6 Best Electric Vegetable Steamers 2024

Choosing the best electric vegetable steamer involves considering several factors to ensure you get a device that suits your cooking needs and preferences.

With the growing popularity of steam cooking for its health benefits and efficiency, the market has seen an influx of models ranging from compact steamers for small kitchens to multi-tier units capable of cooking entire meals.

Stainless steel and BPA-free models are highly sought after for their durability and safety, offering peace of mind to health-conscious consumers. Digital models with timers provide convenience and precision, allowing users to set and forget their meals until they’re perfectly steamed.

Whether you’re looking for a basic model for occasional use or a feature-rich steamer for daily meal prep, prioritizing features like capacity, material, and ease of cleaning will guide you to the best choice.

Considering user reviews and brand comparisons can offer insights into reliability and performance, helping you find a steamer that offers the best value for your investment.

Best Choice: Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer

Health Benefits of Using an Electric Vegetable Steamer

Embracing an electric vegetable steamer introduces a myriad of health benefits into your daily diet. Steaming preserves the nutritional integrity of vegetables better than many other cooking methods, ensuring that vitamins and minerals remain intact.

This cooking technique minimizes the need for oils, reducing fat intake and promoting heart health. Moreover, steaming maintains the natural flavors of vegetables, enhancing taste without the addition of excessive salt or seasonings, which is beneficial for maintaining optimal blood pressure levels.

The process also retains the vibrant colors of vegetables, making meals more visually appealing and increasing the likelihood of consuming a variety of nutrients.

Incorporating steamed vegetables into meals can aid in digestion due to their high fiber content, supporting overall gastrointestinal health.

Electric Vegetable Steamer Reviews and Recommendations

1. Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer & Rice Cooker

The Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker combines functionality with convenience, making it a must-have for those looking to cook healthy meals quickly.

With a 5.5-quart capacity, this appliance is designed to cook a whole meal with ease, featuring two stackable steaming bowls and a rice basket. The versatility of stackable 2-tier steaming allows for cooking multiple foods at once, from vegetables to seafood, fitting even corn on the cob or a head of broccoli.

The digital touchpad makes setting the countdown timer effortless, along with Delay Start and Auto Shutoff functions for added convenience. Its compact design ensures it fits neatly in cabinets, making storage a breeze.

• Special Feature: Digital touchpad, Delay Start, Auto Shutoff
• Capacity: 5.5 Quarts
• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 13.7″L x 7.28″W x 12.6″H
• Weight: 4 Pounds

Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer

Key Features/Why Best

• Stackable 2-tier design for versatile cooking
• Automatic warm setting after cooking
• Digital touchpad for easy control
• Compact for easy storage
• Perfect for cooking eggs to perfection

Compatible For

• Cooking whole meals simultaneously
• Steaming delicate seafood
• Preparing perfectly cooked eggs
• Vegetarian and healthy cooking

Where Need to Improve

• Larger capacity for bigger families

2. BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer

The BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer offers an innovative solution for cooking a variety of foods, from vegetables and tofu to fish and meats. Its 7.4-quart capacity and two tiers enable simultaneous cooking without flavor cross-contamination, ensuring that each dish retains its distinct taste.

The removable base and stackable baskets are designed for convenience, making cleaning and storage hassle-free. This steamer also features an easy-to-read water level indicator and comes with auto shutoff and boil dry protection for safety.

Whether you’re craving Japanese, Chinese, or simply a steamed side, the BELLA Food Steamer makes it easy to whip up a full meal with sides.

• Special Feature: Auto shutoff, Boil dry protection, Removable base
• Capacity: 7.4 Quarts
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 14.17″L x 10.23″W x 11.41″H
• Weight: 3.5 Pounds

BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer

Key Features/Why Best

• Simultaneous cooking with two tiers
• Easy cleanup with dishwasher safe parts
• Water level indicator for convenience
• Safety features including auto shutoff
• Versatile for a variety of cuisines

Compatible For

• Multicultural cuisine preparation
• Families needing to cook multiple dishes at once
• Health-conscious individuals

Where Need to Improve

• Could include more specific cooking guides
• Design improvement for more compact storage

3. Oster Stainless Steel Steamer & Dutch Oven

The Oster Stainless Steel Cookware offers a versatile and efficient way to steam and cook simultaneously, making it a perfect addition to any kitchen. This 3.0-quart Dutch Oven with a steamer basket is designed for those who appreciate the art of cooking with steam, allowing for healthy preparations of vegetables, rice, and even tamales.

