Best Bamboo Steamers

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine and want to make it at home, investing in a bamboo steamer is the way to go. Traditionally they’re used to cook dumplings, fish and vegetables. Of course, if you find that you’ve got the best bamboo steamer to do all three, you may decide to get creative and use the bamboo steamer basket for something else. While it’s highly recommended to become a pro at the first three items before testing other foods, this cooking method is a useful alternative if you’re unhappy with the presentation (or texture) results of boiling or poaching your food. Or, if you just want a little variety.

Make sure to add parchment paper, leaves (banana, pandan, shiso, grape), or corn husks to your grocery list as a layer inside the bamboo steamer. (Paper liners, cheesecloth or leaves also work well.) And remember that an ideal bamboo steamer can correctly steam your food to completion. All you need is a couple of inches of steady water. Do not overfill the pan or purchase one that “swims” or tips over in your pan or wok. And if you want to add a little extra flavor to your food in the bamboo steamers below, some cooks use broth or tea leaves instead of water to enhance the flavoring.

Sprinkled throughout each post, you will find suggested cleaning, cooking and shopping tips for your next (or first) bamboo steamer. Even if from first glance you think you found a winner, you may want to review all 12 posts for handy steamer tips.

Best Bamboo Steamers

1. All Natural 9 Inch Asian Kitchen Bamboo Steamer Basket

 

This two-tier basket is perfect for your next batch of dumplings, vegetables, rice, dim sum and more.

Key Features

• 6 inches x 9.5 inches x 6.3 inches
• Two-tier stackable baskets with lid

With two tiers, you’ll have the option to steam multiple items at once. The (not included) paper liner accessories double as handy cooking liners for an air fryer.

It’s easy to prepare meals with this bamboo steamer in a stockpot, wok or saucepan. This eco-friendly food pot basket set also includes a top for the two-tier storage bin.

Cons

• As with any bamboo steamer, take a good look at it before first meal preparation to confirm there are no splinters or cracks, as one bamboo steamer reviewer complained
• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

The naturally woven bamboo has an authentic feel for Asian decor that makes it the type of cooking appliance you’ll want to keep out on your counter even when you’re not preparing a meal. Use it to store vegetables or small fruits with a bit of extra flair and/or to steam quinoa.

2. Premium Organic Bamboo Steamer Basket

 

While metal steamers may get hotter and make food a bit crispier, bamboo steamers with less heat help avoid food sticking to the bottom of each level.

Key Features

• 6 inches x 9.4 inches x 6 inches
• Handmade with organic bamboo
• Reinforced with stainless steel bands
• Two-tier stackable baskets

On average, this bamboo steamer can fit most pans, pots and woks. With a two-tier system, you can steam various foods simultaneously.

The premium bamboo and stainless steel bands make it more durable than other products and hopefully built to last.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)
• Bamboo steamer review challenges whether stainless steel band may constrain bamboo material expansion when steaming, leading to cracks
• Metal staples, plastic and/or plastic can rust with continuous use

Although this product is suitable for microwave use, the goal of a bamboo steamer is to be able to absorb and keep some of the flavor of the foods you’re cooking (or steaming). Using it in the microwave will defeat the purpose of the nutrition and moisture perks. Should you try it, there is a 90-day, 100 percent money-back guarantee.

3. Natural Bamboo Steamer Basket

 

 In addition to preparing food from start to finish, bamboo steamers also come in handy to reheat meats, seafood, poultry and vegetables.

Key Features

• 100 percent natural woven bamboo
• 6 inches x 10.5 inches x 7 inches
• Two-tier stackable baskets

This two-tier, stackable construction is essential for preparing multiple items at once and/or reheating various foods at once. And while it doesn’t take long to do so, you may want to keep an eye on the temperature and water while reheating. (It should take less time than from scratch.)

Cons

• Bamboo steamer edges may be sharper with potential risk for splinters
• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

If you’re worried about damaging the 100 percent natural woven bamboo basket material in a pot or wok, there’s also a listing option to purchase Helen’s Asian Kitchen Steaming Ring for 10-Inch Steamers. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for a video explaining why this may matter.) The steaming ring sits on top of a pot so you don’t have to worry about too much heat scorching the bottom.

4. Zoie + Chloe 100% Natural Bamboo Steamer Basket

 

In addition to maintaining the natural flavor, texture, color and shape of your food, steaming the food with this doomed lid also helps to avoid drying out your meal the way frying and microwaving can. While fast food and (often) restaurant foods are full of fat and grease that linger once re-heated (or taste terrible on their second round), steaming foods has a texture and taste consistency that wins over homemade meals every time.

