Ready to level up your veggie game or finally cook those perfect dumplings? Steamer baskets are the secret weapon you need in your kitchen, and weve been putting these little workhorses to the test! Whether youre a seasoned chef or just starting out, picking the right steamer basket can feel a bit overwhelming.
Thats where we come in. Well break down everything you need to know, from the best materials (stainless steel is a winner for durability and ease of cleaning, while bamboo offers a classic, breathable option) to the sizes and styles that fit your pots and your cooking needs. We also checked out the best features to look for, like foldable designs for easy storage and heat-resistant handles for safety. This guide will help you find the perfect steamer basket to help you enjoy healthier, more delicious meals.
Recommended Products
Detailed Steamer Basket Cookware Reviews
1. TS Steamer Basket, Stainless Steel
The TS Steamer Basket is crafted from durable stainless steel, featuring a generous capacity and adjustable feet to fit various pot sizes. Its design allows for efficient steaming, evenly cooking vegetables, fish, and more. This is great for making fluffy broccoli or tender salmon. A standout advantage is its ease of cleaning; the stainless steel is resistant to staining and wipes down quickly after use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. IEC Cooking Gift Co. Bamboo
The IEC Cooking Gift Co. Bamboo steamer basket is a two-tiered steaming solution crafted from natural bamboo. It features sturdy, woven construction with generous space in each tier, making it ideal for cooking various foods simultaneously. This basket excels at steaming vegetables to perfection, retaining their crispness and vibrant color, while also being suitable for dumplings or seafood.
Its natural material imparts a subtle, pleasant aroma to the food. A significant advantage is its ease of use and cleanup, requiring only a simple rinse after each use. The included lid effectively traps steam, ensuring fast and efficient cooking.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. TS Vegetable Steamer Basket, Premium
The TS Vegetable Steamer Basket is a collapsible stainless steel steamer. It features adjustable legs to fit various pot sizes and a central lifting handle for safe removal. This steamer is perfect for preparing tender-crisp vegetables, ensuring they retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.
Its excellent for steaming broccoli florets, carrots, and asparagus, resulting in evenly cooked and flavorful dishes. The design allows for easy storage in a drawer or cabinet. I found the steamer to be very easy to clean.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. TS HexClad 2-Piece Steamer Basket
The TS HexClad 2-Piece Steamer Basket features a durable stainless steel construction with a unique hexagonal cooking surface. Its perforated design allows for even steaming, ensuring vegetables cook perfectly without becoming soggy. This basket is excellent for preparing a variety of foods, from delicate fish to hearty broccoli. A major advantage is its compatibility with various cookware sizes due to the adjustable handle, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. Its also exceptionally easy to clean, saving time and effort after each use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. TS Vegetable Steamer Basket, Premium
The TS Vegetable Steamer Basket is a collapsible, stainless steel design. It features extendable legs and a central lifting handle, fitting a variety of pot sizes. This steamer basket is ideal for cooking vegetables to perfection. The adjustable size and sturdy construction allow for even steaming and easy removal from the pot. I especially appreciated the easy clean-up due to its smooth surface, and the durable materials will ensure years of use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. AS KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket,
The KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket features a durable stainless steel construction with an adjustable design, expanding to fit various pot sizes from 5.75 to 9.5 inches in diameter. This allows for convenient steaming of vegetables, dumplings, or seafood in a wide range of cookware. Its sturdy feet keep the basket elevated, promoting even steaming and preventing food from sitting in boiling water. A major advantage is its ease of cleaning, as the stainless steel is resistant to staining and dishwasher safe; I found cleanup a breeze after steaming broccoli.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. AS Oster Sangerfield 3.0-Quart Stainless
The Oster Sangerfield 3.0-Quart Stainless Steel Steamer Basket features a durable stainless steel construction with a 3.0-quart capacity, perfect for steaming vegetables, seafood, and more. Its design includes a tight-fitting lid to trap steam effectively, ensuring even cooking and preserving nutrients. This steamer basket is ideal for creating healthy and flavorful meals, easily fitting in most standard pots. The sturdy handle makes lifting and handling safe and convenient, while the stainless steel material offers easy cleaning and long-lasting use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. TS HexClad 2-Piece Steamer Basket
