Introduction
An electric food steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to cook food using the power of steam. It consists of a base unit that houses a water reservoir, a heating element, and controls. The steamer also includes one or more steaming compartments. Also has baskets where the food is placed for cooking.
To use an electric food steamer, you fill the water reservoir with the recommended amount of water and turn on the device. The heating element then heats the water, creating steam that rises through the steaming compartments. The food placed in the baskets is cooked by hot steam. Which gently and evenly cooks the ingredients without the need for additional oils or fats.
One of the significant advantages of electric food steamers is their ability to retain the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of the food. Unlike other cooking methods that can cause nutrient loss, steaming helps preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients. It also provides a healthier cooking option as it requires minimal or no added fats. Its making it suitable for those looking to reduce calorie intake or follow a low-fat diet.
Electric food steamers are versatile and can cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, seafood, poultry, grains, and even desserts. Many steamers offer adjustable controls. Allowing you to set the cooking time and temperature according to the specific requirements of different ingredients. Some steamers also come with additional features like timers, keep-warm functions, and digital displays to enhance convenience and ease of use.
Types of Electric Food Steamer
Traditional Steamer: This type typically consists of a base unit with a water reservoir and multiple steaming baskets stacked on top. Each basket can steam different foods simultaneously.
Tiered Steamer: Similar to traditional steamers, tiered steamers have multiple layers or tiers of steaming baskets. They often have a compact design and are suitable for steaming smaller quantities of food.
Rice Cooker Steamer: These steamers combine the functionality of a rice cooker and a steamer. They have a dedicated rice cooking compartment and a separate steaming basket for cooking other foods.
Multi-Function Steamer: These steamers offer additional cooking functions apart from steaming, such as grilling, baking, and stewing. They often come with interchangeable cooking plates or compartments to accommodate different cooking methods.
Microwave Steamer: These steamers are designed to be used in a microwave oven. They typically include a microwave-safe container with a perforated lid or steaming basket.
Electric Pressure Cooker with Steaming Function: Some electric pressure cookers also feature a steaming function. These appliances allow you to cook under pressure as well as steam food using the same device.
Buying Guidance for Electric Food Steamer
Capacity: Determine the amount of food you typically cook or the number of servings you need. Electric food steamers come in various sizes, with different basket capacities. Consider whether you require a steamer with multiple tiers or compartments for cooking different foods simultaneously.
Features and Controls: Look for steamer models with intuitive controls and user-friendly features. Adjustable timers, digital displays, and preset cooking programs can enhance convenience and make it easier to achieve precise cooking results. Additional features like a keep-warm function or delayed start option can also be beneficial.
Steaming Performance: Check the steaming power and efficiency of the model. A powerful heating element and efficient steam distribution ensure quicker cooking times and even cooking results. Look for steamers with quick heat-up times and consistent steam production.
Durability and Build Quality: Consider the construction and materials of the steamer. Look for models made from durable materials, such as stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Ensure that the steaming baskets are sturdy and can withstand regular use.
Ease of Cleaning: Opt for steamers with removable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. Non-stick or stainless steel baskets are preferable to prevent food from sticking and simplify the cleaning process.
Safety Features: Look for steamer models with safety features such as automatic shut-off when the water reservoir is empty or overheating protection. These features can enhance safety and prevent accidents.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews: Research reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Read customer reviews and ratings to gain insights into the performance and durability of specific models.
Price and Warranty: Set a budget based on your requirements and compare prices across different brands and models. Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer to ensure protection against any defects or malfunctions.
6 Best Electric Food Steamer
Electric food steamers, such as the renowned brands Instant Pot, Cuisinart, and Hamilton Beach, offer a multitude of benefits for those seeking a convenient and healthy cooking experience. These appliances provide an efficient way to prepare food by using steam to retain essential nutrients and flavors, resulting in healthier and more delicious meals.
Electric food steamers are versatile, allowing users to steam a wide variety of ingredients like vegetables, fish, poultry, and grains, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Additionally, these brands are known for their durability, ease of use, and innovative features, making them reliable choices for anyone looking to enhance their culinary repertoire.
So here is a variety of electric food steamers from which you can select the best one which meets your desires.
Hamilton Beach Black
Two-Tier Stackable Bowls
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Two-Tier Stackable Bowls: The steamer comes with two separate steaming bowls that can stack on top of each other. This allows you to steam multiple types of food simultaneously, also saving time and energy.
5.5 Quart Capacity: With a generous capacity of 5.5 quarts. The steamer can accommodate large quantities of food, making it suitable for families or when cooking for guests.