The stackable design not only saves space but also makes it ideal for smaller gatherings, ensuring your meals are both delicious and nutritious.

Its stainless steel material and mirror satin finish provide durability and a sleek look, while the vented tempered glass lid allows for easy monitoring of the cooking process.

• Special Feature: Dual purpose as Dutch oven with steamer insert
• Capacity: 3 Quarts
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 8.5″ diameter x 6.20″ height
• Weight: 1.25 Kilograms

Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware

Key Features/Why Best

• Perfect for steaming and cooking rice
• Ideal for re-steaming tamales
• Encapsulated base for even heating
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• Oven safe up to 400°F

Compatible For

• Smaller gatherings
• Space-saving cooking solutions
• Healthy cooking enthusiasts

Where Need to Improve

• Limited capacity for larger families
• Stovetop use only, not induction compatible

4. OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer

The OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer is a game-changer for those looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle through cooking. With a 5-quart capacity spread across two stackable steaming containers, it allows for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously without flavor mixing.

This 400W steamer is efficient and convenient, featuring an indicator light, a 60-minute timer, and an automatic shut-off function for safety. Steaming with OVENTE not only preserves the natural structure, color, and nutrients of food but also eliminates the need for oil, reducing cholesterol.

The dishwasher-safe components and compact storage design make it a hassle-free addition to any kitchen.

• Special Feature: 60-minute timer with auto shut-off
• Capacity: 5 Quarts
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 7.5″L x 9.4″W x 11.4″H
• Weight: 1.8 Pounds

OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer

Key Features/Why Best

• Cooks a variety of foods healthily
• Simultaneous cooking with two tiers
• Embedded steaming guide for perfection
• Easy to clean and store
• Promotes a healthy lifestyle

Compatible For

• Japanese or Chinese cuisine
• Fresh vegetables, tofu, fish, and meats
• Quick and healthy meal preparation

Where Need to Improve

• May require refilling for longer cooking

5. Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer

The Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer represents the pinnacle of healthy cooking technology, offering a blend of style and functionality that modern kitchens demand.

With a powerful steam system that delivers steam from the top down, this steamer ensures food is cooked evenly and efficiently. The 5-liter glass pot is perfect for family-sized portions, accommodating everything from vegetables and fish to chicken and rice.

Its user-friendly LCD control panel, including start/stop, pause & reheat buttons, and audible alert, make it incredibly easy to use.

The steamer also features a 60-minute countdown timer and a 1-liter removable water tank for utmost convenience, ensuring a seamless cooking experience.

• Special Feature: LCD control panel, 60-minute countdown timer
• Capacity: 5 Liters
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 13.74″L x 13.23″W x 9.37″H
• Weight: 15.8 Pounds

Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer

Key Features/Why Best

• Even and efficient steam cooking
• Easy-to-use digital controls
• Dishwasher safe components
• Large capacity for family meals
• BPA-free for health safety

Compatible For

• Family-sized meal preparation
• Diverse cooking, from vegetables to poultry

Where Need to Improve

• High weight might limit portability

6. Vegetable Steamer Rice Cooker by Classic Cuisine

The Vegetable Steamer Rice Cooker by Classic Cuisine is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to make healthy cooking effortless and efficient. With a 6.3-quart capacity, it’s ideal for preparing steamed rice, vegetables, eggs, fish, and more.

The built-in timer guarantees perfect steaming results every time, while the dual baskets and stackable tiers allow for cooking multiple foods simultaneously. This electric steamer is not just about functionality; it’s also about making healthy eating accessible to the entire family.

Whether you’re looking to steam a quick vegetable side dish or a complete meal, this cooker has you covered, making it an invaluable addition to any kitchen.

