8 Best Vegetable Steamers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
This unsung hero of the kitchen can help you cook better vegetables, dumplings, seafood and more with minimal effort.
Taylor Murray
Tested by Taylor Murray
Steaming is a great way to cook meat and vegetables without introducing any fat or oil. Most people think of steamers as single-purpose gadgets, but they cover a surprisingly wide range of products, from bamboo trays perfect for dim sum to electric machines that can prepare an entire crab boil at the push of a button. While all steamers rely on the same basic principle, their capacity, convenience and versatility can vary dramatically.
A good steamer can help get dinner on the table faster, producing crisp-tender vegetables and delicate seafood with very little effort. Compared to boiling, steaming helps vegetables retain brighter color and reduces the risk of waterlogging. Depending on the style you choose, a steamer can also save valuable stovetop space or make hands-off cooking easier on busy weeknights.
To find the best vegetable steamers, we tested a variety of models, including stovetop baskets, stainless steel inserts, microwave steamers and more. After weeks of testing, these were the food steamers that stood out from the rest.
Our Top Vegetable Steamer Picks
Taylor Murray
How We Tested
Before testing, we researched food steamers across multiple categories, including stovetop baskets, stainless-steel inserts, electric machines, bamboo trays and microwave models. We selected products across a wide range of price points and design types to determine which offered the best combination of performance, convenience and value.
Fresh Vegetables Test: To start, we used the steamers to cook a basic vegetable: broccoli. When supplied, we followed the manufacturer's instructions for cooking time. After cooking, we recorded cook times and evaluated how evenly the broccoli cooked, whether it retained its bright green color, and whether the texture remained crisp-tender or became mushy. For multi-tier models, we also noted any difference in cooking performance between levels.
Frozen Dumplings Test: Next, we prepared frozen dumplings in each steamer. After cooking, we tested the dumplings for evenness, cold spots, gummy texture, ripped or stuck dough, and overall texture.
Functionality Test: Throughout testing, we evaluated setup, ease of use, lid design, handle comfort, stability and overall user experience. We also considered how intuitive each product felt and whether any special features genuinely improved performance.
After cooking, we ran those that were dishwasher-safe through a cycle and hand-washed the rest, noting any tricky spots or areas that harbored residue.
Steaming Tips From Our Experts
- Doubles as a colander
- Collapsible design saves storage space
- Dishwasher-safe
- Fits a wide range of pots
- Requires a separate pot and lid
- Not ideal for steaming multiple foods at once
This steamer from Crate and Barrel is both a colander and a steamer, earning our top spot due to performance, versatility and value. The silicone body collapses flat for storage, making it one of the easiest steamers in our lineup to tuck into a crowded cabinet. Stainless steel handles provide durability and allow it to fit securely over a variety of pot sizes.
In testing, it delivered excellent results across the board. The broccoli steamed in just three minutes and emerged evenly cooked with a bright, vibrant green color and tender yet crisp texture. During our frozen dumpling test, the basket accommodated nearly a dozen dumplings at once, all cooked evenly. The silicone-coated handles remained cool enough to comfortably grab during cooking, as long as we used a low flame under the pot. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of fancier steamers, this one can do the job well at a great price.
- Type Stovetop basket
- Capacity 3 quarts
- Material Silicone and stainless steel
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- Very affordable
- Dishwasher-safe
- Attractive flower-inspired design
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Limited capacity
- Folding petals don't always open smoothly
- Less durable than stainless steel
You don't have to spend much money to get excellent steaming results. The Joseph Joseph Bloom steamer combines design and affordability without compromising performance. Unlike traditional metal steamer baskets, this colorful model has a flower-inspired design made from BPA-free polypropylene and silicone. The folding petals allow it to adapt to pot sizes ranging from seven to 10 inches across. It's lightweight, easy to store and adds a bit more personality to the kitchen than the typical utilitarian steamer.
During testing, it performed every bit as well as more expensive options. Broccoli cooked evenly in just three minutes, retaining its bright green color and tender texture. Frozen dumplings cooked in just under six minutes without cold spots, sticking or texture issues. The center handle stayed mostly cool during cooking, unlike other metal baskets that had to be handled with a towel. The folding petals occasionally required a little encouragement to fully open or close, though that isn't a deal-breaker for the low price and overall great performance.
