If you are looking for the best bamboo steamer baskets and want to know how to buy them, you have landed on the right page. So let's embark on this journey together.
A bamboo steamer basket is a cookware that uses steam to cook your food. If we look back at history, Chinese people introduced it by crafting bamboo into a steamer basket.
Why Chinese? The answer lies in where geographically China is placed. The statistical data for the year 2021 shows that China alone has exported about 75% of the world's total bamboo exports, and about 300 varieties of bamboo reside in China. So it tells you that they have bamboo in abundance. Plus, the characteristics of bamboo make it a perfect cookware tool. It is light, absorbs condensation, is water resistant, heat resistant, cheap, and most importantly, has non-toxic or non-harmful properties. Not to mention that bamboo cookware is highly sustainable too.
There is an economic side to that as well. Back when this method was learned, resources and technology were scarce. Since it doesn't require oil or butter to cook food, it is the most efficient, fast, and easy way of cooking. The most common misconception about bamboo steamer baskets is that you can only make dumplings, which is wrong. In reality, you can cook vegetables, rice, fish, chicken, mutton, and even beef in it.
This cooking technique heavily influences countries situated in the East Asia zone. You need to know how to cook food with this system to get the best out of it. It uses a different science and is very different from other cooking methods. The best part about steam cooking is that it is the healthiest cooking method so far, and it is one of the reasons that bamboo steamer baskets are becoming popular worldwide.
How We Chose our Top Bamboo Steamer Baskets
We use the simple principle of listening to and following the advice of an expert. Who knows better about bamboo basket steamers than the Chinese themselves? After all, the Chinese pioneered this cooking method a thousand years ago and have continued to perfect their steam cooking techniques throughout the years.
A bamboo basket steamer is the healthiest cooking method, as it contains no toxins during the cooking process. So, it was a no-brainer for us to choose steamer baskets without chemical treatments. Some producers use chemicals to improve the service life of their products, but bamboo steamers were meant to last only a short time. The use of chemicals also takes out the specific aroma that you get from bamboo steamers.
Then, we looked at the diameter of the basket, it should not be too big that it becomes a problem to fit on a wok pan, and in the same way, it should not be too small that with only 2 or 3 dim sums it feels they are squishing with each other. After that, we looked into how properly the basket is slatted and the vertical gap between one basket to another. Lastly, how many baskets does it comes with?
1. Joyce Chen Bamboo Steamer
This large steamer is 100% made up of sustainable bamboo. The reason behind calling this bamboo steamer basket "large" is because of its 12-inch diameter basket. This steamer basket is a perfect cookware item when you want to quickly serve healthy meals for large gatherings. It is all possible because of its ample accommodation space.
The other beautiful thing about this product is that it consists of two steamer baskets. It means you can cook two different foods simultaneously, producing more food in less time.
The slate of the baskets is evenly spaced, which allows steam to flow smoothly across both baskets without getting trapped in one place. In this way, the wooden lid of the basket helps steam circulate; so that the food gets done as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, this Joyce Chen product did not use any chemicals, just plain bamboo, and that's it. It ensures we cook our food in the healthiest way possible. It is better to hand wash this cookware item for the best results.
This is a perfect bamboo steamer basket to buy if you are willing to look over the fact that it does not come with any accessories.
Why We Love It
- One hundred percent made with sustainable and natural bamboo.
- Perfect for serving food to larger gatherings.
- Comes with two baskets.
- The smooth flow of steam makes for perfectly cooked food.
What You Should Know
- It does not come with any accessories.
2. HCooker Bamboo Steamer Basket
Not only do we all know that cooking under steam makes you retain most of your food nutrients, but it is also the most economical and efficient way of cooking your food. This is because you only require boiling water to cook your meal. Nothing like canola or olive oil sort of thing is needed.
So, to up the game, the Hcooker came up with this model, which combines two different materials and gets the best of both worlds. It uses stainless steel to be able to extra pack the steam inside the basket, which helps you cook faster and makes the product stronger physically. In addition, stainless steel helps keep the steamer basket's wooden rims from scorching and splitting.
