Best Food Steamer Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Comparison

Last Updated On January 14th, 2022

Oftentimes we are too busy to spend time cooking, and we may resort to ready meals or even take-aways. A simple way to prevent this is by using a steamer. The best food steamer in the UK can allow you to quickly cook a range of foods including vegetables, fish, and even some meats like chicken.

Aside from making the cooking process easier, steamers also help you create healthier meals. Steaming seals the food whilst cooking it, and removes the need to use cooking agents like cooking oils. Also, the steaming process maintains the nutrients within foods when compared to boiling or frying.

This combination of ease of use and improved nutrition make a steamer a brilliant buy for any kitchen. In this guide, we have found 10 of the best steamers on the market to help you choose the right one for your home.

Best Food Steamer Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Salter EK2726 Healthy Cooking 3-Tier (Editor’s Choice)

Salter EK2726 Healthy Cooking 3-TierThe Salter EK2726 Healthy Cooking 3-Tier vegetable steamer is our top overall pick. This is the best electric steamer due to its excellent design, simple operation, and great features. If you regularly cook for the whole family and have large meals, this steamer has a great capacity and three large steaming compartments. It is also easy to store and will make a great addition to any kitchen for healthy cooking.

Features

This electric food steamer is easy to use and has three removable bowls so you don’t always have to use the whole product. Each bowl is transparent so you can watch the cooking process. The base unit looks stylish and it is made from stainless steel and has rubber legs.

There is a simple timer that can be set to a maximum of 60 minutes. We also like the large water reservoir which means you should not have to continually refill it. With this food steamer, you get a separate rice bowl that can be placed in one of the steaming bowls. This is perfect for steaming a dish of rice to go with curry, for example.

Although this is an excellent food steamer, it may still have a few issues. For example, a few customers have found the instructions of these products unclear when describing cooking with multiple layers. Also, you could find that you have to swap trays during steaming as the bottom tray may steam quicker.

Pros:
  • The body is stylish and made from stainless steel which is easy to clean
  • Has a large water reservoir for family meals and gatherings
  • Also has a simple timer operation with a maximum 60-minute setting
  • The three tiers are all transparent so you can check the steaming process
  • The bowls are easy to stack and store
Cons:
  • Instructions may be a little unclear
  • You could find that the bottom tray steams better than the middle and top trays

2. KitchenCraft 3-Tier (Best Heavy-Duty)

KitchenCraft 3-TierThe KitchenCraft 3-Tier food steamer is a stylish and simple option for your kitchen. It is one of our picks for the best steam cooker and is composed of three, high-quality stainless steel pots. If you don’t need an all-purpose electric steamer and want a simple set of pots for the occasional steaming, this KitchenCraft product is a top choice.

Features

This set is composed of three luxury stainless steel pots. Each pot is easy to use and has a large riveted handle that offers excellent support when holding it. Also, the pots have a high-quality glass lid with steam vents so you can see what’s going on inside.

You can use these pots on top of each other on a single cooker hob to create a 3 tier food steamer, which can help save on gas or electric costs. Alternatively, you can use each one separately. The metal materials of the pots also help your food keep warm. In addition, this glass steamer is available in several sizes ranging from the smallest at 16cm to the largest at 22cm.

This KitchenCraft steamer is a great choice but you could still have a few problems. Firstly, the bowls may not stack easily and you could struggle to store them if you have limited storage. Also, some customers have had problems with damaged goods on delivery.

Pros:
  • Has three large stainless steel baskets with glass lids
  • The glass lids are toughened and have riveted handles for extra safety
  • Also, the bases are encapsulated which means an even heat distribution
  • The pots are all dishwasher safe and incredibly easy to clean
  • Each pot has a decent diameter of 22cm which allows you to cook food easily
Cons:
  • If you have limited storage you may find this food steamer difficult to store
  • There may be issues concerning damaged items on delivery

3. Morphy Richards Three Tier 9L (Luxury Choice)

Morphy Richards Three Tier 9LCapacity can often be a problem with electric food steamers, but the Morphy Richards 3 Tier steamer solves this issue. This is the best vegetable steamer with a large capacity of 9L. If you often have meals with lots of different vegetables, such as a roast dinner, you will find the capacity of this steamer fantastic. It easily has a capacity enough to cook for large families and gatherings.

