Bamboo steamers are an underrated part of a kitchen. Asian cooking, in general, is often underrated in American households unless you have ordered food at a restaurant or takeout.
Why not indulge yourself in the wonderful world of Asian cuisine by making your own Asian-inspired dishes at home?
The first step to this is to buy a bamboo steamer. These handy appliances can steam just about anything, from dumplings to vegetables.
We have reviewed five products that are sure to suit every household - one is best for those on a budget, another is a great bundle option, and we even have one that’s great for beginners.
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Comparison Table
Key Criteria
When we reviewed these products, we looked out for four key criteria categories. This is how we compared and contrasted the products.
What can it steam?
Sure, bamboo steamers are notoriously versatile and can steam just about anything, but what if a product has limitations? What if it’s only suitable for steaming one type of food?
Size
The standard size for a bamboo steamer is usually 10”. The bigger the steamer, the more food it can steam at one time. However, this means you will need to consider storage space.
Also, how many tiers does the steamer have? Two or three tiers are the standard, but again, how much food are you wanting to steam at one time?
Quality
How sturdy is the steamer? How much food can it take before it starts to weaken? Is the quality of the material worth the money? How eco-friendly is the steamer? All the questions!
Longevity
Along with the last key criteria point, how long is the lifespan of each bamboo steamer? At what point does the bamboo begin to crack, rendering the steamer useless?
Best Bamboo Steamer
1. Best Overall Steamer: Yuho Asian Kitchen 10" Bamboo Steamer
What can it steam?
This is a versatile steamer that has the ability to cook dumplings, eggs, meat, seafood, fresh vegetables, and buns. It is ideal for cooking traditional Chinese dishes.
Size
This product comes in either a 10”, 8”, or 6” size. We recommend the 10” size for foodies who want to steam larger amounts of food at the same time.
It has a two-tier construction for extra room. Those with limited storage space might be better off with the smaller sizes.
Quality
Yuho Asian Kitchen’s steamer is made of 100% bamboo with no added and unnecessary plastic, metal, or wires. This is an eco-friendly option, as bamboo can so quickly regrow in bamboo farms.
Once the steamer’s lifespan is finished, the 100% bamboo structure can be composted.
Longevity
Despite the fact this steamer contains no metal, wires, or plastic to retain its structure, this is a long-lasting product. The bamboo might crack slightly if it is burned when the base isn’t permanently submerged in water.
Company/Manufacturer Background
Yuho is a kitchen appliance brand owned by the company Sungiven Foods. Sungiven Foods is all about promoting healthy eating, encouraging the use of natural foods and products, and avoiding processed items.
It is a grocery chain that owns several brands and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
Why this is the best overall steamer?
This Yuho Asian Kitchen product exhibits everything you would expect from a bamboo steamer - exceptional quality, good size ranges, and the ability to steam near enough every type of food.
The fact this steamer is eco-friendly and made with 100% bamboo is a bonus and something that all bamboo steamers should strive towards.
Customer Experience
The customer satisfaction rating of this product is very high. Customers rave about the quality of this steamer and its longevity, and how it livens up any kitchen.
Some have claimed that they accidentally burned the bottom of the steamer as they didn’t submerge it in enough water, but this comes with practice.
Pros
- High-quality - Made from 100% bamboo with no metal, wires, or plastic for an eco-friendly steamer
- Good size range - Smaller designs available for smaller kitchens and households
- Trustworthy company - Sungiven Foods has good ethical standards
Cons
- Only comes with 10 parchment liners, which is minimal compared to the accessories other products include
- HIGH QUALITY BAMBOO: Purely handmade by the masters with more than 10 years’experience. Yuho bamboo steamer uses 100% natural bamboo which is grown over 3 years, lightweight and durable,no metal, wires or plastic.
- HEALTHY WAY TO STEAM: Perfect for cooking dumplings and Buns, fresh vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry, fish and seafood. Yuho Bamboo Steamer helps retain fresh flavors and valuable nutrients.
- EASY TO USE: Put the steamer above the hot water to cook, 2-tiers construction offer more room for several dishes simultaneously.
- EXQUISITE PACKAGING: Packed with individual color box that are very convenient to storage when not to use and 10 perforated parchment bamboo steamer liners for protection and clean.
