Imagine perfectly cooked, fluffy vegetables or tender fish ready in minutes, all without dirtying a single pot or pan. Sound like a dream? For many, the reality of weeknight dinners involves a race against time and a mountain of dishes. But what if there was a way to make healthy, delicious meals quickly and easily?
Choosing the right microwave steamer can feel like navigating a maze. You see so many different shapes, sizes, and features, and it’s hard to know which one will actually work best for you. Will it steam evenly? Is it easy to clean? Does it fit in your microwave? These are the questions that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure.
This post is here to guide you through the world of microwave steamers. We’ll break down what makes a good steamer, what features to look for, and how to pick the perfect one for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to bring the magic of easy steaming into your home, saving you time and making meal prep a breeze.
Our Top 5 Microwave Steamer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Steamer Detailed Reviews
1. GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of complicated cooking methods? The GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer makes preparing healthy meals super easy. It’s a fantastic tool for steaming your favorite vegetables and fish right in the microwave, saving you time and effort.
What We Like:
- It’s a quick and easy way to cook yummy and healthy food.
- It helps keep the vitamins and nutrients in your veggies and fish.
- The adjustable steam vent makes cooking safe and helps you get perfect results.
- It’s really simple to use: just add water, food, and microwave.
- You can easily see your food through the clear lid while it cooks.
- Cleanup is a breeze because it’s dishwasher safe.
- It stores away neatly in your cabinets.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for steaming, it doesn’t brown or crisp food.
- The size is good for individual or small family meals, but might be limiting for larger gatherings.
This steamer is a smart choice for anyone wanting healthier, faster meals. It simplifies your cooking and keeps your food nutritious.
2. Sistema Microwave Food Steamer with Removable Steamer Basket
Rating: 9.0/10
Steaming your food in the microwave just got a whole lot easier and safer with the Sistema Microwave Food Steamer. This large, 3.2-liter steamer comes in a vibrant red and clear design, making it a stylish addition to your kitchen. It’s designed for busy people who want healthy meals quickly.
What We Like:
- The removable steamer basket is a fantastic feature. Its middle stalk stays cool, so you can safely lift out your perfectly steamed food without burning your fingers.
- The lid has a steam release vent with easy-to-grab tabs, letting you safely vent steam.
- Sistema’s distinctive KLIP IT clips make closing and opening the steamer super simple and secure.
- You can toss it in the dishwasher (on the top rack, of course!), use it in the microwave, store leftovers in the fridge, and even freeze meals in it. It’s very versatile.
- It’s made in New Zealand and is free from yucky stuff like phthalates and BPA, so you know it’s safe for your family.
- The generous 3.2 L size is great for cooking meals for a few people.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 3.2 L is large, for very big families, you might need to steam in batches.
- The clear plastic, while functional, might show minor scratches over time with frequent dishwasher use.
This Sistema steamer makes healthy eating simple and convenient. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to steam delicious meals.
3. Microwave Steamer Tray for Cooking Bacon
Rating: 9.0/10
Say goodbye to messy microwaves and hello to quick, delicious meals with this versatile 10-inch Microwave Steamer Tray! Made from safe, sturdy tempered glass and heat-resistant silicone, this set keeps your microwave clean and your food perfectly cooked. It’s also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
What We Like:
- Food-Grade and Safe: It’s made from durable, food-safe tempered glass and heat-resistant silicone. This protects your microwave and is BPA-free.
- Kitchen Essential: You can easily cook or reheat many foods. It helps you get delicious meals fast.
- Cool-Touch Handles: Easy-grip handles let you take hot food out safely. They prevent burns.
- Non-Slip Rim: The striped rim gives you a secure and comfortable grip.
- Versatile Cooking: Cook bacon, sausage, pizza, and veggies. Just add a little water for perfectly cooked food in minutes.
- Effortless Meals: Reheating leftovers or making snacks is super easy. It brings you convenience and great results every time.
- Multi-Use: It also works as a fruit plate.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention specific cooking times for different foods, which might require some trial and error.
- While it’s a 10-inch tray, the exact internal dimensions for food placement could be clearer.
This microwave steamer tray is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options. It simplifies meal prep and cleanup, making it a smart choice for busy individuals and families.
4. Cuisinart CTG-00-MST Microwave Steamer
Rating: 8.8/10
The Cuisinart CTG-00-MST Microwave Steamer is a fantastic tool for busy kitchens. It helps you make healthy meals super fast. You just add a little water to the bottom, put your food on the tray, and pop it in the microwave. It’s a simple way to cook a variety of healthy foods.
What We Like:
- It makes healthy meals in just minutes.
- It’s really easy to use. Just add water and food.
- You can cook lots of different things like veggies, fish, and chicken.
- The large 6 ½ cup size holds enough food for a meal.
- The handles stay cool, so you won’t burn yourself taking it out.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many foods, very large portions might not fit perfectly.
- It requires a microwave to work, so it’s not a standalone cooking device.
This steamer is a smart choice for anyone wanting quick, healthy meals. It simplifies cooking and makes healthy eating easier than ever.
5. PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer
Rating: 9.0/10
The PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer in Gray is a fantastic kitchen gadget for anyone who wants to cook healthy meals quickly and easily. This compact steamer is designed to fit right into your microwave, making it super convenient for busy weeknights or quick lunches. You can steam all sorts of vegetables, fish, and even dumplings in minutes, locking in nutrients and flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh, steamed food without a lot of fuss or extra pots and pans.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly fast for steaming vegetables and other foods.
- Using it is very simple; just add your food, a little water, and pop it in the microwave.
- It’s a healthy way to cook, as steaming preserves more vitamins and minerals.
- The mini size is perfect for small kitchens or for cooking single servings.
- Cleanup is a breeze, as it’s usually dishwasher safe or easy to hand wash.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only comes in one size, so it might not be ideal for cooking larger quantities for families.
- Some users might find the gray color a bit plain.
- It requires a microwave to function, so it’s not a standalone cooking appliance.
This mini steamer is a smart addition to any kitchen for quick, healthy cooking. It makes preparing nutritious meals simpler than ever before.
Your Guide to a Speedy and Healthy Meal: The Microwave Steamer
Want to cook healthy food fast? A microwave steamer is your new best friend! It makes cooking vegetables, fish, and even dumplings super easy. Let’s dive into what makes a great steamer.
What to Look For: Key Features
- Size: Think about how much food you usually cook. Small steamers are good for one or two people. Larger ones work for families.
- Compartments: Some steamers have different levels. You can cook different foods at the same time! For example, cook veggies on one level and fish on another.
- Vents: Good steamers have vents. These let steam escape. This helps your food cook evenly and stops the steamer from getting too full of steam.
- Handles: Look for handles that stay cool. You don’t want to burn yourself when taking hot food out of the microwave.
- Lid: The lid should fit snugly. This keeps the steam inside where it belongs.
What’s it Made Of? Important Materials
Most microwave steamers are made from plastic. But not all plastics are the same.
- BPA-Free Plastic: This is the best choice. BPA is a chemical that can be bad for your health. Always pick steamers that say “BPA-free.”
- Silicone: Some steamers are made of silicone. Silicone is flexible and can handle high heat. It’s also usually BPA-free.
Making it Good or Not So Good: Quality Factors
A few things can make a microwave steamer better or worse.
- Durability: A good steamer will last a long time. It shouldn’t crack or warp after a few uses.
- Ease of Cleaning: You want a steamer that’s easy to wash. Some are dishwasher safe, which is a big plus!
- Heat Distribution: The way the steamer lets steam move around is important. Even steam means evenly cooked food.
- Sturdiness: The steamer should feel solid. It shouldn’t feel flimsy or cheap.
Using Your Steamer: User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave steamers are super simple to use. You just add water to the bottom, put your food in the basket, and pop it in the microwave. It’s a quick way to cook healthy meals.
- Busy Weeknights: Steam veggies while your chicken microwaves. Dinner is ready in minutes!
- Healthy Eating: Steaming keeps more vitamins in your food than boiling.
- Single Servings: Small steamers are perfect for cooking just for yourself.
- Dorm Rooms or Small Kitchens: They take up very little space.
- Reheating Leftovers: Steam can make leftovers taste fresh again.
A microwave steamer is a handy kitchen tool. It helps you cook healthy food quickly and easily. Choose wisely, and enjoy your steaming adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a microwave steamer?
A: You should look for the right size for your needs, the option of having multiple compartments for cooking different foods, vents to let steam escape, cool-touch handles, and a lid that fits securely.
Q: What are the important materials used for microwave steamers?
A: The most important materials are BPA-free plastic and silicone. BPA-free plastic is safe for food, and silicone is flexible and can handle heat well.
Q: What factors can improve or reduce the quality of a microwave steamer?
A: Quality is improved by durability, ease of cleaning (especially if it’s dishwasher safe), good heat distribution for even cooking, and a sturdy design. A steamer that cracks easily or feels cheap is lower quality.
Q: What are some common user experiences with microwave steamers?
A: Users often find them very easy to use. They are great for quick, healthy meals and are convenient for reheating food.
Q: What are some good use cases for a microwave steamer?
A: They are perfect for busy weeknights, making healthy meals, cooking single servings, and for use in small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Q: Can I cook meat in a microwave steamer?
A: Yes, you can steam certain types of meat like fish or chicken breasts. Make sure to follow cooking time guidelines to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Q: How do I clean a microwave steamer?
A: Most steamers can be washed by hand with soap and water. Many are also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning even easier.
Q: Will steaming my food make it lose flavor?
A: Steaming actually helps food retain its natural flavors and nutrients better than boiling. You can add herbs or spices to the water for extra flavor.
Q: Are microwave steamers safe to use?
A: Yes, as long as you choose steamers made from BPA-free materials and follow the microwave’s instructions, they are very safe to use.
Q: How long does it take to cook food in a microwave steamer?
A: Cooking times vary depending on the food and the power of your microwave. Generally, it’s much faster than traditional cooking methods, often taking just a few minutes.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.