Features

This Morphy Richards electric food steamer has three large compartments for storing food. You can stack them on top of each other, or you can use each one separately. The total capacity is 9L, and there is also a separate rice bowl that has a capacity of 1.1L.

We like that the compartments of this electric food steamer can be stored easily. They have a tiered build and each part can stack inside each other when not in use. This helps reduce the storage space required on your kitchen top or cupboards.

The heating element is also powerful and provides a quick and efficient steaming process. However, while this Morphy Richards three-tier steamer is a great choice, it could still have some minor issues. Firstly, you could find the trays are tricky to stack because they are made from multiple parts. Also, if you have the steamer against a darker background, you could find it difficult to see the level of the water. In addition, while it’s an electric food steamer, it may not have a digital display like the Morphy Richards Intellisteam food steamer.

Pros:
  • Has three compartments so you can easily steam different foods
  • The motor is quick and provides a fast steaming process
  • The trays have a total food capacity of 9L
  • Also comes with a 1.1L rice container
  • For storage, the trays can be stacked which helps reduce the required storage space
Cons:
  • Some could find the trays and their separate parts are tricky to stack together
  • You may find that the water level indicator is difficult to view against a darker background

4. Morphy Richards Equip 970008 (All Hobs Choice)

Morphy Richards Equip 970008If you often want to check on the cooking process while steaming your food, the Morphy Richards Equip 970008 18cm steamer is a good option. This is because each stainless steel steamer pot has a large, durable glass top. As a result, you can watch the cooking process and ensure your entire meal is cooked properly.

Features

These Morphy Richards pots are made from excellent quality materials; constructed from polished stainless steel, they should withstand great wear and tear. Also, the lids are made from tempered glass and have large steam vents.

You can also easily hold these pots and lift them as they have large handles that are designed to stay cool. There is also a 10-year guarantee available for these food steamers. If you don’t intend to use a steamer regularly, but still want a high-quality option, this set is a fantastic choice.

This Morphy Richards steamer is a great choice but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. For example, this may not be one of the largest steamer sets available and you could find it small for larger families. Secondly, some customers have found that black damage marks may appear after some time on the bottom part of the metal pots.

Pros:
  • Uses Morphy Richards’ thermocore technology to provide even heat distribution
  • The pots are made from high-quality polished stainless steel
  • Also, the lids are made from tempered glass and include steam vents
  • The handles are non-conductive and are ergonomic for a firm grip
  • Comes with a fantastic 10-year manufacturers guarantee
Cons:
  • Some could find that this Morphy Richards glass steamer set may be too small
  • Some customers have reported small black spots appearing on the bottom part of the pots
  • May not be the best for those who prefer a steamer with a digital display or pre-programmed settings

5. Russell Hobbs 21140 3-Tier (Best with Water Inlets)

Russell Hobbs 21140 3-TierThe Russell Hobbs 21140 food steamer looks fantastic but it is also highly functional. It has a simple countdown timer so you can precisely steam your food. Also, it has three large capacity compartments made from durable high-quality plastics. If you want a reliable food steamer that also comes with handy accessories like a rice bowl, this is a top choice.

Features

As one of the best food steamers, this Russell Hobbs 3 tier steamer has a large water reservoir that is easy to fill. These electric food steamers also have a powerful 800W motor that provides a turbo steaming process for your food.

The separate food baskets are made from quality materials and you can easily watch the steaming process. You can use all three compartments at the same time, or you can use one at a time with a separate lid.

The base unit of this Russell Hobbs steamer is made from high-quality white plastic and has overhanging lips where you can pour additional water in. Also, there is a simple timer so you can control the steaming process and easily cook food at different times.

