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10 Best Food Steamers 2025 in the United States

Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer, One Size, Stainless Steel

Capacity: 5-liter
Number of Tiers: 1
Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
Timer and Controls: LCD control panel, 60-minute timer
Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher safe pot
Additional Features: BPA-free, 3-year warranty, glass lid

Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer, 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
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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
9.8
Chosen by1,413
Ease of Cleaning
Timer and Controls

Most important from
62230 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
9.8
Chosen by1,413
Ease of Cleaning
Timer and Controls

Most important from
62230 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

BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker, RC506, 3-cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch

Rating
9.6
Material
Timer and Controls
Additional Features

Most important from
54349 reviews

Material
The nonstick surface is delicate, so be sure to use only soft, non-abrasive cleaning tools to avoid scratching.
Timer and Controls
The automatic keep-warm feature is handy, but it's important to monitor the cooker after the cooking cycle to avoid overcooking.
Additional Features
The included steaming basket is a great addition, allowing for simultaneous cooking of rice and vegetables or other foods.

The BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker (RC506) offers a convenient way to prepare rice and steam food with its user-friendly design. With a capacity of up to 6 cups of cooked rice, it's versatile enough for both small and large meals. The automatic keep-warm feature ensures that your rice stays ready to serve, which is particularly handy for busy kitchens.

The included food steaming basket allows you to cook vegetables, fish, and other healthy options simultaneously, making meal preparation more efficient. The nonstick, removable rice pot is easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher, simplifying post-cooking cleanup. The one-touch operation makes it easy to use, even for those who are not familiar with kitchen gadgets.

However, this rice cooker has some limitations. With a wattage of 300W, it may not cook as quickly as more powerful models, and its manual controls might lack the advanced settings some users might prefer. The plastic material, while lightweight, may not be as durable as other materials. Additionally, the measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker should be used specifically for measuring rice, as it doesn't correspond to a standard cup size. Despite these minor drawbacks, the BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker is a practical and reliable option for those looking to cook rice and steam food with minimal hassle.

Rating
9.6
Material
Timer and Controls
Additional Features

Most important from
54349 reviews

Material
The nonstick surface is delicate, so be sure to use only soft, non-abrasive cleaning tools to avoid scratching.
Timer and Controls
The automatic keep-warm feature is handy, but it's important to monitor the cooker after the cooking cycle to avoid overcooking.
Additional Features
The included steaming basket is a great addition, allowing for simultaneous cooking of rice and vegetables or other foods.
#3

Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer, One Size, Stainless Steel

Rating
9.3
Capacity
Material
Timer and Controls

Most important from
2701 reviews

Capacity
Spacious enough to cook a variety of ingredients simultaneously, from rice and vegetables to meat and seafood.
Material
Durable and long-lasting quality, with users reporting over 5 years of reliable use.
Timer and Controls
A kitchen essential for multitasking, with a timer that prevents food from burning or becoming soggy.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean, with components like the glass bowl, lid, and metal tray being simple to rinse and maintain.
Additional Features
A classy, modern, and elegant piece that is compact enough for easy storage or countertop display.

The Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer is a versatile appliance with a 5-liter glass pot that can handle family-sized portions of various foods like vegetables, fish, chicken, and rice. The product's powerful steam system, delivering steam from the top down, and five pre-programmed food settings make it convenient for cooking a variety of dishes.

The stainless steel material combined with the glass pot not only gives it a sleek look but also makes it durable and easy to clean, as the pot is dishwasher safe. The inclusion of an LCD control panel with start/stop, pause, and reheat buttons, as well as a 60-minute countdown timer, enhances user convenience.

Additionally, the glass lid with a stainless steel rim and a steaming tray that can be flipped to hold different types of food are thoughtful features that add to its flexibility. The BPA-free construction and a limited 3-year warranty provide additional peace of mind for users. Despite its weight of 15.75 pounds and single-tier design, the steamer's robust functionality, ease of use, and cleaning features make it a strong contender for those looking to prepare healthy meals efficiently.

Rating
9.3
Capacity
Material
Timer and Controls

Most important from
2701 reviews

Capacity
Spacious enough to cook a variety of ingredients simultaneously, from rice and vegetables to meat and seafood.
Material
Durable and long-lasting quality, with users reporting over 5 years of reliable use.
Timer and Controls
A kitchen essential for multitasking, with a timer that prevents food from burning or becoming soggy.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean, with components like the glass bowl, lid, and metal tray being simple to rinse and maintain.
Additional Features
A classy, modern, and elegant piece that is compact enough for easy storage or countertop display.

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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