We Tested Caraway's New Steamer Set

Tested by Rachel Trujillo for Food Network Kitchen

You can definitely make do without a steamer basket in your kitchen, but if you’ve overlooked this basic kitchen gadget because you’re either low on storage space or don’t think you’ll get enough use out of it, this new addition from Caraway just might change your mind.

When we first got our hands on Caraway's Steamer Duo, we were pleased to find they were storage-friendly and just as versatile as we hoped. The set, which includes one large and one small steamer that fit into the brand’s saucepan and Dutch oven, respectively, are coated in the same non-toxic, non-stick ceramic we’ve come to love. The steamer baskets are designed to accommodate the same lids as the pans they fit on, which is a huge plus for easy nesting storage, and, when paired with the cookware, they make for even more versatility in your kitchen.

In testing these baskets out, we steamed vegetables including broccoli and sweet potatoes, and dumplings, checking how well sticky foods released from the bottom and getting an idea of the gadget’s overall functionality. To no surprise, the ceramic coating resulted in easy-release dumplings without the use of a liner and continues to be a breeze to clean regardless of use. We also found that the design created a tight enough seal between the steamer and the pan, so water never escaped or bubbled out, and the durable design heated up and cooked our food quickly and evenly, specifically when steaming potatoes. While other steamer pots can be light and flimsy, we appreciated how sturdy this version is — they’re almost reminiscent of a pasta pot and can definitely double as a colander.

In keeping with the brand's promise of functional storage, the steamers came with a simple drawstring bag, which is helpful if you're storing your pots and pans in the vertical holder provided by Caraway. If you prefer to keep everything stacked together, the bag can also be used as a produce bag, according to the brand — a win for those looking for more sustainable brands.

Though we did find the performance of the Steamer Duo to be impressive, the price tag feels a bit steep at $120 for a set of two or $55 (small) and $65 (large) if purchasing them separately. We also don't love that purchasing the set doesn't bring the price per item down at all — it's simply for convenience in your shopping cart. When you can buy a pop-up steamer basket for just $30 or less, the price of Caraway's steamers get a bit tough to justify.

Bottom Line: If you already own a Caraway Cookware Set, adding a set of these steamers to your kitchen cabinets might be worth it.

Overall, these steamers were the quality we’ve come to expect from Caraway, and they’ve added additional functionality to cookware that has already become a go-to in our kitchens. However, if you're working on a tighter budget, we might recommend a more affordable steamer option for your kitchen.