ⓘ We are reader-supported and may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if a purchase is made through one of our links.
The way you prepare your meals has a direct impact on your health. We understand that there are various methods of cooking food, but not all of them are healthy. If you are looking to eat healthier meals, you should consider steam cooking your food with the best food steamer. Electric food steamers, in particular, are very efficient and equally easy to use. They feature intuitive control systems that ensure steam is delivered steadily and dispersed evenly, thus allowing the food to cook uniformly.
Plus, most food steamers are multi-tiered in that you can cook different types of food at a go without mixing everything up. This will dramatically cut down your cooking time, thereby reducing electricity costs. But most importantly, some models of electric food steamers have an adjustable timer function that allows you to cook your food within the recommended time limit. Depending on the appliance that you are using, you can also adjust the cooking temperature based on the type of food that you are preparing.
TL;DR: The #1 Food Steamer for Most People 👇
The Sunbeam ST6650 is one of the best food steamers that is currently available on the market. It features a three-tier design, an auto-off function, a 60-minute timer, and an 800-watt heating element for fast and efficient steaming.
You will also get a 6-cup rice bowl upon purchase, making this an ideal option for everyone who is looking for a high-performance food steamer. We recommend this food steamer to both beginners are professionals, so feel free to give it a try!! 🙌
As with most kitchen appliances, finding the most ideal food steamer for your cooking needs is not an easy task. Besides, food steamers vary in terms of performance and also come in different sizes. The selection process can be more confusing if don’t know what to look for. And it is for these reasons that we have created this buying guide to help find the best electric food steamer in Australia.
The Best Food Steamers to Buy Today in Australia
- Best Overall Food Steamer: Tefal VC1451 Convenient Series Stainless Steel Food Steamer White
- Best Programmable Food Steamer: Breville BFS600BSS The Quick Steam Digital Food Steamer
- Best Value Food Steamer: Russell Hobbs RHSTM3, Cook@Home 9L Food Steamer
- Best for Most People: Sunbeam ST6650 Vitasteam Deluxe 3 Tier Electric Food Steamer
- Best Budget Food Steamer: TODO 5L Electric Food Steamer
1. Best Overall Food Steamer: Tefal VC1451 Convenient Series Stainless Steel Food Steamer White
Why we like it:
- Stainless steel construction for maximum durability
- Stay cool handles safeguard your hands from accidental burns
- Easy to read water gauge allows you to check the water level
- The external water filling spout allows for easy and quick refills
What customers say:
“Very good quality and love that the steamer baskets are made from metal. Cooks our frozen dumpling super fast.”–Eugene
We chose the Tefal VC1451 Convenient Series Stainless Steel Food Steamer White as our top pick for the best food steamers because it has a stainless steel construction. Moreover, this is the only food steamer on the list with stainless steel steam baskets, making it one of the most durable options that you can buy. Additionally, it boasts a powerful heating element that can bring water to its boiling point in 2 to 3 minutes. This not only saves you time, but also lowers your electricity use and costs.
The Tefal VC1451features an adjustable 60-minute dial timer that allows you to fine-tune the steaming system according to your needs. With the timer in place, you can steam cook a variety of meals without worrying about the food overcooking or undercooking. To make it even more convenient, it has a built-in alert system that will let you know when your food is ready. This electric food steamer has an auto-shutoff function for user safety. As such, the heating system will power down itself when the cooking process is complete.
But that is not all; this appliance has a water gauge that allows users to check if there is enough water in the boiling chamber. The main advantage of having this feature is that you will never be caught off caught in case the reservoir runs dry. Plus, the Tefal VC1451 has an external water refilling spout, which will enable you to top up the water level without interfering with the steaming process. This feature can come in handy when steam cooking foods that require more time to reach the desired level of doneness.
The other thing that we liked about this food steamer is its compact design. It has a small footprint, so it won’t take up a lot of space on your kitchen worktop. You can save even more space during storage by stacking the steam bowls together. What’s more, the steam baskets are dishwasher-safe, thus making them very easy to clean. And because they have cool-to-touch handles, you won’t scald your hands when serving the food. The downside of using this food steamer is that it has a small cooking capacity compared to most models on the list. However, we reckon it can be a perfect choice for small families.