- MAINTENANCE METHOD: Rinse it with hot water and wipe with a towel. Air-dry in a place and avoid direct sunlight. If you are not satisfied with our bamboo steamer, just send us an email for a full refund, no questions asked.
2. Best Steamer for Beginners: Steami 10" Bamboo Steamer
What can it steam?
Thanks to the help of a handy included recipe book, this bamboo steamer can successfully steam dumplings, dim sum, vegetables, seafood, beef, chicken, and more.
Size
This is a 10” bamboo steamer that has a two-tier design - an ideal size for multiple people or extreme foodies.
Quality
The Steami bamboo steamer is made of 100% BPA-free bamboo, containing no plastics, wires, or metals in its design.
This is the most eco-friendly option you can find for a bamboo steamer. The BPA-free construction means that harsh chemicals won’t emit from the heat from the steam.
Longevity
As this is a 100% bamboo product, it is held together with bamboo ties rather than glue, which lasts much longer. With proper use, this bamboo steamer should last for years.
Company/Manufacturer Background
Parkvine LLC is the manufacturer of this Steami bamboo steamer. The steamer itself is made in China, and then imported into the United States by Parkvine LLC.
Why this is the Best Steamer for Beginners
This steamer is straightforward and easy to use, especially with the added bonus of an included recipe guide.
If you’re wanting to delve into Asian cooking with little to no experience, this handy recipe guide can kick-start your cooking journey. This guide also helps beginners to navigate and work the steamer properly.
Customer Experience
Customers are impressed by this bamboo steamer for its high-quality, eco-friendly design and how easy it is to use.
Beginners have found the recipe guide a useful addition to the bundle, as it has helped them to learn how to use the steamer properly.
Pros
- Easy to use - Straightforward steamer is easy to use and comes with parchment paper for easy cleaning
- Recipe guide - Included recipe guide is great for beginners
- 100% bamboo - Eco-friendly and high-quality
Cons
- This steamer is not designed to steam rice
- Shipping from China makes the 100% eco-friendly bamboo steamer somewhat redundant
- BAMBOO STEAMER BASKET INCLUDES BONUS RECIPE GUIDE & 10 LINERS – Everything you need to get started. Easy to follow recipes for steamed vegetables, soup dumplings and pork dumplings. 10 Liners that make clean up easy and prolong the life of your steamer.
- 10 INCH SIZE FITS CONVENIENTLY INTO MOST WOKS, POTS & PANS - 10 inch two-tier design is practical and versatile. Large enough to cook full meals. Racks are interchangeable and can be rotated during steaming to regulate cook time and temperature.
- DURABLE & SAFE ON ANY TYPE OF COOKWARE - Carefully constructed of 100% eco-friendly bamboo. The BPA free all bamboo construction ensures you’ll never have to worry about harsh chemicals or metal that heats up while steaming.
- CLEAN UP EASIER & PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR STEAMER - Pre-cut parchment liners ensure food doesn’t stick and clean up is easy. Never worry about cutting your own parchment paper to size!
- MAKE BETTER TASTING FOOD – Steaming maintains fresh flavors in vegetables like carrots, potatoes, asparagus and cabbage. Meats and seafood come out tender and never overcooked!
3. Best Steamer for Aesthetics: Gray Oval 10" Bamboo Steamer
What can it steam?
This Gray Oval steamer can steam just about anything - fresh vegetables, dumplings, rice, seafood, and meat.
Size
This is a 10” steamer with a two-tier stackable design.
Quality
This steamer is made from 100% BPA-free bamboo, which holds its structure much better than glue and plastic.
It also comes with two pairs of chopsticks, 50 parchment liners, and two adorable chopstick holders shaped into cats. The parchment liners help to protect your steamer, which makes the cleanup much easier.
Longevity
Made completely of BPA-free bamboo, this steamer can last for a good few years with proper care. It is tied with bamboo rather than plastic, so it should resist damaging cracks.
Company/Manufacturer Background
Gray Oval is a new kitchenware and kitchen appliance brand that started in 2020. A small and independent company, Gray Oval was formed by three best friends who together have 15 years of restaurant experience.
Their experience in cooking methods and presentation has led them to create a gorgeous bamboo steamer design.
