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10 Best Food Steamers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker Pot with 10 Smart Cooking Modes, Including Sauté-then-Simmer®

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,350
Ease of Cleaning
Timer and Controls

Most important from
65665 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
This machine cleans up beautifully, it leaves no rice on the bottom of the pot.
Timer and Controls
It is very difficult to see the water line markings on the inside of the pot.

The Aroma Housewares Professional 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that excels in capacity and functionality. With a 5-quart capacity, it can handle up to 20 cups of cooked food, making it ideal for families or hosting parties. The multi-functionality includes 10 smart cooking modes, which simplify the process of cooking rice, grains, soup, oatmeal, and even cake, thanks to the built-in smart sensors.

Additionally, the Sauté-then-Simmer (STS) technology allows for high-heat searing followed by automatic simmering, which is perfect for one-pot meals. The 15-hour delay timer and up to 10-hour programmable slow cooking on high or low heat provide great flexibility for meal planning. Cleaning is straightforward since all removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the non-stick coating prevents food from sticking.

However, at 6 pounds, the unit is relatively heavy, and the aluminum material may not be as durable as other higher-end options. The product also requires hand washing for optimal care, which might be a drawback for those who prefer fully dishwasher-safe appliances. If you are looking for a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can handle large quantities of food efficiently, this Aroma Housewares model is a strong contender.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,350
Ease of Cleaning
Timer and Controls

Most important from
65665 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
This machine cleans up beautifully, it leaves no rice on the bottom of the pot.
Timer and Controls
It is very difficult to see the water line markings on the inside of the pot.
#2

BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker, RC516, 8-Cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Material
Timer and Controls

Most important from
55745 reviews

Capacity
Large enough to prepare healthy meals for 4-6 people, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.
Material
The ceramic-lined inner pot prevents rice from sticking, improving cooking results and cleanup.
Timer and Controls
One-touch operation with automatic switch to keep-warm mode ensures rice stays warm without overcooking.
Additional Features
Includes a well-made rice measuring cup and plastic spoon, adding to the overall value.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical addition to any kitchen routine.

The BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker (RC516) is a solid choice for anyone looking to cook rice and steam food in one convenient appliance. It has a large capacity, able to cook up to 8 cups of uncooked rice, which yields 16 cups of cooked rice—great for families or meal prepping. The included steaming basket allows you to steam vegetables, fish, and other healthy options alongside your rice, making it a versatile food steamer.

Made mainly of plastic with a glass lid, it features a removable nonstick bowl that’s dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning quick and easy. Controls are straightforward with one-touch operation and two heat settings, so you don’t have to worry about complicated settings or timers. After cooking, it automatically switches to a keep-warm mode to keep your rice at a good temperature without overcooking it.

On the downside, it only has one steaming tier, so you’re limited to steaming one basket of food at a time, which might not be enough if you want to steam multiple items separately. Also, since it’s mainly plastic, it’s not as durable or heavy-duty as some other models, but it’s lightweight and easy to handle. If you want a simple, reliable rice cooker that also lets you steam food, this BLACK+DECKER model fits well, especially for everyday home use without overwhelming complexity.

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Material
Timer and Controls

Most important from
55745 reviews

Capacity
Large enough to prepare healthy meals for 4-6 people, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.
Material
The ceramic-lined inner pot prevents rice from sticking, improving cooking results and cleanup.
Timer and Controls
One-touch operation with automatic switch to keep-warm mode ensures rice stays warm without overcooking.
Additional Features
Includes a well-made rice measuring cup and plastic spoon, adding to the overall value.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical addition to any kitchen routine.
#3

Cuisinart STM-1000 Digital Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer, Stainless Steel

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Material
Timer and Controls

Most important from
2726 reviews

Capacity
Spacious enough to cook a variety of ingredients simultaneously, from rice and vegetables to meat and seafood.
Material
Durable and long-lasting quality, with users reporting over 5 years of reliable use.
Timer and Controls
A kitchen essential for multitasking, with a timer that prevents food from burning or becoming soggy.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean, with components like the glass bowl, lid, and metal tray being simple to rinse and maintain.
Additional Features
A classy, modern, and elegant piece that is compact enough for easy storage or countertop display.