2. Best Programmable Food Steamer: Breville BFS600BSS The Quick Steam Digital Food Steamer
Why we like it:
- Quick heat-up function generates steam in seconds
- Delay start allows you to schedule the most preferred cooking time
- Auto keep-warm function maintains food temperature for up to 60 minutes
- Three-tier design allows you to cook different types of foods at the same time
What customers say:
“Great value. Great for doing large amounts of eggs, or vegetables. Love how you can use the number of tiers, 1 to 3, needed without having empty tiers.”–Christine
The Breville BFS600BSS The Quick Steam Digital Food Steamer is the most advanced unit on our review list. It has amazing features that you won’t find on most electric steam cookers. For starters, it is fitted with a digital display that will guide you when adjusting the settings. And unlike the Tefal VC1451 Convenient Series Stainless Steel Food Steamer White and other steam cookers that have dial timers, the Breville BFS600BSS has easy-to-use buttons.
It will allow you to make quick adjustments to the steaming system, thereby saving you more time in the kitchen. Besides, this food steamer boasts an instant heating system that generates steam rapidly for fast and efficient cooking. This feature locks in all the essential nutrients and also preserves the food’s natural flavours. Since the control panel is easy to use, this appliance will provide you with a hassle-free user experience in all steaming applications. In addition to having three steam baskets, it comes with a rice bowl for added convenience. The bowl can accommodate 4½ cups of rice.
Each steam basket has side handles for your safety. Furthermore, the handles are ergonomically shaped for worry-free and easy lifting. We chose this steam cooker as the best programmable unit because it features an ingeniously designed electronic timer that will enable you to customise the unit according to your needs. You can set the steam cooker to start steaming your food at a time that best suits you using the delay start function. This feature will allow you to delay the steaming time for about 12 hours.
With the help of this feature, you can program the steamer to initiate the cooking process before you get home. You won’t have to worry about the food getting chilled since there is a keep-warm function that will kick in automatically once the steaming process is complete. This means you will always come home to a nicely cooked warm meal. The drawbacks: the steam baskets on this food steamer are made of plastic and are therefore not as durable as those of the Tefal VC1451.
3. Best Value Food Steamer: Russell Hobbs RHSTM3, Cook@Home 9L Food Steamer
Why we like it:
- Auto-off function conserves electricity after the food has been cooked
- Has a cooking capacity of 9 litres and a 1-litre rice bowl
- Dishwasher safe parts allow for easy cleaning
- 60-minute timer for precise cooking
What customers say:
“My husband and I use this steamer almost every night and have found no faults! Works well and the price was really cheap for what it is. Highly recommend this product.”–Madeline Starick-Kemp
Effortlessly cook healthy meals for your family with the Russell Hobbs RHSTM3, Cook@Home 9L Food Steamer. This unit is designed with your steaming needs in mind, so you can fully rely on it when cooking your favourite meals. Like the Breville BFS600BSS The Quick Steam Digital Food Steamer, it comes with three steam baskets, but you have the option of using one of two baskets.
You can cook just about any type of food that is steamable using this equipment. It will deliver excellent results when steaming fish, vegetables, rice, poultry, to mention but a few. Plus, it has a turbo steam function that will ensure the food cooks within the shortest time possible. This feature can prove helpful when steaming vegetables since it preserves heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamins B and C.
All three cooking baskets are transparent, so you will be able to check the progress of the steaming process without interfering with the temperature. The external water filling spout allows for mess-free refills whilst the food is cooking. Also, there is a water gauge, which indicates the amount of water left in the reservoir. When it comes to performance, the Russell Hobbs RHSTM3 sports an 800-watt heating element that will make steam cooking a cinch.
The drip tray ensures the condensed water does not drip back into the cooking chamber, so the food won’t get soggy. One thing that we liked about the steam baskets is that they are stackable and will allow you to save on storage space. And even though they are made of plastic, they are exceptionally durable and will provide you with long-lasting service provided that you give them proper care. On the bright side, the base is constructed from stainless steel. However, you should keep in mind that the steaming baskets are not interchangeable.
4. Best for Most People: Sunbeam ST6650 Vitasteam Deluxe 3 Tier Electric Food Steamer
Why we like it:
- External water fill makes it easy to top up the tank
- 9-litre cooking capacity makes it ideal for large families
- The instant steam feature starts the cooking process in less than one minute
- Easy to use dial timer for quick adjustments
What customers say:
“This is a very easy to use food steamer! It’s easy to clean and has enough space to cook an entire dinner. I love it and highly recommend it.”–Richie
The Sunbeam ST6650 Vitasteam Deluxe 3 Tier Electric Food Steamer is one of the best-selling models that we tested. It not only has a five-star rating on ProductReview.com.au but also has good reviews on Amazon, making this a great choice for everyone who is looking to cook healthy meals. This electric food steamer is similar to the Russell Hobbs RHSTM3, Cook@Home 9L Food Steamer in that both models feature a 60-minute timer. Also, the two units have a three-tier design.
