Some links on this page are monetized by affiliate programs - see disclosure for details.
Investing in a vegetable steamer is one easy step to take toward living a healthier lifestyle.
Whether you are an amateur cook or a professional chef, using a vegetable steamer is an efficient way to cook healthy food. Research has found that steaming vegetables is the best cooking method to retain the vitamins and minerals that make them so nutritious.
No matter if you are looking for a state-of-the-art appliance or a simple steamer to make a quick meal, there are many options on the market. Today I’m breaking down the pros and cons of the top-selling vegetable steamers on the market.
What is a Vegetable Steamer?
Contents
In order to purchase the best vegetable steamer, it is important to understand the nature of the product. Vegetable steamers are appliances that, as the name suggests, use steam to cook food. The steamer is situated over a reservoir of boiling water, and the steam that is generated cooks the vegetables that are contained in the steamer. Steamers are also useful for cooking different types of food in addition to vegetables, such as rice, fish, dumplings, and more. Having access to a vegetable steamer makes cooking simple and convenient. There are even some steamers made specifically for microwave ovens.
What are the Advantages of Steaming Veggies?
There are many advantages to using a vegetable steamer. Steamers are appliances that are convenient for a variety of people who eat different types of diets.
Steamed vegetables are a healthy choice for people who are trying to incorporate more fresh foods into their diets. Additionally, vegans and vegetarians who eat predominantly plant-based diets may use steamers to cook their food and ensure that they maintain maximum nutritional value in their food. Some parents even use steamers to prepare fruits and veggies to puree for all natural baby food. No matter what kind of diet you follow, using a steamer to cook vegetables is a quick way to make simple, healthy, and delicious recipes.
How is a Vegetable Steamer Used?
Steamers are simple to operate. First, you’ll need to rinse the vegetables in cool water. Then slice them into small pieces. Generally, the smaller each piece is, the faster it’ll cook.
Fill a pot one-third of the way full with water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
Place your chopped veggies in the steamer basket. Lower the basket into the pot of water. The vegetables can touch the water, but shouldn’t be covered.
Next, place the fitted lid over the top. Here’s where the steam works its magic! Cooking times vary by the type and quantity of vegetables. As you become familiar with the cooker, you’ll be able to steam many different vegetables at once.
What are the Different Types of Steamers?
In order to pick the best vegetable steamer for your needs, consider the following types of appliances:
Electronic Steamer
Electronic steamers are state-of-the-art appliances that are convenient for preparing vegetables and other foods. Most electronic steamers include a reservoir for water and several steaming compartments made of glass or plastic. Several types of food, such as vegetables and fish, can be placed in the different compartments and cooked at the same time. Simply press a button, and the water will boil on its own and automatically steam the food. You can prepare a full meal in minutes with an electronic steamer.
Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
Steamer baskets are the most common vegetable steamers on the market. This type of steamer is collapsible, making storage easy. To prepare your vegetables, simply open the basket and put it over a saucepan of water. When the water boils, place vegetables in the steamer and cover it with a lid. The steam will filter through the perforations in the basket to cook vegetables evenly. Frequent steaming exposes the appliance to lots of water, so make sure to buy a stainless steel steamer to ensure that it does not rust.
Silicone Steamer
Silicone vegetable steamers are used similarly to metal steamers; however, they have the added convenience of being able to be used in a microwave as well as on the stovetop. Silicone is also rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, making the product easy to clean. If using the silicone steamer on the stovetop, consider using chicken broth as the liquid, or infuse the water with herbs for more a more flavorful finished product.
Bamboo Steamer
Bamboo steamers are traditional appliances that are perfect for cooking Asian food like dumplings, in addition to vegetable dishes. Many bamboo steamers have multiple baskets that can be stacked, allowing different types of food to be cooked simultaneously, similar to electronic steamers. The cook should line the bottom of the steaming baskets with lettuce or cabbage leaves, and next fill them with different vegetables. Then, place the stack of baskets over a pot filled with approximately two inches of water and cook to your satisfaction.
Ceramic Steamer
Ceramic steamers have chimneys that carry steam into the vessel. Fill up the steamer with your choice of food, and then place it in a large pot of water. As the water boils, steam enters the ceramic container and cooks the contents. Ceramic steamers are also versatile in that they can be used as baking dishes in the oven as well.
The Top Three Vegetable Steamers on the Market
Smart Steam Classic 12 Quart Classic Steamer
This ceramic steamer is a versatile product that has many uses in the kitchen. Smart Steam’s patented technology helps you cook a healthy meal by locking nutrients into food and reducing your reliance on oil and fat in the cooking process. The high-quality ceramic interior is free from dangerous chemicals such as BPA, and makes cleaning easy and quick. Additionally, the heat resistant vessel is safe to use in the oven as well as on the stovetop, making it the most versatile steamer on the market.
Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer
This electric steamer is a unique appliance that optimizes convenience in the cooking process. It includes three separate containers for cooking different foods, each of which includes its own timer that automatically sets to ensure that all foods are finished cooking at the same time. You can cook an entire meal at once—rice in one compartment, salmon in another, and a combo of fresh vegetables in the last. After you have enjoyed your healthy meal, each of this steamer’s parts is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean up. The high cost is worth the convenience and high quality of this appliance.
Life is Great Premium Silicone Steamer
This silicone steaming basket is affordable, durable, dishwasher safe, and easy to store, making on of the best vegetable steamers on the market. This lightweight product is also BPA free, making a safe option to use when you are cooking vegetables for yourself and your family. The silicone material is heat resistant up to 480 degrees F, and is stain and smell resistant. Simply insert the basket into a pot of water, being careful to utilize the flexible lock handles to resist burns, and steam away. When the vegetables (or other steamed food) are done cooking, the heat resistant handles are an invaluable asset that makes removal easy and safe.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Vegetable Steamer
Price
Price is always important to consider when you are looking to buy a new product. As you research the best vegetable steamers on the market, be sure to take price into consideration. There are a variety of steamers available and they range in price considerably. This fact is a bonus for all shoppers, as vegetable steamers of various types fit different price brackets and are accessible for people buying on a budget.
Size
The size of you kitchen and the storage space you have available is also important to consider as you shop for a vegetable steamer. Again, the variety of vegetable steamers is a plus—from large electric steamers to small stainless steel steaming baskets, there are many different sizes of steamers to choose from. Buy the steamer that is compatible with your storage space.
Material
From ceramic and glass to bamboo and even silicone, vegetable steamers are made from many different materials. Consider the material that you prefer before you buy a steamer.
Versatility
Before buying a vegetable steamer, consider how you will use it. Do you only want to cook vegetables? Or do you envision yourself making a full meal in a steamer? Think about how frequently you cook in your microwave and oven, do not just the stovetop capabilities of the product. The way you plan to cook using a steamer should ultimately inform your purchase.
Price
Life is Great Premium Silicone Steamer
This silicone steamer is one of the most affordable options on the market. If you have a tight budget, consider purchasing this highly rated vegetable steamer.
Smart Steam Classic 12 Quart Steamer
This ceramic steamer is slightly more expensive than other options. The high-quality material warrants its price point.
Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer
This electric steamer is one of the most expensive steamers available on the market, given its many convenient features. If you buy this product you pay for its high-end capabilities.
Size
Life is Great Premium Silicone Steamer
This steamer is compact and easy to store in any size kitchen.
Smart Steam Classic 12 Quart Steamer
The Smart Steam is a slightly larger steamer, and requires ample cabinet space.
Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer
This model is also quite large, and requires significant counter space.
Material
Life is Great Premium Silicone Steamer
As the name suggests, this steamer is made entirely of silicone. It is heat resistant, dishwasher safe, and free from toxic chemicals.
Smart Steam Classic 12 Quart Steamer
This steamer is made of chemical free Ceramtec nonstick ceramic, which is safe and makes cleaning easy.
Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer
The Intellisteam is made of plastic and metal. Its parts are also dishwasher safe.
Versatility
Life is Great Premium Silicone Steamer
You can use this steamer on the stovetop or microwave to cook vegetables.
Smart Steam Classic 12 Quart Steamer
You can use this steamer on the stove top to steam vegetables and other foods, and you can also use it as a baking dish in the oven.
Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer
This steamer can cook a variety of foods with its steaming capabilities, including rice and fish.
Our Vegetable Steamer Reviews
Life is Great Silicone Steamer – Best Cheap Brand
The Life is Great Silicone Steamer is the best vegetable steamer if you are shopping on a budget. At just over $10, it is affordable, but still made of good quality material. Even though the price is low, this item does not compromise quality.
Pros:
The heat resistant handles make insertion and removal easy during the cooking process. It is a small steamer that can be stored easily and is microwave and dishwasher safe.
Cons:
It is less versatile than other options on the market. Its steaming capabilities are limited to vegetables and foods like dumplings that will not seep through the perforations in the bottom.
Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer – Best Luxury
The Viante Intellisteam Countertop Food Steamer is the highest quality steamer you can buy. It may have a high price tag but the variety of convenient features makes it worth the money.
Pros:
Three different steaming compartments allow you to make a full meal all at once. The parts are removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean up.
Cons:
This steamer is large and heavy and will occupy lots of storage space.
SmartStream Classic 12 Quart Steamer – Best Overall
The Smart Steam 12 Quart Steamer is the best vegetable steamer on the market. Its versatility and easy to use qualities make it worth its price.
Pros:
This is a high-quality steamer that is easy to clean and also works as a baking dish. Its versatility makes it unique.
Cons:
At 6.2 pounds, this is a slightly heavy steamer, and it also requires ample storage space.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many high-quality vegetable steamers available on the market today. When buying a new steamer, be sure to consider various factors, such as the price, size, material, and versatility of the product. Look for the best vegetable steamer to suit your needs, and know that you are making a healthy and sustainable choice by purchasing this kitchen appliance.