Finding the best food steamer will save you loads of time in the kitchen and effortlessly make meals low-calorie - with no need for oils. But, this doesn't mean your food has to be bland, either. Actually, steaming will preserve the flavour of your food and will retain the colour, too - so the presentation will be top-notch. Just add a squeeze of lemon to unleash the flavour potential of your veggies. Want a kitchen gadget that helps make low-calorie, easy, quick, healthy and nutritious meals? We've got you covered.
You can steam literally everything - from salmon to veggies to dim sum and rice. You can even pop your leftover steamed veggies into your smoothie maker to make tasty cold drinks for the summer. Gorge. The possibilities are endless, and food steaming appliances will take the time and effort out of cooking. If this sounds like something you can get on board with, read on to find out the best food steamers on the market and how you can reap the benefits. But, what are the benefits of steaming food?
Best food steamers at a glance
• Best overall food steamer: Morphy Richards 3-Tier Food Steamer - view on Amazon UK
• Best electric food steamer: Salter 3-Tier Food Steamer - view on Amazon UK
• Best food steamer for larger families: Russell Hobbs Food Collection 3-Tier Food Steamer - view on Amazon UK
If you want to prepare food more healthily, steaming is an excellent alternative to frying, baking, or roasting. There is no need to add any extra oils or fats to prepare it, making it low in calories and as clean as possible. Not only is it more low cal, but it is healthier as steaming locks in the vitamins. Some vitamins are damaged by heat and water, so it's easy, quick and healthy. And, we've found the best food steamers below, whether an electrical appliance, hob-based contraption or a cheeky eco-friendly bamboo pick.
Best food steamers UK
Below, we have our favourite picks. If you're looking for something a little more versatile, consider a multicooker for the needs of your home - complete with steaming, slow cooking and more...
Best food steamer overall
![Morphy Richards Equip 970008, 3 Tier Steamer with Tempered Glass Lid, Stainless Steel, 18 cm](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Morphy-Richards-3-Tier-Food-Steamer.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Morphy Richards is slaying the game with its 3-Tier Food Steamer. Suitable for all hobs, this is a piece of cookware made to steam veggies into nutrient-packed and flavourful meals. At the top of our list, it comes complete with tempered glass lids and thermocore tech for efficient, even cooking. High quality and smart, Morphy Richards is a well-known, reputable brand. If you're looking for a sturdy and durable option, you'll get your money's worth with this pick.
From over 3,000 global ratings, Amazon UK has been granted a 4.5/5 average rating. Customers like the quality, size, cleanability, appearance and value. One customer says the thoughtful design and attention to detail sets it apart from the rest. With the stay-cool handle for a comfy, burn-free grip and pouring sputs for no mess, this is a versatile and well-designed pick. Despite its generous capacity, it's easy to clean - as it's non-stick and safe to pop in the dishwasher. Some complain about the heat resistance and smell - and it's not the most energy-efficient, either.
Pros
- Budget-friendly and made from energy-efficient materials
- Suitable for use on all hob types and it's dishwasher safe
- Featuring double spouts and a pouring lid for ease of use
Cons
- Hob use only - so may not be kind to bills
Dimensions | 18 dia. |
Power | Hob |
Baskets/tiers | Three tier |
Hob usage | Suitable for use on all hob types including induction |
Pre-set modes | N/A |
Guarantee | 10 years |
Best bamboo steamer
![KitchenCraft World of Flavours 20cm Bamboo Steamer](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/KitchenCraft-World-of-Flavours-20cm-Bamboo-Steamer.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
If you're looking for something stripped-back and no-nonsense, why not go for this traditional KitchenCraft Bamboo Steamer? A staple in Asian cuisines, this is a space-saving, stackable steamer, which is added to your largest wok or frying pan. Looking for a new way to tackle roast dinner veggies? This is a great choice.
Customers on Amazon rave about this steamer, loving how easy it is to use - and gives first-class results. With a 4.4/5 star rating from 3,000 global reviews, it's a kitchen accessory to look out for. One customer says it is a "must-have" and is perfect for batch cooking - if you're known to waste little food. However, some customers are unconvinced about the quality and size - with only two tiers.
Pros
- Easy to use - comprises of two stackable layers
- Fits any 18+ cm saucepan, stock pot or large wok
- A traditional way to cook veggies, fish and more
Cons
- Only two layers - may not suit larger households
Dimensions | 20 x 14.5 cm |
Power | Hob |
Baskets/tiers | Two sturdy, stackable layers |
Hob usage | N/A |
Pre-set modes | N/A |
Guarantee | 1 year |
Best electric food steamer
![Salter 3-Tier Food Steamer](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Salter-3-Tier-Food-Steamer.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
For cooking rice, meat or veggies, the efficient and stylish Salter 3-Tier Food Steamer helps you save 69% off your energy bills, with no compromise to your delicious mealtimes. With a stainless steel finish, this is a stylish, space-saving option. Plus, it's so budget-friendly and easy to use, which we love to see.
Customer reviews have clocked this Salter steamer up to a respectable 4.4/5 stars - with reviewers loving the taste of their veggies (since using) and quality - not to mention the ease of use. One customer says clean up "doesn't take long", which is making us sigh with relief. Perfect for smaller, younger families looking to up their veg intake, you can't go wrong with Salter. Some reviews had issues with sturdiness, however, it's cheap, ideal and will serve you well for roast dinners.
