiers nest together, making it easy to store away. I found it particularly handy when steaming seafood, like delicate fish, lobster, and shrimp.

Vegetables are another star of this steamer, thanks to its large capacity. Whether you’re cooking corn on the cob, a head of broccoli, or any other veggie of your choice, it can handle it all with ease.

What sets this steamer apart from others on the market is its versatility and ease of use. Fill it with water, place the food in the steamer, and set the cooking timer, then you’re free to finish your other tasks while the food steams. When the steamer’s ready, it beeps, switches to warm for an hour, and sounds another beep to let you know the food is done.

The Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer is an affordable and incredibly useful kitchen appliance. It’s designed to make it easy for anyone to enjoy colorful and nutritious meals, and it certainly lives up to that expectation!

Norpro 1 Quart Stainless Steel 3-Piece Set Vegetable Steamer

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The Norpro 1 Quart Stainless Steel 3 Piece Set Steamer Cooker is a versatile, compact appliance that’s perfect for steaming small portions of vegetables, seafood, or meat dishes. With its uniform cooking abilities and quick heat conductivity, this steamer retains vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier cooking option.

The included TRI-PLY ENCAPSULATED base pot, steamer, and vented tempered glass lid provide excellent performance and functionality in a compact package. The mirror stainless steel design adds a sleek, elegant touch to any kitchen.

Classic Cuisine Electric Vegetable Steamer and Rice Cooker

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Enjoy hassle-free meal preparation with the Classic Cuisine Vegetable Steamer Rice Cooker. With its built-in timer, you can achieve perfect cooking results every time. This electric appliance saves counter space and time, as its 2-tier stackable baskets allow you to cook two different foods simultaneously.

Ideal for healthy cooking, you can steam fresh, frozen, or even steamed vegetables, fish, and whole grains like rice or quinoa without adding oil or fat. Bonus feature: this steamer also works as an egg cooker, steam up to 16 eggs at once.

This versatile kitchen tool is perfect for families who love a variety of tasty and nutritious meals.

Hamilton Beach Digital 3-Tier Vegetable Steamer/Rice Cooker

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The Hamilton Beach 3-tier digital food steamer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a practical and healthy way to cook a variety of dishes. With its adjustable tier system, it’s perfect for steaming single servings or large family meals, making it a versatile choice for all occasions. The convenient digital controls ensure precise cooking times, while the automatic keep warm feature means your food stays fresh until it’s ready to be served.

Furthermore, the stainless steel exterior adds a touch of elegance and durability to the appliance. The only downside is the amount of cleaning required due to the stackable nature of the tiers; however, this minor inconvenience does not detract from the overall quality and performance of the steamer.

Fast Heating 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Steamer with 1200W Power

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I recently added the Bear Electric Food Steamer to my kitchen arsenal, and it has undeniably become my go-to for a healthy and convenient cooking method. This 3-tier, 8L large capacity steamer boasts a versatile design that allows for steaming, boiling, and simmering, making it a multifunctional addition to any kitchen.

What stood out to me the most was the steamer’s durability, thanks to its high-quality 304 food grade stainless steel construction. Not only does this premium material make the steamer resistant to high temperatures, but it also ensures long-lasting performance. This steamer can genuinely become a reliable kitchen companion for years to come.

Another noteworthy feature of this stainless steel food steamer is its safety features. It automatically shuts off when the water tank runs empty, offering added peace of mind while you cook. Additionally, cleanup is a breeze as the steamer is easy to clean.

Throughout my experience, I’ve found that the 1200W steaming power enables the steamer to heat up quickly and cook food evenly. In particular, I’ve enjoyed steaming vegetables and fish, retaining their natural flavors and nutrients better than other cooking methods.

Although the Bear Electric Food Steamer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, I would like to see a more comprehensive warranty beyond the limited one provided. Overall, this stainless steel food steamer makes a healthy and convenient option for cooking lovers, and I’d highly recommend it.

Secura Electric Double-Tiered Vegetable Steamer with Fast Heating and Timer

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I’ve been using the Secura food steamer for a couple of weeks now, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The 8.5 Quart capacity means I can fit in a family-size portion of my favorite dishes, and the double-tiered stackable baskets make it so easy to prepare multiple items at once.

