An electric food steamer cooks vegetables, fish, dumplings and eggs over hot water vapor, usually on stacked baskets so a few items cook at once. Models differ in capacity, number of tiers, wattage and whether the baskets are plastic, glass or stainless steel.
The six steamers below range from a glass-pot model with presets to a large stainless steel unit with two big tiers. Sizes, materials and features come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these steamers ourselves. Speed and performance claims are the makers’ own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity and tiers | More tiers cook several foods at once but take more counter room |
| Material | Plastic baskets are light; steel and glass look different and clean differently |
| Wattage | Higher wattage is claimed to make steam sooner |
| Timer and shutoff | A timer and boil-dry shutoff help when you walk away |
Specs at a Glance
| Steamer | Capacity and size | Material and power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| bella | 7.4 qt; 14.17 x 10.23 x 11.41 in; 3.5 lb | Plastic; wattage not stated in what we read | Two tiers; water level indicator; auto shutoff |
| Cuisinart Cookfresh | 5 L glass pot; 13.74 x 13.23 x 9.37 in | Stainless steel; 1800 W | 5 presets; 60 minute timer; 12 hour delay start |
| Hamilton Beach 9.5 qt | 9.5 qt; 13.5 x 8.75 x 13 in; 5 lb | Plastic | Three tiers; up to 24 eggs; rice up to 6 cups |
| Secura | 8.5 qt; 11.6 x 9.8 x 13.8 in; 6.8 lb | Stainless steel; 1200 W | Two tiers; delay start up to 10 hours; keep warm |
| Classic Cuisine | 6.3 qt; 11 x 11 x 12.25 in; 5.3 lb | Plastic; 800 W | Two tiers plus rice bowl; up to 16 eggs |
| Euro Cuisine FS2500 | Two 8.5 qt tiers (17 qt listed); 14.5 x 13 x 18 in; 8 lb | Stainless steel; 1200 W | 4.5 qt water tank; 90 minute timer |
The 6 Best Food Steamers
1. bella Two Tier Food Steamer, 7.4 QT
A 7.4 quart plastic steamer with two stackable baskets, a removable base, a water level indicator and auto shutoff with boil-dry protection. The baskets and lids are described as dishwasher-safe.
Suits: a simple two-tier steamer. Strengths: a water gauge and a removable base. Weaknesses: the wattage is not stated in the details we read. Skip it if you want steel baskets.
2. Cuisinart Cookfresh Digital Glass Food Steamer
A 5 liter glass cooking pot with steam delivered from above, 1800 W, five LCD presets for vegetables, poultry, grains, seafood and manual, a 60 minute timer, a 12 hour delay start and a 1 liter removable water tank. A 3-year warranty is listed.
Suits: a glass pot that goes to the table. Strengths: presets, delay start and a removable tank. Weaknesses: a wide footprint. Skip it if you want several tiers.
View Cuisinart Cookfresh Digital Glass Food Steamer, Vegetable Steamer, STM-1000 on Amazon
3. Hamilton Beach Electric Food Steamer, Rice Cooker and Egg Boiler
A 9.5 quart plastic steamer with three stackable bowls, numbered trays, a water indicator and a timer up to 60 minutes with automatic shutoff. The listing says it can cook up to 24 eggs or up to 6 cups of cooked rice.
Suits: a full meal on three tiers. Strengths: three tiers and an egg capacity. Weaknesses: a tall body. Skip it if shelf height is tight.
View Hamilton Beach Electric Food Steamer, Rice Cooker and Egg Boiler on Amazon
4. Secura Electric Food Steamer, 8.5 Quart
A 1200 W stainless steel steamer with two stackable baskets, a glass lid, an LED display, a delay start in one hour steps up to 10 hours, a keep warm setting and boil-dry protection. A 2-year warranty is listed.
Suits: a steel steamer with a delay start. Strengths: 1200 W and a digital timer. Weaknesses: heavier at 6.8 lb. Skip it if you want a lightweight unit.
5. Classic Cuisine 2-Tier Vegetable Steamer and Rice Cooker
A 6.3 quart, 800 W plastic steamer with two baskets, a rice bowl, egg holders for up to 16 eggs, a built-in timer and a water level gauge. The baskets, lid and rice bowl are described as dishwasher-safe.
Suits: a mid-size steamer with a rice bowl. Strengths: egg holders and a rice bowl. Weaknesses: lower wattage. Skip it if you want digital controls.
View Classic Cuisine 2-Tier Vegetable Steamer and Rice Cooker, 120V 60Hz 800W on Amazon
6. Euro Cuisine FS2500 Electric Food Steamer
A 1200 W stainless steel steamer with two 8.5 quart tiers, a 4.5 quart steel water tank, a 90 minute timer and auto shutoff. It measures 14.5 by 13 by 18 inches and weighs 8 pounds, with a 3-year warranty listed.
Suits: big batches. Strengths: two large steel tiers and a big tank. Weaknesses: the largest and heaviest here. Skip it if counter space is small.
Care and Setup
- Fill with water to the marked line before you start.
- Do not overfill baskets so steam can move through.
- Empty and dry the water reservoir after each use.
- Follow the maker’s descaling steps if water leaves residue.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a tall three-tier unit without measuring cabinet height.
- Ignoring the wattage when you want quick steam.
- Packing food so tightly that steam cannot circulate.
- Skipping the listing details on whether baskets go in the dishwasher.
Food Steamer FAQ
Are plastic or steel baskets better?
It is a matter of taste. Plastic is lighter, steel and glass have a different look and feel. Check each listing.
Can I cook eggs in these?
Several list egg holders or egg counts, including the Hamilton Beach and Classic Cuisine.
The Short Version
For a simple two-tier steamer, the bella. For a glass pot with presets, the Cuisinart. For three tiers, the Hamilton Beach. For a steel unit with delay start, the Secura. For a rice bowl and egg holders, the Classic Cuisine. For big batches, the Euro Cuisine.
