Best Places To Buy Steamers For Cooking

There are a variety of options for purchasing a steamer for cooking, with different types of steamers available on the market. You can choose between stovetop and electric steamers, with the latter offering more convenience and ease of use. Electric steamers are widely available at popular retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Here are some specific product recommendations for cooking steamers:

- Hamilton Beach 37530A Digital Food Steamer (available on Amazon and Walmart)

- Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer (available on Amazon)

- Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker (available on Walmart)

- Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Steamer Insert (available on Amazon and Wayfair)

- BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer (available on Amazon)

- OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer (available on Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot)

- Hamilton Beach 5.5-Quart Digital Steamer (available on Best Buy)

- Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer (available on Best Buy)

Where to buy a steamer for cooking online

There are many online retailers where you can buy a steamer for cooking. Here are some options:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of food steamers, including:

• BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids and Stackable Baskets
• Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer
• OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer for Cooking Vegetables
• Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer & Rice Cooker
• Elite Gourmet EST250 2.5 Quart Electric Compact Mini Food Vegetable Steamer
• Secura Electric Food Steamer, Vegetable Double Tiered Stackable Baskets with Timer
• BUYDEEM G553 5-Quart Electric Food Steamer
• Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked) Pot-Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer

Walmart

Walmart also offers a variety of food steamers, such as:

• Kalorik 4.8 Quart White Ceramic Steamer with Steaming Rack
• Hamilton Beach 5.5-Quart Digital Steamer
• Vegetable Steamer Rice Cooker- 6.3 Quart Electric Steam Appliance
• Ovente Electric Food Steamer 5 Quart with 2 Tier Stackable BPA-Free Baskets
• Stainless Steel Bamboo Food Steamer Premium Buns Dumplings Steamer
• Ovente Electric Food Steamer 7.5 Quart with 3 Tier Stackable Portable BPA-Free Baskets

The Spruce Eats

The Spruce Eats provides reviews and recommendations for various food steamers, with links to purchase them on Amazon and Walmart. Some of the steamers featured include:

• Hamilton Beach 37530A Digital Food Steamer
• Caraway Steamer
• Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer
• Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker
• Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Steamer Insert
• Bella Food Steamer
• OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer
• Mister Kitchenware 10 Inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer
• Progressive Prep Solutions Microwave Fish & Vegetable Steamer

You can visit these websites to explore the various food steamer options and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Where to buy a steamer for cooking in-store

There are a number of options for purchasing a steamer for cooking in-store. Big-box stores like Walmart and Best Buy carry a variety of steamers, both electric and stovetop, that can be purchased in-store. Additionally, some online retailers like Amazon may have physical stores where you can purchase their products in person.

Walmart offers a range of affordable options, including the Kalorik 4.8-quart ceramic steamer with a steaming rack, available in white or black, for $41.99. They also carry the Hamilton Beach 5.5-quart digital steamer, which is highly rated and available for $59.99.

Best Buy has a variety of steamers available, including the Proctor Silex 6-cup rice cooker and steamer for $24.99 and the Hamilton Beach 5.5-quart digital steamer in silver for $49.99. They also carry the Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer in stainless steel for $159.99.

If you're looking for a more traditional option, you can find bamboo steamers at retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Amazon offers the Mister Kitchenware 10-inch handmade bamboo steamer for $20, which includes two stacking steamer baskets and a domed lid.

For those seeking a more compact option, stores like Walmart and Best Buy offer foldable or collapsible silicone steamers that can be placed in a pot or electric pressure cooker. Best Buy has the OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer for $9, while Walmart offers a similar product for $12.99.

When purchasing a steamer in-store, it's important to consider your specific needs, such as the type of food you'll be steaming, the quantity, and the available space for storage.