One feature I particularly love is the delay start time setting. I can set the timer up to 10 hours in advance, allowing me to prep ahead of time and have dinner ready when I get home. The fast heating stainless steel construction ensures my food is cooked evenly and quickly, and the keep-warm function keeps it at just the right temperature.

The clear water line and LED display make it easy to monitor the water level, and the non-slip top lid knob and scalding handle offer peace of mind during use. What really sets this steamer apart is the retention of nutrients in my food, as it eliminates the need for cooking oils.

All in all, the Secura food steamer has made mealtime healthier and more efficient, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use kitchen appliance.

3-Tier Vegetable Steamer with Convenient Timer

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Imagine coming home from a long day at work to the smell of freshly cooked vegetables filling your kitchen. That’s the experience you’ll have when you use the Elite Gourmet 3-Tier Food Steamer. The 9-quart capacity is perfect for a family of any size — whether you’re cooking for just one person, or a whole crowd.

I’ve found that the Elite Gourmet Food Steamer is not only a healthier option for meal prep, but it’s also extremely versatile. The 3-tiers allow you to steam multiple dishes simultaneously, saving you time and energy. I love that I can easily adjust the steam settings to suit my cooking needs.

But what struck me the most is the 800 Watts heating system. It ensures that your food is cooked quickly and evenly, retaining all the nutrients. The steamer is also equipped with a convenient timer that can be set up to 60 minutes, with an indicator bell.

Now, let’s talk about cleanup. The steam trays nest for storage, and several parts are dishwasher safe, making the process a breeze. The product is also BPA-free, ensuring the safety of your meals.

Of course, like any product, there are some drawbacks. For instance, the cord is quite short, so you may need an extension cord. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the timer, which can lead to overcooking if not attended to promptly.

Overall, the Elite Gourmet 3-Tier Food Steamer is a solid choice for anyone looking for a healthier, more efficient way to prepare their meals. It’s a great appliance to have in your kitchen, especially for those who are conscious about their health and prefer home-cooked meals.

Euro Cuisine Stainless Steel 2-Tier Electric Vegetable Steamer

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This Euro Cuisine Stainless Steel Electric Food Steamer is a game-changer for those who enjoy healthy, nutrient-rich meals. With two removable stainless steel trays, you can easily cook your favorite dishes like seafood, chicken, and vegetables.

Just add water, set your desired cooking time, and let the steamer do the work. The large LCD display features a built-in 90-minute timer and a warming function to keep your food warm after cooking. With its automatic 90-minute timer and power indicator light, you can rest assured that your meal is cooking safely and efficiently.

The steamer’s automatic shut-off feature ensures your safety by turning off when the cycle is completed or water runs out. Overall, this versatile steamer is a must-have for anyone looking to incorporate healthy cooking into their daily routine.

Aroma 5-Quart Stainless Steel Food Steamer: Perfect for Healthy Cooking

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As a busy mom, steaming has become my go-to method to whip up healthy meals for my family. And I found the Aroma steamer to be the perfect solution. It’s compact and fits neatly in my kitchen cabinet, a feature I love because it saves space. Plus, the stainless steel base adds a modern touch, making it a stylish addition to my kitchen.

One of the best things about this steamer is that it retains the natural flavors and nutrients of the vegetables, making them healthier. The 5-quart capacity is large enough to steam enough for everyone, and with its double tier design, I can easily steam different foods at the same time. The large window at the front helps me monitor the water level, so I know when to add more.

The steamer is easy to use and clean, making it a great choice for busy parents like me. It starts steaming in less than a minute, and the 60-minute timer shuts off automatically, saving me from constantly checking the progress. The removable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

While I love the functionality of this steamer, I have to admit that the plastic components feel a bit flimsy, but they’re easy to snap together and clean. My only real complaint is the lack of a bowl, which makes it a bit awkward to use for some recipes.

