To cook healthily, preserve the nutritional principles of food, and without adding fats or seasonings, here are the best electric food steamers to buy and choose the right model for your needs.
The steamer allows us to cook healthy food and make food light to digest while maintaining a full-bodied and intense flavor. Steaming is one of the healthiest methods for preparing food without altering its nutritional principles.
On the market, there are different types, from the classic gas steamers, which work like traditional pressure cookers, to electric food steamers, which are more versatile and safe thanks to the presence of timers and automatic shutdown.
The cooking process is straightforward: just put the water inside the steamer tank up to the maximum line, place the food in the basket, start the steamer, and wait for the heat to transform the water into steam and for the steam to go to cook food. It is a completely odorless cooking method, considered by many to be “clean cooking” due to the absence of stains or residues that are difficult to remove on the stove.
Water does not directly contact food, as occurs in boiling. This involves the conservation of nutrients and vitamins that would otherwise be destroyed with other cooking methods. Instead, the steam softens the food little by little, retaining all the qualities present (vitamins, mineral salts, and other nutrients) inside the food.
The use of steam also helps to preserve the color of the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavor without having to add any seasoning; chefs often choose to steam fish and seafood to preserve the natural humidity of these foods and thus obtain a delicate and light result without the risk of altering their flavor.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Electric Food Steamer: Types and Characteristics
To choose the best electric food steamer for your needs, it is good to consider some characteristics, namely the capacity, the functions, the cooking programs, the materials, the maintenance methods, accessories, and the price.
It would help to know how often you intend to use the electric food steamer. For example, if you plan to use it as part of your kitchen routine, you could focus on a professional steamer with many functions and different preset programs to speed up the choice of settings.
Types
There are mainly two types of steam generators: electric and gas steamers.
Gas steamers are usually stainless steel and must be placed on the fire to start cooking. Therefore, we must constantly check them to prevent the water from running out during cooking, ruining the steamer and the food being cooked.
Electric steamers are safer and more versatile. For example, they usually have more accurate water management and an auto-off function for when they have finished cooking. Another beneficial function is the timer, which allows you to configure the cooking time according to the type of food.
Some professional electric food steamers also have a heating function to keep food at the right temperature before bringing it to the table.
On the other hand, slow cooker electric food steamers are automated products with automatic shutdowns that allow you to cook with steam very slowly, without the need for supervision. This cooking of American origin is improved by the electric food steamer that ensures the cooking of the dishes independently.
Once you have set the most suitable program for the recipe you intend to prepare, you can go and do something else or leave the house for errands without risking burning dinner.
A variant of the typically oriental baskets sees baskets made of bamboo, which are then inserted into pots of the same diameter inside which water is inserted (will not reach the lower level of the basket). However, it is also possible to insert the baskets in the classic gas steamer, placing them on the upper level and covering them with its lid.
On the market, it is also possible to find steam generators for microwaves, equipped with a specific container with a bottom to insert the water, a basket for cooking, and a lid. The cooking method is the same as the other steamers, but the process is started inside the microwave.
Capacity
When buying an electric food steamer, knowing the number of foods you want to cook and the number of people you intend to cook for is good. The capacity of the steamer affects the final price and the number of foods that can be prepared simultaneously.
The steam generators can be equipped with a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 3 baskets which may differ in height and size. In some steam generators, it is then possible to further optimize the spaces of each basket by inserting dividers, thus allowing two different foods to be cooked on the same level without these mixing.
Having several baskets available does not only mean being able to cook for several people but also preparing several dishes at the same time; depending on your needs, you could focus on a steamer with three baskets to prepare, for example, vegetables, meat, and rice at the same time optimizing times and having a complete meal ready after just one cooking.
Some professional models also allow you to adjust the different cooking zones independently to prepare dishes at different cooking times at the same time without problems.
In some steamers, the trays of the baskets are removable to increase the capacity of the steamer itself and make more space available for cooking larger and bulky foods.
Although there is no precise relationship between the steamer capacity and the number of people you can prepare food for, as this value depends a lot on the type and number of foods you want to prepare, there are mainly three different foods capacity on the market.:
- 3-5 liters: usually with two baskets, ideal for preparing dishes for 1 to 3 people.
- 6-9 liters: usually with three baskets, they are ideal for preparing dishes from 3 to a maximum of approximately 6 people.
- 9-11 liters: usually with three baskets, ideal for preparing dishes for 6 to 8 people.
The capacity of the electric food steamer also affects the power required for its operation; the higher this value is, the more Watts the appliance will need to work.
Materials
The steamer comprises three elements: the container where the water is inserted, the perforated basket on which the foot rests, and the lid to be placed over the basket to trap the steam inside the steamer itself.
