10 Best Steam Cookers 2026 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker, RC506, is a compact and versatile kitchen appliance ideal for cooking rice and steaming food. It has a 6-cup capacity, which is sufficient for small to medium-sized families and allows for cooking leftovers as well. The inclusion of a steaming basket is a big plus, enabling healthy meal preparation with vegetables, fish, and more.

Its nonstick rice pot is removable and dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean, which is a significant advantage for busy users. The control type is manual with a one-touch operation, which simplifies use but lacks advanced settings that some users might prefer. The automatic keep-warm function ensures the rice stays ready to serve even if you don't serve it immediately after cooking.

Made predominantly of plastic, the durability might be a concern, but it does keep the appliance lightweight at 2 pounds. The tempered glass lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without lifting it. Additional features like the included measuring cup and plastic serving spoon are thoughtful touches that enhance user convenience. However, the cooker has only one tier, which limits simultaneous cooking of multiple items. This rice cooker is best suited for those looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use appliance for basic rice cooking and steaming needs.

The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice and Slow Cooker & Food Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines multiple cooking functions in one device. Its 4.5-quart capacity (which can cook up to 20 cups of rice) makes it suitable for families or those who often cook in larger quantities. While it doesn't have multiple tiers, it comes with a steaming basket that allows you to steam vegetables and other foods alongside rice, enhancing its usefulness as a steam cooker. Made of stainless steel, the cooker is durable and features a nonstick ceramic-coated pot that’s removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.

The digital controls are user-friendly with 14 pre-programmed settings including options for rice types, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming, plus a delay start feature for cooking flexibility. This makes it more versatile than many basic steam cookers, covering a range of meal types beyond steaming alone. However, at 7.4 pounds and with dimensions just over 10 inches in each direction, it’s a bit bulky, so it requires some counter or storage space. The device uses 700 watts of power, which is typical for this category.

While it lacks multiple tiers for steaming larger or varied food portions at once, its included steaming basket is practical for everyday use. If you want a multi-use cooker that steams well but also does slow cooking, sautéing, and more, this model fits well. Those needing a compact, simple dedicated steamer might find it more than they need, but its programmability and capacity make it a solid choice for diverse cooking needs.

The Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance ideal for families or those who entertain often. With a generous 5-quart capacity, it can hold up to 20 cups of cooked rice, making it suitable for large meals.

The device features 10 smart cooking modes, including options for rice, grains, soup, oatmeal, and even cake, which simplifies meal preparation by handling various cooking tasks with the push of a button. The Sauté-then-Simmer technology is particularly noteworthy, allowing you to sear and sauté ingredients before simmering them, enhancing the flavor profile of your dishes. Additionally, the 15-hour delay timer adds convenience, enabling you to prepare meals in advance and cook them according to your schedule.

Cleanup is straightforward, as all removable parts are dishwasher-safe and the smooth coating prevents food from sticking. Despite its many strengths, some potential drawbacks include its aluminum construction, which may not be as durable as stainless steel, and its reliance on a corded electric power source, which may limit portability. The control type is digital, which is user-friendly, but could present a learning curve for those unfamiliar with digital interfaces.