The other item Hcooker uses with stainless steel is bamboo, which gives better anti-condensation inside the basket that saves food from unnecessary moisture. Also, bamboo is an organic and non-toxic material that brings a specific flavor and aroma to food.
It comes in different sizes, and you can choose it according to your preference. This cookware item can consist of two or even three-tiered steamer baskets that allow you to be even more multitasking and cook several dishes at a time.
Along with that, you get a carbonized version of bamboo chopsticks and three reusable cotton liners. These are essential to place over your basket slate, so your food doesn't stick. Again, it is advisable to hand wash this item and try to use only water.
The only downside to this product is that it is not a traditional bamboo steamer basket, and since it uses stainless steel, there is a chance that you won't get the authentic bamboo steamer flavor in your food.
Why We Love It
- Perfect for those who want the best of both worlds, as stainless steel packs the extra steam inside the basket.
- Comes with carbonized bamboo chopsticks and three reusable cotton liners.
- Comes with one chopstick set and three reusable cotton liners.
What You Should Know
- There may be better choices if you are looking for a traditional bamboo steamer and want an authentic taste.
3. i-PlayLoft Bamboo Steamer Basket
This bamboo steamer basket uses 100% only premium quality bamboo that gives you the experience of high-quality steam cooking. Besides using premium quality materials, i-PlayLoft only employs highly skilled bamboo artisans to make this stylish steamer basket.
The craftsmanship of this product is at another level because the process of making this bamboo steamer is strictly restricted to century-old traditional methods. By following this production technique, you produce only a handful of units, but the quality and finish of the product differ from others.
This steamer basket has an immense depth, allowing you to make a bun or dim sum as big as possible.
The diameter of the basket comes in the popular 10-inch size, which, more often than not, fits perfectly over the boiling pan and has enough space to take on a sizable amount of buns without getting congested—at the same time, providing enough gaps that allow steam to flow through it. It is a 2-tier steamer basket that helps you save time by allowing you to cook different foods at once.
This bamboo steamer basket is accompanied by a guidebook that teaches you what to cook and how to cook. You get two sets of chopsticks and a single sauce plate. Twenty wax steamer liners protect your food from getting stuck on basket beds. It is better to clean the basket thoroughly soon after cooking.
Why We Love It
- Made with premium quality bamboo.
- One of the most authentic bamboo steamer baskets is perfect for those looking for authentic flavors.
- Great for making dense buns and dim sun.
What You Should Know
- This steamer basket requires strict maintenance, and you should clean it as soon as you are done cooking with it.
4. BirdRock Home Bamboo Steamer
BirdRock is your all-natural way to take your meals to the next level. Their 2-tier bamboo steamer basket is made of 100% bamboo for a sustainable, eco-friendly solution that won't let you down.
With the two tiers, you can cook multiple foods all at once—from vegetables and grains to meat and fish. Just pop on the woven lid top and rely on the steam vents to circulate hot air between the tiers, so everything is cooked perfectly and efficiently.
Plus, this 10-inch bamboo steamer keeps in the heat, so all your dishes cook quickly, no matter how much (or how little) you're making! So if you want an easy way to make delicious meals every single time, BirdRock is definitely the steamer basket worth checking out.
Why We Love It
- 100% natural Chinese bamboo steamer.
- Classic 10-inch, 2-tier design.
- No sticking.
What You Should Know
- Some consumers have experienced this bamboo steamer to be fragile; just remember, handle it with care.
5. Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket
This Prime Home Direct bamboo steamer features a simple design, but it does its job effectively. It is arguably one of the best bamboo steamers your money can buy. What is significant is that it uses 100% organic bamboo for its making. Every binding and joining of a steamer basket is done using bamboo. The slatted bed of the basket is just fine. It allows food to sit over it, and all the while, it lets steam access the basket without any obstructions. The basket's lid consists of a loop at the top, so you can do it with a single hand when you want to lift it.