Key Features

• Two-tier stackable baskets
• 100 percent natural bamboo
• 8 inches x 8 inches x 5.5 inches

Included with the bamboo steamer are two reusable, form-fitting cotton liners to test out whether you prefer those or using actual food to line the bottoms. They are eco-friendly and can be washed as needed, as opposed to paper liners. Or, you could use a combination of all three.

Cons

• One bamboo steamer reviewer complain of a woodsy taste
• Several bamboo steamer reviews confirm bamboo material unravels after a few uses
• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

This eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo steamer contains no plastic, metal or wires. Considering reviews for this bamboo steamer, along with others, may complain of a woodsy flavor on first use, it is always best to soak the bamboo steamer before first use. Oftentimes they are out on vendor tables and in boxes. As with any other pots and pans (and even clothes) that are constantly handled, wash before use. Here’s a video with tips to clean your bamboo steamer.

5. Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Steamer

 

While other cooking methods may leave food with a soggy texture and taste, bamboo steamers absorb water. This means that there is condensation in the steamer. Because the heat is rising up, there’s nothing to “drip” onto the food—the double woven lid “traps” the steam inside to cook with little heat loss.

Key Features

• 10 inches x 10 inches x 7.5 inches
• Two-tier stackable baskets (unlike photo that looks like four racks)
• Instruction book with recipes included

As with most bamboo steamers that are made with even racks, the two can be switched interchangeably as needed. This may also be a good way to avoid too much heat on the bottom rack from pots, woks and pans. Just make sure the food is at least an inch away from the outsides and on the liners to help with cleaning.

Cons

• Bamboo steamer reviewers complained that the rack came unraveled after a handful of uses
• May be sharp to the touch (i.e., splinters are not uncommon) so wear oven mitts
• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

Secured with bamboo pegs, this 100 percent, tightly woven, handcrafted basket contains no plastic, wires or metal. Hand wash only to keep it in durable condition. While you could always use fancy plates and trays to serve the food once it’s done, serving in these steamers may impress your guests, too.

6. Trademark Innovations 3 Piece Bamboo Steamer

 

Did you know that you can boil eggs with a bamboo steamer too? Just steam as usual. The heat is trapped inside the lid. The shells come off as easily. Make one as a snack or to kick off your next batch of potato salad.

Key Features

• 100 percent natural bamboo
• 10 inches x 10 inches x 6.5 inches
• Two-tier stackable baskets

According to a bamboo steamer review question, Trademark Innovations products are made in China. As with any bamboo steamer, wash before use and check for any manufacturer problems (stains, unraveling, smells, etc.) before first use.

If all looks well, steam a variety of foods as preferred. If you try boiled eggs (as suggested above) or other foods, specifically if you are a newbie to bamboo steamers, monitor the quality of the bamboo steamer and make sure your food is not overcooked or undercooked.

Cons

• Several bamboo steamer reviews confirm it unwound after only a few uses
• A couple of bamboo steamer reviews complained of mold and stains at the bottom
• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

Unlike metal appliances or cooking products such as pressure cookers, bamboo steamers make it as easy as pots and pons to check food as needed. Just place the doomed lid back on top to trap heat again. Hand wash with warm water to keep the material durable and clean.

7. Mister Kitchenware Handmade Bamboo Steamer

 

While bread is a customer favorite in restaurants, and usually ends up on tables before the appetizers are even requested, it can also be a hassle to use before it goes stale at home. If you do take the leftover bread home and try to eat it later, chances are high that it won’t taste the same. Bamboo steamers such as this one are a great way to revitalize stale bread in a way that traditional ovens, toasters and microwaves simply cannot. Steam per usual, and the moisture that once was in the bread returns—without a soggy texture.

Key Features

• Two-tier stackable baskets
• 3 inches x 10.3 inches x 6.8 inches

Shaped in a circular bamboo frame, the two-tier bamboo steamer has slats to allow steam to move freely in the cooking areas but is separate enough so that different foods can cook without blending into each other (ex. fish on one tray and vegetables on another). In addition to the bamboo steamer, the package also includes chopsticks, a sauce dish and 10 liners.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

There is a 60-day, 100 percent hassle-free money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the bamboo steamer.

8. Handmade Food Wooden Steamer

 

If you’re a big fan of sushi or even vegetarian versions, such as avocado maki rolls or sweet potato maki rolls, a bamboo steamer is the perfect way to try testing out sushi rice for the first time.

