What’s all the fuss about acquiring the best steamer pot ? Why should I bother about getting one? Here’s why…
Nutritionists posit that steaming your food is very beneficial. It affords you more opportunity to extract and retain moisture and all the nutrients in the food. Traditionally, there are different methods that can be used to steam food but most of those methods are not very efficient or stress-free.
Thankfully, innovation and technology now affords us the pleasure of having convenient and easy to use utensils.
If you have not gotten on board this convenience train, you are in luck because we have prepared this list of 10 different steamer pots. No matter your preference or budget, we believe that one of these pots would fit your specification.
Best Value For Money
Product Name – All-Clad 4807 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Pasta Pentola with Insert / Cookware
Product Rating – 4.6 Star
Features
- Steamer pot has a 5-quart capacity while the steamer basket (made of stainless steel) is 4-quart.
- Durable construction of varnished stainless steel.
- Base of the Pot is encapsulated aluminum that doesn’t bend out of shape and delivers fast and even heat to every part of the pot when in use.
- Top quality stainless steel interior delivers nonstick cooking and ease of use and cleaning.
- Durable riveted handles for safe handling
The All-Clad 4807 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Pasta Pentola with Insert / Cookware is a great product that delivers great value for your money. With this pot you get to prepare a wide variety of healthy and tasty meals and it comes at a reasonable price. That is why it is on this our list of 10 top food steamers.
This pot is made of material that is non corrosive and wouldn’t react with your food. Furthermore, it is adaptability for all types of cooktops. It is also safe for use in the broiler and oven but not more than 600°F.
What’s more, this pot is easy to clean because it is dishwasher safe but best of all it comes with a lifetime warranty!
Best Budget Product (Small Capacity)
Product Name – Oster Sangerfield Steamer Set with Lid for Stovetop Use
Product Rating – 4.5 Star
Features
- Mini capacity of 3 quarts
- Multi functional; can be used as a steamer pot and also Dutch oven.
- The glass lid is vented and makes for ease of monitoring whatever you are cooking in the pot.
- Comes with a steamer insert
- Construction of the base makes it distribute heat evenly and fast.
The Oster Sangerfield Steamer Set with Lid for Stovetop Use is a compact dual purpose steamer pot. This pot is perfect for folks who cook for one or two folks; it provides great convenience for cooking two different kinds of food at once. You can use the base pot to boil a carb dish while you steam your veggies and/or fruits on the top pot (the steamer insert).
The above reasons in addition to the great features highlighted are the reasons why this pot made into our top 10 list.
Furthermore, this pot is a multi-functional utensil; if you remove the top pot(which is the food steamer), you can use the lower pot to store leftover food in the fridge. You can also use it to warm left over steamed veggies or fruits or related recipes. This is good news for folks who do not like to use the microwave often.
One point to note is that although some product descriptions state this pot as dishwasher safe, the manufacturer recommends that the pot be washed by hand.
Best Budget Product (Extra-Large Capacity)
Product Name – Bayou Classic 1124 1124-24-qt Stainless Stockpot with Basket
Product Rating – 4.5 Star
Features
- Made with top quality commercial grade stainless steel.
- The lids are vented to enable the pot release steam while in use.
- Handles are sturdily built to ensure safe handling for user.
- The stainless steel steaming basket sits 3 inches on top of the steamer pot for perfect steaming of your food.
- Extra-large 24-quart capacity.
The Bayou Classic 1124 1124-24-qt Stainless Stockpot with Basket is a commercial quality stock pot that comes in handy when you need to steam large quantities of food. So if you are always steaming food in large quantities, this pot is for you. Furthermore, it is ideal for tailgating and parties.
It is its extra-large capacity that earned this steamer pot a spot on this list. That in addition to the fact that in spite of the large capacity, it comes in at a very affordable price point.
The design of the steamer pot is indented to enable the steamer basket sit three inches above the water in the pot. This makes for perfect steaming; ensuring that you never have any soggy or undesirable end products.
