9 Best Food Steamers In Singapore 2023 – Easy Home Cooking
Whether you eat meat or vegetables, the best food steamer in Singapore will help you keep your weight in check by excluding the need for cooking oil!
Moreover, steaming food retains nutrients from food better – this includes steaming rather than boiling vegetables like broccoli.
You can use a wok or any pot with a wide base to steam food but electric steamers in Singapore take it one step further and do away with the need for supervision since they have timers. Multiple tiers allow you to cook more than one dish too!
See our recommendations for food steamers below:
9 Best Food Steamers In Singapore 2023
- Best Overall Food Steamer – Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451
- Best Feature Packed Food Steamer – Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer
- Best Budget Plastic Food Steamer (Under S$50) – Cornell Daily Food Steamer CS-201
- Best Food Steamer For Large Families (25L) – Cornell Electric Food Steamer CFS-EL20L
- Best Stainless Steel Food Steamer For Small to Mid Families (5L) – Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451
- Best Space-Saving Food Steamer – Bear Electric Steamer DZG-240GA
- Best Personal Food Steamer – PowerPac Food steamer 2.5L PPS706
- Best Food Steamer (With Steamboat) – IONA 6L Food Steamer GLMC1830
- Best Food Steamer For Stove Top – WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer
1. Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451
Despite not having a keep warm function:
The Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451 is a practical and easy-to-use food steamer for households of 3 to 5 pax. Who don’t have time to supervise the cooking!
As it will automatically switch off once selected time is reached. You can cook rice in 30 minutes with this food steamer.
It has 2 trays (diameters around 24cm), but it’s possible to fit a smaller rack in to increase the cooking capacity.
Even 1 tray should be enough for a small household. It doesn’t take up much counter space either!
The build quality (including the trays and glass cover) is good too. Although the base cannot be removed if you want to empty out the water (max water capacity is around 1.5L).
Pros:
- Collapsible for convenient storage
- With a glass cover
- Lasts for years
- Can refill water without un-stacking the trays
- Fits regular sized plates (~22cm diameter)
- Trays are good quality stainless steel
- No odors
- With a 60 minute timer (i.e. automatically stops)
- Compact design
- Easy enough for elders to use
- