The 10 Best Steamer Insert of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

When it comes to versatile and healthy cooking, a steamer insert is an invaluable tool in any kitchen. Whether you're steaming vegetables, fish, or dumplings, a high-quality steamer insert can elevate your culinary creations. Let's explore the essential features to consider when choosing the best steamer insert:

• Material: Opt for steamer inserts made from durable and food-safe materials such as stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo. Stainless steel inserts are sturdy, heat-resistant, and compatible with various cookware, while silicone inserts are flexible, non-stick, and easy to clean. Bamboo inserts are traditional and ideal for steaming dumplings and buns.

• Size and Compatibility: Consider the size and compatibility of the steamer insert with your existing cookware. Choose inserts that fit snugly into your pots or pans without overcrowding, allowing for efficient and even steaming. Some inserts come in multiple sizes or adjustable designs to accommodate different cookware dimensions.

• Versatility: Look for steamer inserts that offer versatility in steaming different types of food. Some models feature multiple tiers or compartments, allowing you to steam various ingredients simultaneously without mixing flavors. Additionally, opt for inserts with perforated bottoms or adjustable dividers to customize steam levels and cooking times for different foods.

• Ease of Use and Cleaning: A user-friendly design with convenient handles and easy-to-clean surfaces enhances the overall cooking experience. Choose steamer inserts with removable parts that are dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup. Additionally, consider inserts with foldable or collapsible designs for compact storage when not in use.

• Heat Distribution and Retention: Ensure that the steamer insert provides even heat distribution and retention for consistent and thorough cooking. Look for inserts with perforations or steam vents that allow steam to circulate evenly around the food, preventing overcooking or undercooking.

• Safety Features: Prioritize safety features such as heat-resistant handles, non-slip bottoms, and rust-resistant materials to prevent accidents and ensure durability over time.

Now, let's explore some of the best steamer inserts that excel in these key areas:

• OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer Insert: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this steamer insert from OXO features extendable handles that fold inward for compact storage. The adjustable design fits a variety of pot sizes, while the sturdy construction ensures even heat distribution and retention for perfect steaming results every time.

• Sunsella Vegetable Steamer Basket: Made from premium food-grade silicone, this collapsible steamer basket from Sunsella is ideal for steaming vegetables, seafood, and more. The flexible design expands to fit various pot sizes, while the heat-resistant handles make it easy to lift and transport. Plus, the non-stick surface ensures effortless cleaning.

• Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Steamer: For authentic Asian-style steaming, consider this bamboo steamer insert from Helen’s Asian Kitchen. Made from natural bamboo, it features multiple tiers for steaming different foods simultaneously and retains moisture for tender and flavorful results. The stackable design saves space in the kitchen and adds a touch of traditional elegance to your cooking.

A steamer insert is a kitchen accessory used for steaming food. It is typically a metal or silicone basket with perforations or holes to allow steam to penetrate and cook the food. Steamer inserts are designed to fit into a pot or saucepan, allowing you to steam food over boiling water.

What can you use if you don't have a steamer insert?

If you don't have a steamer insert, there are several alternative methods you can use to steam food:

• DIY Steamer Basket: Place a metal colander or sieve over a pot of boiling water, ensuring that the bottom of the colander doesn't touch the water.
• Improvised Steamer: Create a makeshift steamer by using aluminum foil to make a pouch for the food and placing it on a rack or trivet above boiling water in a pot.
• Steamer Basket Substitutes: Use heatproof bowls or plates placed on a rack or trivet above boiling water to steam food. Make sure the bowls or plates have enough space between them for steam circulation.

How do you steam with a steamer insert?

Steaming with a steamer insert is straightforward:

• Fill a pot with water, making sure it's below the level of the steamer insert.
• Place the steamer insert into the pot, ensuring it sits securely.
• Add the food you want to steam into the steamer insert.
• Cover the pot with a lid to trap steam.
• Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
• Steam the food until it's cooked to your desired doneness, checking occasionally to ensure the water hasn't evaporated completely.

Why use a steamer basket?

There are several advantages to using a steamer basket:

• Even Cooking: Steamer baskets allow for even distribution of steam, ensuring that food cooks uniformly.
• Versatility: Steamer baskets can accommodate various types of food, including vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and even desserts.
• Health Benefits: Steaming preserves the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of foods without the need for added fats or oils, making it a healthier cooking method.
• Ease of Use: Steamer baskets are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient option for everyday cooking.

Do you fill the steamer with water?

Yes, you need to fill the steamer with water to generate steam for cooking. The water should be added to the pot or saucepan underneath the steamer insert. It's essential to ensure that the water level is below the bottom of the steamer insert to prevent the food from coming into contact with the water directly. As the water heats up and boils, it produces steam that cooks the food in the steamer basket above.

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