To add to its list of features, the Sunbeam ST6650 comes with a 6-cup rice bowl, which made our work easier during the testing process. We cooked 3 cups of long grain rice and the results were remarkable. The external refill spout allowed us to add water into the heating chamber with ease. Plus, the water chamber has a capacity of 1.4 litres, making it convenient for users since you can steam for an extended duration without it running dry.
We particularly liked the auto-shutoff function because it powers down the steam cooker after the food has been cooked. Additionally, the recommended steaming times listed on the side took the guesswork out of cooking delicate foods like fish and other seafood. We also had an easy time steaming eggs in this steam cooker, thanks to the indents, which kept the eggs in an upright position throughout the cooking process.
The steam baskets are quite roomy, so you can cook enough food for multiple servings. Nonetheless, ensure that you don’t place too much food on each tier as this will prevent the baskets from locking in firmly. We noticed that the plastic steam baskets stain easily, especially when steaming deeply coloured vegetables like spinach, collard greens, and carrots. Nevertheless, this does not in any way affect the steamer’s overall performance.
5. Best Budget Food Steamer: TODO 5L Electric Food Steamer
Why we like it:
- The built-in timer allows you to adjust the steaming time
- High power heating element for quick steaming
- Takes up minimal counter space due to its compact design
- Its straightforward design makes it easy to operate
What customers say:
“Good product. Compact and perfect for cooking for one person. Might be a bit small for a family.”–Tania Siu
You don’t have to break the bank every time you buy a new kitchen appliance. At times you just need a unit that can get the job done, and that is exactly what the TODO 5L Electric Food Steamer offers. Unlike most food steamers before it, this equipment has a two-tier design and only has a capacity of 5 litres. However, it features a reliable heating system that will provide you with great results in all scenarios.
It is equipped with a 400-watt heating element, which generates enough steam to cook all foods that can be cooked through the steaming process. We highly recommend this food steamer to those who cook vegetables regularly. You can as well use it for steaming eggs, fish, chicken, etc. Just ensure that you set the timer correctly and place enough water inside the boiling chamber. This appliance generates steam rapidly, so you won’t have to wait for long hours for your food to cook.
The timing may, however, vary depending on what you are steaming. Because the tray layers have a multi-steam design, the food will cook evenly. Both the top and bottom baskets are uniquely shaped to allow for easy movement of steam. And the fact that they are transparent makes them even more convenient because you’ll be able to monitor your food as it cooks. You can easily clean the steam trays by tossing them in a dishwasher. Alternatively, you can clean them by hand.
For your safety, the food steamer has an auto-off function that works jointly with the timer. That said, you won’t have to worry about anything in case you forget to turn off the steamer. The power indicator light will let you know if the steamer is properly connected to an electrical outlet. If you live alone, this may just be the right unit for you. As you have seen, it has all the features that one may look for in a food steamer.
How We Researched the Best Food Steamers
We initiated our search for the best food steamers by visiting ProductReview.com.au—one of Australia’s best consumer opinion sites. This allowed us to identify some of the most preferred food steamers by Australian consumers.
Some of the factors that we took into consideration include Material used in the construction, Safety, Efficiency, Price, Ease of cleaning, Cooking capacity, and Overall size. We then proceeded to Amazon to find the best food steamers as rated by independent consumers. We picked products with good reviews and ratings to ensure you only get high-performance food steamers.
Food Steamers: Buying Guide
Steam cooking is one of the healthiest ways of cooking food. Nonetheless, not all steam cookers will deliver the desired results. Deciding which food steamer is best for your needs can be challenging and frustrating.
Furthermore, there are things that you need to consider when sifting through the steam cookers available on the market. Also, there are different types of food steamers, so you should make it your goal to pick the most ideal steam cooker depending on your budget and cooking needs.
Types of Food Steamers
There are two main types of food steamers that you can consider buying:
Electric Food Steamers
Electric food steamers are very easy to use. They are also energy-efficient, and that is one of the reasons why they are a favourite among most people. All the food steamers on our review list are electric, so you can choose any that matches your preference. They’ll allow you to adjust the cooking time accordingly in all applications.
These types of food steamers feature multi-tiered steaming baskets, a high-power heating element, and a water chamber. When you turn on the steamer, the heating element generates heat steadily, causing the water in the heating chamber to turn into steam. The steam is then passed through the perforations at the bottom of the steam basket, which then cooks the food.
Stovetop Food Steamers
Stovetop food steamers, also known as hob food steamers, are not as advanced compared to the electric models. They also don’t have the fancy bells and whistles found on most electric food steamers, but that does not mean they are not reliable.
