Best overall: the Crate & Barrel Silicone Collapsible Colander & Steamer is the best choice for most cooks who already own a suitable pot. It performed very well with broccoli and frozen dumplings, collapses for storage, doubles as a colander, and avoids the cost and countertop footprint of an electric appliance.
The right food steamer depends less on a single ranking than on how you cook. Choose a stovetop insert for compact, inexpensive versatility; an electric model for hands-off multi-tier cooking; a bamboo basket for dumplings and buns; or microwave cookware for the fastest small-batch meals. This guide covers all four categories, including models selected in Food Network’s testing of 19 steamers. Prices and availability change, so the prices below are test-time snapshots rather than guarantees.
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At a glance
| Pick | Type | Approximate capacity | Best for | Test-time price snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crate & Barrel Silicone Collapsible Colander & Steamer | Stovetop basket | 3 quarts | Best overall and easiest storage | $32 in testing; $39.95 on the current product page |
| Joseph Joseph Bloom Folding Steamer Basket | Stovetop basket | Small; pan-dependent | Budget and one- or two-person households | $14 |
| Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer | Stovetop insert | Compatible with 2-, 3-, and 4-quart cookware | Durability-minded cooks | $45 |
| Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer, STM-1000 | Electric | 5-liter cooking pot | Families and frequent users | $200 |
| Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer, 37530-series | Electric, two tier | 5.5 quarts | Budget electric cooking and rice | $62 |
| Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer, J26-0013 | Bamboo basket | 10 inches, two tiers | Dumplings, buns, and dim sum | $20 |
| Anyday 7-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish | Microwave cookware | 1.75 quarts; about three to four servings | Plastic-free microwave steaming | $42 |
| GoodCook Everyday Microwave Food Steamer | Microwave steamer | Approximately 1 quart | Single servings and quick sides | $13 |
The test-time prices above came from the research source’s July 6, 2026 update. The Crate & Barrel product page showed a different regular price, illustrating why you should recheck the exact listing at publication and before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- COOK A VARIETY OF FOODS: Whether you're in the mood for japanese or chinese cuisine, or just want to steam some fresh vegetables, tofu, fish or meats for dinner, this steamer and rice cooker can do it all. Turn the switch and make a full meal with sides
- TWO TIERS FOR SIMULTANEOUS COOKING: With the electric food steamer, you can cook multiple items at the same time without mixing them together! The steam pot comes with a guess-free steaming guide chart that makes it easy to make your favorite dishes
- STACKABLE BASKETS & REMOVABLE BASE: The removable base makes it easy to clean your electric cooker and veggie steamer. The stackable Plastic baskets make it easy to store your food once it's done and can be removed safely washed in your dishwasher
- EASY TO READ WATER LEVEL INDICATOR: No more guessing when it's time to refill your water! BELLA's vegetable steamer is equipped with a clear water level indicator that tells you exactly how much liquid is left so you can refill the steamer pot comfortably
- AUTO SHUTOFF & BOIL DRY PROTECTION: The auto shutoff and boil dry protection will turn the rice steamer off automatically if it's left on for too long or runs out of water. This prevents any accidents from happening and makes it simple and safe to use
1. Crate & Barrel Silicone Collapsible Colander & Steamer: best overall stovetop steamer
The Crate & Barrel Silicone Collapsible Colander & Steamer is the most broadly useful pick if you already have a pot with a lid. Its 3-quart silicone-and-stainless-steel basket fits a range of pots, collapses flat for storage, and can also be used as a colander. Check the current Crate & Barrel listing and price before ordering, since the test snapshot and current product-page price differed.
In Food Network’s testing, it produced excellent broccoli and frozen dumplings. It is also dishwasher-safe, which makes it easier to live with than a bamboo basket. The trade-off is that it is not a complete appliance: you supply the pot, lid, and heat source, and the single basket is not well suited to cooking several separate foods simultaneously.
- Choose it for: everyday vegetables, dumplings, fish, and compact storage.
