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If you find cooking a hassle after a long day of work, we have compiled a list of the best steamer baskets to help make it easy for you. Steamer baskets help you steam vegetables and other items for easy and quick cooking. You need to place the vegetables into the basket, place it into a pot with boiling water, and wait for the steam to do its job. Steaming also helps keep the nutrients in the vegetables and meat intact, ensuring you enjoy a healthy meal.
However, with various sizes, materials, and designs available, choosing the right one for your kitchen may be difficult. So, check out these time-tested and expert-recommended options and choose one that suits your requirements.
Top Picks
13 Best Steamer Baskets To Buy
1. Best Large-Capacity: Hatrigo Steamer Basket
If you are looking for a steamer basket for your Instant Pot pressure cooker, this basket by Hatrigo is the perfect tool for it. This six-quart mesh basket is ideal for a large family as it can make a huge quantity of food. This mom-tested large-capacity steamer basket can steam just about anything – from your favorite vegetables to hard-boiled eggs. It is made of high-quality stainless steel and features a sturdy food-grade silicone handle that does not heat up and prevents your hand from burning while taking the basket from the pot.
Pros
- Does not rust
- Also available in three- and fiver-quart capacities
- It comes with silicone-wrapped feet that keep it from scratching the pot.
Cons
- Might be difficult to clean
2. Best Stainless Steel Basket:HOUSE AGAIN Steamer Basket For Pressure Cooker
Unlike a few other cooking methods, when steaming, water does not touch the food, giving you perfectly-cooked food while also retaining their moisture. This stainless steel steamer basket features a one-inch high trivet that keeps the steamer above the water. Meanwhile, the deep, wide design of this six-quart basket (comes in three- and fiver-quart capacities too) and multiple holes allow more steam to penetrate the basket to cook food quickly and evenly. Plus, this metal steamer basket is a great tool for straining bones when making stock or broth.
Pros
- Sturdy build and durable material
- Easy to use
- Versatile choice
- Dishwasher-safe
- Made of 18/8 stainless steel
- Removable silicone-covered handle
Cons
- Might rust if not maintained well
"This steamer basket has proven to be versatile, easy-to-clean, and a good replacement for my old air fryer basket and steamer. It's particularly handy with whole chicken and tamales. I love the convenient handle and feet. It has held up nicely over a year of frequent use."
Point to consider3. Best Expandable:Consevisen Vegetable Steamer Basket
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 1,708 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
When you have a small kitchen and limited storage space, the last thing you want is a large steamer basket that is difficult to store. This one by Consevisen is a foldable steamer insert that features a wing-like design that can be folded in for a compact storage solution. The expandable design and collapsible feature of the basket allows it to fit a pot or pan with ease. This expandable and collapsible feature of the basket allows it to fit the pot/pan’s size with ease. This steamer basket is made of premium quality stainless steel and comes with a food-grade plastic holder and foldable silicon feet. Aside from using it as a food steamer basket, it can also be used as a fruit basket and strainer.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Versatile design
- Two-inch feet keeps the tool above water
- Silicons feet does not scratch the pot
- Plastic holder is adjustable and removable.
Cons
- May not be durable
"Replacing my old steamer with this stainless steel basket has been a great decision. The convenient silicone handle and feet add to its utility and safety."
Hatrigo Steamer Basket | HOUSE AGAIN Steamer Basket For Pressure Cooker | Consevisen Vegetable Steamer Basket | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | - | All | - |
| Material | - | 18/8 Steel | Stainless steel petals; plastic handle; silicone feet |
| Color | - | 6Qt | Silver/Green |
| Weight | - | 10.2 ounces | 0.66 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | 9 x 9 x 5 inches | 5.9 x 5.9 x 2.7 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,258 | 9,219 | 1,708 |
| Price | $17.99 | $13.99 | $9.99 |
4. Best Handy:Aoizta Double-Tier Stackable Steamer Basket Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 5,209 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Steaming your food is a healthier way of cooking it. So, if you are planning to follow a healthy diet, a steamer such as this one will be handy to help you achieve your goal. This set features two performance-tested stackable mesh baskets, which increases your options of cooking a variety of food items simultaneously. Plus, you won’t have to worry about various food items getting mushed up together. Made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, the steamer basket includes a gray silicone handle that prevents burns while removing it from the instant pot. The bigger basket measures 5.6 inches in height and the smaller one measures three inches, making them a perfect fit for six- or eight-quart pressure cookers.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Stackable design for space-efficient storage
- Also used as a strainer
- Features a trivet design that provides stability
- The trivet is ¾ inch high to keep it right above the water.
