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  • 10 Best Steamer Baskets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Steamer Baskets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Steamer Baskets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Steamer Baskets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Steamer Baskets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Steamer Baskets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Whether you're craving dumplings for dinner or you just want a nutritious meal of steamed vegetables, a steamer basket allows you to cook all sorts of food in a healthy way. Steaming is a healthier alternative to frying and more efficient than boiling as it prevents the loss of nutrients. It's also a time and energy-saving option, as it doesn't require much work from you once you've set it up. All you need is hot water and a good steamer basket.


However, it can be challenging to pick the perfect one for you. From bamboo baskets made for dumplings to ones that are specifically designed to be used with rice cookers or Instant Pots, the number of options can be overwhelming. But, you're in luck! We've curated a list of our 10 favorite steamer baskets. Start with our personal favorite, Noble Nest's sturdy stainless steel-reinforced bamboo steamer basket that comes with reusable extras. Check out the rest of the list as well as our chef-reviewed buying guide to find out more. 

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Steamer Baskets

1

Noble Nest

Best Bamboo Steamer That Resists Warping

2

Aozita

Stackable Mesh Steamer Basket
Stackable Mesh Steamer Basket

Best Two-Tier Mesh Steamer Baskets for Instant Pots

3

Sayfine

Folding Steamer Insert
Folding Steamer Insert

Best Classic Collapsible Steamer Basket

4

OXO

Good Grips Silicone Steamer
Good Grips Silicone Steamer

Best Silicone Steamer Basket That Rolls up for Easy Storage

5

Prime Home Direct

2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket
2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

Best Bamboo Steamer Basket for Dumplings and More

Jim Quast
Expert
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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mybest US Editors

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

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How to Choose Steamer Baskets

When choosing a steamer basket, you want to consider what you plan on steaming. The type of material, as well as user-friendly features, are also factors you should look at. 

1

Pick a Material Based on Performance

Keep in mind the kind of food you plan on cooking in your steamer basket. Pay special attention to the basket’s material and type, as some suit specific types of food. Some materials can also be easier to clean and maintain than others.

Bamboo Helps Prevent Over-Cooking

Bamboo Helps Prevent Over-Cooking

Bamboo steaming baskets are popular for cooking dumplings and other Asian delicacies, but they can be used for other food as well. When choosing a steamer basket made of bamboo, pay special attention to the quality of the bamboo and the weaving of its lid.


Premium bamboo won’t have an undesirable smell that could get added to your food. A tightly-woven lid will keep steam from escaping the basket. Though bamboo tends to wear out over time, these steaming baskets offer a great steaming quality because they distribute heat evenly.


But, bamboo tends to absorb odors, so you may want to refrain from steaming meat or seafood in the same one as vegetables to avoid a mismatch in taste and smell. Also, unlike plastic or metal options, bamboo steamers aren't dishwasher-safe. To prevent stuck-on food, consider getting paper liners for the bottom of the basket.


On the upside, however, because bamboo steamers absorb moisture, the humidity inside is more controlled and prevents food from being overcooked. This quality gives bamboo steamers an edge over plastic and metal steamers.


Some come with multiple tiers that you can use to compartmentalize your food and cook more at once. If you plan on getting one of these, make sure that there are slits in between the levels so that steam will reach each one. The standard diameter of a bamboo steamer basket is 10 inches.

Metal Can Withstand High Temperatures

Metal Can Withstand High Temperatures

Metal steaming baskets are durable and long-lasting since metal can weather high pressures and temperatures. Though they can’t absorb moisture like their bamboo counterparts, they normally get hotter, making them a better fit for steaming food such as bread.


Metal steamer baskets tend to be bigger in size, and are a good fit for larger food like whole vegetables and big pieces of meat. They’re also easy to clean and don’t absorb odors like bamboo.

Silicone Is Flexible and Easy to Clean

Silicone Is Flexible and Easy to Clean

Silicone steaming baskets are versatile as they have a flexible body that can adjust according to the pot they’re held in. Because they aren’t rigid, they can easily be used with a wide variety of pot sizes. Some even come with interlocking handles that make it easy to put a lid over. They also won’t scratch metal pots or rust.


They’re easy to clean, as they don’t need to be scrubbed vigorously to get food bits off. They are also usually dishwasher-safe, which saves you time, energy, and the hassle of having to get into all the nooks and crannies.


Though plastic, like silicone, is light, easy to clean, and non-scratching, it can’t stand temperatures as high as silicone can. However, if you’re looking for a steamer basket for use with a microwave for just a short period of time, then a plastic steamer basket that’s microwave safe would be a great time-saving option.