- Watch for: pot compatibility, available lid space, and the need to monitor the water on the stove.
2. Joseph Joseph Bloom Folding Steamer Basket: best budget stovetop basket
The Joseph Joseph Bloom Folding Steamer Basket is the inexpensive, space-saving option for small portions. Its self-adjusting polypropylene-and-silicone petals fit vertical-sided pans at least 7 inches wide, while silicone feet and fins help keep the basket above the water and protect the pan. Check the current Joseph Joseph Bloom listing for the exact version and availability.
Food Network found strong results with both broccoli and dumplings for the price. Capacity is limited, however, and the folding petals can occasionally resist when opening or closing. It should be used in a vertical-sided pan—not a frying pan or wok—so measure the cookware you intend to use.
- Choose it for: one or two servings, apartments, dorm kitchens, and occasional steaming.
- Watch for: the small cooking area and the 7-inch minimum pan width.
3. Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer: best stainless-steel insert
The Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer is the better choice when longevity and conventional cookware matter more than collapsibility. The stainless-steel insert comes with a tempered-glass lid and is designed for compatible 2-, 3-, and 4-quart cookware. Anolon identifies the product as SKU 77447 and lists dishwasher safety, oven safety up to 500°F, and a limited lifetime warranty. See Anolon’s compatibility details for the universal steamer insert before purchase.
It delivered consistently good broccoli and dumplings in Food Network’s testing. Its capacity is lower than that of the larger electric and bamboo models, and the handles become very hot. Also, “universal” does not mean that it fits every saucepan: verify the diameter, side shape, and lid fit against your cookware.
- Choose it for: durable stovetop cooking and a traditional stainless-steel setup.
- Watch for: exact pan compatibility and hot handles.
4. Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer STM-1000: best dedicated electric steamer
The Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer STM-1000 is the strongest dedicated appliance for families and frequent users. Its 5-liter glass cooking pot provides generous capacity and lets you see the food, while a removable 1-liter water tank, stainless-steel tray, LCD controls, 60-minute countdown timer, five food settings, pause/reheat functions, keep-warm capability, and audible alert reduce hands-on work. See the Cuisinart STM-1000 specifications and parts information.
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Cuisinart also lists replacement components such as the steam rack, glass lid, glass pot, and water reservoir. That parts support is a meaningful ownership advantage for an appliance intended for regular use. The manufacturer lists a limited three-year warranty; confirm the current warranty terms for your region and purchase channel.
- Choose it for: meal prep, family portions, programmable cooking, and visible steaming.
- Watch for: countertop or cabinet space, weight, and price.
5. Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer 37530-series: best budget electric steamer
The Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer 37530-series offers much of the convenience of an electric appliance for less money. The 5.5-quart design has two stackable steaming bowls, a rice bowl, digital controls, delay start, keep-warm behavior, and automatic shutoff. Hamilton Beach’s official listing identifies the 37530A version and describes cooking vegetables, seafood, rice, and eggs. Check the current Hamilton Beach model listing.
This is not the top performer in the group. Food Network found that frozen dumplings cooked evenly, but broccoli became overcooked when the tested manufacturer instructions were followed. The appliance is lightweight and capacious, but its plastic parts were considered cumbersome to assemble and less secure than preferred.
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- The nutribullet Baby Turbo Steamer is fast, easy to clean, and a real go-getter just like you. Not only does it steam cook fresh ingredients for homemade baby food, it also defrosts frozen foods and sterilizes baby bottles, pacifiers, utensils, and toys for easier baby times, all around.
- YOU'VE GOT OPTIONS: Cook fresh food for warm purées, defrost batch-cooked baby food, and sterilize bottles, pacifiers, and beyond; this versatile steamer does it all.
- SET & STEAM: With 5 steam settings and a built in timer, you can easily cook fresh fruits, vegetables, and more in minutes. Homemade baby food made simply and quickly.