Types of steamers for cooking

Steamers are available in a variety of types and materials, including glass, plastic, silicone, bamboo, stainless steel, and clay. They can be electric or stovetop, and come in various sizes, from compact countertop models to extra-large kettles. Here is a list of the different types of steamers for cooking:

• Electric Steamers: These are stand-alone appliances that use electricity to heat water in a chamber, creating steam that cooks food. They are easy to use, offer precise temperature control, and often come with multiple stackable trays for cooking different foods simultaneously.
• Stovetop Steamers: These are inserts that fit into or on top of a saucepan or pot. They are usually made of stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo and sit in the bottom of the pot with the food placed inside. Stovetop steamers are more affordable and don't take up counter space, but they may not be as convenient as electric steamers.
• Steam Kettles: These are large stainless steel pots that use steam to heat and cook food. They can be jacketed (with a double-wall design) or non-jacketed, relying on direct steam for cooking. Steam kettles are popular in commercial kitchens for their ability to cook large batches of food evenly and quickly.
• Microwave Steamers: These steamers are designed to be used in microwaves and are perfect for quickly cooking small portions of food while preserving their moisture and nutrients.
• Pressure Steamers: Pressure steamers cook food at temperatures above the boiling point of water, resulting in faster cooking times. They are energy-efficient and ideal for busy kitchens that need to produce large quantities of food.
• Convection Steamers: Convection steamers use a combination of steam and hot air to cook food evenly and quickly. They are versatile and suitable for cooking a variety of menu items, making them a good choice for busy restaurants, cafeterias, and catering businesses.
• Ceramic Steamers: Ceramic steamers, such as the traditional Japanese donabe, are made of clay and provide even and moist heat for cooking food. They require more care and attention than electric steamers but can add a unique flavour to your dishes.
• Bamboo Steamers: Bamboo steamers are traditional for cooking Chinese dumplings and dim sum. They are made of natural bamboo and often come with stacking baskets, a domed lid, and chopsticks for serving. Bamboo absorbs excess moisture and imparts a subtle flavour to the food.

How to clean a steamer for cooking

To clean a steamer, you must first ensure that it is cool to the touch. Then, remove any removable parts, such as bowls, trays, and lids, and wash them either by hand or in the dishwasher, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

If your steamer has developed a cloudy appearance due to mineral buildup, you will need to descale it. To do this, fill the steamer with white vinegar instead of water and let it run for a cycle. Alternatively, you can soak the removable components in a mixture of hot water and vinegar for several hours or overnight before washing them by hand.

It is worth noting that bamboo steamers can be more challenging to clean than those made from other materials. To clean a bamboo steamer, start by rinsing it thoroughly with cold water to remove any food residue. If necessary, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime. Finally, wipe the steamer dry with a clean cloth and allow it to air dry completely before storing it.

How to use a steamer for cooking

There are several ways to steam food, and a variety of steamers to choose from. You can use a stove-top steamer or an electric steamer.

Stove-top steamers

Stove-top steamers can be a simple set-up using a pot or wok with a lid, a heat-proof dish, and something to prop up the dish above the water, like a metal steam rack or a clean metal can. You can also use a steamer basket, which is inserted directly into a pot or pan and used on the stove or in the microwave. Another option is a bamboo steamer, which is placed in a wok with enough water to reach the bottom rim of the steamer.

Electric steamers

Electric steamers are standalone appliances that do the work for you. You add water and food, close and lock the lid, and select the appropriate setting. Some electric steamers have multiple tiers that allow you to cook different foods at the same time.

Tips for steaming

• Don't add too much water. For a steam basket on the stove, add one or two inches of water to the pot.
• Boil the water first before adding your food.
• Don't steam for too long. Steaming vegetables usually only takes a few minutes.
• Enhance the steam by using stock and herbs instead of plain water.
• Make sure the seal is airtight so that the steam touches the food.
• Prepare the food before steaming by adding herbs, spices, or garlic.

Steamer shopping

When shopping for a steamer, consider how much food you want to steam at once, whether you want an electric or stove-top model, and what type of material you prefer (e.g. glass, plastic, silicone, bamboo, stainless steel).

Steamer examples

• BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer with Dishwasher Safe Lids and Stackable Baskets & Removable Base for Fast Simultaneous Cooking - available on Amazon
• Hamilton Beach 5.5-Quart Digital Steamer - available at Walmart and Amazon
• OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer - available at Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot
• Mister Kitchenware 10 Inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer - available at Amazon and Walmart

Frequently asked questions