Tired of soggy vegetables or unevenly cooked meals from your microwave? You’re not alone! Many of us reach for the microwave for a quick meal, but getting healthy, perfectly steamed food can feel like a guessing game. Choosing the right microwave steamer can be a real headache. Do you need a collapsible one for tight spaces? Or maybe one with multiple tiers for a complete meal? The sheer variety can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
But what if there was a simpler way to unlock the full potential of your microwave for healthy, delicious steaming? This post is here to help you navigate the world of microwave steamers. We’ll break down what makes a great one, what features to look for, and even share some tips for getting the best results. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners and discover how easy it is to steam your way to healthier eating, all with the convenience of your microwave.
Our Top 5 Microwave Steamer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Steamer Detailed Reviews
1. GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of complicated cooking? The GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer makes healthy meals super easy! This handy cooker lets you steam vegetables and fish right in your microwave. It’s a fast way to get a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table with hardly any work.
What We Like:
- It’s a super quick and easy way to cook healthy meals.
- It helps keep the good vitamins and nutrients in your food.
- You can easily adjust the steam vent for perfect cooking every time.
- It’s simple to use: just add water, food, and microwave.
- The clear lid lets you peek at your food while it cooks.
- Cleanup is a breeze because it’s dishwasher safe.
- It stores away nicely in your cabinets.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be a bit small for cooking large portions of food.
- It’s designed for microwave use only, so it won’t work on a stovetop.
This steamer is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting quick, healthy meals. It simplifies cooking and makes cleanup easy, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. Sistema Microwave Steamer for Cooking Food and Vegetables with Steam Release Vent
Rating: 9.1/10
Cooking healthy meals just got easier with the Sistema Microwave Steamer! This handy gadget lets you steam vegetables, fish, and even chicken right in your microwave. It’s designed for quick and healthy cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It cooks food and vegetables perfectly using steam.
- The steam release vent on the lid stops messy splatters.
- Cool-to-the-touch tabs make it safe and easy to open.
- The middle part of the steamer basket stays cool, so you can safely grab your food.
- It’s made from safe, 100% virgin plastic that is free of yucky stuff like phthalates and BPA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for steaming, it doesn’t offer other cooking methods.
- The capacity is best suited for single servings or small portions.
This steamer is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to cook healthier meals quickly. It’s safe, easy to use, and makes steaming a simple part of your routine.
3. PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer
Rating: 8.7/10
Steaming your favorite veggies or other foods in the microwave is now super simple with the PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer in gray. This handy gadget makes healthy cooking quick and easy for anyone. It’s designed to fit right in your microwave and get your food perfectly steamed in minutes.
What We Like:
- It’s really easy to use. Just add your food, a little water, and pop it in the microwave.
- Steaming food keeps more nutrients in it, which is healthier.
- It’s a fast way to cook vegetables, fish, or even reheat leftovers.
- The compact size means it won’t take up much space in your kitchen.
- Cleanup is a breeze – most of the time, a quick rinse is all it needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “mini” size means it’s best for single servings or small portions. You can’t steam a lot of food at once.
- While it’s gray, the color might not match every kitchen decor.
This steamer is a great tool for anyone wanting to eat healthier without a lot of fuss. It’s a simple and effective way to prepare delicious, steamed meals.
4. Professional Large Micro Cookware 2 Quart
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of boring, mushy vegetables? Meet your new kitchen best friend: the Professional Large Micro Cookware 2 Quart Microwave Steamer! This handy gadget makes steaming veggies, poaching chicken, and even cooking rice a breeze, all in your microwave. It’s designed for busy people who want healthy, delicious meals fast.
What We Like:
- High Temperature Resistant and Safe: Made from tough, BPA-free materials, this steamer is safe for high microwave temperatures and your family. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe for super easy cleanup!
- Generous 2 Quart Capacity: This steamer holds a good amount of food, perfect for feeding your family. The inside has markings to help you measure, making cooking even simpler.
- Secure Locking Lid: The lid locks tightly, so no messy spills when you move it. The lid handle is also insulated, keeping your hands safe from burns.
- Smart Hole Design: Small and medium holes in the lid let out just the right amount of steam. This keeps your food moist and tasty, and helps you drain water easily when you’re done.
- Healthier Cooking Made Easy: You only need a little water to steam your food. This keeps more nutrients and flavor in your food compared to other cooking methods. Cooking with less oil is healthier for you!
What Could Be Improved:
- Drainage Caution: While the holes help drain liquid, you need to be careful not to pour out the hot liquid immediately after microwaving to avoid burns.
This microwave steamer is a fantastic tool for quick, healthy meals. It’s a simple way to enjoy flavorful, nutrient-rich food without much fuss.
5. 1-Tier Microwave Steamer Heating Steamer for Home Kitchen White (Round)
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a simple way to cook healthy meals at home? The 1-Tier Microwave Steamer Heating Steamer in white is a great kitchen gadget. It helps you steam delicious food quickly and easily in your microwave.