- DEFROST & ENJOY: Take batch-cooked baby food from frozen to ready-to-eat in minimal time, without any extra mess.
- STERALIZE IN A SNAP: Sterilize baby bottles, pacifiers, nipples, utensils, teethers, toys, and more.
Retailer listings may show 37530A or 37530Z variants. Confirm the exact suffix, included bowls and accessories, finish, warranty, and seller before buying rather than assuming every 37530-series listing is identical.
- Choose it for: two-tier electric cooking, rice, and a lower purchase price.
- Watch for: model suffixes, assembly, and shorter cooking times for delicate vegetables.
6. Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer J26-0013: best for dumplings and buns
The Joyce Chen J26-0013 is a 10-inch, two-tier bamboo steamer designed for dumplings, buns, vegetables, fish, and other foods. It can cook a large batch on two levels and was the best dumpling performer in Food Network’s test: wrappers had a good texture and the basket provided useful capacity. Verify the Joyce Chen J26-0013 size and specifications before buying.
Bamboo is especially appealing for dim sum because it helps manage condensation better than a sealed metal or glass environment. But this is the least convenient option: you need a suitable wok or pan, must hand-wash it, and must dry it thoroughly before storage. Use parchment rounds, cabbage leaves, or bamboo steamer liners to reduce sticking, particularly with dumplings and buns.
- Choose it for: bao, potstickers, dumplings, dim sum, and large batches.
- Watch for: pan fit, hand washing, drying, and condensation or sticking if food is crowded.
7. Anyday 7-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish: best plastic-free microwave steamer
The Anyday 7-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish is microwave cookware that can steam; it is not a dedicated tiered steamer or countertop appliance. It holds 7 cups, or 1.75 quarts, and Anyday says that is approximately three to four servings. Its borosilicate-glass dish has a vented tempered-glass lid with a silicone vent and rim. The dish is microwave-, freezer-, oven-, and dishwasher-compatible, making it useful for cooking, serving, and storage. See Anyday’s use and safety instructions.
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Food Network found excellent vegetable results and very easy operation. The limitations are equally important: the bowl becomes very hot, there is no raised steaming rack, and food sitting low in the dish can become waterlogged. It is a good fit for vegetables and small meals when plastic-free materials and microwave speed are priorities.
Anyday lists the dish as oven-safe to 500°F and the lid to 400°F, but it is not for stovetop, grill, or broiler use. Use potholders and follow the manufacturer’s microwave-placement and venting directions.
- Choose it for: microwave vegetables, plastic-free materials, and cook-store-serve convenience.
- Watch for: hot glass, the lack of a raised rack, and possible waterlogging.
8. GoodCook Everyday Microwave Food Steamer: best simple microwave steamer
The GoodCook Everyday Microwave Food Steamer is the practical choice for one person or quick side dishes. It has an approximately 1-quart capacity, a water reservoir, separate steaming tray, vented lid, nesting storage, and top-rack dishwasher safety. Check the current GoodCook listing for the exact product and availability.
Food Network found that broccoli steamed evenly in under four minutes and that dumplings became hot throughout, although some dumpling wrappers remained gummy. Its plastic construction stays cooler to handle than hot glass, and the small size stores easily. The same small capacity makes it a poor choice for family meal prep or large batches.
- Choose it for: dorms, offices, single servings, and fast vegetables.
- Watch for: limited capacity, plastic construction, and less versatility than an electric or stovetop model.
How to choose the right food steamer
Start with the cooking method
- Choose stovetop if you already own a pot and want the lowest-cost, easiest-to-store solution. You will need to monitor water and heat more actively.
- Choose electric for timers, automatic shutoff, multiple tiers, delay start, keep-warm functions, rice bowls, and hands-off meal preparation. Plan for dedicated storage or counter space.
- Choose bamboo for dumplings, buns, bao, and dim sum. It handles condensation well but requires a suitable pan and careful cleaning.
- Choose microwave cookware for speed and small portions. It is usually less suitable for large meals or foods that need separated tiers.
