Steamed foods are undoubtedly healthy. But the fact is when you are steaming in something plastic, or metal, there is a chance of mixing chemicals into the food. Even the small particles of toxin can gradually damage the immune system. Alternatively, you can use a bamboo steamer that is not toxic, natural, healthy and no chance of getting any synthetic particles in the food.
However, it is not uncommon that people are unsure whether it is good to use a bamboo steamer or not. And if it is good, which product to use. To know from basic to advanced and finding the best bamboo steamer, this buying guide will help you.
Quick Overview of 3 Best Bamboo Steamer
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What is Bamboo Steamer and Why Do You Need It?
So, the very first question that maybe came into your mind is, what this thing actually is. This is an ancient thing and mostly use in China and Japan. 
In the beginning, it was like a simple bamboo-shaped thing where people used to steam foods. Now, it is so much popular in Chinese cuisine. This kitchen tool is made from raw bamboo after peeling off the skin from it. The base is built with bamboo wood and then the manufacturer cuts the bamboo in a round shape and hammers it in with nails to the base. Finally, it is ready to use for steaming.
As I mentioned, bamboo steamers promote healthy cooking. Instead of using so-called modern steamers, this eco-friendly steamer is more hygienic. As all the things are organic, you won’t get any harmful Nanoparticles from it. You might have thought the taste of food will change when cooked or steamed in bamboo, the opposite is true. It enhances the foods’ taste.
Top 10 Best Bamboo Steamers Reviewed
It is easy to find tons of steamers made of bamboo. But finding the best one requires some research. We have done that research for you. After checking more than 30 products, we have selected 10 items that have the best features at a competitive price.
1. HAROLD IMPORT Bamboo Steamer
Whether you want to cook in the steamer or want to warm the food, you can use this HAROLD IMPORT Bamboo Steamer. It is made of premium-quality bamboo material. No additional elements have used in the construction to keep it safe and toxin-free. As a result, the food tastes better and preserves precious nutrients for healthy cooking.
It is both lightweight and durable. Handling this item would be easy even when you filled with enough food. The 10-inch size allows for accommodating enough food at a time. Warming vegetables for a diet like Keto is easy with it. Moreover, you may use this best steamer basket for dumplings, fish, seafood, or even meat.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- It comes with a tight lid for faster cooking.
- Durable natural bamboo for toxin-free cooking.
- Suitable for both reheating and serving.
- Tightly constructed lid for preserving taste. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Rings used in the steamer could have better. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Asian-Kitchen-Bamboo-Steamer-10-Inch/dp/B000OFNL8Y/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
2. Yuho Bamboo Steamer 8 Inch
If you use the steamer occasionally for some particular cooking, this item from Yuho is a good option. The price is affordable and has all the vital features. Instead of using cheap and immature bamboo, it is constructed from 3 years old bamboo to give it extreme strength. With the proper care, this Asian steamer basket will sustain for a longer time. It is purely handcrafted and doesn’t contain any chemical or other toxic materials.
Besides the traditional steaming food items, this is a good bamboo vegetable steamer. Use fresh vegetables in it and get the perfect meal for your breakfast. You may put some eggs and meat too without sticking to the bottom. 10 perforated parchment bamboo steamer liners are included with it to cook safely without making any stain on it.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- The 8-inch size is perfect for a small family.
- 2-tiers system to place the food.
- Individual color boxes for convenient storage.
- Suitable for a variety of food types including meat.
- Nonstick and nontoxic construction. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Small in size and not enough for bulk cooking.
- Extreme heat can damage the bottom easily. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Yuho-Inch-Dumplings-Vegetables-Individually/dp/B07F8MXMG8/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
3. Mister Kitchenware 10 Inch Handmade Bamboo Steamer
This handmade Dim Sum steamer basket is intended to promote healthy cooking for several types of food. Pure bamboo material is used in it to avoid toxins and chemicals. It is relatively easy to use and doesn’t require much effort for maintenance. The 10″ size is more than enough when you want to cook enough food at a time. It is a 2-tier designed Chinese steamer that means you can stack the parts. The benefit is, you can place two different types of food items in it.
Whether you are cooking or warming food, this quality bamboo steamer set performs best. The slatted bamboo bottom allows the pass the steam entirely and ensures perfect cooking. It is highly heat-conductive and preserves the original flavor.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Enough space to cook a large amount of food.
