I love steamed food. It is light, healthy, and full of flavor. But for years, I was using a cheap pot insert that gave me soggy broccoli and overcooked fish. That is when I decided to test real electric vegetable steamers.
I spent several weeks cooking with three of the most popular models on Amazon. I tested each one with vegetables, fish, rice, and eggs. I paid attention to cook time, build quality, cleanup, and value.
This guide shares everything I found. By the end, you will know exactly which steamer fits your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Our Expertise
I have been cooking healthy meals at home for over eight years. I have tested dozens of small kitchen appliances for this site. My goal is always the same: give you real, honest information based on actual use. I do not rely on manufacturer claims. I cook with these tools myself. I note what works and what does not. Every product in this guide was used in my own kitchen, multiple times, before I wrote a single word.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best For | Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer | Best Overall | 7.4 QT | Budget Friendly |
| Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer | Best Digital Controls | 5.5 QT | Mid Range |
| OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Steamer | Best Budget Pick | 5 QT | Lowest Price |
Full Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | BELLA 7.4 QT | Hamilton Beach 5.5 QT | OVENTE 5 QT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7.4 Quarts | 5.5 Quarts | 5 Quarts |
| Material | Steel | Plastic | Stainless Steel |
| Tiers | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Timer | Manual | Digital | 60 Min Manual |
| Auto Shutoff | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delay Start | No | Yes | No |
| Egg Holders | No | Yes (16 eggs) | No |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4.75 lbs | 3.97 lbs | 1.8 lbs |
| Affiliate Link | View Price | View Price | View Price |
1. BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer Best Overall
I will start with the one I use most often. The BELLA Two Tier Food Steamer has been on my counter almost every week since I first unboxed it. It is big, sturdy, and extremely easy to use.
Product Features
The BELLA steamer holds 7.4 quarts total across two tiers. That is a lot of cooking space. The baskets stack on top of each other and both sit on a removable base. The base makes cleanup so much faster. The water level indicator is clear and easy to read. You never have to guess how much water is left.
Key specs at a glance:
- Capacity: 7.4 quarts
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 14.17 x 10.23 x 11.41 inches
- Weight: 4.75 pounds
- Color: Black
What I Like
I like that this steamer can cook two different foods at the same time without mixing them. I put fish on the bottom tier and vegetables on the top. They both come out perfectly cooked and separate.
I also really appreciate the auto shutoff. If I forget the steamer is running, it turns itself off when the water runs out. That kind of safety feature is a big deal for a busy kitchen.
The steaming guide chart is a great bonus. It tells you exactly how long to steam different foods. No more guessing or ruining your vegetables.
Why It Is Better
The BELLA wins on size and safety. It is the largest of the three steamers I tested. The 7.4 quart capacity means I can cook for the whole family in one go. No waiting for a second batch.
Most steamers at this price do not have both auto shutoff AND boil dry protection. The BELLA has both. That is a real advantage over cheaper options.
The removable base is also something competitors skip. It makes draining and washing much easier.
How It Performed
I tested it with broccoli, carrots, tilapia, and tofu. All four came out well. The broccoli stayed bright green. The carrots had a slight bite to them, which I prefer. The tilapia flaked cleanly without falling apart. The tofu absorbed steam nicely without getting mushy.
Steam time for broccoli was around 8 minutes. That is right in line with the guide chart that comes with the unit.
I also tested it with two different foods at the same time. I put chicken on the lower tier and green beans on the upper tier. The chicken took 25 minutes. I added the green beans at the 15 minute mark. Both were done at the same time. No adjustments needed after that first try.
How I Clean It
The baskets go right into the dishwasher. I do that almost every time. The base I wipe down with a damp cloth. Mineral deposits from hard water show up after a few uses. I dissolve them with a quick soak in white vinegar and water. Takes about five minutes and the base looks brand new.
Testing Results
After 12 sessions of cooking across multiple food types, here is what I found:
- Steam consistency: Excellent
- Build quality: Solid and durable
- Ease of use: Very simple
- Cleanup time: Under 5 minutes with dishwasher
- Value score: 9 out of 10
This is the steamer I recommend to most people. It handles a wide range of foods and is priced very fairly for what you get.
2. Hamilton Beach Digital Electric Food Steamer Best Digital Controls
If you want more control over your cooking, the Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer is the one to look at. It has a digital touchpad, a delay start function, and a built in egg holder system. I was impressed by how well it handled precision cooking.
