What is the best microwave steamer on the market? If you are wondering this question, you are in the right place because all detailed reviews will be your supporter in helping you select the excellent one.
If you have to spend a lot of time and effort on steaming veggies, meat, or desserts with a slow cooker or steamed pot, the microwave steamer is your savior because you can have a great meal with some simple steps.
So keep reading to learn more about these products and a buying guide to make sure you can choose the most suitable one.
What Is A Microwave Steamer?
Microwave steamer is indispensable in every kitchen because it makes cooking easier. The steamer design is similar to a pan with 2 layers. It includes 1 layer for placing food and 1 layer for holding water.
Do you know how it works? There are some vent holes in the steamer’s upper chamber that helps the steam go through easily and cook food above. Therefore, you must pour water into the bottom layer and heat it with microwaves.
This is also multi-purpose kitchen stuff because you can cook, serve, and store food effectively. What’s more, the kitchenware helps cook faster and retains the food nutrients and vitamins.
To sum up, you don’t need to waste a long time to enjoy steamed food cooked on a stovetop if you have a microwave steamer at home.
Find out the benefits of using a microwave steamer for cooking food.
Top-Notch Brands Of Microwave Steamer To Buy
The following brands are the top 3 names that I highly recommend for purchasing a high-quality microwave steamer. Check them out!
Sistema
This is one of the high-rating brands where you can find many amazing appliances for your kitchen. All its items are made from phthalate and BPA-free material, so you can be assured about the quality of microwave steamers at this store.
GoodCook
GoodCook is a leading kitchenware brand in the United States. It has more than 30 years of selling easy-to-use and good products in kitchens at reasonable prices to many customers.
Besides microwave steamers, you can find dispensers, cherry pitter, non-stick cookie sheets, and other tools here.
Pampered Chef
Another wonderful cookware that you can place your trust in is Pampered Chef. Aside from the microwave steamer, your cooking task will be easier with other fantastic product lines, such as non-stick cookware sets, cast iron sizzle skillets, or cupcake baking sets.
The Comparison Chart Of The Best Microwave Steamer
To quickly compare different microwave steamer models on the market, you should pay attention to the chart below.
10 Best Microwave Steamers You Should Pick At A Glance
It’s time to explore the key features of the 10 best microwave steamers so you can know exactly how functional they are.
The best overall item is GoodCook BPA-Free Plastic Microwave Steamer, which allows you to cook veggies and fish quickly yet still keeps all their nutrients. It also has an adjustable steam vent.
If you want to bring the steamer for camping or a picnic, EuChoiz Silicone Collapsible Bowl Microwave Steamer is a great choice. It is simple to stack or store with a collapsible design. Also, the high heat resistance of 480 degrees F is another plus point of this item.
- Best Overall: GoodCook BPA-Free Plastic Microwave Steamer
“Made of BPA-free plastic; 0.7-pound weight; can cook veggies and fish simply without losing nutrients in food; equipped with the adjustable steam release vent” - Best Budget: Progressive International Veggie Microwave Mini Steamer
“Can steam frozen and fresh veggies in microwave conveniently; easy to clean with non-stick coating on its surface; can clean it in the dishwasher; 2-cup capacity; BPA-free and high-heat polypropylene materials” - Best For Left-Handed People: Pampered Chef Large Micro Microwave Steamer
“Suitable for both left and right-handed customers; 2-quarts of capacity; the outer lid can reduce spills; drain water simply thanks to 2 holes” - Best With Collapsible Design: Zoie + Chloe 100% Silicon Family Size Microwave Steamer
“Detachable colander simply helps remove excess water; easy to preserve with collapsible design; result from 100% natural silicone material; high heat resistance at 446 degrees F” - Best For Vegetables: Sistema Vegetable-Friendly Microwave Steamer
“Can take food out of steamer after microwaving due to its cool steamer basket; design with steam release vent; it is freezer, dishwasher-safe and stackable” - Best Versatility: Good Cooking 3-Piece Microwave Steamer
“3-piece for multi-purpose uses; dishwasher-safe; BPA and Phthalate-free plastic; beautiful and sleek design; removable strainer; locking lid with steamed vent” - Best Silicone: EuChoiz Silicone Collapsible Bowl Microwave Steamer
