Best Food Steamers in India

Kitchen |

February 6, 2021

| by HomeExpert

Cooking food at rice sometimes results in getting it burnt up a little which spoils its taste. But if you are having a good steamer and following the right process of steaming rice and veggies then you won’t face this issue. With the wide range of steamers in the market, we need to be careful by checking all the important parameters. Let us see some of the best food steamers and the buying guide for the same.

Best Food Steamers in India 2021:

1. Solimo Stainless Steel Induction Bottom Steamer

Solimo steamer is made using stainless steel that is 100% food-grade quality.

You can make momos, modaks, idli, khandvi, and many more with it.

Specifications:

Brand: Amazon Brand – Solimo
Color: Silver
Capacity: 2 litres
Material: Stainless Steel
Number of Pieces: 3 Item Weight: 1 kg 550 g
Special Features: Gas stovetop compatible
Included Components: 1 Piece-Steamer/Modak/Momo Maker
Package Dimensions: 22 x 21.8 x 16.8 cm; 1.55 Kilograms
Contains 2 units: 1 stainless steel casserole with glass lid and 1 stainless steel steamer pot

Pros

Stainless steel ear handles are double riveted to ensure sturdiness while handling it.
It has an induction base and can be used on the case stove as well.
Glass lid helps you watch the progress.

Cons

The steel could have been sturdier at this price.

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2. iBELL SMR32 Stainless Steel Steamer

iBELL SMR32 steamer can be used for cooking various dishes such as dhokla, steamed cake, idli, momos, and many more.

The stainless steel used for making it is 100% food grade and is quite sturdy.

Specifications:

Brand: iBELL
Color: Silver
Material: Stainless Steel
Item Weight: 2 kg 800 g
Capacity: 7 litre and bottom casserole come with a capacity of 5 litre
Warranty: 6 Months Standard Warranty
Special Features: Induction & Gas Compatible, Dishwasher Safe
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 32 x 25 x 25 Centimetres

Pros

Handles and lid are heat resistant.
Dishwasher friendly.

Cons

The lid is not transparent.

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3. BLACK+DECKER Food Steamer

BLACK+DECKER Food Steamer is available in a stackable form that is perfect for bigger families.

Precision cooking is possible with the mechanical timer.

Specifications:

Brand: BLACK+DECKER
Color: White
Warranty: 2 year warranty
Capacity: 10 liter
Power: 775 watts
Item Weight: 1 kg 250 g
Operating voltage: 220 – 240 volts
Special Features: Dishwasher Safe
Includes: Food steamer and instruction manual
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 30.4 x 27.6 x 33 Centimetres
Included Components: Food Steamer and Instruction Manual

Pros

It can be safely used in dishwashers.
The parts can be detached for easily cleaning them.
Transparent compartments make checking the progress easy.

Cons

Stainless steel would have been a better option.

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4. Panasonic Food Steamer

Panasonic Food Steamer is made using durable polycarbonate material.

It looks aesthetically beautiful and matches the interior decor of the kitchen.

Specifications:

Brand: Panasonic
Color: Multi
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 750 Watts
Power: 750 watts
Item Weight: 3 kg 930 g
Total Volume: 5.4 Litre
Raw Capacity: 1.1 Litre
Special Features: Dishwasher Safe
Capacity: 5.4 liters. Keeps food warm up to 5 hours
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 27.4 x 27.3 x 38.3 Centimetres
Included Components: Package Contain Automatic Electric Cooker, Two Steaming Basket , Warranty Card & Manual

Pros

Cooking pan is made up of anodized material.
You can use it as a rice cooker also.
Saves electricity by switching off once the food is cooked.

Cons

No demerits.

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5. Russell Hobbs England 800-Watts Food Steamer

Russell Hobbs steamer is used for cooking healthy dishes with least or no oil.

There are three baskets to simultaneously cook multiple items in the compartments.

Specifications:

Brand: Russell Hobbs
Color: Multi
Primary Material: Plastic
Item Weight: 2 kg 590 g
Warranty: 2 year warranty
Package Dimensions: 33 x 31.3 x 28.6 cm; 2.59 Kilograms
Capacity: 9 Litre capacity with 3 steam baskets with egg holder for separate preparations at the same time

Pros

It helps in cooking perfectly with the 75-minute mechanical timer.
Dry protection feature is useful. You can check the water level window easily.
Transparent compartments help to check the progress.

Cons

Steel material could have been a better choice.

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6. Glen Electric Steam Cooker

Glen Electric Steam Cooker comes with three compartments cooking healthy and oil-free cooking, that keeps all the nutrients in contact.