- Type Stovetop basket
- Capacity Approximately 1 pint
- Material BPA-free polypropylene and silicone
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Universal fit accommodates 2-, 3- and 4-quart saucepans
- Comes with glass lid
- Lightweight yet durable
- Handles get extremely hot
- Some foods may stick to steaming surface
- Does not collapse for storage
Stainless steel inserts are designed to work with the saucepan you already own. The Anolon Classic is a smart option that works with a range of saucepan sizes. It comes with its own lid and a sturdy stainless-steel design that won't wear out quickly. While this type of steamer isn't as easy to store as some collapsible alternatives, the stainless steel construction is far more durable and crafted to last decades. The glass lid lets you peer into the pot to check on your food while it cooks, a handy feature that prevents overcooking.
Performance during testing was consistently strong. Broccoli cooked in about three minutes, emerging evenly cooked with a nice color. Frozen dumplings cooked in just six minutes, with tender wrappers and moist fillings that avoided both gumminess and sogginess. Capacity was the biggest limitation, as we could only steam about five dumplings at a time.
- Type Stovetop insert
- Capacity Approximately 2.5 quarts
- Material Stainless steel with glass lid
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- Large enough to cook a complete meal
- Excellent steaming performance
- Preprogrammed settings and customizable timer
- Clear glass construction makes monitoring progress easy
- Three year warranty
- Large footprint requires a dedicated storage space
- Heavier than most steamers
- More expensive than most other options on the market
Steam food without worrying about overcooking or running out of water with this dependable option from Cuisinart. Built with a water reservoir and digital timer, the Cookfresh Digital Glass Food Steamer takes as much of the guesswork out of steaming as possible. The large glass cooking vessel is plastic-free and stylish, able to easily transfer from machine to stovetop. Thanks to the built-in "keep warm" setting, you can prep corn on the cob or brown rice ahead of time without stressing about serving everything at the exact moment it's finished cooking.
In testing, the steamer was easy to use and came with a handy booklet full of time and prep guidelines for cooking a wide variety of dishes. Following the included timing, broccoli emerged bright green and evenly tender, with only the smallest florets cooking slightly softer than the largest pieces. We never needed to refill the water tank during testing, and the clear glass construction allowed us to watch the food as it cooked. While its large footprint means it requires dedicated storage space, its combination of thoughtful features, generous capacity and reliable performance made it our favorite electric steamer.
- Type Electric food steamer
- Capacity 5 liters
- Material Glass steaming vessel, stainless steel tray, plastic and brushed steel base
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes (steaming pot and lid)
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- Affordable
- Large capacity
- Can cook grains
- Delay-start and keep warm functions
- Relatively lightweight
- Plastic construction feels less durable than other models
- Assembly is tricky
- Bulky to store
If you love the idea of an electric steamer but hate the cost, opt for the Hamilton Beach steamer. It offers many of the same conveniences found in more expensive electric models at a much friendlier price point. The two-tier design allows you to steam large quantities of food at once, while features such as delay start, automatic keep-warm and a grain cooking bowl add versatility. Despite the generous 5.5-quart capacity, the unit remains relatively lightweight, making it easier to move around the kitchen than some heavier competitors.
Performance was somewhat mixed during testing. Frozen dumplings turned out exceptionally well, cooking evenly across both tiers in 10 minutes with no issue. Following the manufacturer's instructions resulted in broccoli that was overcooked, mushy and dull. Setup was also more cumbersome than expected, as the multiple plastic components must be assembled in the correct order and do not lock securely together. Still, these downsides may be worth the convenience for someone who steams frequently and isn't willing to spend a premium for higher-end models.
- Type Electric food steamer
- Capacity 5.5 quarts
- Material BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes (steaming bowls, lid and rice bowl)
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- Produced the best dumpling results out of all models tested
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Large cooking capacity
- Affordable price
- Requires hand washing
- Must be thoroughly dried before storage
- Food can stick without liners
- Requires pairing with compatible pan
Bamboo steamer baskets prove that sometimes the traditional option still works best. The classic bamboo steamer by Joyce Chen features stackable cooking tiers and a fitted lid, providing plenty of room for vegetables, dumplings, buns and other steamed foods. Despite its generous 10-inch diameter, the bamboo construction keeps it surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. Its simple design has remained largely unchanged for generations, and after testing, it was easy to see why.