“Made from 100% healthy silicone; good for picnic or camping; food can be covered with a lid; keep vitamins, minerals, and protein of food effectively; withstand high temperatures of over 480 degrees F; easy to preserve with the signature collapsible design” - Best For Rice: KitchenCraft KCRICECOOK Microwave Steamer
“4-liter capacity; cook steamed rice in a short time (15 minutes); easy to use with some additional accessories, like measuring cup and a spatula; use 110-V adapter; available in 600 wattages” - Best For Students: Rapid 2-in-1 Rice & Veggie Microwave Steamer
“Can cook rice and various veggies all in one place; no draining; equip with heat-resistance handles; reusable multi-purpose paddle and draining lid” - Best With 2 Steamer Containers: Snips 000704 Microwave Steamer
“16.8 cup capacity; transparent lid; have 2 steamer containers; multiple uses, such as storage, cooking, and serving; dishwasher and freezer-safe”
Trusted Reviews Of The Excellent Microwave Steamers In 2023
Instead of steaming veggies, meat, seafood, or pasta in a pot, you can save time and effort by using microwave steamers. To get the best choice, let’s see the following reviews about the great products on the market.
1. GoodCook BPA-Free Plastic Microwave Steamer
(Best Overall)
The first item I want to introduce is a product from the GoodCook brand. This amazing steamer is designed to make steaming veggies and fish easier and more effective.
Besides, hotdog buns, hamburger buns, veggies, and seafood work well in this tool, but you need to test to identify the proper amount of water. And food retains minerals and vitamins after steaming. Plus, one of my favorite features of this item is the adjustable steam.
Although this microwave steamer is made from plastic, your food and health are safe because you can find BPA-free material in this product. In case you don’t have time to clean it, let the dishwasher help you because this item is a dishwasher-friendly steamer.
Key Features:
- Made from quality plastic that is free of BPA
- Keep nutrients and vitamins of veggies and food effectively
- Adjustable steam release
Pros
- Suitable to everyone, because it is easy to use
- Easy to clean because it is safe in the dishwasher
- Check food easily through its clear lid
Cons
- Not big enough for large food portion
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 8 x 12 x 2.7 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 0.7 pound |
| Capacity | 14 ounces |
| Steam Vent | Yes (Adjustable) |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | GoodCook |
2. Progressive International Veggie Microwave Mini Steamer
(Best Budget)
The steamer of Progressive International brand will be your ideal choice. Not only frozen food, but you can also place fresh one into it, and the result will surprise you.
You don’t need to worry about food sticking during the steaming time because this option is equipped with a non-stick coating surface. Another value of this coating is to help your cleaning faster and more straightforwardly.
This steamer can withstand high heat in the microwave because its main material is high-heat polypropylene. If you are looking for a multi-purpose item, this one is your best bet because the basket can play as a colander for food storage.
Key Features:
- Good for both frozen and fresh food
- Non-stick coating makes cleaning easier
- Withstand high temperature as it is made from high-quality polypropylene plastic
Pros
- Do not take too much storage space because of the small size
- Safe for your health with BPA-free materials
- Reasonable price
- High durability
Cons
- Limited capacity, so it is only suitable for single-meal use
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 7.25 x 4 x 6.25 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Steam Vent | No |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Progressive International |
3. Pampered Chef Large Micro Microwave Steamer
(Best For Left-Handed People)
Do you have difficulty using other models since you are left-handed? Forget it because the design of this item is suitable for both left and right-handed persons. It’s simple to lift or move this steamer with cool-stay handles on both sides.
In addition, it is effortless to use this microwave steamer because you just need to add a splash of water to the bottom, place it in the microwave, and wait to try your food.
Soggy food is a problem that you often encounter when making steamed food, but you can avoid this situation with many holes in the lid of this product to drain liquid better.
