(Part 2) Best steamer cookware according to redditors
We found 344 Reddit comments discussing the best steamer cookware. We ranked the 139 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
they're not uncommon.. look around. you'll find all kinds. meat goes on the bottom level, closest to the heat, vegs go on the next level up... obviously, since IP uses constant pressure everything in the insert will cook the same.. so it's mostly for making "more room".. 3 levels of eggs when you're boiling 5 dozen for the egg hunt.
you can get stacked steamers for a regular pot on the stove, or one you plug in.
pressure cooker insert
https://www.amazon.com/Stackable-Stainless-Pressure-Steamer-inserts/dp/B00EIC1I7A
electric
https://www.amazon.com/Deni-7600-2-Quart-Stainless-Steel-Digital/dp/B000I6PHVI
bamboo - use your own pot or wok
https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Set-Natural-Dumpling-Vegetables/dp/B01N12MRE3/
stainless steel - stovetop
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steamer-Steaming-Cookware-Concord/dp/B0086ANRGU/
Here's what I personally use:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FUUQJW - Extra sealing ring to use when you make sweet things to avoid transferring any smelly savoryness from the other ring.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKPBT1Z/ - Steaming basket, of course.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KHHFCKS/ - A 7" springform pan to make Cheesecake #17 in. (If you only get one thing, this is the one. Because cheesecake.)
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FUJ2LK/ - Tempered glass lid for slow cooking and/or letting people peer into the pot in awe while food is being kept warm.
And if you just want to buy fun things, the mini mitts are nice for getting the cheesecake out right away: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B012D33BD4 And not catching on fire when you want to remove the inner pot or hold it in place while you saute.
I also bought these stackable pans the other day (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M130JJL/) but so far all I've used them for was a dual meatloaf. I like them but I can't really think of a lot of uses for them at the moment.
I'd never seen such a basket before this post, but some browsing on Amazon turned up this one that looks very nice for a couple reasons:
My parents had a noodle strainer that folded in and looked like a UFO, I used to play with that.
Edit: this one. Guess it's a steamer, I used it to strain my KD...
https://www.amazon.ca/ZYLISS-Stainless-Vegetable-Steamer-11-inch/dp/B00UZE3BFM?th=1&psc=1&source=googleshopping&locale=en-CA&tag=googcana-20&ref=pd_sl_xxp7dm6t4_e
I have this one, which works very well, for eggs and a lot of other foods.
Stainless Steel Mesh Basket is $15 right now.
Genuine Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Set, Gift Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LFGJYBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CQzRAbA9GK1ER
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sistema-Microwave-Rice-Steamer-Clear/dp/B00BTIVNT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452044720&sr=8-1&keywords=sistema+rice+steamer
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sistema-Microwave-Steamer-Container-Removable/dp/B005D6XYGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452044762&sr=8-1&keywords=sistema+vegetable+steamer
The above two items have made my life so much simpler - rice and quinoa can be done in the first, and all vegetables (including sweet potatoes) in the second. Add some canned bean/lentil varieties, tofu etc. and you have complete, healthy meals.
[This basket off Amazon](Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Folding Collapsible Insert for Various Size Pots by Delightful Chef https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011JG4U8G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bTM5ybJPB1HKT) and I have a 5 quart Instapot.
[Here are the silicon cups I got](Pantry Elements Silicone Cupcake Liners / Baking Cups - 12 Vibrant Muffin Molds in Storage Jar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00COWLXJ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EUM5yb7BPDY86)
[And here is the cheesecake form](Raylans Novelty Nonstick Leakproof Bakeware Round Springform Cheesecake Cake Pan with Removable Bottom,7 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLO9QCC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3UM5yb9T0P0BF)
Here are my faves.
Silicone lid
Stackable egg trivets
Veggie Steamer
Extra sealing rings
Fat Daddio Cake Pan
I think my absolute fave is the Fat Daddio pan. It's the perfect size for cooking pot-in-pot. I mostly use it for rice and the rice never sticks at all.