- Compatible with most instant pot, stovetop, and electric pressure cookers.
Cons
- Handles may be flimsy
"I often use this to steam veggies. It also works as a fryer and strainer. I especially love how it fits most standard pots in my kitchen."
Did You know?5. Best Convenient:Hatrigo 3-Piece Divided Steamer Basket For Pressure Cooker
If you want to cook 3 different food items in one go but don’t want them to come in contact with one another, then this six-quart divided steamer basket is the one you should consider. This set includes three insert compartments that can be placed together in the pot but will keep the ingredients separate. All the inserts come with a silicone wrapped handle that makes it convenient for you to lift out the baskets from the pot. Each mom-tested basket features feet at the bottom that are high enough to keep the water away from the food. Plus, they are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel inserts
- Does not rust or discolor
- Available in three- and eight-quart capacities
Cons
- Inserts may have sharp edges.
"Using this stainless steel steamer in my instant pot is a joy. It continues to remain rust-free ever since I bought it. It can be a tad tricky to empty while it's hot, yet the silicon-wrapped handles help."
6. Best Flexibility:OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer Basket
Silicone cooking utensils are becoming more and more popular nowadays due to its flexibility, ease of use, and non-stick quality. This tried-and-tested green silicone basket by OXO is no less. This cookware can be used to steam vegetables, fish, fruits, and more. It features a pleated design that allows the basket to accommodate various cookers and can flex to fit pots measuring seven inches or wider. Plus, with a flat bottom and larger capacity, it has plenty of space for big food items. This vegetable steamer basket includes flexible handles that can be folded inward and interlocked to fit under the lid while cooking. When not in use, this basket can be rolled up with handles hooked onto the feet for easy storage.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Compact storage design
- Heat-resistant handles
- Features raised feet
- The high walls keep the food items intact inside the basket.
Cons
- May have a chemical odor or taste
"It took me a while to appreciate the Oxo silicone steamer. Unlike old-style metal ones, it remains cool and folds compactly for storage. It also has a flexible design to fit into any pot."
Quick tip7. Best Collapsible Design:Sensible Needs Steamer Inserts For Instant Pot + Safety Tool
Whether you want to make large meals or small portions, this steamer basket set has you covered. This instant pot steamer basket set includes large and standard steamer inserts and a hook tool. While the large basket can be used to make huge quantities of food, the smaller one is ideal for preparing side dishes. Both baskets are made of high-quality stainless steel, which means they can withstand the durability test as they won’t rust or stain over time. Thanks to the collapsible design, they can be folded to half their size for compact storage.
Pros
- Features 1.25 inches long legs at the bottom
- Easy to clean–dishwasher-safe
- Compact design
- Can fit into any pressure cooker or pot
- The hook tool is used to lift the basket from the pot.
- It can also be used as a colander, egg rack, and trivet.
Cons
- The legs may not have a rubber covering.
"These stainless steel veggie steamers genuinely impressed me. They take up very little space on my kitchen countertop, and I sometimes use it to store fruits. Taking the steamer out from the pot can be a bit difficult, but despite this minor hiccup, I find the product quite practical."
