11 Best Bamboo Steamers To Buy In 2022
The bamboo steamers are for the lovers of steamed food to help them bring authentic Asian cooking home.
In This Article
If you plan to try the various Asian cuisines in a more meaningful way and get the authentic taste of Asian dishes, bring home the best bamboo steamers. A lot of Asian dishes involve steaming, and the region has given the world several delicacies such as dumplings, pad Thai noodles, sushi, and fried meats and vegetables.
Steaming food also offers a host of health benefits and is a great way to create a nutritious, lip-smacking meal at home. We have listed some of the most efficient and highly rated bamboo steamers that will help you add a world of flavor and originality to your food. So, give these steamers a try.
Top Picks
11 Best Bamboo Steamers Of 2021
1. Best Moisture Sealing:Joyce Chen Bamboo Steamer
One of the many benefits of steaming vegetables is that it retains the nutritional value by preserving 90% of the antioxidants present in fresh vegetables. You can use a bamboo steamer like this one to steam vegetables and prepare a fresh batch of juicy dumplings. This 10-inch bamboo steamer is designed by world-renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality Joyce Chen. This video will give you a better insight into the product.
Pros
- 2-tiered
- A domed lid to seal moisture
- Ideal for wok or pan
- Made of woven bamboo
- Available in 6 and 12-inch diameters also
- Gift-boxed
Cons
- If you store it when wet, it may become moldy.
2. Best Design:Birdrock Home Bamboo Basket Steamer
If you want to take a break from eating oily food, give this steamer a shot. Whether it is dim sums, vegetables, or meats you want to cook, you can use the top and low tiers to steam different dishes. Its excellent design allows it to fit on top of most kitchen pots and pans and is ideal for a wok as well.
Pros
- 2-tiered design
- Open slits between layers for steam to pass
- The woven lid the steam inside
- Made of 100% bamboo
Cons
- It may burn your fingers while opening the lid if you are not wearing an oven mitt.
3. Best Efficient:Mister Kitchenware Bamboo Steamer Basket
Are you confused about what to serve for dinner tonight? Might we suggest you try a gentler approach to cooking? Bring home a bamboo steamer such as this one for perfect steaming of vegetables, meats, and seafood. Handcrafted to perfection with 100% premium natural bamboo, this 2-tiered basket is highly efficient in steaming multiple items simultaneously. It also features a domed bamboo-mesh lid, which helps in circulating heat for a quick steaming session. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product.
Pros
- Slated bottoms on each tier
- Ideal for reheating food
- Includes 10 liners
- Comes with a pair of chopsticks and a sauce dish
- 25-inch interior diameter
Cons
- Some may feel that the steamer is not very sturdy.
4. Best Natural:Trademark Innovations Bamboo Dumpling Steamer
The secret to a piping hot plate of juicy dumplings lies in the way of preparation. A good steamer basket not only cooks the dumplings thoroughly but also keeps it moist and soft. That is why a steamer basket like this one is an absolute must in every kitchen. To steam your food to perfection, line the bottom of the basket with liners, lettuce, or cabbage.
Pros
- Made of 100% natural bamboo
- 2-tier steamer
- Domed lid for even steam while cooking
- 10 inches in diameter
Cons
- The handle on the lid is small.
5. Best Heat-Resistant:Happy Sales Bamboo Steamer
Did you know that bamboo food steamers can reduce your cooking time significantly with little water? If you didn’t, it’s high time you made the switch. By steaming your food, you are also helping your digestive system, as it softens the fibers in vegetables and fruits. In a steamer such as this one, you can add as many layers as required to steam several dishes simultaneously.
Pros
- Fits most woks and pans
- 2-layered steamer with lid
- Each tray is 1.5 inches deep
- Heat-resistant
- 3-piece bamboo steamer
Cons
- It may take a long time to dry.
6. Best Stain-Resistant:Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Large Bamboo Steamer
Straight from Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen comes this multi-tiered bamboo steamer that will change the way you cook forever. Made of 100% natural bamboo, this strong and durable steamer is the perfect food steaming solution for cooking and reheating a large quantity of food. The domed woven lid keeps the steam inside and prevents condensation from dripping into the food.
Pros
- 12 inches in diameter
- Available in 4, 6, and 10 inches
- A well-designed handle on the lid
- Heat-resistant
- Stain-resistant
Cons
- It may retain food odors if not washed properly.
7. Best Durable:i-PLAYLOFT Handmade Bamboo Steamer
Are you ready to enjoy a truly Asian meal at home? This bamboo steamer set comes with everything you will ever need to prepare a meal that will have people begging for more. This steamer is at your service, whether it’s sushi or dim sum night, or you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to try out several dishes in one go. This traditional steamer is handmade with 100% natural bamboo, and although it is light, it is incredibly sturdy and durable. Owing to its elegant design, you can also use it as a serving dish.
Pros
- 2-tiered steamer
- Each story is 8 inches
- Includes 2 sets of chopsticks
- Includes 1 sauce plate
- Comes with 20 wax steamer liners
Cons
- Slightly expensive
8. Best Lightweight:JapanBargain Chinese Bamboo Steamers
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors for a fun night of devouring Asian culinary treats and healthy food with the help of this jumbo bamboo steamer. Lightweight yet sturdy, this versatile bamboo steamer can cook your meats, seafood, and vegetables to perfection, and reheat it like a pro. It also features a woven domed lid, which seals the steam in for thorough cooking.
