BackBack Best steamer cookers: Simplify your meal prep with these top 7 options to make healthy, flavourful meals at home
In today’s fast-paced world, where healthy eating and convenience go hand-in-hand, steamer cookers have become an essential kitchen appliance. Whether you’re looking to steam vegetables, fish, dumplings, or even rice, a steamer cooker is the perfect tool for preparing nutrient-packed, flavorful meals while retaining the natural vitamins and minerals of your ingredients.
With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 steamer cookers in 2024 that will help you streamline meal prep, elevate your cooking game, and ensure your meals are both healthy and delicious.
1. Philips HD9170/91 Electric Steamer: Best for Nutrient Preservation
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 1.1 kg food capacity
- Steam Zones: 3 separate tiers for multi-level steaming
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy-to-clean baskets
- Price: ₹7,499 (approx.)
The Philips HD9170/91 Electric Steamer is designed to provide a nutritious and healthy cooking experience with its 3-tier system that allows you to steam multiple ingredients at once. The unique steam system ensures fast, even steaming, preserving vitamins and minerals in your food. Ideal for busy individuals, this steamer helps you prepare a variety of dishes with minimal effort.
2. Prestige PMC 2.0 Electric Steamer: Best Budget Option
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 2.5 L
- Power: 700W for quick steaming
- Features: Auto Shut-off, Overheat Protection
- Price: ₹1,499 (approx.)
For those seeking a budget-friendly steamer cooker without compromising on quality, the Prestige PMC 2.0 is an excellent choice. It offers basic, reliable performance with its 700W power output and easy-to-use controls. Perfect for steaming vegetables, rice, and even idlis, this electric steamer is designed for quick and efficient cooking, ensuring healthy meals every time.
3. Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer: Best for Precision Steaming
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 5.6 L
- Features: Digital touchpad controls, Auto Shut-off, Delay start timer
- Price: ₹15,000 (approx.)
The Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer brings a touch of advanced technology to your kitchen. The digital interface allows for precise control over steaming times and temperatures, ensuring perfectly steamed dishes every time. The glass body offers durability, while the 5.6 L capacity ensures that it can handle larger portions, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.
4. Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer: Best for Versatility
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 5.5 L
- Features: Two stackable steaming baskets, Auto shut-off, 60-minute timer
- Price: ₹10,000 (approx.)
The Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer is perfect for users who want flexibility in their meal prep. The two stackable baskets allow for cooking different foods simultaneously. Whether you’re steaming vegetables, fish, or dumplings, this steamer ensures even heat distribution and delivers perfectly steamed food. The auto shut-off feature provides added safety and convenience.
5. Tefal Vitacuisine Compact Steamer: Best for Compact Kitchens
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 L
- Features: Compact design, 3 stackable baskets, Steam control settings
- Price: ₹8,499 (approx.)
If you have limited kitchen space but still want a reliable steamer cooker, the Tefal Vitacuisine Compact is the perfect solution. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on performance. The 3-tier stackable baskets are ideal for steaming various foods without taking up too much space on your countertop. This steamer is perfect for small families or individuals looking to prepare healthy meals without cluttering their kitchen.
6. Borosil Super Jumbo Steamer: Best for Large Families
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 10 L
- Features: Large steaming trays, Multifunctional, Auto shut-off, Stainless steel body
- Price: ₹4,999 (approx.)
For large families or those who cook in bulk, the Borosil Super Jumbo Steamer is a fantastic choice. With a massive 10L capacity, it allows you to steam large quantities of food at once, saving you time and energy. Its stainless steel body ensures durability and long-lasting use. Plus, the auto shut-off function guarantees safe operation even when you’re busy with other tasks.
7. Panasonic 4-Tier Electric Steamer: Best for Healthy Cooking
- Key Features:
- Capacity: 8.4 L
- Features: Multi-tier steaming, Keep-warm function, Auto shut-off
- Price: ₹6,000 (approx.)
The Panasonic 4-Tier Electric Steamer offers the perfect balance of capacity and functionality. With 4 separate steaming trays, you can cook a variety of dishes simultaneously without any flavor contamination. Whether it’s vegetables, meats, or rice, the Panasonic steamer ensures everything is cooked to perfection. The keep-warm function ensures your food remains hot and fresh until you’re ready to serve.
Why Choose a Steamer Cooker?
Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, as it helps retain the natural flavors and nutrients of your ingredients. Unlike frying or boiling, steaming doesn’t require any added fats or oils, making it an ideal cooking method for those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
Key benefits of using a steamer cooker:
- Preserves Nutrients: Steaming locks in the natural vitamins and minerals of your food.
- No Need for Oil: Perfect for those following low-fat or calorie-controlled diets.
- Multi-Functionality: Many modern steamers can also cook rice, eggs, and even make desserts.
- Quick and Convenient: Most steamers are designed to be quick and easy to use, with minimal prep and cleanup required.
FAQs:
- Which is the best steamer for large families?
- The Borosil Super Jumbo Steamer with a 10L capacity is ideal for large families.
- Can I steam rice in a steamer cooker?
- Yes, many steamers, such as the Philips HD9170/91 and Panasonic 4-Tier Steamer, come with a rice steaming tray or multi-functionality for cooking rice.
- How long does it take to steam food in a steamer cooker?
- Steaming times vary based on the food being steamed, but most steamers offer a quick cooking time, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.
By investing in a high-quality steamer, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier, more convenient way of cooking. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and start steaming your way to better meals today!