When it comes to efficiency in the kitchen, a microwave steamer can expedite a number of tasks that allow meal prep, serving and clean up to become easier. Rice, potatoes, poultry, fish, veggies and pasta are just some of the many foods that can be cooked in a microwavable steamer.
When it comes to cooking, efficiency of time, cooking space and cleaning are some of the reasons that we opt to use a microwave on a regular basis. Meal prep, storage and reheating all in one container also helps with productivity.
If you’re looking for a veggie steamer to add to the kitchenette, then we have searched the reviews for the perfect options. Here are the best microwave steamers to help you make a choice about which one to add to your kitchen gear.
Best Pick
The Romertopf Natural Clay Cooker was the best pick because of the large capacity, natural clay material and the attractive design of the platter when serving. Not only is it microwave safe, but it can also be used in the oven, which adds to the versatility of the
steamer.
Budget Pick
When it comes to picking a budget friendly microwave steamer, the Sistema collection has a great line of products. The downside is that the gear is made with plastic, so it has potential to degrade over time with excessive use.
Quick Comparison: Top 6 Best Microwave Steamers
In the list below, we have compiled some of the best microwave steams available on the market from ceramic to silicone and plastic. Hopefully, our list and guide will help to choose the right microwave steamer for your own kitchen.
Best Microwave Steamers
Best microwave steamers to cook, reheat and steam food in the microwave. Glass, plastic and ceramic steamers that are safe for microwave use.
Plastic free, BPA free and silicone free. This microwave vegetable steamer is 100% glass and oven safe too.
Pampered Chef is a name brand responsible for many useful gadgets within the kitchen. No surprise that the Pampered Chef microwave steamer made it onto the list.
If you’re looking for a quality product, then this is your answer. The locking lid features two different hole sizes to help you drain liquids. The microwave cooker is a 2-quart size that is perfect for steaming a side of veggies for the family.
Pros:
Made for right and left-handed users
Dishwasher safe
Locking lid
Two different size holes for draining
Cons:
Plastic
Now it is possible to microwave gourmet food in an attractive microwave safe ceramic cookware. The ceramic microwave steamer has an effective design the allows steam to flow around the food and help to cook evenly.
The downside is that the size is relatively small and restricts that amount of food that can be prepared. As a result, this may require you to use more than one to feed a family
Pros:
Ceramic
Elegant design
Cool touch handle
Non-stick surface
Cons:
Large handle protrudes outward
Size is limiting
Sistema Microwave Steamer is one of the most popular options for microwave cookware. It is no wonder because they have a large collection of products that are durable and effective.
This steamer is designed for a variety of foods from fish to poultry and veggies, and therefore the cooking possibilities are
endless. The handles are cool to the touch, and the lid locks into place.
Another attractive feature is the suspended basket design that allows you to steam food without drowning it in liquid. The lid is microwave safe, which really makes this an all around great buy.
Pros:
Locking lid
Cool touch handles
Steamer basket
BPA-free
Cons:
Plastic
And now for a family sized ceramic microwave steamer! This steamer features a large capacity that works well for a family.
Not only is the design appealing, but the clay microwave steamer is also oven safe and dishwasher safe. The handles are easy to hold and the bottom is glazed to make the cooker easier to clean.
Pros:
Ceramic
Easy to clean bottom
Large capacity
Different sizes available
Cons:
Price
OXO microwave steamer is another well-design cooker that can be used for a wide range of cooking options. The large capacity holds enough food to feed a family.
The handles are easy to hold, cool to the touch and safe for lifting. The inner steaming basket is easy to lift and can be used for a variety of food prep.
Adjust the steam by using the convenient control to allow more or less steam while cooking. Great all around microwave steam with versatile cooking abilities.
Pros:
Large capacity
Cool touch handles
Adjustable steam control
Removable steamer basket
Cons:
Plastic
This silicone microwave steamer features a unique design for smaller kitchens with less storage because the collapsible design saves space. The steamer has a removable inner basket and a splatter free lid.
The steamer basket keeps food elevated above the hot liquid, or remove the basket for stew-type cooking. Overall it’s a wonderful microwave steamer and strainer.
Pros:
Collapsible design saves space
Premium silicone material
BPA free
Things to Know Before Buying the Best Microwave Steamer
The type of microwave steamer you select does matter a great deal. Cooking times and finished results vary based on the type of steamer you select. Material, capacity, lid design and shape are factors to consider when choosing the right steamer to add to your kitchen.
It’s important to select the right size that works well for you, your microwave and your storage space. Functionality like removable steamer baskets, locking lids and adjustable steam control are an added bonus.
The goal is to select a capacity that works well for you, is durable with consistent use and functions as designed. Storage, cooking ability and ease of cleanup are also important considerations.
Whether you select plastic, ceramic or silicone, the choice is up to you. However, do consider that a ceramic microwave steamer will not retain flavor from past meals. Plastic steamers will stain and hold bad odors that may be released into your food.
Whatever microwave steam fits yours needs best, make sure to find one that has cool-touch handles, a splatter proof lid and is easy to clean. The goal is to prevent a mess in the kitchen and also in the microwave.
Conclusion
With so many options available on the market, we hope this list was helpful for you in narrowing down which microwave steamer to add to your kitchen. The best microwaveable steamer ultimately depends on your preferences, however simply having a microwave steamer will great improve your ability to steam foods more efficiently, clean up quicker and retain nutrients inside the food because steaming is the healthiest way to cook. After all, steaming is an important cooking technique that is often overlooked!