Hey I went through this recently. I got one of these to start my steaming adventures and it worked great. Crab, specifically.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UZE3BFM/ref=asc_df_B00UZE3BFM4863719/
Get one of these. cheap, collapsible, & easy to use. Most grocery stores even carry them.
I have this. I didn't realize that it was for the 3 quart until just now when I went to copy the link. I had excitedly bought it on a lightning deal without reading any of the fine print (that's how I ended up in the Army 40 years ago, too; some people never learn). It is available in sizes specific for the 6 and 8, though. While it can be a little harder to clean than other steamers, with one of those standard scrub brushes for dishes, it's not too hard. It's a great size for mashed potatoes for 2-3. The silicone legs serve as a trivet, I toss peeled and halved potatoes to fill the basket, add a cup and a half of water, cook, and when it's done it's got a great silicone handle to pull out and dump into a bowl for mixing. I haven't even had to drain the potatoes after I've let them NPR for a bit.
I tend to toss the basket itself into the IP and fill with sudsy water, but that's because I'm lazy and want to keep the taters from hardening up in the nooks and crannies.
[Hatrigo Steamer Basket at AmazOn](hatrigo instant pot accessories 3 qt steamer basket [6qt 8qt available], fits instapot pressure cooker, insta pot ultra egg basket w/silicone handle and non-slip legs (ip mini 3 quart) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0789D4TKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_0-S1BbA5CZDD3)
This stand:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B4E8PG6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage
It is 2.7" tall which allows you to clear any protein in the bottom even if it is on the steam rack provided with the IP. But it is short enough to allow you to put a collapsible steamer basket in without running into the lid. This allows you to simultaneously steam a protein on the bottom and veggies on top. Furthermore both can be frozen and will defrost and cook. This seems to be the only stand at this height.
These tongs:
https://www.amazon.com/Tint-Kitchen-Multifunction-Handle-Holder/dp/B00VTHP87I
They grab the inner pot and lift it out with trivial ease.
This steamer basket:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005638RPQ/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491524844&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=silicone+coated+steamer+basket
Handy
It's helpful to get one of these or something like it so you can steam your vegetables on top while other stuff cooks on the bottom:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B4E8PG6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And a steamer basket like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011JG4U8G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm sure you could find them cheaper. I don't think those are affiliate links. Not trying to shill - just trying to be helpful.
Err on the side of undercooking thing. Physics is amazing and pressure cookers cook ultra fast, so in the beginning you might overcook more often than not.
Don't be afraid to manually release the pressure in the middle of cooking so that you can open it up and put in things that take a shorter amount of time to cook. It comes back up to pressure really quickly.
The "silicone egg bite thingy" is used at least thrice a week in our kitchen. This 7" spring-form pan works brilliantly for cheesecakes.
Edit: I forgot! This steamer basket we use for "boiling" eggs in the IP. 5mins, quick release, ice water bath. Perfect.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chefn-102-024-011-Veggiesteam/dp/B001QXDRIM
You want easy vegetables? Get yourself a steamer cook set.
Fill the bottom with some water and toss your veggies in the basket. Let the water boil and take'm off when they've softened to your liking. Throw on some butter, or better yet, shell out for some John Henry's Pecan Rub and add a few shakes.
You'll find yourself eating more vegetables, which will make your mom proud and give you a healthy and shiny coat.
Yeah for sure! I use a pan with a steamer pan on top (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N43H8FR/ref=s9_acsd_newrz_hd_bw_b1DOh_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=PMQCJTJ5WRETTC56SHP7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=c54bfaa1-de79-5c29-82d3-b618b0b4fcb6&pf_rd_i=289831).
As long as you can fit the bowl containing the egg into the steamer, you should be fine.
I haven't tried cooking it with a microwave, but you could give that a try.