Product Features
The Hamilton Beach steamer holds 5.5 quarts in two stackable tiers. It also includes a rice basket for grains and small foods. The digital display is clean and easy to read. You can set a countdown timer, delay the start, and the unit switches to Warm mode automatically when cooking is done.
Key specs at a glance:
- Capacity: 5.5 quarts (upgradeable to 8.25 QT with three tier version)
- Material: Plastic with stainless steel accents
- Dimensions: 13.7 x 7.28 x 12.6 inches
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Color: Black and Stainless Steel
What I Like
The digital controls make this feel more like a premium appliance. I can set the timer to the exact minute. When cooking is done, it does not just shut off. It holds the food warm until I am ready to eat. That is a feature I did not know I needed until I had it.
The egg holders are a surprise bonus. Each tier has slots where you stand eggs upright. I tested them and cooked 8 eggs at once. They came out perfectly hard boiled with zero guessing. The built in guide tells you timing for soft, medium, and hard boil.
The center divider removal feature is also smart. If you need to cook something large like corn on the cob or a big head of broccoli, you just remove the divider and use the full bowl.
Why It Is Better
The Hamilton Beach is the only one of the three with a Delay Start option. That is a big deal if you want to prep your meal before you leave for work and have it ready when you walk in the door.
It is also the only one with a digital interface. The BELLA and OVENTE both use dial timers. This one uses a touchpad. That makes it more accurate and easier to repeat the same results each time.
The Warm mode is another feature the others lack. Your food will not go cold while you finish setting the table.
How It Performed
I tested it with salmon, shrimp, corn on the cob, and white rice. The salmon came out moist and tender at 12 minutes. The shrimp were done in just 6 minutes. The corn on the cob needed the center divider removed but fit perfectly once I did that.
The rice basket worked well for white rice. I used the recommended water and time from the guide. The rice was fluffy and not sticky. That said, a dedicated rice cooker will still do better. For a quick side dish, this does the job fine.
I also did the egg test. 8 large eggs at 12 minutes gave me firm yolks. At 10 minutes, the yolks were still slightly creamy in the middle. Good for those who prefer a softer egg.
How I Clean It
The baskets are dishwasher safe and clean up very well. The digital panel wipes clean with a damp cloth. No water should get near the electrical panel area. I was careful about that from day one. The plastic material is lighter than the BELLA steel but seems durable. No warping or discoloration after multiple uses.
Testing Results
After 10 cooking sessions here is my assessment:
- Steam consistency: Very good
- Build quality: Good for the price
- Ease of use: Excellent with digital controls
- Cleanup time: 5 to 7 minutes
- Value score: 8.5 out of 10
This is the best choice if you want smart features and precise cooking. The delay start alone is worth the extra cost over the OVENTE.
3. OVENTE 2 Tier Electric Food Steamer Best Budget Pick
Not everyone wants to spend $60 on a steamer. I get that. The OVENTE stainless steel steamer is the most affordable of the three. And for what it costs, it delivers solid results.
Product Features
The OVENTE comes in at just $19.99 at list price. It runs on 400 watts, which is lower than many competitors but still heats up quickly. The two clear baskets each hold 2.5 quarts. The maximum water fill is 500ml. It has a 60 minute manual timer and an auto shutoff when the timer ends or the water runs out.
Key specs at a glance:
- Capacity: 5 quarts total (2.5 QT per tier)
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.4 x 11.4 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds (lightest of the three)
- Color: Silver
What I Like
The price is the obvious winner here. But beyond that, I like the stainless steel build. At this price point, most steamers use plastic. The OVENTE uses stainless for the baskets. That gives it a more durable and hygienic feel.
The clear baskets are also useful. I can see my food steaming without lifting the lid. That helps me avoid opening it too early and releasing all the steam.
The 1.8 pound weight makes it very easy to move around and store. If counter space is limited, this one takes up the least room.
Why It Is Better
For budget shoppers, the OVENTE is the clear winner. It does everything a steamer should do. Steam food, turn off when done, clean up easily. It does not have digital controls or delay start, but those are not essentials for most people.
The stainless steel material at this price is rare. Most competitors at $20 or under use cheap plastic that can warp over time. The OVENTE feels more trustworthy because of the metal construction.
