Steaming has become my go-to for quick, healthy meals that keep the whole family happy and well-fed. I love how an electric food steamer can make everything from fluffy rice bowls to vibrant veggies and even those irresistible dumplings with hardly any fuss. Over the years, I’ve tried a handful of steam cookers, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about some of the best options out there, like the BELLA 13872, Hamilton Beach 37530A, Euro Cuisine FS2500, KEENSTAR MK902A, and Cuisinart STM-1000.
These food steamers are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep days, and they open up a world of steamer recipes and healthy microwave recipes that go way beyond just vegetables. I’ll walk you through what makes each vegetable steamer special, how to cook dumplings and other family favorites, and how these steamers can help you create delicious, nutritious meals with ease.
Top picks
Comparison table
| Product |
Capacity |
Material |
Weight |
Dimensions |
Electric |
Link |
| BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer |
7.4 Quarts |
Steel |
4.75 pounds |
14.17"L x 10.23"W x 11.41"H |
Yes |
Get Price |
| Cuisinart STM-1000 Digital Glass Steamer |
5 Liters |
Stainless Steel |
15.75 pounds |
13.74"L x 13.23"W x 9.37"H |
Yes |
Get Price |
| Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer and Rice Cooker |
5.5 Quarts |
Plastic |
3.97 pounds |
13.7"L x 7.28"W x 12.6"H |
Yes |
Get Price |
| KEENSTAR 13.7QT Electric Food Steamer |
13.7 Quarts |
Polypropylene |
4.34 pounds |
13.58"L x 13.58"W x 7.28"H |
— |
Get Price |
| Euro Cuisine FS2500 Electric Food Steamer |
17 Quarts |
Stainless Steel |
8 pounds |
14.5"L x 13"W x 18"H |
Yes |
Get Price |
01
BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer
BELLA
Main highlights
- Capacity: 7.4 qt
- Power: Electric
- Auto shutoff and boil dry protection
- Stackable baskets
- Dishwasher safe parts
Pros
- Cooks multiple foods at once
- Quick heating and cooking
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Plastic baskets may crack over time
- Not as sturdy as premium models
Size
The steamer is moderately sized and fits most kitchen counters. It offers a total capacity of 7.4 quarts, suitable for family meals.
Look
It features a black finish with clear stackable baskets. The design is functional and blends in with most kitchen appliances.
Function
The two tier system allows for simultaneous cooking of different foods. It heats up quickly and includes safety features like auto shutoff. The water level indicator is easy to read.
Summary
This model is a budget friendly choice compared to more expensive steamers. It is easy to use and clean but may not last as long as higher end options.
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02
Cuisinart STM-1000 Digital Glass Steamer
Cuisinart
Main highlights
- Capacity: 5 liters
- Power: Electric
- Preprogrammed settings: 5
- Removable 1 liter water tank
- Dishwasher safe glass pot
Pros
- Spacious glass pot
- Easy to use digital controls
- Cooks food evenly
Cons
- Higher price than most steamers
- Bulky size
- Capacity may feel smaller than expected
Size
The steamer is larger and heavier than many alternatives. It measures about 14 by 13 by 9 inches and weighs nearly 16 pounds. Some users find it takes up significant counter space.
Look
It features a modern stainless steel finish with a clear glass pot. The design is sleek and fits well in contemporary kitchens.
Function
The digital controls are simple to use. It offers five preset cooking modes and a countdown timer. The glass pot and removable water tank make cleaning and refilling straightforward.
Summary
This model stands out for its glass construction and digital features. It is more expensive than basic plastic steamers but offers more versatility and a premium feel. Best for those who want advanced features and do not mind the size.
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03
Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer and Rice Cooker
Hamilton Beach
Main highlights
- Capacity: 5.5 quarts
- Two tier stackable bowls
- Digital timer with auto warm
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
Pros
- Simple digital controls
- Stackable two tier design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Plastic parts may crack
- Limited capacity for large families
- Lid handle can be fragile
Size
This steamer is compact and fits easily in most kitchen cabinets. Its 5.5 quart capacity suits singles or small households but may be limiting for larger families.