Why this is the best steamer for aesthetics?
Aside from how useful bamboo steamers are at steaming foods and creating delicious Asian dishes, they are a stunning addition to any dining table.
This is the most attractive bamboo steamer on our list, almost purely for the chopsticks and sweet chopstick holders designed like cats.
Simply place this attractive steamer in the middle of the table for people to grab whatever food they like, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-level experience!
Customer Experience
Customers rave about the appearance of this sleek and attractive bamboo designer. From the beautiful packaging to the additional chopsticks and holders, this product is all about bringing high-quality Asian cuisine right to your table.
Customers also appreciate the 50 parchment liners, which makes the cleanup much easier.
Pros
- Attractive product - Sleek steamer, additional chopsticks, chopstick holders, and packaging are all aesthetically pleasing
- Great quality - 100% BPA-free bamboo is long-lasting and eco-friendly
- 50 liners - Lots of included parchment liners compared to other products for an easy cleanup
Cons
- No smaller designs available
4. Best Value for Money: A2Z Homebrands Bamboo Steamer Set
What can it steam?
Multiple tiers mean you can steam more food at the same time - including rice, dumplings, seafood, vegetables, sashimi, and more.
Size
This steamer set comes with a standard 10” two-tiered steamer, as well as a 4” steamer with three tiers. This is a great deal, as it means you don’t have to use the 10” steamer for small meals when you can simply use the 4” one!
Quality
Both steamers in this set are made from 100% sustainably sourced bamboo. Not only is this eco-friendly, but the quality is of the best standard for bamboo steamers.
Longevity
Made completely from bamboo, this steamer is designed to last years. This steamer set also comes with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your steamer properly, which helps to improve its lifespan.
Company/Manufacturer Background
A2Z is a home-based store that produces and sells everything from bedding to furniture to kitchen appliances, like bamboo steamers.
Located in Kuwait, this company sells its brands across the world, including Europe and America. Their products are unique, high-quality, and elegant.
Why this is the best value for money steamer?
This is the ideal steamer for those on a budget. Whether you’re a student or just wanting to try out Asian cuisine without breaking the bank, this bamboo steamer set comes with everything you need and more.
Not only do you get the standard 10” two-tiered steamer, but you get the smaller 4” three-tiered steamer as well. It also comes with 20 parchment liners to make the cleanup easier.
Customer Experience
Customers are very impressed by the extras that are included in this bamboo steamer set. The steamer baskets are well built, and the set comes with chopsticks and a sauce dish.
Customers have also had a good experience with the fast and efficient customer service.
Pros
- Affordable - Great value for money considering how many items are in the set
- High-quality - Despite its price, this is a premium-quality, 100% bamboo steamer
- Two for the price of one - Set comes with two steamers of different sizes for multiple dishes
Cons
- Make sure to clean and dry the steamers properly, otherwise mold might grow
- 10 Inch Bamboo Steamer + Bonus Items: Our A2Z Home Brands bamboo steamer set is made from 100% sustainably sourced bamboo that includes a 10" steamer (2 tier + lid) and a 4" steamer (3 tier + lid). As a bonus we provide paper liners, a ceramic sauce dish and chopsticks that makes for an amazing bundle! With all the items included you will be ready to create your very own rice bowls, tasty dumplings, tender sashimi and more!
- Innovative Design: This versatile product has a cutting-edge slatted base in contrast with the weaker tied-up twine designs. The water resistant walls of the steamer plus the dome shaped lid doesn't allow condensation to accumulate allowing for the equal distribution of heat resulting in 100% even-cooked food.
- Healthier Method: Steam cooking helps you maintain a vibrant and fit lifestyle. Our dumpling steamer naturally absorbs excess moisture that prevents food from overcooking. This ensures that your food retains shape, delicious flavor and nutrition.
- Easy to Use: Our multi-utility asian steamer is practical to cook full meals. You can use the 10" steamer for large servings and the small 4" steamer for individual snack-sized servings providing you endless cooking and steaming options. Pre-cut paper liners ensure food doesn't stick and clean up is easy. TIP: You can also use cabbage leaves as an eco-friendly alternative to paper liners.
