Best Bamboo Steamer
There’s no doubt that steaming food is a healthy, low-fat way to eat. And while there are various ways to get the job done, many home chefs prefer the simplicity and versatility of a bamboo steamer.
Bamboo steamers originated in China some 5,000 years ago, but only became popular in North America as its use in cooking and steaming dumplings and dim sum became more widespread. These days, you can use a bamboo steamer to cook a variety of foods, from beef and fish to vegetables and yes, dumplings.
These steamers come in different sizes, can be multi-tired and have a lid. In fact, the advantage of using this handy piece of cookware is that each level is designed to be stacked on top of each other so the steam can cook many different servings at the same time.
Below you will find a list of some of the best bamboo steamers you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that suits your cooking style.
1. Editor’s Pick: Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket 10 inch
Anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired flavors and wants to embrace healthier eating habits might think a bamboo steamer is a good starting point. And they would be right. If that sounds like you, but you’re a newbie to the world of bamboo steamers, you might not know where or how to begin.
Our number one pick from Prime Home Direct is a great choice for anyone who loves cooking and wants to expand their repertoire. The 10-inch steamer is made of 100 percent organic bamboo and can be used to steam meat, vegetables, fish and dumplings, and can also be used as a Japanese rice cooker for sushi or dim sum. What’s really nice about this option is that it also comes with two sets of chopsticks, a ceramic dish for sauce and 50 reusable wax paper liners.
With two stackable tiers, each of which is three-inches deep, and a cover, you can cook or reheat two separate servings at the same time. To clean, hand wash all parts with soap and warm water and leave to air dry completely. Do not put it into the microwave, dishwasher or oven.
Pros:
- Can be used on a frying pan or wok
- Comes with chopsticks, ceramic sauce dish and 50 reusable liners
- Steam efficient and retains moisture
Cons:
- Not everyone may want or need the accessories
- Initially has a “woodsy” smell
2. Runner Up: Noble Nest Deluxe Bamboo Steamer Basket
Purists who use a bamboo steamer would argue that 100 percent organic bamboo is the only way to have an authentic experience with this cooking method. That being said, some people complain that some bamboo steamers are not very sturdy and after time can warp, bend or fall apart.
This 10-ich model is unique, as it’s made from a blend of cedar wood, bamboo and stainless steel. All of these materials contribute to its sturdiness and long-lasting appeal, especially the steel rims, which protect the basket from moisture and heat. However, this type of cedar imparts a subtle aromatic smell that adds a hint of flavor to food as it steams, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
Included with the two-tiered steamer is a lid, two sets of chopsticks, two reusable silicone liners, two ceramic sauce dishes and a pair of bamboo tongs that can be used to lift the lid and remove hot dumplings from the basket. As you can see, it has everything you need to make dinner for two!
Pros:
- Would make a nice bridal shower gift
- Reinforced with stainless steel
- Suitable for steaming whole cuts of fish
Cons:
- Needs to air dry for two days after washing
- Do not soak in water for more than five minutes
3. Best Budget Pick: Trademark Innovations Bamboo Rice Steamer
Money is tight these days and many people live on a budget. If you fall into that category, you may think a bamboo steamer is too expensive to add to your kitchen cookware. However, if you want to add this healthy cooking style to your regime, you may want to consider a standard model that doesn’t come with any accessories.
This steamer from Trademark Innovations may be budget-priced, but that doesn’t mean it won’t perform well. The 10-inch, two-tier steamer is pretty basic, is made from 100 percent bamboo, comes with a domed lid and is suitable for steaming vegetables, dumplings and rice.
You’re not going to get any accessories such as chopsticks, ceramic dishes or even liners, but that won’t stop you from still reaping the benefits of using this style of cooking. Instead of paper or silicone liners, you can line the bottom of the basket with lettuce, cabbage or bok choy leaves as an alternative. Then you proceed as normal to prepare and steam your food. Easy peasy! And when it comes to clean up, simply hand wash with warm water and air dry.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Two-tiers plus lid
- Suitable for vegetables and rice
Cons:
- Does not come with liners
- Some users said it wasn’t very sturdy
4. Best Three-Tier: Annie’s Kitchen Premium 10 Inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer
Many bamboo steamers have two tiers, which means you can cook or reheat two separate foods at the same time. While that’s great for a single person or couple, it may not be sufficient for a larger family, or if you have guests over for dinner.
This 10-inch steamer from Annie’s Kitchen is suitable for preparing larger quantities of food at the same time since it has three steamer baskets. The hand-woven baskets have an open-weave design that allows more steam to pass through so food steams quickly. The kits also comes with a nice array of accessories that will up your cooking style for a more authentic experience. Not only does it include two sets of bamboo chopsticks and four reusable and washable cotton liners, it also comes with a dumpling maker and spoon.
Each basket fits 14 to 16 dumplings and with these three interlocking layers, you can cook different foods in each tier for a delicious full-course meal using only two cooking utensils – a pot on the stove and the steamer. This bamboo steamer, with all the accessories, makes an ideal gift for the foodie in your life.
Pros:
- Large, three-tiers with lid
- Hand woven using no glue or chemicals
- Made from ethically sourced bamboo
Cons:
- May be too large for some uses
- A bit pricey
5. Best Small Size: i-PLAYLOFT Premium 8 Inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer
The typical size of a bamboo steamer is 10 inches, although you can find 12-inch sizes as well. Both of these may be too large for your needs if you are just cooking for yourself. We included this eight-inch bamboo steamer for anyone who prefers to make small quantities of food or doesn’t have the storage space for anything larger.
