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10 Best Food Steamers 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker Pot with 10 Smart Cooking Modes, Including Sauté-then-Simmer®

Capacity: 5 Quarts
Material: Aluminum
Timer and Controls: 15-hour delay timer, 10-hour programmable
Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts, non-stick coating
Additional Features: 10 cooking modes, Sauté-then-Simmer tech

Chosen by 1252 this week

Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer, MSC-600 NAS, Silver

Capacity: 6 Quarts
Material: Stainless Steel
Timer and Controls: Programmable, Push Button, Touch
Ease of Cleaning: Nonstick pot, manual cleaning recommended
Additional Features: Large LCD, one-touch mode, glass lid

BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker, RC516, 8-Cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch

Capacity: 16 Cups
Number of Tiers: 1
Material: Plastic, Glass
Timer and Controls: One-touch, two heat settings, keep-warm
Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher safe, removable bowl
Additional Features: Keep warm, non-stick, indicator light
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker Pot with 10 Smart Cooking Modes, Including Sauté-then-Simmer®

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,252
Ease of Cleaning
Timer and Controls

Most important from
1076 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
This machine cleans up beautifully, it leaves no rice on the bottom of the pot.
Timer and Controls
It is very difficult to see the water line markings on the inside of the pot.

The Aroma Housewares Professional 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that excels in capacity and functionality. With a 5-quart capacity, it can handle up to 20 cups of cooked food, making it ideal for families or hosting parties. The multi-functionality includes 10 smart cooking modes, which simplify the process of cooking rice, grains, soup, oatmeal, and even cake, thanks to the built-in smart sensors.

Additionally, the Sauté-then-Simmer (STS) technology allows for high-heat searing followed by automatic simmering, which is perfect for one-pot meals. The 15-hour delay timer and up to 10-hour programmable slow cooking on high or low heat provide great flexibility for meal planning. Cleaning is straightforward since all removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the non-stick coating prevents food from sticking.

However, at 6 pounds, the unit is relatively heavy, and the aluminum material may not be as durable as other higher-end options. The product also requires hand washing for optimal care, which might be a drawback for those who prefer fully dishwasher-safe appliances. If you are looking for a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can handle large quantities of food efficiently, this Aroma Housewares model is a strong contender.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,252
Ease of Cleaning
Timer and Controls

Most important from
1076 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
This machine cleans up beautifully, it leaves no rice on the bottom of the pot.
Timer and Controls
It is very difficult to see the water line markings on the inside of the pot.
#2

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice and Slow Cooker & Food Steamer, 20 Cups Cooked (10 Cups Uncooked), 14 Pre-Programmed Settings for Sear Sauté, Hot Cereal, Soup, Nonstick Pot, Stainless Steel (37571MN)

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Additional Features
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
20698 reviews

Capacity
This cooker handles a huge 20 cups of rice, perfect for families or meal prepping without compromise.
Additional Features
It’s not just a rice cooker — it slow cooks, sautés, sears, steams, and even prepares hot cereal and veggies, making it incredibly versatile.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe nonstick inner pot, saving time and effort.

The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice and Slow Cooker & Food Steamer is a versatile appliance capable of steaming as well as cooking rice, slow cooking, and sautéing. It features a large 4.5-quart capacity, allowing it to cook up to 20 cups of rice, which suits families or meal prepping needs. It includes a steaming basket for steaming vegetables and other foods alongside rice. The stainless steel design and dishwasher-safe, nonstick ceramic pot contribute to ease of cleaning.

This cooker offers 14 pre-programmed settings covering various rice types, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming. It also includes a delay start feature that enables meals to be timed up to 15 hours in advance, along with a keep-warm function to maintain food temperature after cooking. Operating at 700 watts, the cooker is energy efficient and compact enough for most kitchens. Accessories such as a rice paddle and measuring cup add to its user-friendliness.

This product is suited for users looking for a multi-use cooker that combines steaming with rice cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. It provides meal flexibility and easy cleanup, making it practical for varied cooking needs.