Key Features:
- Convenient design, so right and left-handed can use it simply
- 2-quarts capacity
- Locking lid and holes on the lid helps draining food and release steam effectively
Pros
- High durability
- Clean it quickly with some simple cleaning stuffs and in the dishwasher
- High versatility since it’s good at steaming and storing food
- Stay-cool handles
Cons
- Small size
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 9.5 x 7.7 x 4.2 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 0.64 pound |
| Capacity | 2 quarts |
| Steam Vent | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Pampared Chef |
Let’s check how to cook food effectively with a Pampared Chef Micro Microwave Steamer.
4. Zoie + Chloe 100% Silicon Family Size Microwave Steamer
(Best With Collapsible Design)
This ideal item is made from 100% pure silicone, so it is friendly to your health. The elegant and simple design with 2 colors (green and orange) is another plus of this microwave steamer.
With this kitchen tool, steaming fish, poultry, meat, and meat is more effortless. In addition, your food is still delicious and keeps all essential nutrients, vitamins, and moisture. Instead of a microwave, you can put food into it and steam them in an oven.
It features high heat resistance with a temperature range from -40 degrees to 446 degrees F. This item is compatible with small kitchens, thanks to its special collapsible design.
Moreover, you can use it to wash or prepare food with its detachable colander. This accessory helps drain excess water effectively. It also works well with a steam tray to steam watery food.
Key Features:
- Design with detachable coriander
- Collapsible designs for easier storage
- Temperature range from -40 degrees to 446 degrees F
- Made from 100% premium silicone, so it is safe for your health
Pros
- Can be used and cleaned with ease
- Pretty light-weight
- Freezer-safe steamer
- BPA free
- Work well in both oven and microwave
Cons
- Difficult to release steam because of the lack of a vented lid
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 10 x 8 x 2.5 inches |
| Material | Silicone |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Steam Vent | No |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Zoie + Chloe |
5. Sistema Vegetable-Friendly Microwave Steamer
(Best For Vegetables)
One of the best options for steaming veggies you should know about is the Sistema Vegetable-Friendly microwave steamer. Also, you can cook poultry and fish with this steamer.
Thanks to its lid, food won’t be able to splash out of the steamer during steaming. In addition, this stuff features a cool-stay removable steamer basket that helps to lift food after cooking is simpler and safer.
The capacity is enough to cook food in large portions so that you can cook a large potato and squash at a time with this product. Indeed, this size is excellent for your family gatherings.
It is not too difficult to open or close this steamer with its easy-lift tabs. Furthermore, this choice is friendly to your wallet since its price is reasonable.
Key Features:
- Have a stay-cool steamer basket
- Steam can release through its steam vent
- Friendly design for freezer, microwave, and dishwasher
Pros
- You can lift food after cooking without getting hot on your fingers
- Use it for multiple purposes, like steaming or storing food
- Phthalate and BPA-free
- Retain nutrients, minerals, and vitamins of veggies, fish, and poultry after steaming
Cons
- Plastic can be melted if you overheat the steamer
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 9.4 x 9.4 x 4.3 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 14.7 ounces |
| Capacity | 13.6 cups |
| Steam Vent | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Sistema |
Listen to some reviews about the products of the Sistema brand.
6. Good Cooking 3-Piece Microwave Steamer
(Best Versatility)
Aside from making delicious steamed veggies or other food, you can use a Good Cooking 3-Piece microwave steamer to store and strain food. Thanks to its tight locking lid and adjustable steam vent, this item helps keep the freshness for your food while cooking.
Many customers love this product because of its beautiful and sleek design. In addition, cleaning and maintenance with ease are other advantages of this all-in-one microwave steamer.
Key Features:
- Multi-purpose uses with a 3-piece design
- Dishwasher-safe
- BPA and Phthalate-free plastic
- Equipped with removable strainer
- Locking lid with steamed vent
Pros
- Eye-catching appearance with a beautiful and sleek design
- Create yummy and healthy food
- Cook food in a short time
- Can use its strainer to serve food
- Use as a gift
Cons
- Limited capacity
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 6.5 x 6.42 x 4.17 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| Capacity | 1.3 liters |
| Steam Vent | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Good Cooking |
7. EuChoiz Silicone Collapsible Bowl Microwave Steamer
(Best Silicone)
Another suggestion I have to mention in this article belongs to the EuChoiz brand. It has an elegant design with small and large sizes to fit the demands of customers. Also, its color is diverse, with red, black, and grey choices.
