Garden season is here and that means that it is time to think about what you are going to do with all those delectable treats from yours. Vegetables are a stable of healthy eating, but eating them raw all the time can lead to boredom in your food.  With so many ways to prepare these garden delights, it is often hard to choose which is best. Steaming is a good option, though it can be tedious if done without some help. That is why we are going to be looking for the best steam cooker to fit your needs.

Viante CUC-30ST Intellisteam Counter Top Food Steamer

This is the best steamer if you are hosting a party and need to make more than one dish at a time. With three compartments that can be regulated to different settings, this is the garden party host’s dream. Each section has its own temperature and timer setting so that you can get everything just right.  In addition it also sets the start times so that everything is finished at the same time, even if one needs longer than the other. This means that no dish gets cold while it waits for the other to cook.

Pros

• Separate settings and compartments
• Dishwasher safe
• User friendly

Cons

• Divider can get in way of lids
• Takes up a lot of counter space
• Heavy

Black & Decker HS1000 Handy Steamer

This machine is made just not for steaming veggies, but also for making rice. It is much simpler than the previous one, with a timer and a simple water gauge, making it the best steamer for those who don’t want the bells and whistles and just want their food done quickly.  It has a built in flavor screen so that if you want to add a little bit of spice or some herbs to you meal, you can do so easily.

Pros

• Simple
• Multifunction
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Handle on rice bowl can break if care is not used
• Lid needs some force to be secured
• Small capacity

Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer

This is a double decker machine, with the ability to get more done at once. With a removable tray, it can also be used for larger foods, such as corn on the cob. The beauty of this steamer is that is it switches to warm when the food is ready, so that if you don’t get right to it, you food doesn’t become cold and unappealing. This is the best steamer for the parent trying to get kids to the table before dinner is served.

Pros

• Large capacity
• Warming feature
• User friendly panel

Cons

• Cord is very short
• Holes in basket are a little too large
• Lid can be loose

Oster 5711 Mechanical Food Steamer

This is another simple model, but also has the double level feature.  This machine comes with three 4/5 quarts steaming bowls, two 3/10 quart steaming bowls, and trays that collapse and one of those is an 8 egg holder.  One of the things that make this the best steamer is its multiple functions and is perfect for someone who wants an appliance that does more than one job. A delightful option for fish, eggs, veggies and rice, this is an all in one steamer.

Pros

• Multifunction
• Easy to clean
• Speedy

Cons

• Must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent mold
• Difficult to assemble after cleaning
• Cannot shorten timer once it is set

Black & Decker HS900

This steamer is the best steamer for someone wanting to make just for themselves.  With a rice cooker option and a basket to separate the 4 quart container into two sections, you can cook the majority of your meal at the same time.  With its simple design and easy dishwasher safe parts, it makes cleaning up a breeze.

Pros

• User friendly
• Multifunction
• Easily fits on counter

Cons

• Small capacity
• Short cord
• Slower

Having options is important and hopefully these five options have helped you to find the best steamer for you.