Key Features

• 27 inches x 8.23 inches X 3 inches
• Three-tier stackable baskets
• White pine material

This three-tier bamboo basket is big enough to fit approximately four small dim sum dishes in each basket. Skip the fat and oil. Just add a slice of lemon (or lemon juice) and/or a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Let the seasoning and the steam work their magic to prepare your next meal. In an estimated five to 12 minutes, the food should be cooked to perfection.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

According to WineFolly.com, two of the best wines to drink while eating sushi are Provençal Rosé and Grüner Veltliner. Other cooking sites suggest steaming with wine. Be prepared for staining at the bottom of the bamboo steamer should you decide to do it. Maybe it’s worth the duo-taste combination though.

9. Bamboo Steamer

 

Tofu is one of those foods that if not cooked correctly, it just tastes like unsweetened marshmallows. Of course vegans know the difference between silken tofu, firm tofu and extra firm tofu. While it can be baked or fried, steaming tofu is often a crowd favorite too.

Key Features

• 10 inches x 10 inches x 6.7 inches
• 100 percent eco-friendly bamboo
• e-Book, user guide and recipes included
• Two-tier stackable baskets

If you’re not sure where to start with this natural, handmade bamboo steamer, the free e-book with six recipes, a how-to guide and a cheat sheet can get you initiated.

With the tofu mentioned above, this bamboo steamer can keep the necessary moisture in it with any desire spices. Just make sure to drain tofu correctly before using a bamboo steamer such as this one.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

If this Bamboo Steamer isn’t the right steamer for you, there is a lifelong money-back guarantee.

 10. Flexzion Bamboo Steamer Basket

While this steamer basket doesn’t have to be used as a serving dish, it’s pretty enough to sit in the middle of the table to eat out of. Grab some chopsticks and go to food town.

Key Features

• 8 inches x 5.3 inches
• Two-tier stackable baskets
• Water resistant

In addition to the bamboo steamer, the package also includes approximately 50 steamer liners and two pairs of chopsticks.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

Sturdy and water resistant, this bamboo steamer is perfect for preparing meats, vegetables and more. If cleaned correctly and left out to air dry, this will eliminate concerns about mold and (hopefully) leftover food smells.

11. JapanBargain Bamboo Cooking Steamer Set

In addition to making sure your bamboo steamer is properly cleaned and air dried, placement of food matters too. Foods that take longer to cook should be on the bottom steamer basket (ex. fish or meat). Foods that take less time to cook (ex. vegetables) can be prepared on the top basket.

Key Features

• Two-tier stackable baskets
• 3 inches x 10.2 inches x 7 inches

This two-tier basket can prepare multiple foods at once. Just make sure foods such as dumplings are spread out far enough that they don’t stick together, even if they are already on cheesecloth, etc.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)
• Several bamboo steamer reviews confirm the bottom basket unraveled after a few uses

Although there doesn’t appear to be any warranty on the product, the manufacturer JapanBargain may be helpful for cookware tips.

12. Joyce Chen Bamboo Steamer

In two-tiered baskets, and with foods that require the same amount of time to prepare, you may find that swapping the stackable baskets helps to expedite the cooking time. This also may become a handy cookware tip to avoid too much heat on whichever one is considered the “bottom” basket.

Key Features

• Two-tier stackable baskets
• 12 inches x 12 inches x 6.3 inches

The eco-friendly material used for bamboo steamers such as this one are made from grass, not wood, which has been a useful way to cook and a great way to save trees too. And unlike wood, bamboo is stronger than wood but bendable enough to twist and turn into such beautiful baskets.

Cons

• Not suitable for dishwasher (Use vinegar, soap and water to clean instead)

Joyce Chen, the manufacturer of this bamboo steamer, started her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958. And since the 1970s, she has hosted a cooking show, created Chinese cookbooks, released cookware under her own name and has videos galore on best cooking tips. Whether you choose this bamboo steamer or another, looking up her name for best cooking care tips is a good way to stay creative with food ideas.

Bottom Line

While there is a valid argument to be made about whether a bamboo steamer is best used in a wok, skillet or a shallow pan, that decision is totally up to you. The goal is to be able to prepare your food without burning or ruining the bottom of the bamboo steamer. Chef Helen Chen makes a reasonable point about how using nonstick pans with bamboo steamers may wear out the materials of both products. However, keeping a watchful eye on the water level can also make a difference. Make sure to carefully clean your bamboo steamer by hand after each meal and remove all remnants of food. As mentioned previously (review number four), cleaning before first use is always a good idea, too, to avoid that woodsy taste. (The same can be said for new grills and new pots and pans. Because they are handled quite often and may be out on vendor tables, soaking and cleaning before use is not only good for food hygiene but also a valid safety concern.) As with other cooking utensils, proper maintenance will help to keep your cookware around for a longer amount of time.