The manufacturer tries to deliver the safest item to customers, so they only use high-quality silicone for this steamer. It’s hard to melt because this steamer has a high heat resistance of over 480 degrees F.
Other special features that make many people love it are the insulated lid and a partition for separating food, allowing you to cook dishes more conveniently. In addition, you don’t need to waste money to buy steam bags because you have this steamer in your kitchen.
Another secret of this item is the addition of a lid and detachable insert that allows you to cook faster and easier. It is space-saving stuff as the collapsible design makes it easy to preserve in a small space.
Key Features:
- 100% natural food-grade silicone
- Typical design for traveling or camping
- Covered lid, detachable partition, with a collapsible design
- Heat resistance of up to 480 degrees F
Pros
- Cleaning is effortless because you can hand wash it or put it in the dishwasher
- Super simple to use and store
- BPA-free to protect your health better
- No need to buy steam bags
- Suitable for many kinds of food, like veggies, meat, seafood, fruit, desserts, and others
- Offer large and small sizes for both family and personal use
Cons
- Cannot use this steamer for other heating equipment besides microwave
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 13.39 x 9.25 x 3.94 inches |
| Material | Silicone |
| Weight | 1.59 pounds |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Steam Vent | No |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | EuChoiz |
8. KitchenCraft KCRICECOOK Microwave Steamer
(Best For Rice)
Many people think cooking rice is simple, but it’s not easy to have soft, porous, and delicious rice. Nowadays, rice cookers can help you, but you can do it with a KitchenCraft product.
You only need to add rice, pour water into the steamer, put it in the microwave, and wait about 13 minutes to enjoy yummy rice. It is versatile since you can cook basmati, brown rice, and quinoa with this kitchen item.
For effortless cooking, the manufacturer gives some additional accessories, like a measuring cup and a spatula. In addition, washing and drying it is not a tricky problem because it is dishwasher-safe.
Key Features:
- Can cook rice in a short time
- Come with some additional accessories, like a spatula and a measuring cup
- BPA-free plastic
- Can work as an electric item at 600 wattages and 110 Volt
Pros
- Cook rice quickly and effectively
- Good for various ingredients, like brown, basmati rice, sticky porridge, or quinoa
- Elegant design
- Simple to use
Cons
- Can be damaged after a long time of using
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 4.7 x 6.7 x 8.7 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 0.8 pound |
| Capacity | 4 liters |
| Steam Vent | No |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | KitchenCraft |
9. Rapid 2-in-1 Rice & Veggie Microwave Steamer
(Best For Students)
This product of the Rapid Brand is suitable for dorms, offices, and small kitchens because of its simple and elegant design. If you want to cook veggies and rice quickly and still keep their nutrients, this option will be valuable to you.
It is simple and safe to take the steamer out of the microwave because it is designed with heat-resistant handles. Plus, you do not need to worry about draining food after cooking.
You will have a healthy and delicious meal with steamed rice and veggies after a few simple steps. After filling the steamer with rice, veggies, and water, you just need to wait for more than 3 minutes and 30 seconds to enjoy your results.
Key Features:
- Good for cooking rice and veggies in a short time
- Keep your kitchen clean because of the best draining system
- Have multi-purpose paddle
- Cool-touch exterior
- Dishwasher-friendly material
Pros
- Simple to prepare and serve food
- Save time for cooking/steaming
- Safe to move the steamer because it has stay-cool handles
Cons
- Cannot cook a lot of food at a time because of its small size
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 7.5 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 13.4 ounces |
| Capacity | 2.5 liters |
| Steam Vent | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Rapid |
10. Snips 000704 Microwave Steamer
(Best With 2 Steamer Containers)
Snip 000704 is a great item for steaming 2 food items at once, so you can save time for making a large, delicious meal for your family. Plus, it helps retain all vitamins and minerals of veggies during cooking.
Besides cooking veggies, this product is good at steaming meat and fish. During steaming, you can check the food situation through its clear lid. Instead of steaming food, you can preserve and serve food with this versatile product.