Digital Controls: The steamer features a digital control panel with an easy-to-read display. This allows you to set precise cooking times and temperatures. Ensuring your food is cooked to perfection every time.
Delay Start and Keep Warm Functions: The steamer offers a delay start function. Which lets you program the cooking process to begin at a later time. This is convenient for meal planning or when you want your food to be ready at a specific time. Additionally, the keep warm function automatically switches on after cooking. Ensuring that your food stays warm until you’re ready to serve.
Versatile Cooking Options: In addition to steaming vegetables and seafood, the steamer also functions as a rice cooker. This versatility allows you to prepare a complete meal using a single appliance.
Healthy Cooking: Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps retain the nutrients, color, and texture of food. By using the Hamilton Beach Food Steamer, you can enjoy nutritious meals without added fats or oils.
Easy to Clean: The steamer’s two-tier bowls, as well as the rice bowl and drip tray, are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. The stainless steel exterior is also easy to wipe clean.
Compact Design: The steamer has a compact footprint, making it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. Its sleek black and stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
pros
- The steamer can steam a variety of vegetables and seafood, as well as function as a rice cooker. This versatility allows for a wide range of meal options.
- Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients, color, and texture of the food. It requires minimal oil or fat, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking methods.
- The two-tier bowls allow for the simultaneous cooking of different foods, saving time and energy.
- The digital control panel provides precise control over cooking times and temperatures, so it ensures accurate and consistent results.
- The delay start function allows for convenient meal planning. While the keep warm function ensures that the food remains hot and ready to serve.
cons
- While the steamer has a generous capacity. It may not be sufficient for very large gatherings or if you regularly cook large quantities of food.
- The steamer operates primarily through preset digital controls. Which may limit your ability to customize cooking times and temperatures.
- While the steamer can function as a rice cooker. It may not offer the same level of customization or advanced features as dedicated rice cookers.
Cuisinart STM-1000
Glass Steaming Chamber
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Digital Controls: The steamer features an easy-to-use digital control panel that allows you to set precise cooking times and temperatures. This ensures accurate and consistent results.
Glass Steaming Chamber: Unlike traditional steamers, the STM-1000 Cook Fresh utilizes a glass steaming chamber. This allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid, also preserving heat and steam. It also gives you a clear view of the food being steamed.
Large Capacity: With a one-size capacity, the steamer can accommodate generous amounts of food, and also making it suitable for families or when cooking for guests.
Multiple Cooking Functions: The steamer offers various cooking functions, including pre-programmed food settings such as vegetables, seafood, poultry, grains, and more. This simplifies the cooking process and ensures optimal results for different types of food.
Customizable Cooking: In addition to the pre-programmed settings. The steamer allows you to set your own cooking time and temperature, giving you more control over the cooking process.
Water Reservoir and Steam Vent: The steamer features a removable water reservoir. That can be filled during cooking. This eliminates the need to open the steamer and interrupt the cooking process. The steam vent ensures proper circulation of steam throughout the cooking chamber.
Quick Start Function: The Quick Start function allows the steamer to heat up rapidly, reducing waiting time and enabling faster cooking.
Stainless Steel Exterior: The steamer’s stainless steel exterior not only enhances its durability but also adds an elegant and modern look to your kitchen.
pros
- The glass steaming chamber allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid, preserving heat and steam. It also provides a clear view of the food being steamed.
- The one-size capacity of the steamer can accommodate generous amounts of food. It’s making it suitable for families or when cooking for guests.
- The steamer offers pre-programmed food settings for vegetables, seafood, poultry, grains, and more. It’s making it easy to cook a variety of foods.
- The steamer allows you to set your own cooking time and temperature, giving you more control over the cooking process. It’s allowing for personalized cooking preferences.
- The Quick Start function heats up the steamer rapidly, reducing waiting time and enabling faster cooking.
cons
- The Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh steamer is relatively more expensive than other traditional steamers.
- The steamer has a one-size capacity. It may not be sufficient for very large gatherings or if you regularly cook large quantities of food.
- The glass steaming chamber may be more susceptible to breakage compared to other steamer materials like plastic or stainless steel. Care should be taken to handle it gently.
Instant Pot Pro
Time and Energy Efficiency
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11-in-1 Functionality: This appliance combines the functionality of 11 different cooking methods. It includes pressure cooking, air frying, steaming, slow cooking, sautéing, and also dehydrating. It provides a versatile cooking experience and eliminates the need for multiple kitchen appliances.
Multicooker Lids: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp comes with two lids – an air fryer lid and a pressure cooker lid. The air fryer lid allows you to achieve crispy, golden results. While the pressure cooker lid provides the convenience of fast and efficient pressure cooking. The ability to switch between lids expands your cooking options.