Match capacity to the household
A larger steamer is not automatically better. A one-quart microwave unit is convenient for one serving but frustrating for a family. Conversely, a 5-liter or 5.5-quart electric unit occupies space and may be unnecessary if you usually steam a single side dish. For two-tier or bamboo cooking, check whether the tiers can hold the food without crowding; overcrowding slows cooking and encourages uneven results.
Check compatibility before buying
For a stovetop insert, measure the pan’s inside diameter, wall shape, and usable depth. Confirm that a lid can close without touching the food. A “universal” insert still has limits. For a bamboo basket, measure the basket against the wok or pan and ensure there is enough water below the basket without water touching the food. Never allow the pan to boil dry.
Rank #3
- 4 IN 1 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL STEAMER -- Steamer, Baby food maker, Rice cooker and Sterilizer.
- COOK A VARIETY OF FOODS -- Perfect for Weekly Meal Preps: Food steam cooker allow you to cook a wide range of foods simultaneously, ideal for steaming rice, vegetables, meat and fish, which provides one of the healthiest ways to cook for dinner, minimize the loss of nutrients and vitamins. Especially good for baby. This steamer can do it all. Make a delicious full meal for your family within minutes.
- LARGER CAPACITY BUT TAKE LESS SPACE: 9.5QT BFA-free large capacity electric steamer with 3 tier separate food steamer，it can steam varied foods simultaneously. But the stackable trays can save space, easy to store on countertop, cabinets or pantry, best for your kitchen.
- FAST COOKING & UNIQUE STEAM DESIGN: With 800W turbo steam design can rapidly produce steam in only 40s. You can cook food on multiple levels all at once, or sterilize the baby bottles, spoons and tools, saving you time energy and money.
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN -- 60-minute timer and it automatically shuts off when the timer is up, or the water tank is empty. The steam baskets and food tray are all dishwasher-friendly, so you can enjoy hands-free cleanup
Compare materials and cleanup
| Material | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Durable, conventional, and resistant to wear | Handles and metal parts can become very hot; inserts need compatible cookware |
| Glass | Lets you monitor the food and can move from cooking to serving or storage | Heavy and hot; handle with potholders |
| Silicone or plastic | Lightweight, inexpensive, and often collapsible or easy to store | May feel less secure, have lower heat tolerance, or offer less durability than steel |
| Bamboo | Good for dumpling and bun texture and condensation management | Hand-wash only and must dry completely |
Most of the tested options are dishwasher-safe, but the Joyce Chen bamboo basket is not a dishwasher item. Rinse bamboo after use, wash it by hand, and dry every tier fully before storing to reduce the chance of persistent dampness or odor.
For electric steamers, inspect the ownership details
Beyond capacity, compare the water-tank design, timer range, delay start, keep-warm behavior, tier arrangement, rice capability, automatic shutoff, and replacement-part availability. A removable tank is easier to fill and clean. Parts support is particularly valuable on a larger appliance; Cuisinart lists replacement racks, a glass lid, a glass pot, and a reservoir for the STM-1000.
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Steaming uses little or no added fat and can help retain color and texture while avoiding the waterlogging associated with prolonged boiling. It may also preserve more of some water-soluble nutrients than boiling because the food has less direct contact with cooking water. That is not a universal guarantee: nutrient retention varies with the vegetable, nutrient, cut size, temperature, and cooking time. Harvard Health’s discussion of microwave cooking and nutrition explains why broad claims such as “steaming preserves 90% of nutrients” are not reliable.
In practical terms, avoid overcooking. Use the shortest effective cooking time, arrange food in a reasonably even layer, and test dense vegetables with a fork. Frozen dumplings, fish, eggs, rice, buns, and vegetables have different timing needs, so follow the appliance or recipe guidance as a starting point rather than assuming one program works for everything.
Safety and care checklist
- Prevent steam burns: open lids away from your face and hands, and use oven mitts or potholders when handling glass, stainless-steel, or hot plastic components.