It is made up of food-grade polycarbonate material.

There is a 60-minute timer for cooking and a quick start power indicator.

Specifications:

Brand: Glen
Color: White
Power: 900 W
Item Weight: 2 kg 90 g
Included Components: Online water filling
Package Dimensions: 26.1 x 26.1 x 25.4 cm; 2.09 Kilograms

Pros

It has a specific compartment for holding eggs.
It has features for protection in case of overheat & dry boil.
Compact storage.
Transparent compartments let you easily check the progress.

Cons

Stainless steel compartments would have been a better option.

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7. Sabichi Food Steamer

Sabichi Food Steamer comes with three compartments for cooking multiple items simultaneously.

It has a quick start power indicator.

The nutrients remain intact while cooking it.

It saves electricity.

Specifications:

Brand: Sabichi
Color: White
Power: 400 watts
Operating Voltage: 220 – 240 volts
Item Weight: 1 kg 300 g
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 27 x 20 x 20 Centimetres

Pros

Easy to store.
The 60-minute cooking timer gives perfect results.

Cons

Polycarbonate material seems to be less durable.

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8. Vinod Stainless Steel 2 Tier Steamer

Vinod steamer comes with a 2 tier steamer for cooking two different items simultaneously.

It cooks food in less time.

You can make various items such as momos, modak, khandvi, and many more.

It can be used in an induction cooktop also.

Specifications:

Brand: Vinod
Model Number: 2 Tier-18
Color: Silver
Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 24 Months Warranty
Item Weight: 1 kg 300 g
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 25 x 18 x 18.2 Centimetres
Package Content: 1- Piece Pot, 1- Piece Steamer and 1- Piece Glass lid

Pros

The food doesn’t burn because of the sandwich bottom technology.
Stainless steel material is safe and ensures hygienic conditions.
Tempered glass lid comes with a vent for releasing steam.
Easy to clean.

Cons

The absence of bakelite handles makes the handle hot after cooking.

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9. Steemo Multi Steam Cooker

Steemo Multi-Steam Cooker is made using polycarbonate material that is of food-grade quality.

It has two tiers for simultaneously cooking two items. You can boil eggs, make sprouts, steam idli, make modaks, momos, and many such items using it.

It keeps the nutritional value of food intact.

Specifications:

Brand: STEEMO
Color: White
Item Weight: 3 kg 80 g
Included Components: 1 Multi Steam Cooker with Non Stop Soup cum Sprout Maker
Package Dimensions: 38.1 x 26.1 x 25.1 cm; 3.08 Kilograms

Pros

Electricity is saved by the 30-sec Turbo steam generator.
It comes with an auto stop timer.

Cons

A steel body could have been better.

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10. Pristine Stainless Steel Steamer

The pristine steamer is made using stainless steel that makes it durable.

It is energy efficient.

The nutritional value of the food remains intact.

It has two tiers for simultaneously cooking two items.

Specifications:

Brand: Pristine
Color: Silver
Material: Stainless Steel
Package Contents: 1 Pristine Stainless Steel Induction Base Tri Ply 2 Tier Multi Purpose Steamer / Modak Maker With Glass Lid
Warranty: No Warranty
Item Weight: 1 kg 220 g
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 25.9 x 19.8 x 14.6 Centimetres

Pros

It can be used on gas as well as an induction cooktop.
It is dishwasher friendly.
See-through tempered glass lid to check the progress.

Cons

Handles don’t come with bakelite coating that makes them hot during the cooking process.

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Method of Using a Food Steamer:

Here are the steps to be followed for using a food steamer:

1. Boiling the Water:

First, pour water into the steamer. Once it starts boiling, add the veggies or other food. Close the lid so that the food will get boiled in the steaming process. If needed, increase the heat or reduce it as per the need.

2. Avoid Using Excess Water:

Water is the important ingredient in the steaming process so adding the right amount of it determines how well the food is cooked. You can add 1-2 inches of water in the pot and make sure to use a lot of water as this will spoil the meal. Similarly, too little water can also burn the good during the steaming process.

3. Use stock and Herbs for Flavor Enhancement while Steaming the Food:

If you want to add some aroma to your food, then add some herbs like rosemary sprigs, dill sprigs, lemongrass, or sliced garlic. You can use vegetable stock or chicken broth in place of simple water. Some lemon juice or salt can also be added before the boiling process.

4. Avoid Extensive Steaming:

When you find that the food has been steamed before the decided time then turn the steamer off and leave it as it is so that it will continue getting cooked well in the heat of the steamer slowly. Add a bowl of ice water if you feel that they have become soggy.

