The Best Bamboo Steamers

Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket

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With a moisture-retaining design, this classic steamer can cook your favorite foods to perfection.

Best Overall

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This two-tier bamboo steamer from Prime Home Direct is made from 100% organic bamboo to help you make top-notch dumplings in your own kitchen. It comes with two pairs of chopsticks, wax paper liners, and a sauce dish for dipping — everything you need to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. The baskets are interchangeable, so you won’t need to worry about which one goes on top and which one goes on the bottom, making it even easier to use. This steamer basket is available in both 10″ and 12″ diameters to ensure to find the right size for your pot. All in all, we think this sturdy bamboo steamer basket would be an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Pros:

• Offered in two sizes
• 100% organic bamboo
• Includes a variety of useful accessories

Cons:

• You may notice an earthy scent upon opening your new steamer, but this should diminish after a quick rinse

i-Playloft Bamboo Steamer

The whole package

This top-notch steamer bundle comes with more than enough accessories to prepare and serve your meals with ease.

Best Set

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This steamer set from i-Playloft is one of the best ones we’ve seen yet. Along with the stackable bamboo baskets, you’ll receive two pairs of authentic chopsticks, 20 wax paper liners, an adorable leaf-shaped sauce dish, and a cooking guide that offers plenty of step-by-step recipes. The open-weave design lets the hot steam flow through both tiers, allowing for evenly cooked foods every time. And we love that this steamer is odorless, free of glue and chemical coatings, and offers extra depth inside each basket. If you’re looking for an excellent bundle deal, this is it.

Pros:

• Handmade with bamboo from Southern China
• Great customer service
• Includes care instructions

Cons:

• We wish the walls were a bit thicker to provide more durability

Zoie + Chloe Bamboo Steamer Basket

More bang for your buck

This all-natural steamer comes complete with reusable liners at an affordable price.

Best Value

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If you want to cook some delicious dim sum while keeping your bank account in mind, this Zoie + Chloe bamboo steamer is for you. This affordable two-tier steamer is made from 100% natural bamboo and is incredibly durable. It’s offered in a 10″ model and 8″ model and contains no metal, wires, or plastic, making it an all-around eco-friendly choice. This basket’s domed lid effectively holds in steam for quick cooking, making it great for preparing any vegetables, meats, and fish. For healthier, more sustainable cooking on a budget, it’s hard to beat this steamer.

Pros:

• Great value for the price
• Comes with reusable cotton liners

Cons:

• We wish it came in larger sizes

Flexzion Bamboo Steamer Basket

Secure with steel

If you need a steamer to withstand daily use, this steel-reinforced basket is up to the task.

Best Steel-Banded

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It can be a beautiful thing when modern and traditional designs come together. While this steamer’s functionality is similar to the rest, there’s an added benefit from the stainless steel banding that adds stability and longevity. This reinforced steamer has a tightly woven dome lid that efficiently traps steam and redirects droplets to help avoid condensation issues that tend to crop up with metal steamers. The basket has two tiers, is offered in two different sizes, and comes with parchment paper and chopsticks. It’s also a beautiful serving piece to bring right to the dining table. Although bamboo is extremely strong and long-lasting on its own, the sturdy steel bands of this steamer ensure it’ll live a long life in your kitchen.

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• The parchment paper may not prevent stickiness as well as wax paper would

Hcooker Three-Tier Bamboo Steamer Basket

Super steamer

With three large tiers made from quality bamboo, this steamer gives you plenty of space to cook multiple appetizers and entrees in a snap.

Best Three-Tier

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If you’re preparing a meal for the whole family, Hcooker’s steamer basket has three tiers to allow you to cook meat, veggies, and buns all at the same time. It comes with three reusable cotton liners and is reinforced for sturdiness. You’ll have the choice of 11 different sizes — one of the most extensive ranges we’ve seen — so there’s no doubt one will fit properly over your pot, wok, or pan. There’s also an impressively detailed sizing guide should you need it. Each steamer is handmade from natural bamboo, is plastic and metal-free, and easy to use. If you want to save some time in the kitchen, this spacious three-tiered steamer is calling your name.

Pros:

• Beautiful craftsmanship
• Available in one-, two-, and three-tiered varieties
• 11 different sizes to choose from

Cons:

• Be sure to double-check the size you purchase, as there is a wide variety

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean a bamboo steamer?
To clean your bamboo steamer, rinse it with lukewarm water, mild dish soap if necessary, and a soft sponge or cloth. Do not put your steamer in the dishwasher. You could also let it soak for a few minutes to a couple of hours for a deeper clean. It’s essential to allow the steamer to air dry completely before storing it to avoid mildew and mold.

Is a bamboo steamer better than a metal one?
Both have their benefits. But some may prefer a bamboo steamer due to its sustainability, large surface area, and ability to absorb condensation. Metal steamers are very durable, but they can create a lot of condensation that can drip over your food.