Large Capacity: With an 8-quart capacity, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp can cook large quantities of food. So it’s making it suitable for families or when cooking for guests.
Precise Controls: The appliance features intuitive controls with a digital display. It allows you to easily adjust cooking settings, time, and temperature. This ensures accurate and consistent cooking results.
Free Recipe App: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp comes with a free app that offers a collection of 1900 recipes. The app provides inspiration and guidance for cooking various dishes. So it’s making it easier to explore new recipes and culinary creations.
Time and Energy Efficiency: The combination of pressure cooking and air frying allows for faster cooking times compared to traditional methods. This saves time and reduces energy consumption.
Easy to Clean: The inner pot, air fryer basket, and accessories are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleaning up a breeze.
Safety Features: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp is equipped with multiple safety features. Including lid detection, automatic pressure release, and also overheat protection. These features ensure safe and worry-free cooking.
Space-Saving Design: The 11-in-1 functionality of this appliance eliminates the need for multiple separate kitchen appliances, saving valuable counter space.
pros
- With 11 different cooking methods, including air frying, pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking, sautéing, and also dehydrating, this appliance offers a wide range of cooking options and versatility in the kitchen.
- The inclusion of both an air fryer lid and a pressure cooker lid allows you to switch between cooking methods and achieve different results. This expands your cooking capabilities and provides more flexibility.
- With an 8-quart capacity, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp can cook larger quantities of food, making it suitable for families or when cooking for a group of people.
- The appliance features easy-to-use controls with a digital display, so it’s allowing for precise adjustments in cooking settings, time, and temperature. This ensures accurate and consistent cooking results.
- The combination of pressure cooking and air frying allows for faster cooking times compared to traditional methods, saving both time and energy.
cons
- The 8-quart capacity of this appliance may be too large for individuals or smaller households who don’t need to cook large quantities of food.
- With multiple cooking functions and settings, there may be a learning curve to fully understand and utilize all the features of the appliance effectively.
- The Instant Pot Pro Crisp is generally more expensive than standalone air fryers or pressure cookers.
Classic Cuisine
Multi-Purpose Functionality
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Two-Tier Steaming: The steamer features two tiers, allowing you to cook multiple food items simultaneously. This saves time and energy by cooking different foods in one go.
Healthy Cooking: Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps retain the nutrients, flavors, and colors of the food. The Classic Cuisine Food Steamer ensures that you can prepare healthy and delicious meals without the need for added oils or fats.
Multi-Purpose Functionality: This appliance serves as both a steamer and a rice cooker, providing versatility in your cooking options. It allows you to steam a variety of foods such as vegetables, fish, dumplings, eggs, and more, while also being capable of cooking rice.
Large Capacity: With a 6.3-quart capacity, the steamer can accommodate generous amounts of food, making it suitable for families or when cooking for guests.
Clear Design: The steamer is made from clear materials. Allowing you to easily monitor the cooking process without having to open the lid. This helps to preserve heat and steam, so it’s ensuring optimal cooking results.
Easy-to-Use Controls: The steamer features user-friendly controls that make it easy to set cooking times and temperatures. This ensures that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
Timer Function: The built-in timer allows you to set the desired cooking time, and the steamer will automatically shut off when the timer expires. This prevents overcooking and ensures convenience in meal preparation.
Affordable Option: The Classic Cuisine Food Steamer and Rice Cooker provides a cost-effective solution for those looking to add a steamer and rice cooker to their kitchen without purchasing two separate appliances.
pros
- This appliance serves as both a food steamer and a rice cooker, providing versatility in your cooking options. You can prepare a variety of foods such as vegetables, fish, dumplings, eggs, and more.
- The two-tier design allows you to cook different foods simultaneously, saving time and energy. It’s convenient for preparing complete meals with multiple components.
- Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps retain the nutrients, flavors, and colors of the food. The Classic Cuisine Food Steamer allows you to cook your meals in a healthy and oil-free manner.
- With a 6.3-quart capacity, the steamer can accommodate generous amounts of food, making it suitable for families or when cooking for guests.
- The transparent design of the steamer allows you to easily monitor the cooking process without opening the lid. This helps to preserve heat and steam while keeping an eye on the food.
cons
- While the steamer has a large capacity for steaming food, the rice cooking capacity may not be sufficient for larger quantities or when cooking for a large group.
- Unlike some other models, this steamer does not offer additional cooking functions like slow cooking or sautéing.
- The steamer does not have a delay start function, which means you cannot set it to start cooking at a specific time in the future.