Overall, the Aroma 5-Quart Food Steamer is a great addition to any kitchen, making healthy cooking a breeze. Its modern design, ability to steam a variety of foods, and easy cleanup make it a top choice for busy parents like me.

Aroma 5-Quart Dual Deck Electric Food Steamer for Healthy Vegetables

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Embracing a healthier lifestyle has never been easier with the Aroma 5-Quart Two-Tiered Electric Food Steamer. Its impressive 5-quart capacity allows you to comfortably steam an entire meal for you and your loved ones.

With the simple turn of a dial, you can set the steamer up to 60 minutes and let it do its magic. One of the striking features of this device is its innovative 2-tier design that speeds up the steaming process, creating a massive amount of steam in under a minute. Not only does this help to begin cooking faster, but it also enables you to steam multiple dishes simultaneously.

Once your meal is ready, the steam tray and all accessories disassemble effortlessly for a hassle-free cleanup process, either in the dishwasher or when stored under the countertop. The Aroma 2-tiered steamer comes with two steam trays, a lid, and a drip tray, making it a convenient and versatile addition to any health-conscious household.

Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless Universal Steamer — Tri-ply & Cool Grip Handle

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I’ve been using the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Universal Steamer for a while now, and I must say it’s been a game-changer in my cooking experience. The updated cast-stainless-steel handle stays cool to the touch, which is a great bonus when you’re cooking with hot ingredients. The triple-ply stainless construction ensures even heat distribution, and the rims are tapered for drip-free pouring, making it perfect for serving dishes straight from the pot.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks to consider. One downside is that it’s not as versatile as I initially thought — it works best with medium-sized saucepans. Also, the handle is quite heavy compared to the steamer basket, which makes it a bit unsteady when handling lighter items.

Despite these small cons, the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Universal Steamer has been a reliable addition to my kitchen. It fits perfectly onto my 3-quart pot and has been a great help in steaming my veggies. I appreciate the dishwasher-safe and oven-safe features, as it makes cleaning up a breeze and provides versatility when cooking. Overall, I’m happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality steamer.

Buyer’s Guide

A vegetable steamer is an excellent choice for healthy cooking, as it allows you to preserve the nutrients and natural flavors of vegetables. In this guide, we will discuss the essential features and considerations when purchasing a vegetable steamer. Additionally, we will provide general advice on how to use and maintain your steamer for optimal performance.

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Important Features of Vegetable Steamers

When selecting a vegetable steamer, consider the following features:

  1. Material: Look for a steamer made of durable and corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or Teflon-coated steel. 2. Capacity: Determine the size of the steamer according to your family’s needs or the amount of vegetables you plan to cook at once. 3. Steamer Basket: Choose a steamer with a deep and wide basket to accommodate various vegetable sizes. The basket should also have a secure locking mechanism to prevent spills. 4. Heating Element: Ensure that the heating element is evenly distributed and provides consistent heat for proper steaming. Look for a model with adjustable power settings for added flexibility.

Considerations When Buying a Vegetable Steamer

  1. Size and Storage: Consider the counter space and storage requirements of your steamer. Look for a model that is compact and easy to store when not in use. 2. Ease of Use: Choose a steamer with user-friendly features, such as easy-to-read controls, a cool-touch handle, and a easy-to-clean design. 3. Safety: Opt for a steamer with automatic shut-off or a warning system when the water level is low or the steam pressure is too high. 4. Maintenance: Select a steamer with removable and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. Check for any additional features that may make cleaning and maintenance more convenient.
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Advice for Using and Maintaining Your Vegetable Steamer

  1. Read the user manual thoroughly before using your steamer to ensure proper assembly and safety precautions. 2. Ensure the water level is sufficient before starting the steamer to prevent damage or injury. 3. Choose the appropriate steam setting depending on the type and hardness of the vegetables you are steaming. 4. To maintain the steamer, clean the heating element and the steamer basket regularly to prevent scale buildup and improve performance. 5. Store your steamer in a dry location to prevent rust or corrosion, and check for any damages before use.