2

Choose a Size and Shape That Suits Your Cooking Needs

Choose a Size and Shape That Suits Your Cooking Needs

Make sure you check the dimensions so that you’re sure that the food you plan on steaming will fit. Bowl-like steaming baskets are great for steaming a large amount of vegetables. These usually have a depth to their base, allowing you to cook a lot of food at once.


But for dumplings or steamed buns you need enough space for each piece to stay separated, so steam can circulate and cook them evenly. Some steaming baskets have a flat and shallow base, making them better for food that has to be laid flat to keep pieces from sticking to each other.


Also, check the diameter to see if it will fit inside the pot you plan on putting it in. If it’s too big, it won’t be close enough to the water, and the overhanging edges will let steam escape. If it’s too small, it could sink into the water and submerge your food.

Collapsible steamer baskets fit a wider range of pot sizes, so you can go from a small pot for steaming a single serving to a large pot for making food for the whole household with the same basket.



Collapsible metal steamer baskets usually have a flower-like arrangement of curved panels that collapse like a hand fan. Many have a collapsed diameter of around six inches and a maximum of 10.5 inches


Ones made of silicone may fold down on themselves, resulting in a much flatter version of the expanded basket. Some even curl inwards, forming a lettuce-like shape. Collapsible steamer baskets are easier to find storage space for, too.

3

Consider Large Handles for Safer Use

Consider Large Handles for Safer Use

Handles allow you to pick up the steamer without getting your hands burnt by hot steam or boiling water. Make sure the handles of your steamer basket are large enough and made of sturdy, heat-resistant material to prevent any accidents.


For steaming baskets with a single pan-like handle, make sure that the handle is strong and long enough to lift the basket without getting burned. Other baskets have one handle placed on each side. Handles covered over by a material like silicone won’t absorb heat as much as the material of the actual basket, and make it easier and safer to lift.


You can also find handles that arch over the pot from one side to the other, allowing you to pick it up from the top. Be careful with these types of handles since the steam coming up can burn your fingers. Finally, some have a central post with a ring that you can lift using a fork.

4

Look for Steamer Baskets With Functional Details

There are many features that make a steaming basket much more user-friendly, like the number of tiers and how it's constructed.

Stands and Grooves Keep Food Above Water

Stands and Grooves Keep Food Above Water

Many steaming baskets have features that keep their base from touching the water. Because the whole concept of steaming involves cooking food using vapor instead of liquid water, you want to make sure that the food you’re steaming is actually kept from being submerged.


Fitted baskets go with specific pots and pans. They usually have grooves that keep them sitting on ridges of their corresponding pot or pan. Other steaming baskets have stands or legs that keep the food-filled steamer from touching the water.

Multiple Tiers Add Versatility

Multiple Tiers Add Versatility

A steamer basket may have multiple tiers that can be added or removed depending on how much food you’re going to steam. Not only do these types of baskets offer you versatility, but they also are more efficient as they allow you to cook more food at the same time.


They allow you to keep food groups separate as you cook them, such as meat on one tier and vegetables on another. This also comes in particularly handy when steaming foods that have different cook times, as you can remove one tier when it's done while keeping another going.


Others have separate compartments that help to keep smaller pieces of food in groups. This works well with food items like peas, chopped up carrots, and baby potatoes.

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10 Best Steamer Baskets Ranking

Here are the best Steamer Baskets, ranked according to 10 Best Steamer Baskets (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Noble Nest

Noble Nest  1

Best Bamboo Steamer That Resists Warping

2

Aozita

Stackable Mesh Steamer Basket

Aozita Stackable Mesh Steamer Basket 1

Best Two-Tier Mesh Steamer Baskets for Instant Pots

3

Sayfine

Folding Steamer Insert

Sayfine Folding Steamer Insert 1

Best Classic Collapsible Steamer Basket

4

OXO

Good Grips Silicone Steamer

OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer 1

Best Silicone Steamer Basket That Rolls up for Easy Storage

5

Prime Home Direct

2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

Prime Home Direct 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket 1

Best Bamboo Steamer Basket for Dumplings and More

6

Cuisinart

Stainless Universal Steamer with CoverMCP116-20N

Cuisinart Stainless Universal Steamer with Cover 1

Best Pan-Handle Steamer Basket

7

Taylor's Eye Witness

Sturdy Steamer Basket for Pressure Cooker

Taylor's Eye Witness Sturdy Steamer Basket for Pressure Cooker 1

Best to Steam or Boil and Keep Food Separate

8

Happi Studio

Happi Studio  1

Best Bamboo Steamer With Universal-Fit Ring

9

HapWay

2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

HapWay 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket 1

Best Steamer Basket With an Egg Rack

10

Sistema

Microwave Steamer Basket

Sistema Microwave Steamer Basket 1

Best Microwave Steamer for a Quick and Easy Meal

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No.1

Noble Nest

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$30.88
High Mid
Reference price
$30.88
High Mid