- Maintain the water level: add enough water for the cooking period, but keep it below the food and basket. Do not let a stovetop pan boil dry.
- Keep handles clear: stovetop handles can become hot, especially stainless-steel handles. Use a towel or heat-resistant mitt.
- Respect microwave venting: use the manufacturer’s vent position and microwave-clearance instructions. Do not seal a steaming container airtight.
- Do not misuse glass cookware: Anyday’s dish is not for a stovetop, grill, or broiler, despite its oven rating. Follow its temperature and handling instructions.
- Dry bamboo completely: hand-wash the Joyce Chen basket, rinse it, dry each tier, and store it where air can circulate.
- Clean electric parts correctly: unplug the appliance, allow it to cool, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the base, tank, trays, and dishwasher-safe components.
Which food steamer should you buy?
Buy the Crate & Barrel collapsible steamer if you want the best balance of performance, storage, and everyday versatility and already have a pot. Choose the Joseph Joseph Bloom for the smallest budget stovetop setup, or the Anolon if stainless-steel durability and compatible cookware are more important.
For a true appliance, the Cuisinart STM-1000 is the more capable and refined choice, while the Hamilton Beach 37530-series trades some fit-and-finish and consistency for a lower price, two tiers, and rice capability. Dumpling and bun specialists should choose the Joyce Chen bamboo steamer. For microwave cooking, pick Anyday for glass and larger servings, or GoodCook for the cheapest compact solution.
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- GLASS FOOD STEAMER: A powerful steam system delivers steam from top down in this 5-liter Cuisinart Cookfresh Digital Glass Food Steamer with 5 pre-programmed food settings—Vegetables, Poultry, Grains, Seafood, and Manual—and Keep Warm function.
- EASY TO USE: This steamer pot has an LCD control panel display, start/stop, pause & reheat buttons, countdown timer, plus an audible alert.
- CAPACITY: The 5-liter glass electric steamer pot is large enough for family-size portions of vegetables, fish, chicken, rice, and more.
- DELAY START: This glass steamer includes a convenient Delay Start feature that lets you add ingredients in advance and schedule cooking up to 12 hours later.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The Cuisinart Cookfresh Digital Glass Food Steamer comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
Price and stock note: the comparison reflects Food Network’s July 6, 2026 test update and manufacturer information available in the research dossier. Retail prices, colors, model suffixes, sellers, warranties, and availability may change after publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food steamer for most people?
The Crate & Barrel Silicone Collapsible Colander & Steamer is the best general-purpose choice for cooks who already own a suitable pot. It performed well with broccoli and dumplings, collapses for storage, doubles as a colander, and is dishwasher-safe.
Are electric steamers better than stovetop baskets?
Neither is universally better. Electric steamers are more convenient for timers, automatic shutoff, multiple tiers, and meal prep, but they cost more and take up storage space. Stovetop baskets are cheaper and easier to store, but require compatible cookware and closer monitoring.
What is the best steamer for dumplings and bao?
The Joyce Chen J26-0013 10-inch two-tier bamboo steamer is the best fit for dumplings, buns, and dim sum. Bamboo helps manage condensation, but the basket requires a suitable wok or pan, hand washing, thorough drying, and usually liners or another surface treatment to limit sticking.
Can a microwave steamer replace an electric food steamer?
For small portions, often yes. Microwave steamers are faster to set up and store, but they generally have less capacity and fewer controls than electric models. The Anyday dish is better for larger microwave portions and plastic-free materials; the GoodCook is better for compact, inexpensive single servings.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: choose the Crate & Barrel collapsible basket for the best all-around value, the Cuisinart STM-1000 for frequent countertop use, the Joyce Chen bamboo basket for dumplings and buns, and the GoodCook or Anyday for microwave convenience. The best steamer is the one whose capacity, cooking method, cleanup, and storage demands match the meals you actually make.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
