Looking for a healthier way to cook your meals? A food steamer could be the answer! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about food steamers in the UK market in 2026, helping you choose the perfect one for your needs. We’ll cover different types, top picks, and essential buying advice.
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What is a Food Steamer & Why Use One?
Food steaming is a cooking method that uses steam to cook food. Unlike boiling, steaming doesn’t submerge food in water, which helps retain more nutrients, flavour, and texture. It’s a fantastic way to prepare healthy meals quickly and easily. The rise in health consciousness throughout the UK has seen a significant increase in the popularity of food steaming.
Benefits of Steaming:
- Nutrient Retention: Steaming preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling.
- Healthy Cooking: Requires little to no added oil, making it a low-fat cooking method.
- Ease of Use: Most steamers are simple to operate and clean.
- Versatility: Suitable for cooking vegetables, fish, poultry, dumplings, and more.
There are three main types of food steamers available: electric, stovetop, and bamboo.
Types of Food Steamers: Which is Right for You?
Electric Food Steamers
Electric food steamers are the most convenient option. They typically consist of a heating element and multiple tiers for cooking different foods simultaneously.
- Pros: Convenient, easy to use, often include timer functions and preset programmes, consistent cooking.
- Cons: Can be bulky, require an electrical outlet, generally more expensive than stovetop options.
- Features to look for: Capacity, timer, preset programmes, auto shut-off, dishwasher-safe parts.
Stovetop Food Steamers
Stovetop steamers are placed inside a pot of boiling water. They’re a more affordable and compact alternative to electric models.
- Pros: Affordable, compact, no electricity needed, compatible with all hob types (check for induction compatibility).
- Cons: Requires monitoring, can be slower than electric models, may not cook as evenly.
- Types: Stainless steel steamers (with insert basket), foldable steamers (for space saving).
Bamboo Steamers
Bamboo steamers are a traditional Asian cooking method. They consist of stacked bamboo baskets placed over a wok or pot of boiling water.
- Pros: Traditional, imparts a subtle flavour to food, environmentally friendly, relatively inexpensive.
- Cons: Requires more care and maintenance, not dishwasher safe, limited capacity, best suited for certain types of food (dumplings, vegetables).
- Care: Hand wash only, avoid soaking for extended periods, oil occasionally to prevent drying out.
Top 5 Electric Food Steamers – Our 2026 Picks
Here’s our selection of the best electric food steamers available in the UK in 2026:
| Model | Capacity | Features | Price (GBP) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Viva Collection Food Steamer | 10L | 3 tiers, 60-minute timer, keep warm function, dishwasher-safe parts | £119.99 | Large capacity, efficient steaming, easy to clean | Relatively expensive |
| Morphy Richards SteamFresh Food Steamer | 7.5L | 2 tiers, 60-minute timer, auto shut-off, fruit steaming attachment | £69.99 | Affordable, user-friendly, versatile | Smaller capacity than some models |
| Salter Electric Food Steamer | 8L | 3 tiers, variable timer, keep warm function, transparent housing | £44.99 | Excellent value for money, large capacity, easy to monitor cooking | Plastic construction might not feel as premium |
| Russell Hobbs Good Food Steamer | 9L | 3 tiers, digital timer, keep warm function, stainless steel steaming baskets | £89.99 | Durable stainless steel baskets, precise timer control | Can be a bit bulky to store |
| Tower 3-Tier Electric Food Steamer | 6L | 3 tiers, 60 minute timer function, automatic shut off | £54.99 | Compact design, easy to use controls, good value. | Smaller capacity, not as many features. |
Best Stovetop Steamers for Efficient Cooking
These stovetop steamers offer a cost-effective and efficient way to steam your food:
| Model | Material | Capacity | Price (GBP) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Steamer | Stainless Steel | Suitable for most pots | £35.00 | Durable, rust-resistant, versatile | Requires a suitable pot. |
| ProCook Stainless Steel Steamer Basket | Stainless Steel | Collapsible | £25.00 | Space-saving, easy to store, induction compatible | Smaller capacity |
| Viners Cookware Steamer Insert | Stainless Steel | Fits 20-24cm pots | £20.00 | Good quality, fits standard pot sizes | Limited pot size compatibility |
Traditional Bamboo Steamers: A Timeless Choice
Experience the authentic flavour of steamed food with these bamboo steamers:
| Model | Size | Price (GBP) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenCraft Bamboo Steamer | 22cm (approx. 8.7 inches) | £22.50 | Affordable, traditional, adds subtle flavour | Requires careful cleaning and maintenance |
| Jingdezhen Bamboo Steamer Set | 25cm (approx. 9.8 inches) | £39.99 | High-quality bamboo, durable, includes lid and chopsticks | More expensive than basic models |
Food Steamer Buying Guide: What to Consider in 2026
When choosing a food steamer, consider these factors:
- Capacity: For singles or couples, a smaller steamer (up to 7L) is sufficient. Families will need a larger capacity (8L+).
- Power (Electric Steamers): Higher wattage generally means faster heating.
- Timer: A timer with auto shut-off is a convenient safety feature.
- Dishwasher Safe Parts: Simplifies cleaning.
- Material Quality: Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant.
- Price: Set a budget and compare features within that range.
- Emerging Trends: Look for steamers with smart features, such as app connectivity and preset programmes for specific diets (e.g., vegan, gluten-free).
Steaming Times for Popular Foods
- Broccoli: 5-7 mins
- Carrots: 8-10 mins
- Salmon: 8-10 mins
- Chicken Breast: 15-20 mins
- Dumplings: 10-15 mins
- Green Beans: 4-6 mins
Cleaning & Maintaining Your Food Steamer
Proper cleaning ensures your steamer lasts.
- Electric Steamers: Remove and wash dishwasher-safe parts. Descale regularly (every 1-3 months) using a descaling solution or diluted vinegar.
- Stovetop Steamers: Wash with warm soapy water. Ensure all water is drained before storing.
- Bamboo Steamers: Hand wash gently with warm water. Avoid soaking. Oil occasionally to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I steam frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can steam frozen vegetables, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is steaming better than boiling?
Yes, steaming is generally considered healthier than boiling because it retains more nutrients. Boiling can leach vitamins and minerals into the water.
Can I use any pot for a stovetop steamer?
You need a pot that’s large enough to accommodate the steamer basket and allow for sufficient water without the water touching the food. Ensure the pot is stable on your hob.
How often should I descale my electric steamer?
Depending on the hardness of your water, you should descale your electric steamer every 1-3 months to remove mineral buildup and maintain optimal performance.
Are bamboo steamers hygienic?
Yes, bamboo steamers are hygienic if cleaned properly after each use. The bamboo has natural antibacterial properties, but it’s important to hand wash and dry thoroughly.