High End Product (Average –Large Capacity Steamer Pot)
Product Name – All-Clad E9078064 Stainless Steel Multicooker with Perforated Steel Insert and Steamer Basket
Product Rating – 4.5 Star
Features
- Comes with an insert with holes that makes for ease of draining out water from food after cooking. It also include a food steamer made of stainless steel.
- Constructed with one ply varnished stainless steel and an aluminum encapsulated base that delivers fast and even distribution of heat.
- Nonstick cooking surface due to the material of manufacture which is 18/10 stainless steel that’s thoroughly polished. This also makes it not to react to or with your food.
- The lid and handles are made with stainless steel and are tightened with rivets of top quality stainless steel. This also makes it long lasting.
- Safe for use with induction cookers and also broiler and oven but not more than 600°F.
The All-Clad E9078064 Stainless Steel Multicooker with Perforated Steel Insert and Steamer Basket is a large capacity steamer pot. It is adequate for an average family that loves to include variety of veggies and fruits in their meals per time.
This pot is a high end product from the stables of All Clad, an American manufacturer of gourmet accessories. So if you are a connoisseur of top quality products then this pot is for you.
The capacity of the pot is marked on the bottom so that you can be sure of the quantity of food to cook in it.
And finally, it is safe to use in the dishwasher and comes with a lifetime warranty.
High End Mini Steamer Pot
Product Name – Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker, 3 Piece Set
Product Rating – 4.6 Star
Features
- This set includes a base, steamer insert and a lid made of glass that’s toughened to withstand heat and constant use.
- Ideal for preparation of individual servings of steamed dishes.
- The base pot can be used alone to boil water, melt chocolate, heat sauces or soup and other such culinary tasks.
- Constructed with 3-layer thick stainless steel and an aluminum encapsulated bottom that delivers even heat distribution
The Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker, 3 Piece Set is a high end product that’s manufactured by Norpro; makers of top quality kitchen appliances.
There are recipes that would be an overkill even in an average pot and needs something small; this pot is ideal for those moments.
It is on this list of best food steamers and pot because of the features listed above and also its high end quality. This is a perfect fit for folks who insist on using only the highest quality of kitchen product.
Finally, note that the manufacturer recommends that this pot be washed by hand only.
Best Electric Food Steamer
Product Name – BELLA (13872) 7.4 Quart Healthy Food Steamer with 2-Tier Stackable Baskets
Product Rating – 4.3 Star
Features
- Has a capacity of 7.4 quarts
- Comes with 2 different containers for steaming.
- Automatic shutdown once there’s no more water in the pot.
- The water reservoir has a transparent window that allows you to see the quantity of water in it at all times.
- Comes with a guide/chart that would help you remove the guess work from your steaming
The BELLA (13872) 7.4 Quart Healthy Food Steamer with 2-Tier Stackable Baskets is an electric steamer that’s designed to make life easier for the user.
This electric steamer is an answer to prayer for folks who need extra ease and convenience. With this appliance, you can prepare your main dish and the veggies with just one touch of a knob. All you have to do is to program the timer and allow the machine to do its work. More so, the quick start means that you get your food done is matter of minutes.
What’s more, the safety feature of this appliance ensures that it shuts down if the water dries out. This make the steamer safe to use.
In addition to its ease of use, thus BELLA (13872) Electric Steamer comes with a grain tray and cover that’s dishwasher safe.
All the above are reasons why this product is on our list of best food steamers.
Best High End Digital Food Steamer
Product Name – Cuisinart STM-1000 Digital Glass Steamer
Product Rating – 4.6 Star
Features
- Comes with a 5- liter glass pot that’s dishwasher safe.
- Has an LCD control panel with 5 pre-programmed settings for different kinds of food.
- 1 liter detachable water reservoir
- Works with powerful steam system
- Stainless steel steaming tray that can be flipped to accommodate different kinds of foods.
The Cuisinart STM-1000 Digital Glass Steamer is one of the leading products in trending healthy cooking kitchen appliances. This machine delivers powerful steam from the top to the bottom of the steaming container and surrounds the food. This feature enables your food to cook fast and evenly and still retain all its flavors and nutrients.