Best Bamboo Steamer That Resists Warping

Pros:

  • Comes with serving tongs, chopsticks, two sauce dishes, and reusable silicone liners to prevent food sticking
  • Rims are reinforced with stainless steel, protecting bamboo material from deformation due to steam
  • Two-tiered design allows you to cook more food at once

Cons:

  • Not dishwasher-safe

This bamboo steamer basket set comes with a bunch of extras that complete your culinary experience. The sauce dishes, chopsticks, tongs, and liners, are all reusable, and the metal rings prevent the natural bamboo from warping, so this kit is definitely in it for the long haul. 


Many who purchased the steamer were really happy with its steaming capabilities. Users said that the stainless steel rims made the basket sturdier and the liners made cleanup easy. Most also loved the cool extras.

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No.2

Aozita
Stackable Mesh Steamer Basket

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

Best Two-Tier Mesh Steamer Baskets for Instant Pots

Pros:

  • Stackable tiers allow you to compartmentalize food
  • Basket handle protected with silicone cover
  • Designed for Instant Pots but works with other pots or pressure cookers
  • Easy straining feature makes it great for simmering stock, cooking pasta, and boiling or steaming eggs 

Cons:

  • Smaller basket has no legs so it can't really be used separately
  • Mesh design can be tricky to clean

Whether you're planning to make stock from a chicken carcass or cook pasta, Aozita's stainless steel mesh steamer basket makes it easy to pull your food out of your pot when it's already perfectly cooked. It has two tiers, allowing you to compartmentalize what you plan on steaming. Both have handles with protective silicone covers, too.


Some reviewers complained about the handles easily coming off, and a few others said that the legs are flimsy. However, on the bright side, many loved that the baskets stack. Reviewers also said that the silicone handle cover holds up well and allows users to pick the basket up without fear of getting burned.

No.3

Sayfine
Folding Steamer Insert

Reference price
$11.99
Low Mid

Best Classic Collapsible Steamer Basket

Pros:

  • Takes up minimal space when collapsed
  • Central handle that collapses and can be removed
  • Available in three diameters

Cons:

  • Have to use fork or other tool to grab the ring and lift the handle

Each model of this steamer can adjust easily into differently-sized pots, and it comes in three sizes. The central handle can be removed entirely so it can hold a plate or bowl.


Some reviewers complained that it feels a bit cheaply made, but the large majority thought it worked just fine. Most found it's held up well, and they say it's simple to use and easy to clean.

No.4

OXO
Good Grips Silicone Steamer

Reference price
$15.95
Low Mid

Best Silicone Steamer Basket That Rolls up for Easy Storage

Pros:

  • Can be transferred safely from hot pot thanks to stay-cool handles 
  • Flexible basket rolls in on itself 
  • High walls keep boiling water away from food
  • Large center is perfect for larger food items
  • Specifically designed for use with pressure cookers

Cons:

  • May be too flimsy for heavy food items
  • Cooks less evenly than metal ones

OXO's one-piece silicone steamer basket takes up minimal storage space, since it can roll up and latch itself closed. Thanks to its flexible material, it fits in a range of pot sizes with a minimum diameter of seven inches. The handles also lock together, making for a secure way to remove it from the heat.


Some reviewers found the product flimsy, noting that it's difficult to keep the food in the basket. Others said that the handles don't lock together very securely. However, many home chefs liked the large handles and said they stay cool, making it easy to pull the basket out of hot water. People also liked that it's very compact when rolled up. 

No.5

Prime Home Direct
2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

Reference price
$24.95
Mid

Best Bamboo Steamer Basket for Dumplings and More

Pros:

  • Two tiers increase steaming capacity
  • Comes with chopsticks, a sauce dish, and 50 liners as extras
  • Balanced heat distribution 

Cons:

  • Not dishwasher-safe
  • Needs special care

For anybody looking for an authentic at-home dim sum cuisine experience, this steamer basket is the perfect option. Though its bamboo material requires a bit of extra care, it's bound to steam up the best dumplings, rice, meat, vegetables, and more. It also comes with handy extras like liners to keep the shelves clean


A few reviewers complained about this steamer basket being prone to cracks and warping. However, many home cooks liked that the two tiers allow them to steam a lot of food at once, and others especially appreciated the usefulness of the liners. Many said that they used this basket for dumplings, while others used it to steam vegetables. 