This Russell Hobbs kitchen appliance is a solid choice, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Firstly, some customers have found that the text on the timer dial could eventually wear off which could make it difficult to use. Also, the way the instructions are written means it’s not clear if the containers are dishwasher safe or not.

Pros:
  • Has a large capacity with 8L volume spread across three compartments
  • Operates at 800W, steams food incredibly fast, and comes with a timer
  • Has two water inlets so you can easily refill the steamer without removing the trays
  • Doesn’t require any oil and does not create any smoke when in use
  • Has a stylish design and the compartments are fully transparent
Cons:
  • Some customers have reported that the text on the timer may eventually wear off
  • The instructions may not clearly state if the trays are dishwasher safe or not
  • Might not be an ideal for those who want a steamer with pre-programmed settings

6. 3-Piece Stainless Steel Cooker Pot Set (Best Value)

3-Piece Stainless Steel Cooker Pot SetThe 3-Piece Stainless Steel Steamer Cooker Pot Set allows you to quickly and effectively steam your meal without the need for a complex electrical set up. You can easily fill the steel pots and prepare your dish on your cooker top using a pan of boiling water. These pots are high-quality and are made from tough components including aluminium and stainless steel.

Features

This set contains three separate stainless steel pots, each with a decent capacity. The pots have large steam vents in the bottom so your meal will cook quickly and effectively. Also, the glass lids have steam vents and a large handle so you can easily remove them.

We also like the large metal handles which are secured firmly to the sides. These pots are simple to use and have a diameter of 22cm which should be large enough for most food types.

This 3PC steamer cooker pot set is a good choice, but you could still experience a few small problems. For example, a few customers have found that these metal pots have shown small signs of rust after usage. Also, you could find that the capacity of the glass steamer pots is not large enough for family meals and larger gatherings.

Pros:
  • Includes three high-quality stainless steel pots with large handles
  • Consists of 2x 22cm steamer pots, and 1x 22cm casserole pot
  • The bottoms of the pans are made from capsulated aluminium
  • Each pot has a high-quality glass top
  • Can be comfortably used on gas, electric, or solid hotplates
Cons:
  • A few customers have reported that the pots may rust
  • You may find that the steamer pots could not hold enough water

7. Aigostar Fitfoodie 30LNR Electric (Best with Egg Holder)

Aigostar Fitfoodie 30LNR ElectricThe Aigostar Fitfoodie 30LNR Electric food steamer has it all. It has a large food capacity, a 60-minute timer, and a host of other useful features. If you intend to use a steamer regularly, for a wide variety of foods, this is a brilliant option.

Features

This is a great choice due to the way the compartments are designed. They are tired and staggered so that they can fit inside one another for storage. Also, they provide excellent capacity when cooking for multiple people.

For control, this steamer allows you to steam your food accurately with a timer that has a maximum setting of 60 minutes. There is also a separate rice dish which you can use for portions of rice, or for a set serving of vegetables.

This Aigostar food steamer is a brilliant product, but based on food steamer reviews, it could have a couple of small problems. Firstly, the egg holder is useful for boiling eggs, but you have to position the egg incredibly carefully or it could fall over and break. Also, you must clean the trays regularly, otherwise, you could find that scale can build-up on the drip tray.

Pros:
  • Has a fast-operating steamer that can produce steam in less than 15 seconds
  • The components are made from food-grade materials and BPA-free plastic
  • One of the trays has a built-in egg holder so you can easily steam eggs
  • At the bottom, there is a juice accumulating plate to help reduce spillage
  • Has a simple timer operation and a clear water level indicator
Cons:
  • You could find that the egg holder may not perfectly fit the egg and it could fall over
  • Unless cleaned regularly, you could find a build-up of scale on the drip tray

8. Quest 35220 3 Tier 7.2L (Best with Rice Dish)

Quest 35220 3 Tier 7.2LThe Quest 35220 3 Tier 7.2L food steamer is another good option and has a durable heating element that allows for a quick way to steam your vegetables, fish, and meats whilst still providing excellent nutritional value. With three separate food compartments and a 60-minute timer, you can easily steam a whole menu. For example, you could steam a chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for a roast dinner.