Since steam cooking generates steam at high temperatures, it is good to choose steamers made of high-quality materials that cannot be damaged by heat and do not release toxic substances that are dangerous to ingest.
A quality steamer must be free of Bisphenol A, the main harmful substance released by plastic in contact with heat. However, a steamer made of resistant plastic is not considered a poor product; However, one must keep in mind that a plastic base will deteriorate over time and become opaque, while a stainless steel base will certainly be more expensive and easier to keep.
Usually, the water container is inserted made of resistant plastic or stainless steel. The baskets can be made of glass, plastic, silicate glass, stainless steel, or bamboo; the lid is usually made of glass or glass plastic.
Stainless steel is the best steam generator in terms of resistance, effectiveness, and durability.
Cooking programs
Some electric food steamers have preset settings that allow you to quickly select the best cooking mode according to the foods you want, allowing you to have specific time and temperature settings for vegetables or fish.
This function is essential for those new to this type of cooking and those who do not want to waste time setting the optimal values for steaming each time.
Many steamers with these preset programs are equipped with an LCD for selection. However, they usually allow the steamer to turn off once cooking is over not to overcook the food and risk ruining its flavor and nutritional properties.
Another feature to consider is the maximum cooking time provided by the steamer; in some models with manual rings, it is possible to set the cooking minutes manually. For example, some steamers have a maximum cooking time of 60 minutes, but models can also be found on the market to cook for up to 90 minutes.
Functions
Steamers are often used as rice cookers through special baskets for steaming rice and other cereals.
Professional electric food steamers can have several additional functions that make steamer even more versatile.
The functions already mentioned are the “keep warm” function, which allows you to keep food warm while waiting to be brought to the table, and the automatic switch-off when the cooking program has been completed, which allows you not to waste energy and avoid cooking food for too long.
Another interesting function is adding water during cooking, which, as the name suggests, allows you to add water to the base tank without having to remove the baskets or interrupt the process. of cooking.
Aroma infuser
The function of the aroma and spice infuser can be present depending on the brand and is often used as a sign of recognition by some manufacturers, including Philips, which also has this function in the cheapest steamers. Inside the steamer base, it is possible to find a small container in which it is possible to insert spices and aromas that the food will absorb during cooking.
Fast heating
Another additional function that allows you to speed up cooking times is fast heating, which allows the steamer to reach the optimal cooking temperature in a few seconds. This function is also useful from a nutritional point of view, as it exposes foods to high temperatures for short times, thus maintaining the nutrients in the foods.
The time it takes to cook normally with a steamer, without using fast heating, varies according to the type of food you cook and its power.
Water level signal
It is also important to check the presence of a visible water level signal to ensure water inside your electric food steamer, even without removing all the baskets. Some professional models may also have an audible or visual signal indicating when the base needs refilling.
Some electric food steamer models have a display that allows you to view cooking times, choose between the various functions, and report any faults.
Accessories
When choosing the best electric food steamer for your needs, it is also good to consider the accessories supplied.
In addition to a recipe book, which can be useful for those looking for new ideas or those new to steam cooking, some models also have more specific additional baskets, such as a container for cooking eggs, glass glasses for the preparation of desserts, a specific cooking basket for cooking rice, other cereals or for the preparation of soups and broths.
A good steamer will have stable baskets, so they take up little space and help you keep the kitchen tidy. The size of the baskets can also vary to allow you to place them inside the steamer and cook more foods simultaneously, affecting the number of portions that can prepare.
Some models are equipped with several trays to separate the meat from the vegetables during cooking, thus allowing the foods on each shelf to be flavored differently.
Cleaning
If the maintenance of a traditional steamer does not differ from cleaning the dishes, the maintenance of an electric food steamer may require extra care. Some electric food steamers are made up of several dishwasher-safe components while only washing other models under running water.
Prices
The price of a steamer can range from a minimum of $30 up to $170. However, an economical price is not always synonymous with a low-quality product. The materials, the functions present, and the accessories supplied greatly impact the price. To choose the best steamer, it is good to identify your needs regarding the capacity of the dishes to be prepared and the frequency of the use you want to make of them.
Dimensions
Considering the steamer’s space on the hob is also good if you have a small kitchen.
Better to opt for electric food steamers with stackable space-saving baskets without forgetting to check the length of the wire and check for available sockets on our kitchen top.
For example, a small electric food steamer can also be easily transportable in the second home so as not to give up healthy eating even on vacation.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]How to best use an electric food steamer
You can steam almost any food, but some are better than others.
For example, this type of cooking is mainly used for vegetables, fish, rice, and white meats. Many streamers are also equipped with an egg cooker to make hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, depending on the time set for cooking.