• Special Feature: Built-in timer, stackable tiers for dual cooking
• Capacity: 6.3 Quarts
• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 11″L x 11″W x 12.25″H
• Weight: 4.6 Pounds

Vegetable Steamer Rice Cooker

Key Features/Why Best

• Perfect for a variety of foods
• Dual baskets for simultaneous cooking
• Easy to use and clean
• Promotes healthy eating habits
• Compact design for easy storage

Compatible For

• Small to medium-sized families
• Cooking multiple dishes at once

Where Need to Improve

• Plastic material may not be as durable as metal

Standout Steamers: What to Look For

Performance Efficiency

A superior electric vegetable steamer generates steam quickly, reducing waiting times and preserving the freshness of food. Look for models with a powerful heating element that delivers consistent steam distribution.

Capacity and Versatility

The best steamers offer ample space to accommodate multiple servings, making them ideal for families. Versatile designs with stackable baskets or compartments enable the preparation of different foods simultaneously without flavor cross-contamination.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

User-friendly features such as digital timers, intuitive controls, and automatic shut-off functions enhance the cooking experience. Easy-to-clean components, preferably dishwasher safe, streamline the post-meal cleanup.

Durability and Quality

High-quality materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic ensure longevity and safe food contact. A robust construction withstands regular use, maintaining performance over time.

Additional Features

Innovative steamers might include programmable settings for various food types, enhancing convenience. Look for models with additional functionalities like a keep-warm feature or delayed start to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Maximizing Steamer Utility: Expert Tips

Balanced Meal Preparation

Use the steamer to cook a complete meal, placing proteins in one tier and vegetables in another. This method saves time and energy, streamlining meal prep.

Flavor Enhancement

Infuse water with herbs, garlic, or citrus peels to steam foods with subtle flavor nuances, elevating the taste of simple dishes.

Batch Cooking

Leverage your steamer for batch cooking grains or proteins at the start of the week. This strategy aids in meal planning and ensures healthy options are always on hand.

Creative Uses

Beyond vegetables, use your steamer for making soft-boiled eggs, dim sum, or even sponge cakes. Exploring diverse recipes can make the most of your appliance.

Maintenance Routine

Regularly descale the water tank and clean all parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the steamer operates efficiently for years.

How Do You Use a Vegetable Steamer?

Using an electric vegetable steamer is a straightforward and efficient way to prepare healthy meals. To ensure optimal performance and delicious outcomes, you’ll need your electric steamer, fresh vegetables, water, and any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer to enhance flavor.

Step 1: Preparation of Vegetables

Start by thoroughly washing your vegetables to remove any dirt or pesticides. Depending on your preference and the type of vegetables, you may choose to peel them. Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will steam faster than larger ones.

Step 2: Adding Water to the Steamer

Fill the steamer’s water reservoir with fresh, clean water. Most electric steamers have a minimum and maximum line inside the reservoir to guide you on how much water to use. It’s crucial not to exceed the maximum fill line to avoid potential overflow or damage to the steamer.

Step 3: Arranging the Vegetables

Place your prepared vegetables into the steaming basket or tray. If your steamer has multiple tiers, you can separate different types of vegetables or steam different foods simultaneously. Remember to place foods that require a longer cooking time in the lower tiers closer to the heat source.

Step 4: Setting the Timer

Refer to your steamer’s manual for the recommended steaming times for different vegetables. Set the timer according to these guidelines. Many electric steamers come with preset functions for various types of food, making it easier to select the correct steaming time.

Step 5: Starting the Steaming Process

Ensure the lid is securely in place, then turn on the steamer. Once the timer starts, the steaming process begins. It’s important not to remove the lid during steaming as this can release heat and steam, prolonging the cooking time. After the timer goes off, carefully remove the lid to avoid steam burns.

Test the vegetables for doneness; they should be tender but still offer a slight resistance. If they’re not fully cooked, you can steam them for a few more minutes until they reach your desired level of tenderness.

Top 5 Uses for Your Electric Steamer

1. Nutrient-Rich Vegetables

Steam a variety of vegetables to perfection, retaining their nutritional value and vibrant colors, making for an enticing addition to any meal.

2. Perfectly Steamed Fish

Prepare fish fillets in the steamer, a method that keeps them moist and tender while preserving omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

3. Fluffy Grains

Achieve fluffy and perfectly cooked grains, such as quinoa or rice, without worrying about overcooking or sticking to the pot.

4. Breakfast Delights

Use the steamer to make soft or hard-boiled eggs with ease, or steam bread and buns for a warm breakfast without turning on the oven.

