The best food and vegetable steamers

The Hamilton Beach electric food steamer takes away just about all of the guesswork of cooking, and makes steaming super easy. Just put your food into one or both of the food containers, fill the reservoir with water, set the timer, and walk away.

Once the time is up, the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer automatically switches to the "Warm" mode to keep your dinner ready, but not overdone.

The appliance also has a delayed start setting, an alert if the water reservoir runs low, and an easy-to-use touchpad. It includes two food containers that hold a total of 5-1/2 quarts, but you can remove the center divider to create one extra-large container, if desired. You'll also get a rice steamer insert, so you can make perfect rice.

Pros: Stackable food containers let you cook two separate dishes at the same time, count down timer, keep-warm setting, low-water alert, reasonable price

Cons: Food containers are not dishwasher safe

If you don't steam often, or don't want to be bothered with using and storing an electric steamer, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer lets you convert any pot that's eight inches or smaller into a stovetop steamer. It can also be used in the Instant Pot.

The steamer is simple — it's a folding, stainless steel "basket" with small wire legs that hold the food above the water level so that your veggies, fish, eggs, or dumplings are bathed in steam, not water. The handle makes it easy to lift the steamer basket in and out of your cookpot, but if you need more space in the basket for larger foods, such as corn on the cob, the handle easily unscrews for extra room.

Pros: Easy to store, no electricity required, fits in Instant Pot and other pressure cookers, dishwasher safe

Cons: Some complaints the handle is flimsy, may rust

Made of heavy-duty stainless steel, the Farberware Classic Stack 'n' Steam Set brings versatility to your kitchen. Perfect for those just starting out or new to the kitchen, the set includes an aluminum-core stainless-steel 3-quart saucepot with easy-grasp handles and a self-basting lid, plus a stainless steel stacking steamer that fits over the saucepot for easy steaming. The set is also oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fharenheit.

On the downside, this steamer is not very large. Although the saucepot holds three quarts, the steamer basket only holds two quarts.

Pros: Sturdy stainless steel with aluminum core, dishwasher and oven safe, versatile

Cons: Steamer and saucepan are not very large

If you prefer to do your steaming in a hurry, you'll love the Sistema Microwave Steamer, which turns out perfectly steamed vegetables, fish, dumplings, fruits, and chicken in minutes. The steamer basket, the main container, and the lid are all made of BPA-and-phthalate free plastic that's safe for the dishwasher, freezer, and refrigerator.

When using the steamer, put water into the main container, set your food into the steamer basket, clip the lid into place with the easy-lift tabs, and then open the lid's steam vent. Pop the steamer into the microwave, set your desired number of minutes, and voila! You have tasty, healthy, steamed food.

The Sistema Microwave Steamer is available in three sizes: small, which holds 1.5 quarts, medium, which holds 2.6 quarts, and large, which holds 3.4 quarts.

Pros: Easy use and cleanup, quick results, freezer safe

Cons: Some complaints of the lid not locking securely during use

Made of flexible, nonstick, easy-clean, and durable 100% silicone, the Kitchen Deluxe Premium Silicone Steamer Basket fits in your favorite saucepan or Instant Pot, won't scratch or damage your cookware, won't burn your hands, and won't tip or wobble during the steaming process.

When not in use, it rolls up for easy storage in a drawer, but you'll be reaching for this useful kitchen utensil over and over again.

Pros: Flexible and easy to handle, dishwasher safe, can be used in an Instant Pot

Cons: Food can get stuck in the small holes

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