Moreover, stovetop steam cookers are less costly than electric steamers, so they can be an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
What to Consider When Buying a Food Steamer
The Australian market boasts an abundance of steam cookers. As such, you should take your time to vet as many options as possible before picking a particular model. The only problem is that this may take so much of your time. To give you a helping hand, we have highlighted some of the things that you should take into consideration when picking a food steamer.
Material
Most electric food steamers on the market are made of stainless steel, aluminium, or plastic. Stainless steel not only has high heat resistance , but is also durable. However, food steamers with stainless steel steam baskets tend to cost more than their plastic counterparts.
The Tefal VC1451 Convenient Series Stainless Steel Food Steamer White is the only food steamer on our list with stainless steel steam baskets.
Cooking capacity and overall size
Food steamers come with different sizes of steam baskets. Additionally, some models feature a multi-tier design, meaning they will allow you to cook large quantities of food at once. If you have a large family, you should pick a steam cooker with wide steam baskets.
In addition to this, you should consider the size of the steam cooker and the space available on your kitchen worktop. If your worktop has limited space, it would be wise to pick a food steamer with a small footprint.
Safety
Hot steam can cause severe burns on the skin if proper caution is not taken. With that being said, you should only buy sturdily built food steamers that can lock in the steam throughout the cooking process.
Additionally, you should only go for steam cookers with stay-cool handles. Some food steamers have additional safety features that will safeguard you from injuries.
Efficiency
Electric food steamers vary in terms of efficiency. Most models are fitted with powerful heating elements that can bring the water to its boiling point in less than 5 minutes.
Nevertheless, some units may take a longer or shorter time. As such, ensure that you check the specifications of the food steamer before confirming your order.
Ease of cleaning
You should go for a food steamer that you can disassemble and assemble within the shortest time possible during and after cleaning. For added convenience, you should pick food steamers with dishwasher-safe parts. This will allow you to wash the steam baskets and other attachments with the utmost ease while also saving time.
Price
The price of an electric food steamer may vary depending on its features, capacity, and materials used in construction. You can go for high-end, mid-range, or low-end models. Our list is made up of food steamers with different price ranges, so you can choose the one that best suits your budget.
Features to Look for When Buying Food Steamers
There are specific features that you should take into account when selecting an electric food steamer:
Timer function
A timer is essential for the steaming process. Furthermore, food steamers with this feature allow for precise cooking, making them ideal for preparing delicate foods. You can buy a food steamer with a digital or dial timer. Both are easy to use, so you can go for either depending on your preference.
Most steam cookers will allow you to set the cooking time up to 60 minutes, while others have pre-set cooking times that you can use when seaming a range of foods.
Boil-dry cut-out
This is one of the most important safety features that you should look for when selecting a food steamer. Units with the boil-dry cut-out protection will automatically shut down if there is no water in the boiling chamber. This makes them safe for both professionals and beginners.
Water gauge
A food steamer with a water gauge allows you to monitor the water level whilst the food cooks. This way, you’ll be able to refill the unit before it fully runs out of water. With the help of a gauge, you can safely add water to the boiling chamber while avoiding spillage.
External water refilling spout
You can easily refill food steamers with an outside spout without disrupting the cooking process. In addition to this, you won’t have to worry about burning your hands.
The Russell Hobbs RHSTM3, Cook@Home 9L Food Steamer is one of the best units with this feature.
Auto-off feature
The auto-off feature ensures the heating element is shut off after the cooking process is complete. This can greatly reduce your electricity bill.
If you are looking for a food steamer with the auto-off feature, we highly recommend the Sunbeam ST6650 Vitasteam Deluxe 3 Tier Electric Food Steamer.
Keep warm function
Electric food steamers with this feature can keep your food warm for long hours after you are done cooking. However, some models can only maintain the temperature of the food for a few minutes
Health Benefits of Steam Cooking
As stated at the beginning of this article, steam cooking can provide you with bountiful health benefits:
Locks in essential nutrients
According to a study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, steam cooking retains essential phytochemicals and vitamins in vegetables. Unlike boiling, which requires you to fully submerge the food in water, steaming allows you to cook your food to the desired level without leaching out the nutrients. This means your body will get important nutritional compounds like vitamin B and vitamin C, which are known to boost the immune system.
Lowers cholesterol levels
Since you don’t have to add fat or oil when steaming food, you’ll eat low-fat meals every time, thereby lowering your cholesterol levels. The Harvard Health Publishing (HHP) highlights some health benefits of lowering your cholesterol levels.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Juicers For Cafe-quality Juice At Home
- The Best Stick Blenders To Blend, Puree & Emulsify
- The Best Slow Cookers for Hearty Home-cooked Meals
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
