Bamboo steamers are becoming popular additions in U.S. kitchens for a few reasons. The countertop cooker is affordable, a breeze to use, and extremely efficient. You can easily steam different veggies and other foods in the layered baskets.
While low cost and efficiency are key reasons to add a bamboo steamer to your kitchen, they are not the only benefits.
Did you know steaming vegetables ensures you get most of the nutrients contained in the foods? Using a bamboo steamer is not only healthier, but it’s also better for the environment. Bamboo is a sustainable material that easily regrows after being cut to create the steamer.
Ready to try a bamboo steamer but not sure where to start? We have done the research for you to help you find the best bamboo steamer. Keep reading our review and see if you agree with our top pick.
MacaRio Bamboo Steamer Basket Set
The MacaRio Bamboo steamer comes with everything you need to cook veggies, seafood, buns, and a variety of Asian dishes. You can enjoy delicious dim-sum and dumplings in the comfort of your home.
The steamer is made using natural bamboo. The sustainable material is safe to use with food and you can feel good about using the steamer. It is good for the environment and a healthier way to cook your meals. It preserves not only the flavor but also the food’s nutritional content.
The bamboo steamer comes with two baskets and a snug-fitting dome-shaped lid. You can steam two food items simultaneously, reducing the time it takes to prepare a meal.
You also get four sets of chopsticks and two dishes for sauces. The steamer also comes with 50 paper liners, so you can start cooking right out of the box.
Side handles make it easy to remove the baskets without burning your hands. The bamboo steamer is also durable. The baskets are reinforced with aluminum.
- Handmade 10-inch bamboo steamer
- Two steamer baskets with side handles
- Durable and easy to use
- Comes with everything you need to start steaming your next meal
How to Choose the Best Bamboo Steamer
There’s no shortage of bamboo steamers on the market. You can find them in home goods stores and online. But, how do you know if it’s the best bamboo steamer for your home? Here are a few aspects to look for before you make a decision.
Quality Materials
The best bamboo steamers are made from quality, sustainable materials. Typically, this information is listed on the label.
Not only does the material quality affect the steamer’s durability, but it can also interfere with the taste and flavor of the food. Lower quality bamboo often has an odor that can leech into the food as it’s steaming.
Proper Fitting Lid
It’s not an issue with most top-rated bamboo steamers, but it’s something you want to check. The lid needs to seal tightly to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
Ideally, you want to choose a bamboo steamer with a tightly fitting domed lid. It will keep the steam inside ensuring a faster cooking time. It also helps keep the nutrients in the food, instead of allowing them to escape into the air.
A good tip: Check the measurements of the lid to ensure it fits the basket before making the purchase.
Metal Can Be A Problem
Some bamboo steamers have aluminum bands around the baskets. It helps ensure durability, but it can also be a potential safety hazard.
The supportive metal bands will heat up in the steamer and can burn your skin if touched. If the bamboo steamer is reinforced with metal, make sure the baskets have convenient side handles.
It makes it easier to remove the bamboo baskets and protects you from accidental burns.
Number of Bamboo Baskets
The size of the steamer determines how many baskets it has. Most steamers come with two bamboo baskets. It usually gives you enough space to make meals for larger families.
You can find larger bamboo steamers with three or more baskets, but they also come at a higher price. Think about how many people you need to feed before option for a smaller or larger bamboo steamer.
FAQ
Bamboo steamers are becoming more mainstream, and consumers have plenty of questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked ones.
How do I use a bamboo steamer?
Bamboo steamers not only make meals a little healthier, but they are also incredibly easy to use. There are only four simple steps to follow before you are enjoying deliciously steamed foods.
- Line the baskets with paper, lettuce leaves, or a layer of cabbage. The goal is to prevent the foods from sticking to the basket. Place the foods on the lining and cover the basket with the lid.
- Grab a skillet or wok and fill it with around two inches of water. Heat the water until it is starting to boil. If you want to add more flavor to your steamed foods, substitute broth for water.
- Double-check that the lid is tightly on the basket and place the steamer above the simmering water. You also want to make sure the baskets are not in the water.
- During the steaming process, keep an eye on the water level. You don’t want the wok or skillet to dry out. Keep adding water as the level drops until the food is ready to enjoy.
Do bamboo steamers get moldy?
Bamboo steamers can develop mold, but it’s also easy to remove. Soaking the steamer in a mixture of two parts water and one part white vinegar takes care of any mold.
Conclusion
The MacaRio Bamboo Steamer Basket Set is our choice for the best bamboo steamer. It is easy to use, durable, and eco-friendly. It also comes at a price point to fit most budgets.
Start eating healthier today with the best bamboo steamers for veggies, dumplings, and other meals.
If you are interested in other top-rated bamboo steamers, here are a few you may want to look at.