Search for:
instant pot stackable insert pans
Here is one example:
MAXROCK Stackable Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker Steamer Insert Pans-Upgraded Sling for Instant Pot Accessories 6 8 qt, Pot in Pot, Baking, Casseroles, Lasagna Pans for Pressure Cooker
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073D8JTKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i0rWCbDHNSBCE
I just used a steamer basket like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-International-9-Inch-Stainless-Steamer/dp/B000FKJNI0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333545435&sr=8-2
However, doing it in the rice cooker would probably work just fine as well. Just be sure not to oversteam!
Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K5VH8SG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502224269&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=idli
I have one purchased from Williams Sonoma that has held up well, but my main steamer is a perforated pot that sits on top of my stockpot. No moving pieces to break and also works as a colander in a pinch. Here's a link to something similar: universal steamer insert.
It looks overcooked. When you overcook broccoli (and cabbage) the cell walls break down and it sets off a reaction that makes sulfur compounds. It turns the broccoli brown, makes a bad smell and taste.
We cook out broccoli in a steamer. Put water in the lower pot and put it on medium-high heat. Cut up the broccoli. Wash it and put it in the upper pot. (This has holes to let the steam in.) Make sure the lower pot is boiling. Cover and steam for 4 minutes.
Get a microwave rice cooker (it is just a plastic container and costs very little) and you can make hot steaming rice in your microwave. And it comes out great!
Get plastic steamer bags. You can cut fresh veggies like carrots, peas, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and just about any veggie. You then put it in the microwavable steamer bag, sprinkle some water into the bag, seal it shut (seals like ziploc), and steam it as per printed directions (usually 3-4 minutes).
In 3-4 minutes, you have perfectly cooked hot steaming veggies. And no mess to clean up either. You can season them with butter, salt, pepper, and some packaged seasoning like old bay or taco seasoning.
You can also cook frozen chicken and other meats in steamer bags - might need about 5 minutes or so. The bags can be reused multiple times. They cost about $7 or so for the ziploc brand. Or else, you can also buy a plastic steamer box for about a dollar more.
You have a full meal ready - fresh cooked rice, veggies, and protein.
There are also tons of dessert recipes for the microwave. In short, you can do almost all your cooking on a microwave. You don't need anything else.
I got something similar to this or this, although mine has two equal sized pans. I like it because I don't have to clean out the main pot, just remove the pans, dump out the water, and put it back into the cooker. It's also nice because the food won't burn and stick to the pans.
This 1 quart steamer set I've had for six years gets constant use. It's great for one-person servings of vegetables or steaming longer-cooking veggies like brussels sprouts before adding them to a pan with other ingredients. Cheap metal tea/spice infusers are nice for making soups and containing things like whole peppercorns, and making fresh turmeric/ginger tea. Pinch bowls or spice bowls are useful for holding chopped veggies until it's time to add them to a dish. I have an immersion blender and food processor that get used maybe once per year.
yeah, that's fine, though you can save money and buy;
http://www.amazon.com/Chefn-Sleekstor-VeggiSteam-Silicone-Steamer/dp/B001QXDRIM
i actually don't even use a "basket" - i use a cheap thin reusable barrier;
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-Round-Dim-Sum-mesh-for-steam-cabinet-and-steaming-tub-silicone-sheet-non-stick-food/693986453.html
just something steam capable that won't let the raised food fall through to the boil water.
keep in mind my mesh barrier cannot be used in an oven, while many thick silicon baskets can.
the same ali reseller does have more expensive broil oven ready mesh that can also be used for steam.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Bluedrop-brand-9-5-Round-Non-stick-silicone-baking-liner-Microwave-plate-liner-cake-tin-liner/115986_736904894.html
This is the reason these exist.
Sorry it took me a while to reply. It's somewhat hard for me to write down the recipes, because I usually just wing the quantities and add/forgo ingredients depending on what I have/don't have in the pantry rather than follow a recipe to a T. However here I try.
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Idli
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I used a ready mix. This one. You'd also need the right cooking vessel like this one. Perhaps you can use ramekins (like those for creme brulée). I have never tried them though.