Nesco ST-25F
Even Steam Distribution
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Capacity: With a 5-quart capacity, the steamer can accommodate a moderate amount of food, making it suitable for individuals or small families.
Transparent Design: The steamer has a clear exterior, allowing you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid. This helps in preserving heat and steam, ensuring optimal cooking results.
Two-Tier Steaming: The steamer comes with two tiers, enabling you to cook different foods simultaneously. This saves time and energy by allowing you to prepare complete meals with multiple components at once.
Even Steam Distribution: The steamer is designed to distribute steam evenly across the tiers. Ensuring uniform cooking of all the food items. This results in consistent and well-cooked meals.
Easy-to-Use Controls: The steamer features simple and intuitive controls, making it easy to set cooking times and temperatures. This ensures convenience and precise cooking.
Water Reservoir: The steamer has a water reservoir that provides continuous steam during the cooking process. This eliminates the need for constant monitoring and refilling of water.
Quick Heating: The 400-watt power of the steamer allows it to heat up quickly, reducing waiting time and enabling faster cooking.
Easy to Clean: The removable tiers and drip tray are dishwasher safe, making cleaning up a breeze. The clear design also helps in identifying any areas that require cleaning.
Healthy Cooking: Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps retain the nutrients, flavors, and colors of the food. The Nesco ST-25F Food Steamer allows you to cook your meals in a healthy and oil-free manner.
Space-Saving Design: The compact size of the steamer makes it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space.
pros
- With a 5-quart capacity, the steamer is suitable for individuals or small families, providing enough space to steam a moderate amount of food.
- The clear exterior allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid, ensuring that you can keep an eye on the progress of your food.
- The two-tier design enables you to steam different foods simultaneously, saving time and energy. It’s convenient for preparing complete meals with multiple components.
- The steamer is designed to distribute steam evenly across the tiers. Ensuring that all the food is cooked consistently and thoroughly.
- The 400-watt power of the steamer allows it to heat up quickly, reducing waiting time and enabling faster cooking.
cons
- The 5-quart capacity may not be sufficient for larger families or when cooking larger quantities of food.
- The steamer does not feature digital controls, which may be a drawback for users who prefer precise and programmable settings.
- The steamer focuses solely on steaming and does not offer additional cooking functions such as rice cooking or slow cooking.
Presto 06009
Adjustable Temperature Control
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Large Capacity: With a 10-quart capacity, this multi-cooker can handle large quantities of food, making it suitable for cooking for larger families or when entertaining guests.
Multi-Purpose Functionality: The Kitchen Kettle XL serves as a steamer and multi-cooker, offering a range of cooking options. It can be used for steaming, boiling, frying, stewing, roasting, and more, providing versatility in the kitchen.
Adjustable Temperature Control: The multi-cooker features an adjustable temperature control, allowing you to set the desired cooking temperature according to your recipe’s requirements. This ensures precise cooking results.
Quick Heating: The multi-cooker is designed to heat up quickly, reducing the waiting time and allowing for faster cooking.
Easy-to-Use Controls: The controls on the multi-cooker are simple and straightforward, making them easy to operate. This ensures convenience and ease of use for all users.
Removable Steaming Basket: The steamer comes with a removable steaming basket that makes it easy to steam vegetables, seafood, and other foods. The basket can be lifted out for easy access and serving.
Easy to Clean: The multi-cooker has a non-stick surface, which makes cleaning up a breeze. The removable components, such as the steaming basket and lid, are also dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
Versatile Cooking Options: The multi-cooker's wide range of cooking functions allow you to prepare a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to fried foods and more. It eliminates the need for multiple appliances, saving kitchen space and reducing clutter.
Durable Construction: The Kitchen Kettle XL features durable construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Space-Saving Design: Despite its large capacity, the multi-cooker has a compact design that helps save counter space in your kitchen.
pros
- The 10-quart capacity allows for cooking large quantities of food, making it suitable for families or when cooking for a group.
- The multi-cooker offers a range of cooking functions, including steaming, boiling, frying, stewing, and roasting. It eliminates the need for multiple appliances, saving space in the kitchen.
- The adjustable temperature control allows for precise cooking. And ensures that your food is cooked to the desired level.
- The multi-cooker heats up quickly, reducing the waiting time and allowing for faster cooking.
- The controls on the multi-cooker are user-friendly and straightforward, making them easy to operate.
cons
- Some users may find that the temperature range is not sufficient for certain cooking methods or recipes that require very high or low temperatures.
- The multi-cooker does not have a built-in timer, so you need to monitor the cooking time manually.
- The large capacity of the multi-cooker means that it is relatively larger and heavier compared to smaller kitchen appliances, which may require more storage space.