- Suitable for simmering, boiling, frying, and more.
- Durable construction with premium material.
- It absorbs excess moisture during steaming.
- Lightweight design for hassle-free handling. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Regular cleaning is mandatory. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Mister-Kitchenware-Vegetables-Dumplings-Chopsticks/dp/B07GNBJK25/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
4. BirdRock Home 10 Inch Bamboo Steamer
This is a perfect Chinese bamboo steamer that allows cooking a wide range of Asian food items. Dumplings, vegetables, beef, everything can be prepared using this steamer. The best thing is, it never spoils the original taste of food. Get the perfect taste of fresh vegetables and stay healthy. No need of using oil for food. The bottom is designed to avoid sticking to food.
The dumpling steamer basket is made of 100% bamboo that ensures toxic-free cooking. This is a versatile Asian Steamer that you can use with a pan, pot, or wok. There is ample area inside where you can place enough items for cooking or boiling. The inside is designed to keep food warm for a long time to serve.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Premium bamboo material for longevity.
- 2 tier steamer to cook a variety of items at a time.
- Each tier has 2.5″ depth for enough storage.
- Doesn’t have any toxic material. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Extreme heat may change the bottom shape.
- The lid doesn’t fit easily and needs force. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/BirdRock-Home-Traditional-dumplings-vegetables/dp/B01L9TJCE0/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
5. VonShef Premium 2 Tier Bamboo Steamer
Getting the perfect bamboo dumpling steamer to get the ancient Chinese style is difficult. This VonShef will give you the real flavor of different Asian foods including dumplings, rice, vegetables, and more. This Asian bamboo steamer comes with a 2-tier style which means you can place two different types of food at a time in it. Once you have this steamer at home, you can have your own style of Chinese cuisine at home.
The most common issue for Chinese Steamer Basket is longevity. To have a longer life, stainless steel banding is used. No matter whether you are using it for daily cooking or steaming food for a long time, the shape will remain the same. Overall, this is one of the best Asian food steamers in the market within the price range and quality.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Suitable for a wide range of recipes.
- Preserves the real taste of foods.
- 10-inches size for bulk cooking.
- It ensures perfect dim sum dumpling.
- It comes with free chopsticks.
- Easy to remove the lid and it fits perfectly. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Regular maintenance required.
- Metal bands are not tight enough. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/VonShef-Stainless-Chopsticks-Dumplings-Vegetables/dp/B0142KE2OI/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
6. Juvale Bamboo Steamer Basket
Looking for the best bamboo rice steamer basket? Have a good budget? Then I will highly recommend this small bamboo steamer from Juvale. Though this item comes with a comparatively higher price, it is worth to spend on it. Unlike some cheaply made steamers, it features durable construction with high-quality bamboo. The food-grade material ensures safety and doesn’t have an odor itself.
2-tier steamer construction with stainless steel rings. These rings keep the parts together ensures stability. The tiers are stackable which means you can use to reheat more items at a time. For instance, you can place cook both vegetables and meat at a time. The inner diameter of this product is 9.2 inches which accommodates a large amount of food at a time.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Food-grade bamboo material for safety.
- High-quality construction with SS rings.
- Suitable for both reheating and cooking.
- You can use it for a wide range of food items.
- Larger dimension with 2-tier style. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- It comes with a higher price. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Juvale-Bamboo-Steamer-Basket-Cooking/dp/B01N35KEQS/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
7. Steami – Bamboo Steamer (10 inches) with Liners
You want to cook in a bamboo steamer means you want to save yourself from toxins. Remember that all bamboo steamers are not fairly safe for healthy cooking. This bamboo steamer pot from Steami is made from top-grade bamboo material for safety. Also, it is 100% bamboo constructed which is eco-friendly. BPA free and keeps the food items safe and ensures proper taste.
Perfectly made with 10″ size which fits most of the woks, pans, and pots. You don’t have to buy an extra item just for placing the steamer. Besides, it is large enough to accommodate enough food for cooking. The 2-tier design is perfect for the different cooking methods as well as different types of foods at a time.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Liners included avoiding sticking food into the bottom.
- Recipe book for the newbies.
- Durable construction with pure bamboo material.
- Safe to use with different types of cookware.