5. Get Ready Before the Steaming Process:

Before starting the process of cooking, make sure to mix the veggies with some olive oil, herbs, and spices for easily preparing a delightful meal.

6. Keep the Pot Airtight While Steaming:

Food gets cooked well as well as fast if you avoid opening the lid multiple times. Keep it sealed and airtight so that the steam does its work. If you fail to follow this, it will take a long time to cook the food.

Advantages of Food Steamer:

Here are some benefits of the food steamer:

1. No Chances of Carcinogenic Substances:

The steaming process at home doesn’t need the use of any animal fats which keeps it free from carcinogens and hence healthy.

2. Vitamins and Minerals Remain Intact:

Steaming preserves the nutrients of the food, unlike the other cooking methods which overexpose them to heat, degrading most of the vitamins and minerals.

3. Keeping up the Taste:

Steamed food, especially when you use herbs and spices, has an amazing aroma and flavors.

Best Food Steamers in India Buying Guide & Tips:

Here are some factors to look out for when you are purchasing a food steamer:

1. Select the Steamer type as Per Your Need:

You can find stovetop steamers or electrical steamers in the market. Electrical steamers are efficient in cooking food fast. They are a better option since they come with different operational settings like keeping the food warm, setting the timer, and others.

2. Material of the Steamer:

No matter what type of steamer you buy, it should have a sturdy build quality. It should have a sturdy lid. If its body is made of plastic, then it should be of strong ABS plastic so that it will last long.

3. Capacity of the Steamer:

Steamers’ capacity range from 2-10 lt. So the one you want to buy depends on the number of members in your family. For a large family, it is better to get a multi-tiered steamer

4. Steamer’s Wattage:

The electric steamers generally have 500-800 watt power which is enough for household needs.

5. Number of Compartments for Steaming:

Bigger steamers often have multiple baskets to separate the food items. Based on the time needed for cooking each item, the compartments can be removed at different times.

6. Volume of the Basket:

The capacity of the steaming baskets determines how much food will be cooked at one go. They are generally 1.5-3.5 lt. So based on your needs, you can select the right volume.

7. Check the Type of Steam Control:

Mechanical and electrical steam controls can be found in different food steamers. There is a regulator in case of mechanical control that can be easily rotated for the desired setting. On the other hand, the electric control provides various options to choose the preferred mode by pressing the corresponding buttons.

8. Safety Features to Avoid Accidents:

Food steamers must-have features like automatic shut down and auto cut off in case of electric fluctuations. This keeps you safe and avoids chances of overcooking food. So, check for these features before buying one.

9. Inbuilt time for Ease of Use:

A timer works by turning off the food steamer once the cooking is done. It lets you set the time and leave it without worrying to switch it off. Some devices even come with an alarm when the set time is reached.

10. Maintenance:

The device should be easy to clean. You can also check if the steamer bowls are dishwasher-friendly.

11. Number of Pallets:

The position where steam condensation takes place is termed as a pallet. Most food steamers have one pallet which makes the juice generated in every bowl flow into it. On the contrary, other models have a distinct pallet which you can opt for if you don’t like the mingling of the condensed liquid coming out of distinct baskets. This factor becomes useful when you cook various soups or sauces.

12. Number of Attachments:

A food steamer with more attachments makes it versatile. Some include the indicator for water level so that you know in case it falls down the required level; an inlet for adding more water; and egg holders for easily cooking eggs.

13. Brand and Price:

Different brands of food steamers are available in different price ranges based on the features offered by each. So set your budget and decide what features you need before buying one, to make sure that you invest in the right product.

Food steamers are amazing appliances one must-have for following a healthy diet. You can get the best one for your home by following our buying guide and listed out products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q. Why is a food steamer needed?

Ans: When you want to keep the nutritional value of food intact and avoid grilled or fried food, then the food steamer is required for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Q. What dishes can be cooked using a food steamer?

Ans: You can make a wide variety of dishes using healthy ingredients with a food steamer. This includes boiling veggies, eggs, rice, and others.

Q. Is steaming the food better than boiling them?

Ans: Yes, steaming is a better option because the nutrient retention, in this case, is much more than boiling.

Q. Is it okay to use plastic food steamers?

Ans: No. You must even avoid the best quality plastic food steamers which claim to be free from BPA because they might leach into the food, causing the release of chemicals which can cause long-term health risks.

Q. How to clean a food steamer?

Ans: You can easily clean a food steamer with a gentle dish scrubber and some soap water. Then pat it dry with a clean cloth before storing it.

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