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Pulihora
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Here's one recipe. You don't need to add desiccated coconut and carrot or jaggery and asofetida. Another version is a lemon pulihora (instead of tamarind). If you are looking for tamarind, you can find it as a concentrate or peeled&pitted.
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Sambar
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Sambar is a basically a lentil vegetable soup to which you can add pretty much any veggies you have. Here's a recipe I shared previously. I added this spice mix called sambar powder. You can leave it out if you are not keen on it.
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Coconut peanut chutney
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This was a hit at the dinner. My friends couldn't get enough of it. Since I am too lazy to write down my recipe here, I googled for one. This comes closest to how I made the chutney. I didn't use garlic at all. However I did add lightly-fried-in-oil green chillies to the mix (before grinding) instead of the red/dried chillies. Again if you don't have tamarind, use lime juice instead for the tangy flavor. I also didn't have curry leaves. You might be able to find them at an Indian store (nearby or online).
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Bread carrot halwa
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This is my own making. You can find numerous recipes for bread halwa and carrot halwa separately, usually using ghee (clarified butter) and animal milk. I substituted the ghee with margarine and the animal milk with almond milk. I initially planned on making carrot halwa and later found some stale bread in the pantry, not enough for making bread halwa though. So I decided to add the bread to the carrot halwa to make it bread carrot halwa.
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Bread halwa recipe I followed. (Used almond milk instead of water, margarine instead of ghee).
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Carrot halwa recipe
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BTW, I have no affiliation to the websites I linked. They just showed up on my google searches. I have had comments here before about how difficult it is to find ingredients for Indian dishes, so I am only trying to be a little helpful.
Also please do share if you end up making any of these items. Good luck!
For Yogurt, I boil milk in IP and then transfer it over to a Insulated Casserole, basically it doesn't culture inside the IP and yes I do not use the Yogurt button. I have always made yogurt at home even before the existence of IP and now I basically use IP for boiling the milk, for the exact same reason as you that I don't have to monitor it like on a stove top.
When making multiple items that need to be boiled or steamed but not together I use [this.] (https://www.amazon.com/Stack-Stackable-Steamer-Insert-Sling/dp/B072N6N96Y).
I have yet to find a way to sear meat as well as steam veggies! But tbh the only reason I haven't bought a second one is because I don't have the counter space. Go for it!
If you don't already have them, an immersion blender + Instant Pot = your new BFF. I would suggest buying this accessory kit:
https://www.amazon.com/Aiduy-Pressure-Accessories-Compatible-Instant/dp/B07MHWRSJL
Among the goodies included is a silicone egg-bite tray, which you can use to fill with food & freeze for future use, so you can make & freeze batches at a time. A few ideas:
When self-feeding becomes a thing, check out these reusable squeeze-food pouches:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H8DN35J/
Lots of benefits:
Like you said, making baby food at home is way cheaper than buying it pre-made. Plus you can freeze it up in batches. The Instant Pot makes it easy to soften just about anything to the point where it will blend well, and the immersion blender lets you blend stuff up right in the pot. If you have the budget available, a Blendtec or Vitamix blender is pretty awesome because they can literally liquify meat (ask me how I know that). Plus you can make no-chunk fruit yogurts & various types of smoothies, whole juices, etc.
One way to save on containers for freezer storage is to use Press 'N Seal wrap. It's similar to regular Saran wrap, but it has little suction cups on the inside to help it stick to itself, so you can actually lock out air. So prep the baby food, fill the silicone mold, freeze, pop them out, wrap each one in Press 'N Seal, then throw those in a large gallon Ziploc freezer bag, and voila!
yer.
I use these bad boys: https://www.amazon.com.au/Sistema-Microwave-2-4L-Medium-Steamer/dp/B005D6XYGS/
fits in my backpack fine, but it fairly bulky.
I use an 8 quart steamer basket that I purchased on Amazon. It's not completely silicone but it does the job well.