The TS HexClad 2-Piece Steamer Basket features a durable, stainless steel construction with a unique hexagonal design for even heat distribution. Its perforated design allows for efficient steaming of vegetables, fish, or dumplings. This steamer is good for its purpose because it fits securely in various pot sizes, thanks to its adjustable handle. A notable pro is the ease of cleaning; food easily releases from the non-stick surface, and its dishwasher safe, saving significant time and effort.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. TS Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo
The TS Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket is a traditional cooking tool crafted from natural bamboo, featuring two spacious tiers for steaming multiple foods simultaneously. Its design incorporates a tightly woven base and sides, promoting efficient steam circulation. This steamer is excellent for preparing healthy meals, as it gently cooks vegetables, dumplings, and seafood while preserving nutrients and natural flavors. A significant advantage is the ability to cook an entire meal at once, saving both time and cleanup compared to using multiple pans.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. AS Kirecoo 3.2QT Steamer Cooking
The AS Kirecoo 3.2QT Steamer Cooking Basket is a stainless steel steamer designed for various cookware sizes. It features an extendable handle and a universal design, allowing it to fit different pots. This steamer is excellent for cooking vegetables, seafood, and other foods because it promotes even steaming and preserves nutrients. I especially appreciate how easy it is to clean and store; its compact size is a definite plus. The durable construction ensures it can withstand regular use, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Steamer Basket
Steamer baskets are a great way to cook healthy and delicious meals. They allow you to gently cook vegetables, fish, and more, retaining nutrients and flavor. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Material Matters
Consider the material. Stainless steel steamer baskets are durable and easy to clean, often dishwasher-safe. Bamboo steamers are a more traditional option, absorbing excess moisture and adding a subtle flavor, but require hand washing. Silicone steamers are also available and are known for their flexibility and non-stick properties.
Sizing It Up
Think about the size of your pots and pans. Measure the inside diameter of your cookware to ensure the steamer basket fits comfortably. Some steamer baskets are expandable, which adds more versatility.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Look for features that make cooking and cleaning easier. Features like heat-resistant handles are beneficial. Also, consider how easy the steamer is to clean; dishwasher-safe options will save you time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cookware can I use with a steamer basket?
Steamer baskets work best with pots and pans that have a tight-fitting lid. You can use them with saucepans, stockpots, and even woks. Ensure the steamer basket fits comfortably inside the chosen cookware, allowing space for water at the bottom.
What foods are best cooked in a steamer basket?
Steamer baskets are ideal for cooking vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. Steaming preserves nutrients and flavors, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes. Experiment with different foods like broccoli, salmon, or potstickers.
How do I prevent the steamer basket from rusting?
To prevent rust, thoroughly dry your steamer basket after each use, especially if its made of metal. Avoid storing it in a damp environment. Consider using a stainless steel steamer basket, which is more resistant to rust.
How much water should I put in the pot when steaming?
Add enough water to the pot so it reaches just below the steamer basket, typically about 1-2 inches. The water should not touch the food. Make sure to monitor the water level during cooking and add more if necessary to prevent the pot from boiling dry.
How do I clean a steamer basket?
After use, hand wash your steamer basket with warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge to remove any food residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing to prevent rust or mold growth.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, steaming offers a healthy and efficient cooking method. Our review highlighted the best steamer baskets available.
We found a stainless steel option that proved exceptionally durable and easy to clean. Another, a collapsible silicone model, excelled in compact storage. We also liked the bamboo steamer for its natural aesthetics.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs. Consider your cooking style, storage space, and preferred material when making your decision. Choose the steamer that best fits your kitchen and dietary goals.
Ready to upgrade your cooking? Explore the products and find your perfect steamer basket today!
I’m Emma J. Caldwell, the founder, lead writer, and home-cooking enthusiast behind KitchenGuideCo.com. With a background in culinary arts and over a decade of cooking experience in both professional and personal kitchens, I created this platform to demystify recipes, offer smart kitchen gadget reviews, and guide readers through meal prep with confidence and clarity.