Features

As one of the best food steamers, this product has three tiers and a separate rice dish. The rice dish can actually fit inside one of the tiers so you can easily steam a dish of rice to accompany the main meal.

There is also a 60-minute timer that provides brilliant control over the steaming process. The tiered approach will also provide a ‘keep warm’ option until the rest of your meal is ready. As one of the best steamers around, this item also features a high-quality stainless steel base with rubber feet for stability.

The Quest 35220 Food Steamer could still present a few minor issues despite being a quality option. Firstly, care must be given when handling the containers as the material is a little thin and could break. Also, the water level markings may not be completely clear and you could find it tricky to refill so be careful not to let it boil dry.

Pros:
  • Has three separate food compartments and a total volume of 7.2L
  • Built-in timer function so you can set different cooking times for various foods
  • The operation of this electric food stream is incredibly quiet
  • Comes with an additional rice dish as a way to help with food storage
  • The individual compartments are clear and easy to maintain
Cons:
  • Care should be given when handling the trays as you could find they break easily
  • Some could find the water levels are difficult to find and fill properly

9. Geepas 12L Capacity (Best Large)

Geepas 12L CapacityThe Geepas 12 Litre Capacity food steamer is an excellent option for large families, or for those who often cook for gatherings and occasions. It has three separate compartments and you can store a large amount of food in each one. It is a well-rounded product that features a durable motor and an easy-to-use timer for a quick steaming process.

Features

This steamer is a great way to steam vegetables and rice. It has three compartments that are made from BPA-free materials. The tiers are also dishwasher safe and the whole product is simple to clean.

The base unit has stainless steel panels and a control dial. Also, next to the dial, you can see the current water level and look if it needs refilling.

This Geepas food steamer is an excellent choice, but it could still have some minor issues. For example, you could struggle to remove the trays and food without spilling some hot water on your kitchen tops. Also, the trays may not align perfectly and you could struggle to stack them quickly.

Pros:
  • Has a large capacity at 12L with three separate trays
  • The food bowls are all dishwasher safe and BPA-free
  • Has a simple timer operation and up to 75 minutes of steaming time
  • Comes with a 2 years manufacturers warranty
  • The bowls are transparent so you can easily check the steaming progress
Cons:
  • Some may find it difficult to remove the food without spilling hot water
  • You could find it tricky to stack the food bowls on top of each other

10. VonShef Premium Bamboo (Best Traditional)

Harcas 10-Inch Premium Organic BambooThis compact food steamer is a solid choice if you do not have much space for a steamer but still want to benefit from the improved nutritional value it provides. Made from bamboo, this product can steam anything but also excels at cooking traditional Chinese foods like dumplings and spring rolls.

Features

As one of the best food steamers, this product is made from high-quality bamboo and stainless steel. It is not the largest, but it can make an excellent rice bowl, or be used to serve traditional foods like dumplings.

The circular design of the pots will fit comfortably over a saucepan and make the cooking process simple. For storage, this device takes up minimal space and it is also quite easy to wipe clean. We also like that it is handmade and has intricate details like the lattice crosshatch on the lid.

This is one of the best food steamers, but it could still have a few problems. For example, some customers have found that the bamboo may eventually discolour after prolonged usage. Secondly, when using any natural products, remember that the materials could splinter – bamboo does splinter like wood and can cause harm.

Pros:
  • Two pairs of bamboo chopsticks and 50 wax papers included
  • The steamer trays are easy to store and clean
  • Reinforced with stainless steel bands for extra durability
  • A simple and effective way to steam Chinese food and other dishes
Cons:
  • The bamboo may eventually discolour
  • You could find that if not handled carefully, the bamboo could splinter

How to Choose a Food Steamer?

When searching for the best food steamer UK stores have to offer, you will find there are a multitude of options available. As a result, you may find it difficult to pick one. Which steamer is suitable for your needs? What type of steam should you choose? How do you know which is a good choice? But don’t worry, we have created a short buying guide to help with the decision-making process.