8. Best For Pressure Cookers:Instant Pot Official Large Mesh Steamer Basket
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 7,471 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
This is one of the best steamer baskets for Instant Pot, as it is specially designed to be used in Instant Pot pressure cookers. From steaming corn on the cob, asparagus, and whole fish, this basket is large enough to hold any food item. Made of stainless steel, this steamer basket with handles allows you to conveniently transfer the basket in and out of the cooker. The raised feet at the base of the metal steamer basket ensures water does not seep into it, thus preventing food from getting soggy. Preparing sumptuous and nutritious food can’t get any better than this.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Rust-resistant
- Durable construction
- Dishwasher-safe
- Works as a steamer and strainer
- Suitable for 6 and 8 qt. cookers
Cons
- Might not be tall enough for an eight-quart cooker
"I found this steamer basket to be of a notably superior quality to my previous purchase. It is easy to hold and has a sturdy build. Apart from steaming, I often use it for rinsing and storing berries, which seem to last longer due to the ventilation it provides."
9. Best Microwave Steamer:Quicker Nest Multipurpose Silicone Basket
Upgrade your kitchen arsenal with this silicone steamer basket, also known as a sling that makes preparing healthy food simple and fast. Made entirely of food-grade silicone, this steamer basket is soft, malleable, unbreakable, and safe. Plus, this microwave steamer basket has been thoroughly tested to meet US regulations and is resistant to heat, so no more worries about it overheating and burning your fingers. It comes with built-in sturdy legs that are high enough to prevent water from entering the basket. In addition to that, the cool-touch handles and high-wall design keeps the food contained.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Safe to use in microwave, oven, and freezer
- Freezer-friendly–can be used to preserve frozen dumplings
- Compatible with six- and eight-quart instant pot, Ninja Foodie, or regular pressure cookers
Cons
- Might not be tall enough for an eight-quart cooker
"This silicone steamer basket has become a staple in my kitchen. It's pretty handy when cooking spaghetti or steaming leafy greens. Plus, it doesn't scratch my instant pot. The handles are great for easy removal, and cleaning it is easy too."
10. Best Adjustable Design:Vremi Collapsible Vegetable Steamer Basket
Keep your storage shelf or your kitchen counter space clutter-free with the help of this collapsible steamer basket. It features an adjustable design with wing-like plates that can be opened to hold a large number of food items at once and folded in for convenient storage. The bottom of this stainless steel basket includes non-slip silicone-covered feet that are smooth and do not create scratches on the pans/pots. It is designed with a heat-resistant,easy-lift, and adjustable handle for ease of transfer. Apart from steaming food, the collapsible model can be used as a fruit/vegetable basket and a colander.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant and durable
- BPA-free extendable handle
- Lightweight and portable
- Fits five-, six-, and eight-quart capacity pots
- Holes are large enough to allow steam to pass through
Cons
- Might be difficult to clean
"Intricately designed yet simple to use, this steamer basket makes steaming vegetables a breeze. It is easy to maintain and clean and fits most standard pots in the kitchen. It has become an integral part of my healthy eating journey."
11. Best Durable:HapWay Steamer Basket With Egg Steam Rack Trivet
For days when you are in a rush and want to steam more items simultaneously, this set is worth considering. You could heat up to seven eggs in the rack and cook small quantities of rice or veggies in the basket. Alternatively, the trivet also works as a stand so as to place the basket on it to avoid water from touching the food. Made of high-grade stainless steel, these utensils are sturdy, durable, and easy to clean, and are ideal for Instant Pot and other pressure cookers.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Doubles as a fruit container or strainer
- Handles enable easy transfer of the basket
Cons
- May discolor or corrode if not manually dried after washing
"Using this new steamer basket has been great. I have used it for steaming dumplings, vegetables, and chicken pieces. Its rigid sides make it practical and reliable."
12. Best Safe Handles:Impresa Products Instant Pot-Compatible Steamer Basket
Add a touch of style and a bit of color to your kitchen with this silicone steamer basket by Impresa Products. As the title suggests, this steamer is compatible with all Instant Pot pressure cooker models and is ideal for five-, six-, and eight-quart capacity pots. Designed especially for steaming food, this basket features instant cooling handles that enable you to easily lift it and high walls that prevent water from coming in contact with food. Meanwhile, the interlocking handles lie flat when closing the lid.
Pros
- Food-grade and BPA-free
- Dishwasher-safe
- Flexible material ensures it fits any pot size with ease
Cons
- May take longer to cook food
"I find this stretchable silicone steam basket perfect for my pan. It is customizable, and I do not have to worry about rust and dents."