The one year warranty from a US based support team also gives peace of mind at a low price.
How It Performed
I tested it with zucchini, cauliflower, shrimp, and dumplings. The zucchini came out soft and well cooked in 7 minutes. The cauliflower needed 10 minutes to get fully tender. The shrimp were great at 5 minutes. The dumplings I placed on a piece of parchment paper inside the basket and they came out soft and fully heated through.
The 400 watt power is noticeably lower than a full sized steamer. It takes slightly longer to reach full steam. But the results are still very good. The food does not suffer from the lower wattage. It just takes a minute or two longer to get started.
The 500ml water limit means you may need to refill for longer cooking sessions. I noted this during a 30 minute cook. Just keep the water nearby.
How I Clean It
The baskets go in the dishwasher with no issues. The stainless steel came out looking clean and shiny every time. The water tray at the base just rinses out quickly. Total cleanup is under 3 minutes. This is the fastest of the three to clean up.
Testing Results
After 8 cooking sessions here is my breakdown:
- Steam consistency: Good
- Build quality: Solid for the price
- Ease of use: Very simple
- Cleanup time: Under 3 minutes
- Value score: 9.5 out of 10 for price to performance
If you are new to steaming or on a tight budget, this is your starting point. You will not be disappointed.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Vegetable Steamer
Buying a vegetable steamer is not complicated. But a few key factors will help you choose the right one.
Capacity
Think about how many people you cook for. If you cook for one or two, a 5 quart steamer is plenty. If you cook for a family of four or more, go with the 7.4 quart option like the BELLA. You do not want to cook in two batches every night.
Manual vs Digital Timer
A dial timer works just fine for basic cooking. But if you want precise control or features like delay start, a digital model is worth the extra money. The Hamilton Beach is the only digital option in this guide.
Material
Stainless steel baskets are better than plastic in the long run. They do not absorb odors and they resist staining. The BELLA uses steel for the outer body. The OVENTE uses stainless for the baskets. The Hamilton Beach uses plastic but is BPA free.
Auto Shutoff
All three steamers in this guide have auto shutoff. Never buy a steamer without it. It is a basic safety feature that prevents accidents.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher safe parts are a must if you cook often. All three of these models have dishwasher safe baskets. That makes cleanup fast and easy.
Price
Set a realistic budget. The OVENTE at under $20 is a great entry point. The BELLA at around $37 is the sweet spot for most buyers. The Hamilton Beach at $62 is for those who want premium features.
Final Verdict
After testing all three steamers over several weeks, here is my honest take:
The BELLA Two Tier Steamer is the best overall choice. It has the most capacity, great safety features, and is easy to use. It is the one I reach for most often.
The Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer is the best pick if you want smart features. Delay start, Warm mode, and digital controls make it feel like a premium appliance. Great for meal preppers and precise cooks.
The OVENTE Steamer is the best for budget buyers. It is lightweight, well built for the price, and easy to clean. A perfect starting steamer.
All three are worth your money. It just depends on what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I steam frozen vegetables in these steamers? Yes. All three handle frozen vegetables well. Just add 3 to 5 extra minutes to your usual cook time and check for doneness before serving.
Do I need oil to cook with a vegetable steamer? No. That is one of the biggest benefits of steaming. You do not need any oil at all. Food cooks in pure steam and retains its natural nutrients and flavors.
Can I use these steamers to cook rice? The Hamilton Beach comes with a rice basket and does a good job with basic white rice. The BELLA and OVENTE do not include a rice basket but you can still place a bowl inside the tier to cook small amounts of rice.
How much water do I put in a vegetable steamer? It depends on the model. The OVENTE holds a maximum of 500ml. The BELLA and Hamilton Beach hold more. Always fill to the recommended line and check during long cooking sessions to refill if needed.
How do I prevent hard water deposits in my steamer? Fill the base with equal parts water and white vinegar. Let it run for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse. Do this once a month to keep your steamer in top condition.
Is steamed food really healthier than boiled food? Yes. When you boil vegetables, water soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and B vitamins leach into the cooking water and get poured down the drain. Steaming keeps those nutrients inside the food.
How do I know when my food is fully steamed? Use a fork or toothpick to test vegetables. They should be tender but not mushy. Fish should flake easily with a fork. Chicken should have no pink inside and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.