Key takeaways
- Hard water: Mineral scale can build up on stainless, so wipe with vinegar.
- Bamboo care: Dry fully to prevent mold.
- Heat: Check handle ratings, especially silicone.
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer with Handle is the best steamer basket for most kitchens, because it expands to fit different pot sizes, offers about 63.6 square inches of usable space and has a telescoping handle for lifting hot food. For dumplings and buns, the Joyce Chen 2-tier bamboo steamer is the classic choice. Silicone baskets suit nonstick pots, and an electric steamer saves stovetop space.
Our top picks
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Quick comparison of the best steamer baskets
| Pick | Best for | Key specs | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer with Handle | Best overall, vegetables and fish | 63.6 sq in usable space, handle rises 2.5 to 4 in, 1.5 in legs, holds 16 dumplings | Budget to mid |
| Progressive PL8 Steamer | Large capacity | Stainless body, silicone handle, 70.9 sq in usable space, holds 16 dumplings | Budget |
| Cuisinart 10.5-inch stainless steamer | Standard collapsible basket | 10.5 in diameter | Budget |
| Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo, 10 or 12 inch | Dumplings, buns | 10 x 10 x 6 in, 2 lb; bamboo lid; hand wash | Budget |
| OXO silicone steamer | Nonstick pots | Pleated, flexible silicone walls | Budget |
| Cuisinart Cookfresh Digital Glass Steamer | Electric, set and forget | Glass vessel, stainless tray | Mid |
Best overall: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer
America’s Test Kitchen’s top collapsible pick offers 63.6 square inches of cooking space and a telescoping handle that rises between 2.5 and 4 inches. The 1.5-inch legs hold food above the water, and the basket held 16 dumplings or four chicken breasts in their test. The trade-offs are that a collapsible basket has a lot of small parts to dry and a basket of this type fits pots of limited diameter.
Best for capacity: Progressive PL8
With about 70.9 square inches of usable space, a stainless body and a silicone handle, the PL8 holds slightly more than the OXO. It is a good fit for batches of broccoli, shrimp or dumplings. The trade-off is that silicone handles can soften at very high heat, so keep it away from open flames.
Best basic collapsible: Cuisinart 10.5-inch
A simple petal basket with a 10.5-inch diameter that expands to fit common pots. It is easy to store flat. Check the pot diameter before you buy, because a basket that is too big will not sit level.
Best for dumplings and buns: Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo
Food Network named this bamboo steamer best for dumplings. The 10-inch version measures 10 x 10 x 6 inches, weighs about 2 pounds and includes a bamboo lid. It is not oven safe and should be hand-washed. The 12-inch size gives more room for larger batches. Bamboo absorbs moisture and gives a traditional texture, but line it with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
Best for nonstick cookware: OXO silicone steamer
Pleated silicone walls flex to fit smaller or larger pots and will not scratch coatings. The trade-off is that silicone can hold odors, and a flexible basket is harder to lift when full.
Best electric: Cuisinart Cookfresh Digital Glass Steamer
Food Network’s best electric steamer has a glass steaming vessel with a stainless tray, so the stove stays free. It suits people who steam often. The trade-offs are more counter space and a higher price than a stovetop basket.
Choosing the right size: a fit guide
| Pot diameter | Basket choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 in | Collapsible or silicone, small | Needs a flexible rim |
| 9 to 11 in | 10.5-inch collapsible | Sits on rim or inside |
| 12 in and wok | 12-inch bamboo | Sits in a wok with water below |
As a rule, keep the water level about 1 inch below the basket so boiling water does not touch the food. A basket with 1.5-inch legs works for roughly 1 inch of water in the pot.
How to steam step by step
- Add about 1 inch of water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Place the basket, then food in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cover with a lid to trap steam.
- Steam broccoli for about 4 to 6 minutes and dumplings for 8 to 12 minutes, adjusting for size.
- Lift with the handle or tongs and watch for hot steam.
Ownership realities
- Hard water: Mineral scale can build up on stainless, so wipe with vinegar.
- Bamboo care: Dry fully to prevent mold.
- Heat: Check handle ratings, especially silicone.
Steaming times for common foods
| Food | Typical time | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 4 to 6 min | Stop when bright green |
| Carrot coins | 6 to 8 min | Cut evenly |
| Fish fillet, 1 inch | 8 to 10 min | Rest on a bed of herbs |
| Dumplings, fresh | 8 to 12 min | Line the basket |
| Frozen dumplings | 10 to 14 min | Do not thaw first |
| Shrimp | 3 to 5 min | Watch closely |
These figures are general estimates. Cut size, how tightly food is packed and steam strength all change the time, so check doneness with a fork or thermometer.
Material comparison: stainless, silicone and bamboo
| Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Durable, stain-resistant, collapsible designs | Handle can get hot, small crevices | Dishwasher safe on most |
| Silicone | Safe on nonstick pots, flexible | Can hold odors, less rigid | Dishwasher safe on most |
| Bamboo | Traditional texture, absorbs excess moisture, stackable | Not oven safe, can stain or mold | Hand wash, dry fully |
| Electric glass | Set and forget, frees the stove | Counter space, higher price | Parts vary |
Common mistakes
- Letting boiling water touch the food, which boils it instead of steaming it.
- Overcrowding the basket, which blocks steam flow and cooks unevenly.
- Skipping a liner for sticky foods in bamboo steamers.
- Lifting the lid too early, which drops the temperature.
- Forgetting to refill the water on long steams. Check at the halfway point.
Why steaming is popular for everyday cooking
Steaming uses no added fat, and it keeps the color and shape of vegetables. It is also gentle on delicate fish. It is not a health treatment, and what you eat overall matters far more than a single method. If you have dietary restrictions, ask a registered dietitian before changing your cooking routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best steamer basket for vegetables?
A stainless collapsible basket like the OXO works well because it fits many pot sizes and lifts out easily.
Can I use a steamer basket in any pot?
Only if the basket diameter fits the pot rim or sits level inside. Collapsible baskets cover a range of diameters.
Is bamboo or stainless better?
Bamboo is ideal for dumplings and buns, while stainless is more durable and better for vegetables and fish.
How much water do I need to steam?
About 1 inch, enough to produce steam without touching the food.
Is silicone safe for steaming?
Food-grade silicone is generally rated for steaming temperatures, but check the maker’s limit.
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