Although it is made from plastic, it is safe for your health because plastic is BPA and phthalate-free. Cleaning this amazing product is straightforward since you only need to put it in a dishwasher.
Key Features:
- 16.9 cups capacity
- Transparent lid for checking food during cooking
- Multiple uses, such as storage, cooking, and serving
- Safe in the dishwasher, freezer, and refrigerator
Pros
- Can cook 2 different foods at a time with 2 steamer containers
- Non-bubbling and discoloring
- Can be used to make salad, hamburger, or buns
Cons
- No vent for releasing steam
Product Specifications:
| Dimension | 10.43 x 8.66 x 5.31 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 1.09 pounds |
| Capacity | 16.9 cups |
| Steam Vent | No |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Brand | Snips |
What To Look For Before Purchasing An Excellent Microwave Steamer?
This article will be more valuable with detailed buying guidelines for buying high-quality microwave steamers. Let’s check 6 essential criteria to make the right decision.
1. Safe Materials
Microwave steamer is made from many different materials, such as silicone and plastic. It is a nightmare if you taste food with plastic flavor, so you should choose products made from BPA-free plastic to ensure safety for food and health.
In addition, you should take highly durable and hard-to-melt at high temperatures items to your home because you will put them in the microwave.
2. Suitable Size And Capacity
Microwave steamers are diverse in size and capacity because of the wide demands of customers. You need to identify the proper sizes and shapes for each purpose. If you want to cook for your family meal or large party, you should pick large steamers.
Meanwhile, if your kitchen space is limited and you want to buy a microwave steamer for personal use, a small or medium steamer is a more compatible option.
3. Simple To Use And Maintenance
One of the top priorities you should pay attention to when buying a microwave steamer is the ease of cleaning, use, and maintenance. It is better to purchase products with non-stick surfaces, collapsible designs, and dishwasher-safe materials.
4. Safe To Use
As you steam food with this tool in a microwave, your steamer will be really hot. Nowadays, there are many amazing items that are designed with additional accessories, like stay-cool handles and steamed vents.
5. Durability
A high-quality microwave steamer should have high durability because it will withstand the high temperature inside the microwave. You need to choose the item that ensures that it does not to be melted during the steaming process.
6. Multiple Functions
Aside from steaming food in the microwave, a steamer can be used to do other things, like storing food in the freezer, fridge, or food container. If you do not waste money buying other cooking goods, you should purchase a multi-purpose microwave steamer.
How To Use A Microwave Steamer Properly?
It is not complicated to use a microwave steamer because you just need to do some simple steps to get food for your meal. Here are some proper steps you should follow:
Step 1: Prepare your veggies, meat, or rice before cooking.
Step 2: Fill the bottom layer with a splash of water, and you can add seasonings, juices, or sauce to enhance the taste.
NOTE: Use the appropriate amount of water, and don’t overfill because it can make your food soggy.
Step 3: Place food onto the upper chamber.
NOTE: To ensure food is cooked evenly, do not place too much food in the chamber.
Step 4: Use the lid to cover the steamer.
Step 5: Place your steamer in the microwave.
Step 6: Set a suitable temperature to cook your food, depending on your food, size, and amount of food.
Step 7: Use a fork to check your food to avoid overcooking.
Step 8: After cooking time, take your steamer out of the microwave and let it cool for about 1 to 3 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the lid and consume your steamed food.
Follow these steps to cook food in a microwave steamer.
FAQs
Let’s check these frequently asked questions to understand more about this must-have item so that you can have a fast and mouthwatering meal.
My Top Picks
In case you are seeking the best microwave steamer for a budget, the Progressive International Veggie microwave steamer is a fantastic choice that features a convenient design.
A mini microwave steamer of Progressive International brand will help you save space for a small kitchen. With a simple and elegant shape, you can preserve it in a small cabinet, counter, or pantry easily.
If you want to find an overall product, let’s pick the GoodCook BPA-Free Plastic microwave steamer. You only need to do some simple steps and wait for a few minutes to enjoy yummy food.
Which is your best-loved option? I am looking forward to hearing your feedback after you buy this useful item and use it. Do not forget to share this post with other people if you love it. Thanks for your time!