With this digital food steamer, you get your healthy meals without stress and waste of time. It has enough capacity to prepare a wide variety of meals for an average sized family.
This high end digital glass food steamer is on this list for folks who love digital kitchen appliances.
Vegetable Steamer Set
Product Names – Sensible Needs Two-Pack (Large and Standard) Vegetable Steamer
Product Rating – 4.4 Star
Features
- Manufactured with top notch stainless steel that’s rust resistant.
- Easy to use and clean and would not retain stain with constant use.
- 2 sizes that can fit different sizes of pots.
- Compact and space efficient design
- Multi-functional pot accessory.
The Sensible Needs Two-Pack (Large and Standard) Vegetable Steamer is a multi-functional accessory for different types or recipes. It can be used as a vegetable or food steamer, trivet, and egg rack and for other steamed recipes.
It made our list because of those who do not want to buy another set of pots but want to engage the steaming method of cooking more often. It would come in handy for use with any of the regular pots that you already own.
More interesting is the fact that this accessory can be used with instant pots and stock pots. Check out our article on how to use an instant pot for more information on how this product can be used with an instant pot.
Food Steamer Basket With Extra Accessories
Product Name – Kitchen Deluxe Vegetable Steamer Basket
Product Rating – 4.6 Star
Features
- Set includes the following: – stainless steel vegetable basket, julienne vegetable peeler, safety tool and E-book of steaming recipes.
- Vegetable basket is compact and space efficient due to its collapsible design.
- Can be used in an electric pressure cooker and fits most sizes of instant pots.
- All the accessories are multi-functional thus delivering great value for money.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Kitchen Deluxe Vegetable Steamer Basket is in the same category with the preceding product. However it has the added advantage of coming in at a lower price point but with extra accessories.
You can prepare your side dish without having to invest in a steamer pot with the accessories in this set. With lower than a $20 investment, you can conveniently add more veggies to your meal times.
This product is on this list also because of folks who do not need another pot set. Or those who are not inclined or disposed to spending as much as a steamer pot would cost. You do not have to be deprived of your healthy meals. This set can work with what you already have at home.
It is safe to use as you can place the basket in your pot with the detachable center loop that’s very solid. So once you are done, you pull up the steamer basket from the pot with the loop.
Food Steamer Basket For Instant Pot
Product Name – Top Rated Hatrigo Steamer Basket for Pressure Cooker Accessories
Product Rating – 4.8 Star
Features
- Made of durable stainless steel that’s food grade.
- Designed with sheet metal that’s singly stamped and drawn, then perforated with holes like a mesh basket.
- 3 Silicone feet raises the basket inches away from the water in the instant pot for perfect steaming.
- The silicone handle is strong and built to last for long. It also remains cool to touch.
- Would fit a 6-quart or 8 quart instant pots of different models.
The Top Rated Hatrigo Steamer Basket for Pressure Cooker Accessories is a great addition to have if you already own a pressure cooker or an instant pot.
It is designed to add more versatility to your instant pot. What’s more, this basket is so easy to use. all you have to do is place your veggies or whatever you want to steam in it and place the basket in the instant pot. Then set the instant pot to desired cooking time and lift off the basket when your food is done.
In addition to its ease of use, this basket is easy to wash because it is dishwasher safe.
![Top Rated Hatrigo Steamer Basket for Pressure Cooker Accessories 8qt [3qt 6qt avail] Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories Ninja Foodi, Strainer Insert with Silicone Handle, IP 8 Quart](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZGaUJXYJL.jpg)
Buying Guide
We cannot end this review without offering you some advice on what to look out for and consider when shopping for a steamer pot.
Sometimes in our excitement to get on board with the latest trends and movements, we end up spending money on appliances that don’t add value to our home life. However the trend of steaming food is a healthy one and worth following.
That being said, you need to have basic information up your sleeve that would help you make the right choice for your situation.
