Best Food Steamer To Help You Prepare Healthy Meals 

A food steamer is one of the most practical and functional kitchen appliances available. It is a sealed container with a series of tiers stacked one atop the other. It is constructed to cook food with steam heat.  

For instance, in a stovetop steamer, the insert fits into or on top of a saucepan containing hot water. The food to be cooked is placed within the insert. The insert’s perforated base allows steam to surround and heat the food. 

Although using a food steamer may appear simple, it requires patience and a few hours of practice before you can master this healthy cooking method. 

Benefits Of Using Food Steamer 

• Food steamers offer the following benefits in addition to their practicality: 
• It saves time – Rapidly prepares food and is simple to operate. 
• It requires minimal supervision – A timer is included. 
• Cooking healthily. Successfully locks in most nutrients and preserves the natural vitamins and minerals. 
• Maintains the food’s structure. The structure and color of vegetables remain intact. 
• Many consider this to be the healthiest method of cooking. 
• Time, money, and effort are saved. 
• Compared to other cooking methods, this one requires minor cleanup and is less messy. 

What to Look for When Buying a Food Steamer 

Every online shopper has a preconceived notion of what he intends to purchase. Knowing what to buy is insufficient; you must also see the product characteristics necessary to meet your purchase criteria. A buyers guide aims to help you make the best purchasing decision possible by facilitating selection. 

BPA Free Ceramic 

When purchasing a food steamer, the absence or presence of bisphenol A (BPA) should be the first consideration. It is almost always included in the product description. Most BPA-free steamers are made from either stainless steel or glass. These allow you to cook without BPA, but they are also much more durable than plastic ones. Knowing that it does not contain BPA is a step in the right direction towards protecting yourself and your health. 

Capacity 

Its capability is determined by the amount of food it can hold and prepare. The capacity should be sufficient to keep your ingredients and prepare a family meal. The capacity of a steamer can range between 5 and 9.5 quarts. Depending on the size of your family or the number of people you intend to feed will determine the size of your turkey. 

If you choose a large-sized steamer, it will suffice even if the item you wish to steam is small, whereas a small-sized steamer will be ineffective whenever you need to cook something substantial. 

Electric or Stovetop 

There are two types of steamers: electric and stovetop. The stovetop steamer is an insert that fits inside or on top of a saucepan or other pot containing one to two inches of simmering water. The food is placed in the insert, and the insert’s perforated base allows steam to heat and surround the food. These types of steamers are available in the following configurations: 

• Folding or collapsible (often stainless steel or silicone) raised platforms to sit at the bottom of a pot. 
• Like a double boiler, a perforated metal pan fits within a saucepan. 
• A bamboo basket designed to fit in a wok. 

Electric steamers, meanwhile, are available with stackable, perforated trays or compartments that allow for the simultaneous steaming of large quantities of food or different types of food. A chamber is filled with water, and a heating element transforms the water into steam. Some kitchen appliances, including rice cookers and multicookers, include a steamer function. Electric pressure cookers and stovetop pressure cookers typically come with a steamer tray that can be used as a steamer. 

Electric steamers make the task simple, as you only need to add water and food and turn on the steamer; however, you should consider whether you will use it frequently enough to justify the counter or storage space it requires. 

Number of tiers 

Consider the quantity and variety of foods that you intend to steam simultaneously. Multiple-tiered steamers allow for the separation of certain foods from others. In addition, you can add and remove foods at different times if one is done before the others are ready. 

Extra features 

Depending on your cooking style, special features may enhance the value of a steamer. Consider whether your steamer has additional functions, such as a timer or the ability to dry food.