Just because this steamer from i-Playloft is smaller than average, it doesn’t mean it won’t perform the way you need it to. The two-tiered design means you can still cook two different foods at the same time. The open-weave style allows more steam to pass through for quick cooking and the baskets are made from ethically sourced bamboo material that is 100 percent BPA-free, non-toxic, odorless and does not contain glue or chemical coating.
This set also includes two sets of chopsticks, a small plate for sauce, 20 wax liners and a step-by-step guide on how to use the steamer so newbies rejoice, this steamer is for you.
Pros:
- Space saving size
- Open weave design
- Made from ethically sourced bamboo
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Open air dry overnight before reassembling parts
6. Best Large Size: Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Food Steamer with Lid, 12-Inch
When you need to make larger quantities of food at the same time, logic would dictate that right-sized cookware is needed. When it comes to a bamboo steamer, that may mean more baskets or a larger diameter. This bamboo steamer from Helen’s Asian Kitchen measures 12 inches in diameter for nice, roomy baskets, but there are only two levels.
Made from 100 percent bamboo, the sides of the baskets are tightly woven to trap steam, with the bottoms having an open-weave design so more steam passes through for quick cooking. The steamer is suitable for cooking and warming vegetables, dumplings, eggs, meat, poultry and fish. However, for foods that you season such as seafood, meats and tofu, it is recommended that you not use a liner and instead, steam them in a heat-proof shallow dish to catch the juices. The dish should be about one inch smaller than the diameter of the steamer and the food should not touch the inside of the lid so the steam can circulate freely around the food for even cooking.
This steamer does not come with accessories or any liners, all of which need to be purchased separately.
Pros:
- Larger diameter
- Open weave design
- Made from natural bamboo
Cons:
- Pricey
- Larger size needs to sit on a larger pot; a steel ring is recommended
7. Best Kit: Dumpling Maker Kit w/ Bamboo Steamer Basket
You don’t have to love Asian food to want to have a bamboo steamer to cook a variety of food. However, if dumplings are your thing and you are inspired to delve into the flavors of Oriental cooking, then you may want to consider this all-inclusive kit where you can make your own dumplings, cook them in a bamboo steamer and experiment with a wide range of recipes and food.
The kit includes a two-tier bamboo steamer with lid, a package of liners, agar powder to make a gelatinous mixture, a round, three-inch stainless steel dough cutter, a beech wood dumpling roller, a spoon to fill the dumplings, a mold to make dumplings and access to eight instructional videos on how to create and cook dumplings, sauces and other delicacies in the steamer. The kit will help you learn to make all kinds of dumplings, dumpling sauces and Xiao long bao steam buns. Treat yourself to this great bamboo steamer and dumpling-making kit or gift it to the foodie in your life.
Pros:
- Kit includes everything you need to make and steam dumplings
- Instructional videos included
- Includes a recipe booklet
Cons:
- Pricey
8. Also Consider: Thodd&Go Bamboo Steamer Basket
Bamboo steamers are fun, convenient and easy to use, but since they cannot go into the oven or a microwave, you do need a pot, frying pan or wok to help the process along. This usually involves balancing the steamer on the edges of a pan, since it is the steam from the water in the pan that cooks your food. If you only purchase the steamer, you will have to get accessories separately. What we really like about this bamboo steamer from Thodd&Go, is that it includes an 11-inch steamer adapter ring.
This genius device fits on the top of any pot that measures seven to 11 inches. Not only does it help the steamer sit more securely over the pot of simmering water so the steam is sent directly into the basket, but it also protects your pots from being scratched by the bamboo. This 10-inch, two-tiered steamer is reinforced with stainless steel bands for durability and also comes with four reusable food-grade silicone liners. Their small-hole design allows the food to cook evenly. You also get a user guide to help you through your first attempts at using the steamer.
Pros:
- Includes reusable, food-grade silicone liners
- Includes 11-inch steamer adapter ring
- Made from organic bamboo and reinforced with stainless steel bands
Cons:
- Held together with non-toxic glue
What to look for when choosing a bamboo steamer:
How they work:
A bamboo steamer really is a convenient and easy way to prepare a large variety of foods in a healthy way without using fat or oil. It’s super convenient because it usually has two and sometimes three stackable baskets into which you can put different foods to cook at the same time. However, it’s important to realize that these steamers cannot be used in the oven or the microwave. You need a heat source, like a stovetop, and another pan or wok for the cooking process to happen. You simply put water in the pot, wait until it heats up, and then put the food-filled steamer with the lid on over the pot. Ideally, you want the steamer to be larger than the top of the pot, so it sits nicely and is not immersed in the water. Alternatively, you can use an adapter ring on the pot to ensure the steamer is secure.
Size:
Bamboo steamers comes in different sizes that are reflected in the diameter and the number of layers or baskets. Typically, the sizes are eight, 10 or 12 inches in diameter and either two or three tiers. Which size you choose will depend on how much food you would like to make at one time, the size of your pan or wok, and the size of your stovetop.
Accessories:
You really don’t need anything more than a basic bamboo steamer with a lid to cook delicious meals and dumplings. However, some people like to use cotton, paper or silicone liners to put on the bottom of each basket before placing the food. This is done to make cleaning the baskets easier, as some food, especially dumplings, can stick to the bamboo. You can also use cabbage, lettuce or bok choy leaves as a more natural liner that you can eat along with the dumplings, fish, meat or vegetables you are cooking.
Some bamboo steamers include accessories such as reusable liners, chopsticks, adapter rings and sauce dishes. While all of these are nice to have, especially if you are giving the steamer as a gift, it will add to the cost of the product and none of them are essential for using a bamboo steamer to its fullest capacity.
Photo credit: Atsushi Hirao/Shutterstock