Hatrigo Instant Pot Accessories 8 quart Steamer Basket [3qt 6qt available], Fits InstaPot Pressure Cooker, Insta Pot Ultra Egg Basket w/Silicone Handle and Non-Slip Legs (Instant Pot 8 Quart) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0789M3LDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7tx.Bb5RTPDZF
This is something I'm going to try with other recipes, but I don't want my mashed potatoes flavored of lemon butter chicken, so things like that will be kept separate and done in pot-after-pot. :D
As for a separator, I haven't tried it yet but I think the steamer rack in this Instant Pot Steamer Set will stand up higher. If not, take a look at the "egg" stacking racks referenced in the "Customers also bought" list on the steamer set page as those should definitely stand taller than the stock rack.
This analysis does and will actively trawl dal makhni is this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K5VH8SG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502224269&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=idli
When I got my ultra, I also splurged a bit for this It has been worth it :)
I like it raw like u/overlyapologeticguy
If I would win, I would really want this dumpling steamer basket, as not only dumplings are delicious but it would also "protect" me from burns and hot water spraying all over me ;)
I have something similar, and find these much easier to use than Pyrex ones.
Stackable Stainless Steamer Pressure Cooker Insert Pans 2 Tier IP Accessories for Pot in Pot Instapot Cooker - For Instant Pot Accessories 6, 8 qt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073D8JTKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qN7RAbP7R0VE5
Since buying my nonstick pot, I haven't used the stainless one once.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ICL8M1I
I also recommend the silicone trivet/steamer set.
https://smile.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Silicone-Steamer-Set/dp/B01LFGJYBS
Can you have a grill outside? That would open a lot of options for you
E: also, there are a lot of microwave attachments to improve your options there. For example, a pan that simulates grilling
https://www.amazon.com/Microhearth-Grill-Pan-Microwave-Cooking/dp/B004FGAVEK
Or a steamer:
https://www.amazon.com/Microwave-Cookware-Steamer-Container-Removable/dp/B071JZQYQY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1543617835&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=microwave+steamer&psc=1
You can use a steamer rack such as this:
https://www.amazon.com/Steamer-Resistant-Handles-Electric-Pressure/dp/B07MK2D4ZZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=steamer+rack&qid=1556570950&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
Or this:
https://www.amazon.com/meleg-otthon-Steaming-Stainless-Multi-function/dp/B01B4E8PG6/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=steamer+rack&qid=1556571031&s=gateway&sr=8-7
To prevent toys from touching the bottom of the pot when boiling.
I steam in a pot like this:
Oster 108132.03 Steamer, 1, Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BOVFHB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qPXBCbQJ8HQEV
You put a little water in the bottom and put on stove on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, then when they are done I store whatever is left over in a glass container in my fridge. That will keep for 3-4 days.
It is possible to Steam in the microwave but for some reason I’ve always preferred how it comes out when I do it on the stovetop - I think because the veggies have a chance to drain better, so are less soggy, and I prefer using stainless steel and glass for my veggie steaming and storage, rather than plastics which I feel like microwave cooking uses more plastics.
Hope this helps :)
You could steam them. I've tried several methods and steam is the best IMHO.
Here's a steamer set if you want one
Steamer basket. Specifically this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JRYQFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PRrODb7T1KYE0
I'm not a doctor, and I don't have any opinion about the egg cholesterol link. I just wanted to make sure you knew about it since you were asking about possible health issues. There are foods with similar reputations based on inconclusive research, like shrimp.
Don't pay a lot for bagged vegetables. Get yourself one of these. It folds away to nothing for storage. Put an inch of water in a pot, get it boiling, pile some cut up broccoli or cauliflower on top, and stick it in there with the lid on until it's as cooked as you like. Cauliflower should take about 8-10 minutes, and broccoli somewhat less, though it's pretty much to taste. Broccoli isn't good when you overcook it because of sulphur compounds.
I prefer roasted vegetables, but I mostly eat steamed or raw when I am just trying to bulk up a meal with low calorie food and get extra fibre. Oil calories add up :(