5. Healthy Snacks and Sides

Steam dumplings or tamales as a healthy snack or side dish. The steamer can reheat leftovers, preserving moisture and flavor better than a microwave.

Buying Guide: Selecting the Ultimate Electric Vegetable Steamer

In our pursuit to recommend the best electric vegetable steamers, we embarked on a meticulous selection process, tailored to uncover the top performers in the market. Our methodology was comprehensive, incorporating several key stages designed to evaluate each product on its merits.

Market Research

Our initial step involved deep market research to identify the most popular and highly regarded steamers available. We focused on new innovations, examining the latest technology in steam cooking to ensure our recommendations stayed ahead of the curve. This stage allowed us to shortlist products that promise both efficiency and reliability.

Customer Review Analysis

Understanding the real-world performance of each steamer was crucial. We delved into customer reviews across multiple platforms, seeking insights into user experiences. This analysis helped us gauge satisfaction levels, durability concerns, and the practicality of each model’s features, ensuring our selections met the expectations of everyday users.

Product Testing

A hands-on approach was essential for an authentic assessment. We tested the shortlisted steamers, paying close attention to their ease of use, cooking speed, and the quality of the outcome. Special attention was given to user-friendly interfaces, the effectiveness of different steam settings, and how well each model preserved the nutrients and flavors of various foods.

Feature Comparison

Through direct comparison, we evaluated each steamer’s unique selling points, including capacity, versatility, and additional functionalities like programmable settings or special steaming modes. This step was vital in distinguishing the best from the rest, ensuring our recommendations offered something beyond the standard expectations.

Sustainability and Safety

Lastly, we considered the environmental impact and safety features of each steamer. Models with energy-efficient designs and those made from BPA-free materials were prioritized, reflecting our commitment to recommending products that are not only good for your health but also kind to the planet.

Some Common & Questions Answeres

Is It Worth Investing in an Electric Vegetable Steamer?

Absolutely. An electric vegetable steamer is a valuable kitchen appliance for anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. It allows for cooking without oils, preserving the natural nutrients, vitamins, and flavors of your food.

It offers convenience and efficiency, saving you time while ensuring your meals are both healthy and delicious. The ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, thanks to tiered baskets, further adds to its appeal, making it a versatile tool in meal preparation.

Can Electric Steamers Be Used for Foods Other Than Vegetables?

Yes, electric steamers are incredibly versatile and can be used for more than just vegetables. They are excellent for steaming fish, poultry, dumplings, eggs, and even certain desserts like puddings.

The gentle cooking method keeps food moist and tender, making it ideal for a wide range of dishes. Many steamers come with specialized inserts or baskets, allowing for easy separation of different food types during the cooking process.

How Do I Clean My Electric Vegetable Steamer?

Cleaning an electric vegetable steamer is usually straightforward. Most models have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. For the base and heating element, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use should suffice.

Regular descaling, using vinegar or a descaling solution, will keep your steamer in top condition, especially if you live in a hard water area.

What Features Should I Look for in an Electric Vegetable Steamer?

When choosing an electric vegetable steamer, consider capacity, ease of use, and versatility. A steamer with multiple tiers or baskets can cook different foods simultaneously.

Look for models with timers and automatic shut-off features for convenience. Durability is key, so opt for steamers made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Some steamers also offer unique features such as digital interfaces or preset cooking programs for specific foods.

How Much Water Should I Use in My Electric Steamer?

The amount of water you should use in your electric steamer depends on the type and quantity of food being cooked, as well as the model of the steamer. Generally, the steamer will have a minimum and maximum water level indicator.

Always ensure there’s enough water to produce steam for the duration of the cooking time but not so much that it reaches the food. It’s best to start with the manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust based on your cooking needs.

Can Electric Steamers Preserve Nutrients Better Than Other Cooking Methods?

Electric steamers are excellent for preserving the nutritional value of food. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that minimizes nutrient loss by avoiding the leaching effects of water immersion, like in boiling, and the high temperatures of frying.

Vitamins and minerals are better retained, as are the texture and color of the food. This makes steaming a preferred method for cooking not just for taste and health benefits but also for maintaining the integrity of the food.

Read More: 4 Best Steam Canners