- Easy to Maintain: Simply hand wash with soap and warm water for extended life. Let steamer thoroughly air dry. DO NOT PUT IN A DISHWASHER! To eliminate any residual bamboo smell you can rub vinegar on steamer surface.
5. Best Bamboo Steamer Bundle: SumSum Kitchen 10" Bamboo Steamer
What can it steam?
This steamer is great for steaming dumplings, gyozas, vegetables, buns, meat, fish, and more. It’s 10”, two-tiered stackable design means you can cook a whole meal for a family within one use.
Size
This is a 10” two-tiered standard bamboo steamer.
Quality
This steamer is made of 100% bamboo with no plastics, metals, or wires holding the steamer together.
Not only is this eco-friendly as it means the entire structure is compostable, but this premium quality means that there will be no harsh chemicals tainting your food.
Longevity
The 100% bamboo structure means that this steamer should last several years with proper use and cleaning.
Company/Manufacturer Background
SumSum is a company with the goal of turning Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine into culinary experiences from your very home.
Their goal is to blend traditional cooking methods with unique and modern techniques. They have partnered with Amazon to create high-quality and affordable Asian-inspired kitchenware.
Why this is the best steamer bundle?
This bamboo steamer bundle comes with a standard 10” two-tiered steamer, two pairs of high-quality chopsticks, two sauce dishes, and 20 wax paper liners.
This is an ideal bundle for beginners and experienced steamer users alike, as it comes with everything you need.
Customer Experience
Customers are very satisfied with the quality of this bamboo steamer bundle - from the affordability to the high-quality products.
They rave about how easy it is to use and clean, plus the chopsticks and sauce dishes are a lovely addition to the dining table.
Pros
- Affordable bundle - Comes with a steamer, 20 wax paper liners, 2 pairs of chopsticks and 2 sauce dishes
- High-quality materials - Made of 100% bamboo for a sturdy and long-lasting steamer
- Easy to clean - Needs only warm soapy water and to properly air dry
Cons
- Metal steamer ring needs to be purchased separately
Bestsellers
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important factor to consider when choosing a bamboo steamer is the materials and quality of the steamer. While it might seem tempting to buy a cheap steamer, these will crack within a number of uses and won’t be worth your money.
Instead, opt for steamers that are made of 100% bamboo with no plastic, metal, or wires. Not only is this an eco-friendly option as bamboo is compostable, but bamboo is incredibly sturdy and won’t crack unless misused or if it’s old.
Bamboo also absorbs moisture well, which is most ideal for steaming purposes. Cheaper materials will disintegrate into a soggy pile.
Other factors worth considering are the ideal size of the steamer basket, and any other additional extras included in the bundle.
Bamboo steamers are definitely worth it! Bamboo steamers are the best way to steam foods in the healthiest way possible, as steaming does not require oil or grease of any kind.
This is why bamboo steamers are recommended for those on a diet, as it means your vegetables can retain their natural flavors without using unnecessary oil.
I
f you’ve tried to steam vegetables before and you’re dissatisfied by the soggy vegetables, bamboo steamers work to retain the moisture from the steam. Say goodbye to soggy veggies!
Plus, bamboo is compostable and therefore much more eco-friendly than plastic or metal.
Bamboo steamer baskets usually come with two or three stackable tiers, which means you can steam multiple foods at the same time. This is ideal for a family or dinner party.
The standard size for a bamboo steamer is 10” with a two-tier design. It doesn’t matter what size bamboo steamer you opt for, because it all depends on a bunch of factors:
How much food do you intend to cook at the same time? How much storage space do you have? What size skillet do you have to accommodate for the steamer?
Some steamer bundles come with another smaller steamer, like this A2Z Homebrand Bamboo Steamer Set which is a great option for those who don’t w=know what steamer size to buy.
If you don’t have a steamer but you want to steam low-fat foods in the same way, there are some useful alternatives.
Instead of a bamboo steamer, you can use:
Electric food steamer
Cooling rack over a pan of water
Strainer over a pan of water
Foil paper balls and a plate
The last one is the most DIY of these alternatives. Roll some foil paper into large balls and place them in the bottom of the pot. Add water inside the pot, and then place the plate on top of the foil balls. As long as the water doesn’t touch the food, it’ll work!
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