No.6

Cuisinart
Stainless Universal Steamer with CoverMCP116-20N

Reference price
$39.95
High Mid

Best Pan-Handle Steamer Basket

Pros:

  • Long pan handle makes it safer to remove from hot pot and dump out contents
  • Fits three of Cuisinart's pot sizes
  • Tri-ply construction heats fast and evenly
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • May not fit snugly on non-Cuisinart pots and pans
  • Takes up as much space as another pot in storage

If you're looking for something that's sturdy and won't wobble around, this steamer basket will do the trick. Its durable three-layer stainless steel and aluminum body offers you a lot of durability. It's also riveted at the handle for better reinforcement.


A few people had issues with finding the right pot or pan dimensions to fit the steamer in, which led to them having problems with stability. However, many reviewers were impressed with its steaming ability and liked the quality of the steel. People also praised how easy it is to remove compared to other designs.

No.7

Taylor's Eye Witness
Sturdy Steamer Basket for Pressure Cooker

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

Best to Steam or Boil and Keep Food Separate

Pros:

  • Three baskets keep foods separate
  • Nests for compact storage
  • Fits pressure cookers and Instant Pots

Cons:

  • Only the large set has silicone handle covers

With these three little steamers, you can cook multiple foods at once and remove them before they overcook, even if others are still not done. They fit into most three- to six-quart pressure cookers, and don't take up much space to store, since they can nest together.

Some reviewers complain that they have sharp edges and are difficult to clean. But most love that they can cook a full steamed meal in only one pot without having all the foods mixed up. They also say they work well in an Instant Pot for steaming vegetables and meat at the same time.

No.8

Happi Studio

Reference price
$39.99
High Mid

Best Bamboo Steamer With Universal-Fit Ring

Pros:

  • Comes with metal ring that fits eight to 11-inch pots
  • Two reusable cloth liners 
  • Two tiers offer more cooking capacity

Cons:

  • Steaming ring is dishwasher-safe, but baskets aren't

If you're looking for something eco-friendly, note that this two-tier steaming basket won't have you rushing to the supermarket for more liners. The two cotton liners can be washed and used again. The steaming ring allows it to fit a variety of pot diameters, and keeps the two-tier bamboo steamer basket from getting scorched. 


Some reviewers reported having issues with the plastic film covering the steaming ring, saying it's tricky to peel it off before you use it. The manufacturer explains step-by-step how to do so. On the upside, however, many loved how versatile the steaming ring makes it. Many also said that this set steams excellently.

No.9

HapWay
2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

Reference price
$11.99
Low Mid

Best Steamer Basket With an Egg Rack

Pros:

  • Comes with a rack that will keep eggs in place
  • Height of rack is sufficient for cooking other food underneath at the same time
    • Double basket handles offer more stability

Cons:

  • No feet to elevate basket
  • Handles do not have cool-touch covers

This multi-functional steamer basket comes with a trivet that has inserts designed specifically for eggs. This extra will keep your eggs from bumping into each other while cooking. It fits in Instant Pots, too.


Though a few reviewers said that it was on the small side, many home cooks said that this steamer basket worked really well with their Instant Pots. From chicken to vegetables, many reported using it for a wide range of food. Many also loved egg holder. 

No.10

Sistema
Microwave Steamer Basket

Reference price
$19.08
Mid

Best Microwave Steamer for a Quick and Easy Meal

Pros:

  • Specifically designed for safe microwave use
  • Equipped with steam release vent and lock-on lid
  • Locks stay cool to the touch
  • Has a middle stalk that stays cool to the touch that makes it easy to lift food out 
  • Plastic is BPA-free

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large food items
  • Reviewers complain that the tabs can be hard to lock

If you're looking for an easy, time-saving steaming option, Sistema's steamer is designed specifically for microwave use. It comes in a set which includes a container, lid, and removable steamer basket with a middle handle that stays cool for easy lifting. It also has a steam release vent and user-friendly lift tabs around the square cover. 


Some reviewers complained about the tabs of the lid being difficult to snap closed. Others said that the material can get too hot after some time in the microwave. However, a lot of home cooks loved that this product speeds up the steaming process. People also reported that it's very easy to clean. 

Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast

Jim Quast
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Steamer Baskets

No. 1: Noble Nest

No. 2: AozitaStackable Mesh Steamer Basket

No. 3: SayfineFolding Steamer Insert

No. 4: OXOGood Grips Silicone Steamer

No. 5: Prime Home Direct2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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