Best food steamers

Adding a good quality food steamer to your kitchen arsenal is a must for those looking to get the very best out of their vegetables, meats and grains. Suited to your needs, our selection of steamers will have you cooking with gas, induction or electric in no time.

Of course, all the steamers vary in features and range from the sturdy stainless-steel steamer to a state-of-the-art digital steamer. With due considerations made, we do have a favorite: the Oster Sangerfield Stainless-Steel Set. Offering dual-cooking functionality, it's ideal for cooking wholesome meals with optimum efficiency, and it won't clutter your shelves. Read on to find your dream steamer.

A trusted favorite, the Oster Sangerfield Stainless-Steel Set is an affordable, easy-storage choice that performs. Our best food steamer, it's a dishwasher-safe product comprising a 3-quart casserole pot, steamer insert and a vented glass lid. Simple to use and timeless in design, this set works as a dual-purpose cooking utensil, at once a dutch oven and steamer. Cook the grains in the bottom and steam the veggies up top – perfect! 

If you're after a steamer that can weather any kitchen, this is your best bet. The Mockins Stainless-Steel Steamer Set can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction cooktops, electric stovetops, portable stoves, gas burners, glass and ceramic. And when it comes to safe, user-friendly cooking, the Bakelite handles work a dream – expect cool handles throughout the cooking process. So, if you like your kitchen equipment hassle-free, this three-piece set with spill-resistant rims is your go-to choice.

For those who hold timeless design in high regard, this could just be your perfect steamer. Dishwasher safe up to 350ºF, the Farberware Stainless-Steel Steamer Set is a heavy-duty product, which offers stack-and-steam functionality and even heating thanks to the steamer's thick aluminum core. Not only is this mirror-finish, polished set a stylish addition to your kitchen cupboard, it is also resistant to corrosion and discoloration, and it cleans up easily. You'll thank us later.

Healthy cooking isn't always easy, particularly when you want to cook a meal efficiently and without hours of work. That's where the BELLA Healthy Food Steamer comes in. With 7.4-quart cooking space and two separate cooking containers, this allows you to prepare a whole meal in record time. The quick-start heating function means you can be ready to go within as little as thirty seconds, meaning you can get underway with heating your veggies, fish, meat, tofu, grains, or whatever you've on the menu.  Just pour the water in, add your food and flick that timer. It's really that simple.

Modern kitchens require modern technology that won't clutter your cupboards or diminish style. But what product to choose? Introducing the Oster Double-Tiered Food Steamer, a smart pick that allows for full-meal prep and dishwasher-safe cleaning. At 5 quarts, its baskets provide plenty of space for cooking two different food types simultaneously, and their transparency allows the user to monitor progress. When the cycle is complete or the water is empty, the steamer shuts off automatically. And did we mention the baskets can be stacked up for easy storage? Count us in.

If you refuse to compromise on quality, the Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer is your perfect choice. Including a steamer unit, glass lid and glass cooking pot, it has plenty of space for cooking family meals. Veggies, fish, meat, rice and more will cook evenly and quickly, and for utmost ease, the product is complete with five pre-programmed food settings. Oh, and the steaming tray can be flipped to suit the food you are cooking. Neat, right?

Our verdict

As we've learned, steamers come in all shapes and sizes, providing the right functions for the right user. But if we must choose our favorite, it can only be the Oster Sangerfield Stainless-Steel Set. Hassle-free usage, clutter-free storage and a sturdy, sleek design – it's a no brainer. 

Of course, there are other options that may suit buyers with other criteria in mind. For versatility, try the Mockins Stainless-Steel Steamer Set; for style that won't go out of fashion, look to the Farberware Stainless-Steel Steamer Set; and for complete ease, it has to be the BELLA Healthy Food Steamer.

But what about those who want hi-tech functionality that doesn't take up space? We'd suggest the Oster Double-Tiered Food Steamer, a solid pick for contemporary living. As for those willing to part with a little more, the Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer is unbeatable when it comes to quality.

Why trust us?

 At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.