Pros
- 12 inches in diameter
- Ideal for daily use
- Available in 6, 8, and 10 inch diameters
- 2 pounds
Cons
- Some may feel that weave on the lid is not up to the mark.
9. Best BPA-Free:Steami Bamboo Steamer With Liners
Do you know what’s impressive about bamboo steamers? You can steam an entirely Asian dish in one tier, while something completely different, like corn on the cob on the other, all without a hint of oil. If you choose this steaming basket, you will also receive a recipe guide for delicious dishes like soupy dumplings and pork dim sums. If these recipes seem like hard work, don’t you worry, the guide includes dishes you can prepare under 20 minutes too.
Pros
- Includes 10 liners
- 10 inch diameter
- Racks are interchangeable
- BPA-free
- Made of 100% eco-friendly bamboo
- 9 pounds
Cons
- The food may stick to the base if it isn’t lined with parchment paper or liners.
10. Best Stability:Juvale Bamboo Vegetable Steamer
If you are on the hunt for a bamboo steamer that provides extra stability, you need not look any further than this. Did you know that you can steam all your poultry and vegetables in this steamer and use it to reheat other foods like pasta, quinoa, and rice? If you didn’t, now is a good time to give this steamer a shot. It is made of natural woven bamboo and features steel rings in every tier that helps trap moisture for a quicker steaming process and more effective cooking.
Pros
- 10 inch diameter
- 2 inches in height
- Steel rings in each tier including the lid
- Sturdy base
Cons
- Some may find the size of the inner rim (9.2 inches) too small.
11. Best Formaldehyde-Free:Cuisine Natural Bamboo Steamer Cooker
If you are looking for a bamboo steamer that will last you a lifetime, this one is a great choice for a traditional method of cooking. The best part about this steamer is that it is made with non-toxic glue, which means that you never have to worry about what you are eating and or any unfavorable odors wafting about while steaming food. As it is a multi-storeyed steamer basket, you can prepare several dishes together.
Pros
- 10 inch steamer
- Includes 20 steamer separator papers
- Lightweight
- Ideal for reheating food
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- The handle on the lid is small.
As we have come to the end of our list of the 11 best bamboo steamers, it’s time to look at a few helpful pointers before purchasing one.
How To Choose The Best Bamboo Steamers?
Before buying a bamboo steamer, consider the following things:
Materials
We’ve often heard the phrase, “we are what we eat”, and although steaming food is one of the healthiest ways of cooking food, the vessel we use makes a significant difference. Choose a steamer basket that is made of 100% natural bamboo and is BPA-free.
Sturdy lid
Look for a steamer with a lid that offers a snug fit. Most well-designed steamer baskets come with a dome-shaped handwoven lid that seals the moisture in for quick and effective cooking. Also, ensure that the lid comes with a handle for easy-lifting; otherwise, you may burn your fingers. If the lid features a steel ring, it should be firmly attached.
Quality
A bamboo steamer isn’t something that you’d want to use once and store away. This is why it is important to buy a steamer made of premium-quality bamboo that offers durability. A good way to check if the bamboo is of good quality is by finding out if it is ethically sourced. However, most premium-grade bamboo steamers offer a warranty.
Size
If you live alone or have a small family, a 2-tiered steamer that is 10 inches in diameter should more than suffice, even for a large meal. However, if you love hosting many people and have a large family, look for a multi-storeyed steamer measuring 12 inches in diameter that can also accommodate additional layers.
Cleaning
Bamboo steamers can either be dishwasher-safe or not. However, to prolong the life of your steamer, only hand washing is recommended. Before you store it away, make sure that it is fully dry as it may lead to molding and discoloration.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our product writer, Sakshi John, is passionate about finding the most useful kitchenware. In this list, she has compiled the best bamboo steamers to help you cook food without affecting its nutritional value. This list was compiled after extensively researching user reviews and comparing the most popular products. She has also shared some factors to consider before buying a bamboo steamer. These bamboo steamers can help you quickly prepare food in a healthy manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to clean a bamboo steamer?
The easiest way to clean a bamboo steamer is to let it lukewarm water run over it. Turn the steamer both ways so that the water can wash away everything that is stuck inside. Once done, place the steamer on a rack to dry.
Another way to clean your steamer is by filling up a large pot with water. Submerge the steamer in the pot and soak it overnight or at least 8 hours. Remove the pot and let it air dry. Although this is a time-consuming process, it gives the steamer a deep cleaning.
2. Is a bamboo steamer better than a metal one?
While both bamboo and metal steamers offer their fair share of advantages, the difference is that a bamboo steamer absorbs the condensation inside without dropping it onto the food while a metal steamer might.
We’ve already learned that steaming food retains all the nutrients and vitamins in the food and softens the fibers to make it easy to digest. It doesn’t require any oil, is a smoke-free cooking process, and allows the food to cook faster. One of the best ways to steam food is to invest in a high-quality bamboo steamer, and we hope you’ve found your pick in this list of the 11 best bamboo steamers.
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