Pros
- With easy clean accessories which are dishwasher-safe
- Boasts a large water reservoir and a 60-minute timer
- Experience a fast, efficient way to cook delicious food
Cons
- Some customers had an issue with the sturdiness
Dimensions | L20 x W23 x H41 cm; 7.5 L |
Power | 500 W |
Baskets/tiers | Three tiers |
Hob usage | N/A |
Pre-set modes | 60-minute timer |
Guarantee | Unspecified. |
Best food steamer for larger families
![Russell Hobbs Food Collection 3-Tier Food Steamer](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/KitchenCraft-World-of-Flavours-20cm-Bamboo-Steamer-1.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Featuring dishwasher-safe baskets and a 60-minute timer, Russell Hobbs Food Collection 3-Tier Food Steamer is a great value pick for larger families. With a transparent window to check your veggie's progress, this steamer is easy to cook with and clean. It even has a drip tray to collect water waste. Thank you, Russell Hobbs. Though not the most stylish pick of the bunch, we'd recommend getting this if your household is large - and if you're looking to commit to a healthy diet.
Thanks to over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, it comes with a 4.6/5 star rating. Many customers love the taste of their veggies, now - and feel as if this trusted brand has provided a smart, good quality and reliable pick - with ample room to pack lots of goodness (cooked to perfection) into their diet. Plus, you can't swap the baskets around.
Pros
- Good value steamer with a large capacity for families
- Boasts a decent 9-litre capacity and a 60-minute timer
- Easy cleaning in the dishwasher with BPA-free baskets
Cons
- You can't swap the baskets around
Dimensions | 23.2cm x 41cm x 31.5cm |
Power | Electric, 800W |
Baskets/tiers | Three |
Hob usage | N/A |
Pre-set modes | 60-minute timer |
Guarantee | Two years |
Best microwave steamer
![Sistema Microwave Steamer](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Sistema-Microwave-Steamer.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Offering convenient, healthy cooking in the microwave, this Sistema Microwave Steamer is a BPA and phthalate-free kitchen accessory to help you cook veggies, hassle-free - and save space on the hob, also. With a removable steamer basket and steam release vent for steaming, it's an efficient and easy-to-use steamer. Plus, it's dishwasher, fridge and freeze safe, alongside its microwave functionality.
From over 5,000 reviews, this Sistema steamer has been treated with a fabulous 4.6/5 star rating, with customers obsessing over the appearance and quality. Said to hold enough for a fail of three, customers love how safe and easy it is to use - and clean. One customer says it cooks frozen veggies well, too, which saves money. However, some reviewers have had issues with the lid - and you can't use it without a microwave.
Pros
- Store leftovers and pre-prepared meals in this container
- BPA-free, phthalate-free and completely food-safe
- Steam release vents for mess-free microwave reheating
Cons
- Not suited for those without a microwave
Dimensions | H10.5 x L20.9 cm; 2.4 L |
Power | Microwave |
Baskets/tiers | One |
Hob usage | N/A |
Pre-set modes | N/A |
Guarantee | Unspecified. |
Best steamer basket
![Joseph Joseph Bloom Folding Steamer](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Bloom%E2%84%A2-Green-Folding-Steamer-Basket.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
With a neat, folding design, the petals hinge to fit a variety of pans (from 18 to 23 cm) and even closer for compact storage. Constructed from heat-resistant silicone feet and side fins, you're provided with a durable, scratch-free basket steam to help conquer dinners. With an easy-lift hook, you won't be burned by scolding hot water - as this feature will allow you to remove it safely using a pair of tongs.
A trusted brand, Joseph Joseph delivers top-quality kitchen bits and bobs to help cooking that little bit easier. From over 4,000 reviews globally, 64% of customers have granted it a 5/5. High praise. Many like the value and ease of cleaning. As per, reviewers love that when you pay a little extra, it goes a long way. If you opt for the stainless steel version, reviewers claim it never rusts. It's said to be easy to use and store, too. Plus, customers comment that it has a "good capacity" for small households. However, some customers do have differing opinions on its quality, durability and size (a reduced capacity from the curvy "petals").
Pros
- Suitable for use with non-stick pans (min 18cm)
- Constructed from heat-resistant silicone for safety
- Self-adjusting and folds for compact storage
Cons
- May only be best for smaller households
Dimensions | 16 x 10 cm |
Power | N/A |
Baskets/ties | One |
Hob usage | Yes - for saucepans |
Pre-set modes | N/A |
Guarantee | Unspecified. |
FAQs
What types of food steamers are there?
Hob: This classic steaming method usually comes in a set of three pans which form a tier that sits on top of a pan of hot water on the hob.
Microwave: A microwavable food steamer is an air-tight container with a pressure-release vent and is made from plastic. Just add a little bit of water to the bottom of the container.
Electric: An electric steamer is the simplest method. You only need to add a little water at the bottom, then you add your food. These steamers also come in different shapes and sizes, including tiered, dishes, or baskets.
Are food steamers cheap to run?
Yes – electric steamers are (typically) cheap to run.
The Salter Electric Food Steamer will heat water for steam, allowing it to pass through and heat your veggies. Most modern steamers require a low amount of energy to run – and are cheaper than traditional methods.
Is a food steamer healthy?
It’s said to be one of the healthiest methods of cooking. And, you may think of steaming as a little boring and bland. But, steaming preserves all the goodies hidden away in your food and helps your veggies taste fabulous, without the need for lots of seasoning and fats to cook.
Piper Huxley is a Homes Product Writer for Closer, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.