Before you choose a food steamer, consider your situation. How many people do you usually cook meals for? What type of foods do you enjoy cooking? What type of foods that you cook, would you be able to steam? Do you need a device similar to the Philips Avent 4-in-1 baby food steamer? If you live alone, there may be no need for a food steamer with a large capacity. Also, if you regularly have multiple different vegetables with your meals, you may want a steamer with several separate layers.

Once you have considered your situation, look at the factors we have listed below:

Electric vs Hob-Based

cooking on the hobFirstly, you must look at the type of steamer you want to buy. There are two main types of food steamer – electric vs hob-based. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Hob-based steamers are usually metal pots that have capsulated bottoms that allow the heat to be dispersed evenly to steam the contents. To use these steamers, you usually place your food in the pot and place this on top of a saucepan filled with water on your cooker hob. By boiling the water in the saucepan, steam is created and this will pass through into the steamer pot.

Alternatively, electric steamers have a bottom compartment that has an electric motor and a heating element. You fill around the heating element with water, and this water is boiled and like the above example, steam is released through into the compartments above where your food is.

Food Capacity

One of the main considerations of kitchen tools such as salad spinners and food steamers is the capacity. This depends entirely on how often you will use the steamer, the size of your meals, and how many people you typically cook for. Most electric steamers have three compartments that can be stacked. Additionally, most hob-based steamers will have a set of three pots. A professional glass steamer, on the other hand, may also have a large cooking pot.

You don’t have to use all the compartments or pots simultaneously. However, you should still look at the capacity of each compartment. This is particularly important if you want to steam larger food items like chicken. Also, consider what implications the capacity has on storage. Larger steamers with three large compartments may be difficult to store.

Cleaning

Whenever you use products with water or steam, they must be easy to maintain. If you cannot clean the residue and water easily, you could get a build-up of scale which could lead to health complications.

Ideally, the best food steamers should have parts and components that are dishwasher-safe. Also, if possible, BPA-free materials are a big advantage. If the parts are not washable in a dishwasher, you should still be able to wipe them with a wet cloth or wash them in a sink of soapy water.

Steaming Speed and Control

cooking fish and vegetables using electric cookerDifferent food steamers have different operating power. Electric steamers such as a professional glass steamer have a quicker heating and steaming process whereas hob-based steamers can be slower. Ideally, you want a quick process and minimal cooking time so you can make your meal quickly.

Also, you will find that most food steamers may not have advanced controls. In most instances, they have a power button, a dial timer, and a keep-warm function. As a result, regardless of which type of steamer you buy, you should have an idea of the different cooking time for various steamed foods.

Ease of Use

Lastly, how easy is the food steamer to use? The best steamer for your needs should have simple controls – in most cases a single dial timer. A pre-set timer with a keep warm function can help with cooking your meal as you don’t have to continually watch your timings.

Also, how easily do the trays stack? An electric steamer will usually have 2-3 tiers that can be stacked. You can often use one tier at a time, or stack them and use them all for different foods. Some even include a rice bowl to make things even easier. This process should be simple and there should be minimal spillage to avoid burns. Also, the water reservoir should be easy to fill, and there should be a clear indicator for the current water level so it will never boil dry.

Conclusion

If you want to improve your diet and get a greater balance of nutrients, a steamer is a great item to have. It can help reduce the overall cooking time of your food and make the process easier. Also, you can ensure the whole family has vegetables, fish, and meat that is bursting with nutrients and also tastes that much better.

The 10 steamers we have listed above all make a great choice. However, our top pick is the Salter EK2726 Healthy Cooking 3-Tier food steamer. As the best food steamer in the UK, this product looks great and it has a high capacity with up to 7.5L of food storage. The steaming motor is also efficient, and the compartments and base unit are made from durable materials that are easy to clean as well.

Additional Resources

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Affiliate Disclosure

BestSpy.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.