So let’s go ahead and share with you factors to bear in mind when you go looking for the best food steamer product for you.
Size
The two factors that would affect the size of steamer pot you buy are style of steaming and quantity of food prepared frequently.
Some food cam be placed on top of one another for steaming while others have to be placed in single layer. This affects the size of pot that would be needed. If you are an ardent steaming method cook, you might want to have two sizes of steamer pots; one for single layer food and another for piled food.
This however also depends on the quantity of food you most frequently prepare.
The size of a steamer pot is usually measured in quarts. Some products would state two sizes; that of the main pot and the size of the steamer insert.
In situations where the product doesn’t state two sizes, most steamer inserts would be about half a quart smaller than the main pot. This means that if a product states that it is a 5-quart steamer pot set, what it means is that the steamer insert would be approximately 4.5 quarts. This is quite logical as the insert would sit in the main pot.
So an average sized family would require a food steamer set such as the All-Clad 4807 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Pasta Pentola with Insert / Cookware . Conversely, a large family or folks that entertain often would need a large capacity such as its 8-quart counterpart the All-Clad E9078064 Stainless Steel Multicooker with Perforated Steel Insert and Steamer Basket.
Material of Manufacture
The material a cooking utensil is made of determines how durable it would be. It also determines whether it would react with food; this a huge deal because cookware has to be food safe.
The most commonly acceptable material for cookware (in this case steamer pot) is stainless steel. There are different classes of stainless steel but the most popularly accepted is 18/10 stainless steel.
However, stainless steel doesn’t distribute heat evenly. That is why the base of good quality steamer pots are encapsulated with aluminum. What this means in that the base is reinforced with aluminum in between stainless steel. This ensures even heat distribution for the pot.
So look out for steamer pots or cookware that has aluminum encapsulated base. And luckily for you, all the products we have reviewed here have this feature.
Do not be tempted to buy steamer pots made with raw aluminum. This is because aluminum is reactive and so not food safe. Note that aluminum pots may be cheaper but aren’t safe. The only time aluminum pots are safe to use is if it is anodized aluminum.
Number of Tiers In A Set
Most steamer pots have two tiers and that consists of the main pot and a steamer insert. However, there are brands that have steamer pots with three or four tiers. This means that the set would consist of one main pot and two or three food steamer inserts.
This works well for folks who like to have two or three different veggies in one meal but love to steam them differently.
Giantex 3-Layer Stainless Steel Steamer Pot for Cooking Soup and Steaming FoodWe did not review any of such products but you can check out the Giantex 3-Layer Stainless Steel Steamer Pot for Cooking Soup and Steaming Food. It is a good quality example
Features Of The Set
Look out for products that have features that would add value to your cooking experience. These features include the following:-
Type Of Lid
Would it be metal or glass? Metal is durable but wouldn’t allow you to view the progress of your food without opening the pot. Glass on the other hand is transparent but susceptible to breakage.
Based on the above, you decide what type of lid you prefer.
Versatility
You must think of how versatile and multi-function the set would be. Would it only be compatible with a stovetop or can be used in the oven or broiler. If yes what is the maximum temperature that it can withstand.
This would help you know whether a product would fit the method of cooking that you most frequently employ.
Most cookware these days are made to be compatible with induction cooking. This is a factor to consider if your stovetop is induction style or you plan for that in the nearest future.
Handles On The Steamer Pot and The Insert
The handles of the steamer pot especially the insert(s) are usually shorter than that of a regular pot. Howbeit, you have to be assured that this handle is safe to use and wouldn’t give out on you as you lift the insert out of the main pot.
Another safety feature to look out for as it affects the handle is the “stay cool” feature. This would also help to avert accidents when using the pot.
Conclusion
There’s so much we can say on this subject but suffice it to say that we have given you the basics.
Thankfully, you do not have to go far and wide looking for products with the features we have described above. All the steamer pots we have reviewed would deliver great value for your money. So do not hesitate to look through the products again and pick the one that best meets your needs.