The basket's diameter is 10 inches—a perfect size for steaming food for two to three people. But if you want it for four to five people, don't worry. You can make it on the second steamer basket, which can stack on top of the first one, making this product a two-tiered one.
Use your hands to wash this product, as the dishwasher can damage it while washing it. Plus, it is wise not to use chemical cleaning detergent while washing. There is a herbal way as well, which is explained by the manufacturer. This product comes with 50 sheets of steamer liners, two sets of chopsticks, and one sauce dish. Accessories that are crucial when you do steam cooking. It is one of the finest bamboo steamer baskets with a very reasonable price tag.
Why We Love It
- Simple but effective design delivering steamed food.
- Made with 100 percent organic bamboo.
- Perfect for cooking for two to three people.
- Comes with 50 sheets of steam liners, two sets of chopsticks, and one sauce dish.
What You Should Know
- Not suitable for dishwashers.
Things to consider before buying the best bamboo steamer
The number of baskets :
Consider choosing a steamer that comes with at least more than one basket. A single-basket steamer limits you to cook only one dish at a time. A stackable steamer basket enables you to cook two completely different dishes simultaneously.
But there is a method to use a steamer basket which consists of two or three baskets. The basket closest to the wok pan is the hottest, and the basket furthest away from the pan has the least heat intensity. So, the dish that takes longer to cook should be placed in the bottommost basket. On the other hand, meals that take less time to cook should be placed at the top.
Slat and depth space:
Each bamboo steamer basket is built with slatted bamboo that allows access to steam. The bamboo slate must be narrow enough or narrow enough, and any extreme would damage the cooking process. The same goes for the depth of space. Traditional steamer baskets should have enough vertical space to fit dumplings without getting squeezed from the top.
Diameter:
The size of a diameter plays a critical role in steam cooking. Especially if you are cooking buns or dumplings, because they cannot squish into each other otherwise, they will not cook properly or lose their shape. Therefore, it is critical to consider the size of your wok pan or fry pan on which your bamboo basket steamer sits.
If the basket steamer is wider than the size of your boiling pot, then it becomes impossible to prepare your food over it. To get proper steam cooking, ensure the bottom rim of the basket is in contact with boiling water. However, boiling water should not touch the steamer's bottom bed or boot.
Material:
In the same way as any other equipment, bamboo steamer baskets also undergo development over time. It is traditional to make steamer baskets entirely out of bamboo, whether it is installing an outer steamer ring for durability or a unique technique to drive out moisture that keeps the basket mold-free. But nowadays, some manufacturers use stainless steel wires to weave the joints for extra strength. Some take it one step further and use an entirely stainless steel outer ring to achieve maximum durability.
Recently many producers have applied special anti-mold coatings to their products, which makes them no longer chemical-free cookware. Innovations have advantages and disadvantages, but the traditional hand-made bamboo steamer basket is still the most popular choice among the masses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bamboo Steamer Baskets
Steaming food is a great way to cook without adding any extra fat or oils, but it can be hard to know how to use a bamboo steamer basket correctly.
A lot of people are confused about how to use a bamboo steamer basket, so they give up on this healthy cooking method altogether.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about bamboo steamer baskets. By answering these questions, we hope to clear up any confusion and help you start enjoying delicious, healthful steamed meals.
What is the best size bamboo steamer?
The best size bamboo steamer for use in the home kitchen will depend on your personal needs. If you plan to steam food for a single individual or couple, an 8-inch diameter steamer may be sufficient. However, if you plan to cook for a family or host dinner parties, larger 10-inch and 12-inch bamboo steamers will likely be necessary. The number of tiers available also plays an important role in determining the best size steamer for your needs. For instance, two-tier steamers are the most common and provide enough space to prepare multiple dishes at once. Additionally, some three-tier steamers can be stacked together to provide more capacity when needed.
Are bamboo steamers worth it?