The bamboo steamer delivered some of the best results of any steamer we tested. Broccoli steamed in just four minutes while dumplings cooked on the other tray. The large size accommodated 16 dumplings at once, all cooked evenly with no cold spots. More importantly, the bamboo produced outstanding wrapper texture, allowing the dumplings to remain tender without becoming soggy from excess condensation.
The tradeoff is a bit more hands-on setup than other steamers. You'll need a suitably sized sauté pan or wok and must carefully manage the water level to ensure it doesn't evaporate or touch the food. Dumplings also tended to stick when cooked directly on the bamboo, so liners are highly recommended. Even with those minor drawbacks, the Joyce Chen consistently produced the best dumpling results in our testing and remains a fantastic choice for anyone who appreciates traditional steaming methods.
- Type Bamboo stovetop
- Capacity 10-inch diameter, two tiers
- Material Bamboo
- Dishwasher-Safe? No
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- Plastic-free construction
- Extremely easy to use
- Doubles as a serving and storage container
- Dishwasher-safe
- Produces excellent vegetables
- Bowl gets very hot during cooking
- No steaming rack or basket insert
- Foods can become soggy
- Smaller capacity than others
The Anyday Glass Microwave Steamer is proof that a microwave steamer doesn't have to look or feel like a piece of dorm-room cookware. Made primarily from heavy-duty glass with silicone accents, it serves triple duty as a cooking vessel, serving dish and storage container. The simple design contains no buttons, electronics or complicated attachments. It's also safe for the dishwasher, making it one of the lowest-maintenance options we tested.
Performance was great, and the Anyday steamer cooked the broccoli nicely in less than three minutes. Dumplings cooked in as little as four minutes and were hot all the way to the center. Because there is no basket insert or elevated rack, dumplings that settled lower in the bowl absorbed liquid and became noticeably more waterlogged than those sitting higher up. Even so, we appreciated how intuitive the design felt and how little effort it required to use. The glass vessel does become very hot during cooking, so potholders are essential.
- Type Microwave steamer
- Capacity 7 cups
- Material Glass and silicone
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
- Extremely easy to use
- Compact foodprint
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Dishwasher-safe
- Separate steaming tray keeps food out of water
- Affordable
- Small capacity
- Plastic construction feels less premium than glass alternatives
- Dumplings may require additional cooking time
- Limited versatility for larger meals
The GoodCook Everyday Microwave Food Steamer is about as simple and convenient as it gets. The compact design consists of a base water reservoir, separate steaming tray and vented lid, all of which nest together for storage. It doesn't have any buttons, timers or special settings to learn, making it an appealing option for anyone who wants steamed vegetables without dedicating precious counter or cabinet space to a larger appliance. The lightweight BPA-free plastic isn't luxurious, but it feels sturdy enough for regular use and helps keep the price approachable.
When we tested it, we discovered surprisingly good results. Broccoli emerged evenly steamed with a bright green color and crisp-tender texture in just under four minutes. Frozen dumplings were piping hot after three minutes and fully cooked through with no cold spots in the filling, though portions of the wrapper remained slightly gummy. The steamer requires virtually no setup, takes up very little storage space and stays cooler to handle than glass microwave steamers. For quick weeknight vegetables or small batches of dumplings, it was one of the easiest products we tested.
- Type Microwave steamer
- Capacity Approximately 1 quart
- Material BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes, top rack
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
What to Consider When Buying a Vegetable Steamer
Type: Stovetop steamers, including collapsible baskets and stainless steel inserts, are typically the most affordable and take up the least storage space. They're great for cooks who already own compatible pots and don't mind monitoring cooking progress. Electric steamers offer the most convenience, thanks to built-in timers, automatic shutoff features and larger capacities. Many can cook multiple foods at once and are ideal for meal prep, though they require dedicated storage space. Microwave steamers are the fastest and easiest option for small portions. They work particularly well for weeknight vegetables but generally offer less capacity and versatility than electric or stovetop models. Bamboo steamers remain a favorite for dumplings, buns and other delicate foods because the bamboo naturally absorbs excess condensation, helping prevent food from becoming soggy. They require a bit more maintenance but often produce exceptional results.