Look
The appliance features a black and stainless steel finish with clear plastic bowls. Its modern appearance blends into most kitchen settings.
Function
It steams vegetables, seafood, eggs, and rice with a digital timer and automatic keep warm function. The two tier design allows for cooking multiple foods at once. Cleaning is straightforward as the parts come apart easily.
Summary
The Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer is a good choice for those seeking convenience and versatility in a small package. While it is easy to use and store, buyers looking for more durability or higher capacity may want to compare with other brands.
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04
KEENSTAR 13.7QT Electric Food Steamer
KEENSTAR
Main highlights
- Capacity: 13.7 qt
- Power: 800 W
- 3 stackable tiers
- Digital timer with delay
- BPA free material
Pros
- Spacious 13.7 quart capacity
- Quick steam generation
- Dishwasher safe baskets
Cons
- Mixed feedback on functionality
- Plastic build may not suit all preferences
Size
This steamer offers a generous 13.7 quart capacity with three stackable baskets. It is suitable for preparing meals for several people at once.
Look
The unit features a modern black finish and is made from polypropylene. Its compact footprint helps with countertop or cabinet storage.
Function
It heats quickly and includes a digital timer with a delay function. The baskets are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Some users note inconsistent performance compared to higher priced steamers.
Summary
This model is a budget friendly option for those needing a large steamer. It stands out for its capacity and speed but may not match the durability or consistency of more expensive competitors.
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05
Euro Cuisine FS2500 Electric Food Steamer
Euro Cuisine
Main highlights
- Capacity: 17 quarts
- Power: 1200 W
- Two tiers
- Stainless steel baskets
- LCD display
Pros
- Very large capacity
- Stainless steel baskets
- Simple LCD controls
- Two-tier cooking
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- Higher price than basic models
- Mixed feedback on reliability
Size
This steamer is larger than most, measuring about 14.5 by 13 by 18 inches. It is suitable for families or batch cooking but may be too big for small kitchens.
Look
The design combines white plastic with stainless steel for a modern appearance. The LCD display is clear and easy to read.
Function
It steams food quickly and evenly. The two-tier setup allows for cooking different foods at once. Features include a timer, auto shut-off, and a keep warm function.
Summary
The Euro Cuisine FS2500 stands out for its capacity and stainless steel build. It is more expensive and bulkier than most steamers but offers more versatility. Best for users who need to cook large quantities at once.
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Final verdict
If you are looking for a reliable food steamer, both the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer and the Cuisinart STM 1000 Digital Glass Steamer stand out as top choices. For those on a budget, the BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer offers great value with its simple design and effective steaming performance, making it perfect for everyday use.
If you want a more advanced option, the Cuisinart STM 1000 Digital Glass Steamer in the premium segment delivers excellent results with its digital controls and spacious glass container. Both models make healthy cooking easy and efficient, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
FAQs
What types of food can I cook in these food steamers
You can steam vegetables, seafood, chicken, fish, tofu, rice, eggs, and even dumplings or meats. The multi-tier designs let you cook a full meal with sides at once.
Can I cook different foods at the same time without mixing flavors
Yes, the two or three-tier steamers keep foods separate so you can steam multiple items at once without mixing flavors.
Are the steamers easy to clean
Most models have dishwasher-safe baskets and removable parts, making cleanup simple and convenient.
How do I know when to add more water
Many steamers feature a clear water level indicator so you can easily see when it’s time to refill.
What safety features do these steamers have
They include auto shutoff and boil dry protection, which turn the steamer off if it runs out of water or after cooking is done.
Are these steamers suitable for family meals
Yes, with capacities ranging from 5 to 17 quarts, these steamers can handle family-size portions or meal prep.
Do the steamers have timers or digital controls
Several models offer digital touchpads, countdown timers, delay start, and LCD displays for easy and precise cooking.