Benefits of Using a Vegetable Steamer

  1. Preserve Nutrients: Steaming retains the natural nutrients and flavor of vegetables, making it a healthier cooking method. 2. Versatile: You can steam a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and asparagus. 3. Easy Cleanup: Most vegetable steamers have removable and dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup a breeze.
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FAQ

What makes a good vegetable steamer?

A good vegetable steamer should have the following features to ensure optimal steaming performance. It should have multiple steamer trays, as this allows you to steam different vegetables at the same time. Look for a larger water capacity as it will allow for longer steaming times. Also, consider a steamer with a locking system, as this would keep moisture inside the steamer, enhancing the steaming process. Finally, choose one with a cool-touch handle, as it would make it safer to use.

Good brands in the market include Philips, Cuisinart, and Hamilton Beach. These products often come with additional features such as auto shut off, timer, and steam vents to ensure safe usage and even cooking of your vegetables. In general, a good vegetable steamer should be easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and durable.

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What vegetables should be steamed?

Virtually any vegetable can be steamed, but some vegetables are better suited for steaming than others. Vegetables with high water content such as broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans benefit from steaming, as it helps retain their crisp texture and natural sweetness while keeping them healthier during cooking. Other vegetables that are excellent for steaming include carrots, asparagus, artichokes, and spinach.

Steaming is an ideal cooking method for maintaining the nutrients in vegetables, but it might not be the best option for vegetables that require longer cooking times to soften. These vegetables might not come out as tender as when you bake or boil them. Examples include squash, sweet potatoes, and tough root veggies like parsnips and turnips.

How long should I steam my vegetables?

The cooking time for steamed vegetables can vary depending on the vegetable’s size, thickness, and the power of your steamer. As a rule of thumb, vegetables generally take between 3–8 minutes to cook. However, it’s best to refer to a recipe for the specific cooking time needed for your chosen vegetables.

Another important consideration is the size of the vegetable pieces. Smaller vegetables can be steamed for a shorter time, while larger pieces require longer to reach desired tenderness. Also, consider the size of the steamer basket’s holes. If the holes are too big, smaller vegetables may fall through. Be sure to check the user manual provided by the manufacturer for specific instructions regarding cooking time and preparation methods.

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Can you steam more than one vegetable at once in a steamer?

Yes, you can cook multiple vegetables simultaneously in a steamer, but it should be done cautiously. Be mindful of the cooking times of each vegetable, and try to select vegetables that have similar water content, so that the steamer does not overcook any of them. It’s also essential to ensure that vegetables with shorter cooking times are placed above those with longer cooking times, so they don’t get overcooked.

For example, if you are steaming broccoli and carrots, broccoli usually cooks faster than carrots, so make sure the broccoli is above the carrots. Also, ensure there’s enough space between the vegetables for steam to circulate, so all the vegetables cook evenly. It’s a good idea to test the vegetables for doneness as the cooking time approaches and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

What other methods of steaming are available apart from a vegetable steamer?

If you don’t have a vegetable steamer, there are alternative methods to steam your vegetables. One option is to use the steamer basket that comes with your pot’s lid or an inexpensive steaming basket available in many stores and online marketplaces. You can also use a heatproof plate or a silicone baking mat as a makeshift steamer by placing it in your pot with water and vegetables on top. However, these methods might not be as convenient or controlled as using a dedicated vegetable steamer.

Other possible appliances that can be used to steam vegetables include microwaves and electric steamers. However, you should note that these methods use different heating mechanisms, and the results might vary in terms of texture and nutrient content. For the best results, a dedicated vegetable steamer is often the preferred choice for those who often steam vegetables at home.

How do I properly clean my vegetable steamer?

After you have finished using your vegetable steamer, it should be cleaned immediately to prevent any build-up of residue that can make the next use less efficient or potentially unhealthy. The steamer should be allowed to cool down to a reasonable temperature before cleaning it, as handling hot surfaces can be hazardous.

For the body of the steamer, use warm soapy water and a soft sponge or brush to clean the inside and outside. Rinse thoroughly and then dry the steamer with a soft towel. It’s important not to submerge your vegetable steamer in water once it’s cold because the electrical components inside might get damaged.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you!

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