The Cuisinart STM-1000 Cook Fresh Digital Glass Steamer is a versatile appliance with a 5-liter glass pot that can handle family-sized portions of various foods like vegetables, fish, chicken, and rice. The product's powerful steam system, delivering steam from the top down, and five pre-programmed food settings make it convenient for cooking a variety of dishes.

The stainless steel material combined with the glass pot not only gives it a sleek look but also makes it durable and easy to clean, as the pot is dishwasher safe. The inclusion of an LCD control panel with start/stop, pause, and reheat buttons, as well as a 60-minute countdown timer, enhances user convenience.

Additionally, the glass lid with a stainless steel rim and a steaming tray that can be flipped to hold different types of food are thoughtful features that add to its flexibility. The BPA-free construction and a limited 3-year warranty provide additional peace of mind for users. Despite its weight of 15.75 pounds and single-tier design, the steamer's robust functionality, ease of use, and cleaning features make it a strong contender for those looking to prepare healthy meals efficiently.

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Material
Timer and Controls

Most important from
2726 reviews

Capacity
Spacious enough to cook a variety of ingredients simultaneously, from rice and vegetables to meat and seafood.
Material
Durable and long-lasting quality, with users reporting over 5 years of reliable use.
Timer and Controls
A kitchen essential for multitasking, with a timer that prevents food from burning or becoming soggy.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean, with components like the glass bowl, lid, and metal tray being simple to rinse and maintain.
Additional Features
A classy, modern, and elegant piece that is compact enough for easy storage or countertop display.

Buying Guide for the Best Food Steamers

Choosing the right food steamer can make a big difference in your cooking experience, allowing you to prepare healthy and delicious meals with ease. When selecting a food steamer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a steamer that suits your cooking habits and preferences.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of food the steamer can hold at one time. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook in a single session. Steamers come in various sizes, typically ranging from small (1-2 liters) to large (over 10 liters). If you usually cook for one or two people, a smaller capacity steamer will suffice. For larger families or if you like to meal prep, a larger capacity steamer would be more suitable. Consider your typical cooking volume to choose the right capacity.
Number of TiersThe number of tiers in a food steamer indicates how many separate compartments it has for steaming different foods simultaneously. This is important for cooking multiple items at once without mixing flavors. Steamers usually have between one to three tiers. If you often cook a variety of foods at the same time, a steamer with more tiers will be beneficial. For simpler meals or single-item steaming, a single-tier steamer will be adequate. Think about your cooking style and the complexity of your meals when deciding on the number of tiers.
MaterialThe material of the steamer affects its durability, heat distribution, and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, plastic, and bamboo. Stainless steel steamers are durable, easy to clean, and distribute heat evenly, making them a popular choice. Plastic steamers are lightweight and often more affordable, but may not last as long. Bamboo steamers are traditional and add a unique flavor to food, but require more care. Choose a material based on your preference for durability, maintenance, and cooking style.
Timer and ControlsTimers and controls allow you to set the cooking time and adjust the steaming process. This is important for achieving precise cooking results and convenience. Basic steamers may have manual dials, while more advanced models offer digital controls and preset programs. If you prefer simplicity, a manual timer will be sufficient. For more control and ease of use, look for a steamer with digital controls and preset options. Consider how much control you want over the cooking process when choosing the timer and controls.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is an important factor because it affects how much effort you need to put into maintaining your steamer. Some steamers have dishwasher-safe parts, while others require hand washing. Steamers with fewer parts and simple designs are generally easier to clean. If you want to minimize cleaning time, look for a steamer with dishwasher-safe components and a straightforward design. Think about your willingness to clean and maintain the steamer when making your choice.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a food steamer. These may include features like a keep-warm function, water level indicator, or automatic shut-off. These features are important for improving the overall user experience and ensuring safety. If you value convenience and extra functionality, look for steamers with these additional features. Consider which features will be most useful to you based on your cooking habits and preferences.

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