Bamboo steamers are definitely worth it. A bamboo steamer can be an incredibly helpful tool for those looking for an easy and convenient way to cook their favorite meals. Not only does it allow you to cook food quickly and easily, but its natural properties also make it great for preserving the nutrients in your food. The bamboo steamer is also very durable, being made with sturdy materials that will last for years of regular use. Additionally, it's more environmentally friendly than other steamers since it doesn't require electricity or gas. And since the bamboo steamer is relatively inexpensive, it makes a great addition to any kitchen without breaking the bank. Overall, bamboo steamers offer a versatile and cost-effective way of cooking nutritious meals while being kinder to the environment.
Is a bamboo steamer better than a metal one?
When it comes to choosing between a bamboo steamer and a metal one, there is no single definitive answer. Both options have their unique advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different culinary tasks. Most bamboo steamers are known for their lightweight construction, making them easy to transport and store. They also absorb moisture from the air, meaning the food cooked in them is not as greasy as it can be when cooked in metal steamers. Furthermore, they are more affordable than metal ones, making them ideal if you're on a budget.
On the other hand, metal steamers are generally more durable and heat up quicker than bamboo steamers, so your food cooks faster. They are also less likely to stain or develop mold due to their non-porous nature. Additionally, they usually come with accessories like lids or racks that simplify the cooking process even further. Ultimately, which option is better depends on individual needs and preferences. Metal steamers might be preferred by those who enjoy cooking quickly and efficiently, while bamboo steamers may be a better choice for those looking for something lighter and more cost-effective.
Do I need liners with a bamboo steamer?
Whether or not you need liners with a bamboo steamer depends on what type of food you plan on steaming. Generally, suppose you are cooking vegetables, fish, or dim sum in your bamboo steamer. In that case, it is recommended to use liner paper or parchment paper, as this will help ensure that the food does not stick to the basket. However, if you are steaming meat, dumplings, or other items that tend to be more delicate and could potentially fall apart during the cooking process, then using a bamboo liner can help keep these items together. Additionally, a bamboo liner can be useful for preventing any of the flavors from your foods from leaking into each other and helping to keep your food warm once it is cooked. Overall, whether or not you choose to use a bamboo liner when steaming is up to personal preference and what kind of food you plan on cooking.
What are the disadvantages of the bamboo steamer?
One of the main drawbacks to using a bamboo steamer is that it can be difficult to clean and maintain. As bamboo is a natural material, it absorbs moisture and oils from the food being cooked and from the steam. This can lead to bacteria build-up in the steamer, which could be dangerous if not cleaned properly. Additionally, if the steamer is left wet for long periods of time, it can cause warping or splitting. It's important to remember that bamboo steamers should never be washed with abrasive cleaning agents or soaked in water for extended periods; only wash your bamboo steamer with warm water.
How do I choose a bamboo steamer?
Choosing a bamboo steamer can be intimidating, especially if you are unfamiliar with the different types and sizes available. Before you purchase a bamboo steamer, several factors must be considered. First and foremost, it is important to determine what size of bamboo steamer you need based on the amount of food you plan to prepare. Additionally, consider how often you plan on using your bamboo steamer and if you will need a more durable model than just one designed for occasional use. Another factor to consider when selecting your bamboo steamer is the type of lid that it comes with. Also, ensure that the handle on your bamboo steamer is securely attached, as this will ensure that it won't become loose or fall off when in use. Finally, look at the design and construction quality of the bamboo steamer before making your final decision. Ensure that all parts fit together properly and check for damaged pieces, as this could potentially cause injury or damage to food items during use.
What Option of Bamboo Steamer Baskets is Best for You?
We hope this article has given some clarity on what bamboo steamer basket you want in your home.
Remember, what works for one consumer, may only work for some. The best way to know if the bamboo steamer basket is right for you and your home is by researching and trying it yourself.
With these tips in mind, we are sure you will find the perfect bamboo steamer basket that meets all your needs!
Items reviewed:
2. HCooker Bamboo Steamer Basket
3. i-PlayLoft Bamboo Steamer Basket