Material: Vegetable steamers are commonly made from stainless steel, bamboo, glass, silicone or plastic, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is durable, easy to maintain, and unlikely to stain or absorb odors. However, it can get very hot to handle without a towel and likely doesn't collapse unless it's combined with plastic or silicone. Glass offers similar benefits to stainless steel while allowing you to monitor food while it cooks. Bamboo excels at managing condensation and is often preferred for dumplings, though it requires more care. Plastic steamers are lightweight and affordable but may not feel as durable or premium as other materials. If you're concerned about longevity, stainless steel and glass are generally the most durable choices. If storage space is a priority, plastic and silicone models make more sense.
Ease of Cleaning: A steamer that is difficult to clean is unlikely to get much use. Thankfully, most steamers are very easy to clean, and almost all were dishwasher-safe. Bamboo steamers require hand-washing and must be dried thoroughly before storage to prevent mold, staining or odors. If convenience is a top priority, an electric, microwave or stainless steel dishwasher-safe model will likely be the best fit.
Storage Space: Some steamers are considerably easier to store than others. Collapsible silicone baskets can fit into almost any drawer or cabinet, while electric steamers often require dedicated storage space due to their size and multiple components. Before buying, consider not only where you'll use the steamer but where you'll keep it when it's not in use. A smaller model that fits comfortably in your kitchen may ultimately see more use than a larger appliance that constantly feels in the way.
Capacity: A small microwave steamer may be perfectly adequate for one or two servings of vegetables, while families may appreciate the larger capacities offered by electric steamers or multi-tier bamboo baskets.
Taylor Murray
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a stovetop steamer?
Most stovetop steamers sit over a pot of simmering water. Add enough water to the pot so it won't boil dry during cooking, but make sure the water level stays below the bottom of the steamer basket. Once the water reaches a simmer, place your food in the basket, cover with a lid and steam until cooked through. The exact setup varies depending on the type of steamer. Collapsible baskets sit inside a pot, while universal inserts and bamboo steamers rest on top of compatible cookware.
How long does it take to steam food in a steamer?
Cooking times vary depending on the food and type of steamer you're using. Most vegetables take between three and 10 minutes to steam. In our testing, broccoli was typically ready in three to seven minutes, depending on the model. Frozen dumplings take roughly the same amount of time, and larger vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take considerably longer, by as much as 20 minutes.
Can you cook frozen food in a steamer?
Yes. In fact, steamers are one of the best ways to cook frozen dumplings, potstickers, vegetables and buns. Steam gently heats food without drying it out, helping fillings stay moist while preventing wrappers from becoming tough. During testing, every steamer we evaluated was capable of cooking frozen dumplings successfully, though some produced better texture than others.
What are the advantages of a bamboo steamer?
Bamboo steamers don't enjoy the convenient storage or simple cleaning that steel or plastic steamers do, but the bamboo naturally absorbs some condensation during cooking, helping prevent water droplets from falling back onto food. This is especially beneficial when cooking delicate dumplings or buns.
What foods can you cook in a steamer?
Vegetables are a common choice, but there are many foods beyond that. For proteins, chicken, shrimp, fish, crab and other shellfish are all viable options. Chinese dim sum has many steamed dishes, from bao buns to dumplings. Some steamers come with a bowl to allow you to steam rice and grains. Tamales are best cooked in a steamer, and steaming is a great way to get perfect hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel.
Taylor Murray
Other Vegetable Steamers We Tested
Not all the steamers we tested were winners, and some fell farther short than others. The Sistema Heat and Eat Microwavable Steamer performed well enough, though it had some design issues that caused handling and cooking problems.
Many of the metal insert baskets had very similar designs, but we were able to pick a winner thanks to things like sturdy feet, smooth operation and safe handling. The All-Clad Stainless Steel Universal Steamer performed well, but not well enough to justify its much-higher price point.
The Bella Two-Tier Electric Food Steamer also turned in respectable results, but its imprecise control left it falling shorter than its competitors.
Taylor Murray
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
Taylor Murray is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Nutrition. She worked as a professional chef for over 10 years before moving into recipe and product testing and development. She has tested several hundred products for Food Network and other brands over the last six years, covering everything from carbon steel pans to food dehydrators.
Why You Should Trust Food Network Shopping Experts
Food Network Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are tested in real home kitchens that reflect real-world use cases. Our testers follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing the best products, our testers evaluate all of the testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. The products covered on FoodNetwork.com are chosen completely independently by our editors without any outside influence. Our editors do not accept products in exchange for a positive review or promised coverage.