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Additional Features
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
20698 reviews

Capacity
This cooker handles a huge 20 cups of rice, perfect for families or meal prepping without compromise.
Additional Features
It’s not just a rice cooker — it slow cooks, sautés, sears, steams, and even prepares hot cereal and veggies, making it incredibly versatile.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe nonstick inner pot, saving time and effort.
#3

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518)

Rating
7.9
Capacity
Timer and Controls
Additional Features

Most important from
20698 reviews

Capacity
This unit is perfect for one or two people and handles a variety of cooking tasks with ease.
Timer and Controls
The appliance is straightforward, making cooking and food preparation faster and simpler.
Additional Features
Despite lacking a dedicated sauté button, it can still be used to sauté by adjusting the steam setting.

The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines rice cooking and steaming in one unit. With an 8-cup cooked rice capacity (4 cups uncooked), it suits small to medium families well, allowing you to prepare enough rice or grains for several people. The steamer uses a single tier steam/rinse basket that doubles as a colander, which is convenient for rinsing rice or steaming vegetables and seafood simultaneously, making it ideal for quick, healthy one-pot meals.

Its stainless steel body paired with a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick removable pot ensures durability and safer cooking, while the dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup straightforward. The digital controls are user-friendly, with preprogrammed settings for white rice, whole grains, and hot cereal, plus a timer and automatic keep-warm function for ease of use, even if you're not a kitchen pro. However, it only has one steaming tier, so if you want to steam multiple foods separately at the same time, this could be a limitation. The lid is plastic, which might feel less sturdy compared to metal lids on some other models.

This cooker/steamer combo is well suited for those seeking a simple and reliable appliance without extra complexity or large capacity needs.

Rating
7.9
Capacity
Timer and Controls
Additional Features

Most important from
20698 reviews

Capacity
This unit is perfect for one or two people and handles a variety of cooking tasks with ease.
Timer and Controls
The appliance is straightforward, making cooking and food preparation faster and simpler.
Additional Features
Despite lacking a dedicated sauté button, it can still be used to sauté by adjusting the steam setting.

Buying Guide for the Best Food Steamers

Choosing the right food steamer can make a big difference in your cooking experience, allowing you to prepare healthy and delicious meals with ease. When selecting a food steamer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a steamer that suits your cooking habits and preferences.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of food the steamer can hold at one time. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook in a single session. Steamers come in various sizes, typically ranging from small (1-2 liters) to large (over 10 liters). If you usually cook for one or two people, a smaller capacity steamer will suffice. For larger families or if you like to meal prep, a larger capacity steamer would be more suitable. Consider your typical cooking volume to choose the right capacity.
Number of TiersThe number of tiers in a food steamer indicates how many separate compartments it has for steaming different foods simultaneously. This is important for cooking multiple items at once without mixing flavors. Steamers usually have between one to three tiers. If you often cook a variety of foods at the same time, a steamer with more tiers will be beneficial. For simpler meals or single-item steaming, a single-tier steamer will be adequate. Think about your cooking style and the complexity of your meals when deciding on the number of tiers.
MaterialThe material of the steamer affects its durability, heat distribution, and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, plastic, and bamboo. Stainless steel steamers are durable, easy to clean, and distribute heat evenly, making them a popular choice. Plastic steamers are lightweight and often more affordable, but may not last as long. Bamboo steamers are traditional and add a unique flavor to food, but require more care. Choose a material based on your preference for durability, maintenance, and cooking style.
Timer and ControlsTimers and controls allow you to set the cooking time and adjust the steaming process. This is important for achieving precise cooking results and convenience. Basic steamers may have manual dials, while more advanced models offer digital controls and preset programs. If you prefer simplicity, a manual timer will be sufficient. For more control and ease of use, look for a steamer with digital controls and preset options. Consider how much control you want over the cooking process when choosing the timer and controls.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is an important factor because it affects how much effort you need to put into maintaining your steamer. Some steamers have dishwasher-safe parts, while others require hand washing. Steamers with fewer parts and simple designs are generally easier to clean. If you want to minimize cleaning time, look for a steamer with dishwasher-safe components and a straightforward design. Think about your willingness to clean and maintain the steamer when making your choice.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a food steamer. These may include features like a keep-warm function, water level indicator, or automatic shut-off. These features are important for improving the overall user experience and ensuring safety. If you value convenience and extra functionality, look for steamers with these additional features. Consider which features will be most useful to you based on your cooking habits and preferences.

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