Steam cooking is often used in oriental cuisine, especially in Chinese and Tibetan cuisine, to prepare traditional foods such as rice or the famous Chinese ravioli based on meat and vegetables. If you want to experiment with new recipes, it may be useful to consult a recipe book with dishes from abroad and create variants based on couscous, rice, and legumes.
How to enhance the flavor
Steamed foods can taste better if you put the water to a boil on its own first and only add vegetables, meat, or fish when the water has come to a boil.
Furthermore, one must consider that the times shown in the recipe books usually indicate when the steam emission is maximum. Therefore, if you insert the food when the water has not yet started to boil, it will be necessary to let it cook for a few more minutes to avoid food still “al dente” on the plate.
If you fear you have left your dishes steamed for too long, passing them for a few seconds may be useful under boiling water.
If, on the other hand, you have prepared the vegetables first and you are waiting to finish cooking the fish or meat, it is recommended to immerse the vegetables in water and ice for a few seconds to stop cooking and to maintain the bright color without risking to serve blackened vegetables on the table.
How much water to use
It is important not to add too much water to the base of the steamer but to stick to the level marked as “maximum.” If too much water has been added, there is a risk that it will come out once it reaches boiling point, risking ruining not only the food but the steamer itself.
Likewise, it is important not to start steaming if there is little water in the steamer, as you could burn it if the water runs out before cooking. Therefore, some models of electric steamer emit acoustic signals in case of the absence of water and automatically switch off the steamer to avoid the risk of fires in the kitchen.
To give more taste
For tastier foods, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water or add some spices directly to the water, such as rosemary sprigs, lemongrass, or a little salt or lemon.
In this way, the flavor will be less intense than what would be obtained by putting these herbs directly on food, but we must not forget that these “interventions” could affect the cooking time.
The Best Electric Food Steamers to buy
Now that we understand everything about electric food steamers’ operation and benefits, we must choose the most suitable model and cook more healthily and lightly.
Below are the 10 Best Electric Food Steamers and the quality/price ratio we recommend for purchase.
- COOK A VARIETY OF FOODS: Whether you're in the mood for japanese or chinese cuisine, or...
- TWO TIERS FOR SIMULTANEOUS COOKING: With the electric food steamer, you can cook multiple...
- STACKABLE BASKETS & REMOVABLE BASE: The removable base makes it easy to clean your...
- FOOD STEAMER AND RICE COOKER: Easily cook a whole meal with one appliance with 5.5 quarts...
- VERSATILE STEAMING: Versatile, stackable 2-tier steaming to cook multiple foods at once...
- GUESS-FREE STEAMING: Just fill it up and set the timer. When the food is ready, it will...
- COOK A VARIETY OF FOODS – Whether you're in the mood for Japanese or Chinese cuisine or...
- EFFICIENT & CONVENIENT – Have a hassle-free cooking experience with minimal effort and...
- SIMULTANEOUS COOKING – It comes with two clear and stackable steaming containers which...
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: A powerful steam system delivers steam from top down in this 5-liter...
- EASY TO USE: LCD control panel with display, start/stop, pause & reheat buttons with...
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: 60 minute countdown timer, stainless steel steaming tray, glass lid...
- BPA-FREE STEAMER TRAY: Hold up to 2.5 quarts food capacity for vegetables, baby food,...
- EASILY CUSTOMIZE YOUR COOKING: Steam a whole meal or just a side dish to go with any...
- FAST & EFFICIENT STEAMER: With 400 Watts of heating power, the quick-steam start-up will...
- 【Fast Cooking & Unique Steam Design】13.7QT large capacity food steamer with unique...
- 【Programmable】Food steam cooker with programmable settings, plan your meals in advance...
- 【Multi-purpose for Foods, Perfect for Weekly Meal Preps】Allow you to cook a wide range...
- Large Capacity & Fast Cooking: 13.7QT large capacity food steamer with unique steam...
- 24-Hour Delay Timer & Anti-dry Protection: Appointment breakfast time in the evening, no...
- Safe and Humanization Design: This steamer features an automatic power-off function and...
- 1200 watt stainless steel digital vegetable steamer, 15 seconds generate steam, fast heat...
- Versatile electric steamer: It can as a hot dog steamer, bun steamer, seafood steamer,...
- Stackable 2-tier food steamer baskets for cooking, steam cooker glass lid with the...
- Our steamer basket is for use with our electric food steamer to increase the steam space....
- 800 watt stainless steel steamer with analog panel, 15 seconds generate steam, fast heat...
- Stackable 2-tier food steaming, non-slip upper lid knob, anti-scalding handle, clear water...
- ELECTRIC STEAM COOKER - This handy portable steamer is sure to become one of your go-to...
- EASY TO USE - The built-in timer is a snap to set, and an indicator light turns off when...
- MULTIPURPOSE - Use this cooker to prepare vegetables for homemade baby food, steam up to...
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