13. Best Convinient:Avokado Stackable Silicone Steamer Basket
A combination of a sling, trivet, and steamer basket, this 3-in-1 kitchen accessory is a must-have for those seeking a convenient steaming tool. This food-grade silicone steamer basket with dividers can steam three varieties of food in one go, be it vegetables, seafood, or meat. All while the tall sidewall ensures the food stays inside the basket during the transfer from the pot to the kitchen countertop.
Pros
- BPA-free and dishwasher-safe
- Versatile design
- Rust-free and unbreakable
- Includes sturdy handles for easy removal
Cons
- The holes may be too big.
"I initially thought this basket divider was tiny, but I found out it was more spacious than expected. It is perfect for steaming three types of vegetables and helps preserve their unique flavors. Cleaning it is a breeze too."
How To Choose The Right Steamer Basket?
Before you finalize on a steamer basket, you might want to go through these pointers to make sure you choose the right one.
- Material: Steamer baskets are made of different materials, with stainless steel and silicone being the most popular expert-recommended choices. Stainless steel models are non-corrosive and are built to last, thanks to their sturdy construction. Food-grade silicone ones are flexible and easier to use. No matter what material you prefer, ensure that they are of good quality and safe to use.
- Capacity: The capacity or the size of the steamer varies depending on the storage space and how much food you need to cook for you and your family. However, if your food portions vary now and then, a foldable/collapsible steamer basket is an excellent choice.
- Ease of cleaning: One of the main reasons for using a steamer is to reduce your time in the kitchen. So the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen just washing the utensil. When looking for a steamer basket, make sure you find one that is dishwasher-safe. If not, it should at least be easy to clean/wash by hand.
- Additional features: Some baskets come with dividers, while others include a hook tool. The extra features you may require will vary based on your cooking style and needs.
Holly Ford, a Korean culinary expert, author, and owner of Beyond Kimchee, says, “You may choose expandable steaming baskets, as they are versatile and fit inside different-sized pots. Also, Ensure the feet of the basket are flat so they do not scratch the bottom of your pot.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to steam food in a steamer?
Most chopped vegetables take about five to ten minutes to be steamed, while vegetables like potatoes could take 20 minutes. In short, the steaming time depends on the type of food and how well they are chopped or sliced.
2. What foods can I steam?
You can steam various foods, including vegetables, chicken, and fish. Chop them into small, equal-sized pieces for a thorough, even, and quick steaming effect.
How should I clean and descale a food steamer?
One of the standard methods is to soak the streamer tray and base, excluding the electrical part, in warm soapy water or vinegar-water solution for 20 minutes and then give it a good scrub at the sink with a sponge.
4. Does steaming food kill bacteria?
Generally, food cooked thoroughly at 75-degree Celsius or above is safe to consume (1).
Why Trust MomJunction?
A good steamer basket is a go-to product for every household and kitchen. Thus, Wedetso Chirhah, our in-house writer and reviewer of kitchen and home products, has compiled this list of the best available steamer baskets to make your cooking simpler and quicker. He has researched user reviews and various food steamer baskets to bring you the best ones. Additionally, he has added a buying guide to help you select the right steamer basket.
Steamer baskets help retain the nutrients in the vegetables and meat, making your meal healthy. If you are planning to buy one, you should consider your needs and check the materials and capacity. Steamer baskets promote healthy eating, making them one of the most sought-after kitchen equipment. Its easy cooking process helps save time and effort, suitable for preparing quick, nutritious meals. These steamer baskets are easy to clean for long-lasting use and are sturdy, with several features to simplify the process.
Infographic: Buying Tips For Steamer Basket
Boiling vegetables and fruits before cooking can make them lose their nutritional value, but steaming retains its benefits. Therefore, a steamer basket could be a good addition to your kitchen tools for steaming vegetables and fruits. Look through the following infographic for some tips and pointers you should consider when buying a steamer basket.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Food Safety When Cooking
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-safety-when-cooking
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