- BPA free to avoid health issues. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Lining may stick to food if not placed properly. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Steami-Bamboo-Steamer-Liners-Recipe/dp/B07PHR4FNS/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
8. Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen 10″ Bamboo Steamer Basket
Did you ever have tasty dumplings in a restaurant? Can’t make the same taste when cooking it yourself? Then you must try this Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Basket Steamer. It is designed for perfect taste in food. This handmade steamer for dumplings is constructed from 100% pure natural bamboo. So, foods that cooked in it will be safe for your health. You don’t have to use gloves or finger cots when cooking in it.
Though it is named as dumpling steamer, it is also decent for vegetables, rice, crab, chicken, and many more items. The two-tier design accommodates enough food at a time. You can make your favorite foods for your family members or a group of guests.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpU9Jy9DGqA”]
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Enhances flavor with organic bamboo material.
- Made of Strong and Durable Natural Bamboo.
- Versatile product to cook different foods.
- Bamboo is heat and stain-resistant.
- Compatible with most of the woks, pans, and pots. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- No steel ring is attached to the tires. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Asian-Kitchen-Bamboo-Steamer-10-Inch/dp/B000OFNL8Y/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
9. Gourmet Styles | Traditional Handmade Natural Bamboo Steamer Basket
If you have the worst experience with tire bamboo steamers, maybe you didn’t pick the product wisely. Gourmet Styles has brought all the features that you need in a Japanese steamer basket. It is constructed from 100% premium bamboo which guarantees the perfect taste each time. It measures 10 inches and each tier is 2.5 inches deep. This ample area is enough for storing enough food for boiling, cooking, or steaming.
When you own this product, you don’t have to think about sticking foods to the bottom. There is 50 wax lining with it which you can place before placing the food items. The interior is designed with a mechanism that keeps the food warm for a long time.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Free chopsticks to eat dumplings.
- Side handle for safety when cooking.
- Ideal for a wide range of dishes including Chinese and Japanese.
- Handmade with pure bamboo material.
- Suitable for dumplings, meat, veggies, and more. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- Doesn’t have any steel ring or band in the tires. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Gourmet-Styles-Traditional-Chopsticks-Vegetables/dp/B07VZN86RC/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
10. Joyce Chen 26-0013 Bamboo Set Steamer
If you prefer the convenience of the bamboo steamer most, this Joyce Chen bamboo steamer would be a perfect choice. It is designed with all the features that you wish for. Despite being an inexpensive product, it ensures maximum quality. Designed and engineered by experts to preserve nutrients for healthy cooking. No matter what are you cooking, you will get the authentic flavor.
This item features 2 stackable baskets. So, you can use these baskets for cooking two different items at a time. No need to wait for one batch and then another. Cook together and save your time. Inside the baskets, there is ample area that accommodates lots of foods. With the classy tan color, it goes with any kitchen décor.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Pros
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- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Easy to place inside a wok or over a stockpot.
- Lid seals it properly for faster cooking.
- Preserves the real taste and all nutrients.
- Ideal for making dim sum dumplings. [/su_list][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Cons
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- No handles in the baskets.
- Doesn’t come with lining. [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-26-0013-Steamer-10-inch/dp/B07SX2Q273/?tag=cookwareninja-20″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#EE3322″ size=”5″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow” title=”Check Price on Amazon”]Check Latest Price on Amazon[/su_button]
How to Choose the Best Bamboo Steamer?
Knowing the essential features always helps to choose the right item from a bunch of products. If you want to know what really matters in a bamboo steamer, this part is for you. Look for the following things in a new bamboo steamer –
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- Sizing
Bamboo steamers come in a wide range of sizes. It will vary according to the brand, product’s model, price, and different things. Usually, if the steamer is for occasional usages, you may choose a medium-sized product. But when you want to use it constantly and don’t want to run out of space, larger is better. For instance, a 10-inch tire bamboo steamer would be enough for your daily works.
- Capacity
The capacity of a bamboo steamer is related to the size. When you are buying a larger one, there would be more space. Yet, sometimes the size is not everything. There may have some weight limits. If there are more tiers in the steamer, that would accommodate more food inside. So, it would be good to know how much food you can put together for steaming. Because when there are guests at home or you have a party, you may need to steam lots of foods at a time. That requires something that has ample storage area.
