

Electric pressure cookers and stovetop pressure cookers often include a steamer tray and can be used as a steamer.Įlectric steamers make the job easy, since you simply add water, add food, and turn on the steamer-you just need to consider if you plan to use it enough to warrant the space it occupies on your counter or in storage.

Some appliances, such as rice cookers or multi-cookers, have a steamer function. Water is added to a chamber, and a heating element heats the water until it turns into steam. A bamboo basket that can rest in a wok.Įlectric steamers, meanwhile, can be found with stackable, perforated trays or divided so that large batches of food or different types of food can be steamed at the same time.A perforated metal pan that nests in a saucepan similar to a double boiler.Folding or collapsible raised platforms (often made of stainless steel or silicone) that sit in the bottom of a pot.These types of steamers can be found in the following forms: The food is placed in the insert, and the perforated base of the insert allows the steam to surround and heat the food. The stovetop steamer is an insert that fits into or on top of a saucepan or other pot that's filled with an inch or two of simmering water. Steamers come in two varieties: electric or stovetop. What to Look for When Buying a Food Steamer Electric or Stovetop If you want to avoid plastic construction, we recommend the Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer.
#Steam you need a budget plus
The steamer trays have dividers to separate foods, plus the control pad is digital and easy to use. Our top spot goes to the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer, which holds up to 5 1/2 quarts of food, but is super compact thanks to a two-tier nesting design. It also includes a set of chopsticks that can come in handy for placing and removing the foods and a sauce dish for when it’s time to serve.Ĭapacity: N/A | Weight: 1.69 pounds | Dimensions: 10 inch diameter Since the 10-inch size is standard, it’s easy to find additional disposable liners that fit the baskets, as well as reusable silicone liners. This set includes a sample of 10 disposable basket liners for foods that might stick to the bamboo, so cleaning is easier. The baskets are 10 inches in diameter and designed for use in a wok, but can also be used over a pot that’s an appropriate size. The two baskets can be used together when there’s a lot to cook, or they can be used separately. This set includes two stacking steamer baskets plus a domed lid, so there’s plenty of space for dinner and sides. The food containers should be hand washed.Ĭapacity: 5.5 quarts | Weight: 3.97 pounds | Dimensions: 12.6 x 13.7 x 7.28 inches | Warranty: 1 yearīamboo steamers are traditional for Chinese dumplings and dim sum dishes, but they’re just as handy for steaming vegetables, chicken, and fish. This steamer includes a drip tray and rice bowl that are dishwasher safe. This feature shouldn’t be used for highly perishable foods like fish, poultry, or meat. The delay-start feature lets you fill the steamer with produce in advance and start the cooking later. Speaking of settings, there’s a digital touchpad that makes controlling the cooker easy. When cooking is done, the steamer automatically switches to a keep-warm setting for one hour before turning off to avoid overcooking the food. The rice bowl can be used for rice or for other small foods that need to be contained, like peas or corn off-the cob. The tiers have a removable center divider, so you can keep the broccoli from frolicking with the carrots, or remove the divider to cook a large filet of fish. You can use just one tier for cooking when you don’t have as much food to cook, or use both tiers when you’re cooking for a crowd.

This 5 1/2-quart electric steamer has two tiers that stack for cooking then nest for more compact storage, so it’s both large and small. Hamilton Beach 5.5-Quart Digital Steamer Review