What We Like:
- It’s made of good quality plastic that’s safe to use and doesn’t have a bad smell.
- The design is smart! It has a clear lid so you can see your food cooking.
- Special clips keep the lid shut tightly, and steam vents let out steam safely, preventing messes.
- You can use it for heating food, storing leftovers in the fridge, or even as regular dishes.
- It’s perfect for making healthy steamed foods like veggies and seafood in just minutes.
- Steaming keeps more vitamins and nutrients in your food, making it a healthy cooking choice.
- It’s also safe to put in the dishwasher and freezer for easy cleaning and storage.
- The size is good, with a diameter of 8.4 inches and a height of 4.6 inches.
What Could Be Improved:
- The heat-resisting range is a bit limited, from -4 °F to 40.5 °F, so it’s not suitable for very high heat cooking.
This steamer is a convenient and healthy addition to any kitchen. It makes preparing nutritious meals a breeze.
Your Guide to a Healthier Way to Cook: The Microwave Steamer
Why Choose a Microwave Steamer?
Microwave steamers are great kitchen tools. They let you cook food with steam in your microwave. This is a healthy way to cook. It keeps more vitamins and minerals in your food. Steaming is also fast. It’s perfect for busy people. You can steam vegetables, fish, chicken, and more.
Key Features to Look For
Size and Capacity
Think about how much food you usually cook. Do you cook for one person or a family? Small steamers are good for single servings. Larger ones can cook meals for a whole family. Make sure it fits in your microwave.
Number of Compartments/Trays
Some steamers have one tray. Others have two or even three. More trays let you cook different foods at the same time. You could steam veggies on one tray and fish on another. This saves you time.
Venting System
A good steamer needs a way for steam to escape. Look for a lid with vents or a steam release valve. This stops the steamer from building up too much pressure. It makes cooking safer and more even.
Durability and Build Quality
You want a steamer that will last. Check how sturdy the plastic feels. Are the parts well-made? A well-built steamer won’t crack or warp easily.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes cleaning tough messes. Most microwave steamers are dishwasher safe. Check the product details. Easy-to-clean steamers make cooking more enjoyable.
Important Materials
Plastic
Most microwave steamers are made of plastic. It’s important to choose BPA-free plastic. BPA is a chemical that can be harmful. Food-grade, BPA-free plastic is safe for cooking. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t break easily.
Silicone
Some steamers use silicone. Silicone is flexible and heat-resistant. It’s also BPA-free and easy to clean. Silicone steamers are a good option for portability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good Quality
- Thick, sturdy plastic: This means it won’t warp or break.
- Tight-fitting lid: This keeps steam inside for efficient cooking.
- Even steam distribution: Food cooks evenly.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: Cleaning is a breeze.
Poor Quality
- Thin, flimsy plastic: This can warp or melt in the microwave.
- Loose lid: Steam escapes, and food cooks slower.
- Uneven cooking: Some parts of the food might be overcooked, others undercooked.
- Hard-to-clean materials: Food can stick, making cleaning difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a microwave steamer is simple. Add water to the base. Put your food in the tray(s). Cover with the lid. Microwave according to your recipe. It’s great for quick meals. You can steam fish and vegetables for a healthy dinner. It’s also good for reheating leftovers. Some people use them to make dumplings or even cook rice. It’s a versatile tool for anyone who wants to eat healthy and save time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are microwave steamers safe to use?
A: Yes, if they are made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic or silicone. Always check the product description.
Q: Can I steam meat in a microwave steamer?
A: Yes, you can steam chicken or fish. Make sure the meat is cut into small pieces for even cooking. Follow specific cooking times for meat.
Q: How much water should I put in the steamer?
A: Usually, about 1-2 inches of water in the base is enough. Check the steamer’s instructions.
Q: How long does food take to steam?
A: Cooking times vary. Vegetables usually take 3-5 minutes. Fish might take 5-8 minutes. Always check for doneness.
Q: Can I put marinades or spices in the water?
A: Some people add herbs or spices to the water for extra flavor. Avoid adding oil or heavy marinades to the water, as this can affect steaming.
Q: Are all microwave steamers dishwasher safe?
A: Most are, but it’s best to check the product’s care instructions. Some lids might need to be hand-washed.
Q: Can I use a microwave steamer to cook rice?
A: Yes, some steamers are designed for cooking rice. You will need to follow specific rice-to-water ratios and cooking times.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave steamer and a stovetop steamer?
A: Microwave steamers use your microwave to generate steam. Stovetop steamers use boiling water on the stove. Microwave steaming is usually faster.
Q: Can I use a microwave steamer if I don’t have a microwave?
A: No, microwave steamers are specifically designed for use in a microwave oven.
Q: What are some good foods to steam?
A: Broccoli, carrots, green beans, asparagus, fish fillets, chicken breasts, shrimp, and even eggs are great for steaming.
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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!