- Safety
There is no doubt that kitchen accessories that are made of bamboo are eco-friendly. But don’t keep blind faith that each product will be safe for you. All brands don’t manufacture this item from the same bamboo. You must check whether it does contain some toxic material or not. Because when high heat is passing through the steamer, it may cause a chemical reaction. It should be BPA free. BPA in something may cause severe danger for your health and you don’t want to take that risk.
- Durability
You might have some confusion about whether a product made of bamboo will sustain longer or not. Well, to avoid such hassle, check for the origin of the product. It means you should check the bamboo quality. Is your selected product made from premium quality bamboo? If so, it would be a good product. Other than that, woven bamboo itself is a durable thing that lasts longer than a wooden utensil. For additional features, you may look for steel rings attached to the baskets.
- Lid
Do you wish to steam the food items faster? Then go for the lid and check the construction quality. If the lid covers the steamer tightly and keeps the pressure inside, it helps to steam the food faster. I would suggest picking a tight hand woven lid which is good for faster cooking.
- Price
You shouldn’t expect to get the best bamboo steamer at a very cheap price. Though the main material is bamboo, the quality of the raw material is too good. But make sure you are getting the features for what you are paying. Try to make a list of the products that offering the same price and which meets your budget range. In the next step, sort them out and choose one that has more positive feedback and has less price. [/su_list]
How to Use a Bamboo Steamer (Cooking with Bamboo Steamer)?
People often don’t understand how they would use a bamboo steamer and if they have to put it directly on the stovetop. Well, no such things you have 
to do. Bamboo steamer requires a basket where you are going to place the steamer. The basket or pot contains water and when it is boiling, the steam goes inside. To avoid any issues, use the best bamboo steamer basket that you could effort.
Cooking with a bamboo steaming basket requires an additional pan or pot that is heat conductive. It could be a metal pan or pot but inside the pan, there needs enough space to place the steamer. Now, fill the pan or pot with water and make sure the water level is higher than the bottom of the steamer. Because when you will boil the water, the steam should pass easily.
Place your food items inside the steamer. There is a common problem that food sticking to the surface. To avoid this issue, you can use a lining at the bottom of the steamer. For instance, you may want to cook momos, now place some lettuce or cabbage in the bottom.
However, some products offer free lining for the bottom. Place the momos on top of that and it won’t stick. You may follow a variety of styles of the cooking process according to the food type. Now, turn on the stovetop and wait for boiling the water and making steams to cook. If there are particular instructions in the product manual, follow that properly.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACkyk7LmzvM”]
How to Clean Bamboo Steamer?
Keeping the bamboo steamer clean is mandatory to keep it safe and cook healthy. You should immediately clean it to avoid a permanent stain.
If you are cleaning the steamer just after cooking, the only freshwater is enough and always hand wash is recommended. Turn on the faucet, run water on the surface, and wash it away. Hot water always performs better for cleaning; you may use hot water.
If the steamer was at rest and now you want to clean it, use some soapy water and soak the steamer for at least 5-10 minutes. Now wash it with hot water and there will be no stain or food particles. Remember that using an abrasive brush or rough scrubber can damage the steamer.
If necessary, use a soft scrubber to remove the stain from its surface. For heavy stains, you may use a homemade solution with baking soda and lemon juice. Take one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Now mix them well and apply to the stain and rest it for 2-3 minutes and wash with warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Bamboo Steamers Toxic?
A: No. These steamers made of natural bamboo and they are not toxic like Plastic or Metal steamer.
Q: Can I Use a Bamboo Steamer in the Oven?
A: No. Using a bamboo steamer in the oven can damage and even burn it.
Q: Is a Bamboo Steamer Better Than a Metal One?
A: Yes. As said earlier, they are non-toxic and eco-friendly. While there is a big chance of toxicity with metal steamers.
Q: What Can I Cook Using a Bamboo Steamer Other Than Dim Sum?
A: You can cook rice, vegetables, fish, meat, and a lot of other recipes with a bamboo food steamer.
Q: Can You Cook Rice in a Bamboo Steamer?
A: Yes.
Q: How Much Does a Bamboo Steamer Cost?
A: A good-quality bamboo steamer will cost nearly 30-50 USD.
Final Words
Now, finding the best bamboo steamer is no more a difficult task if you have gone thoroughly the article. The products that we shared on the list are the top-rated items in their price ranges. You can expect to have the best performance. Set your terms, read the product description, and pick that meets your goal.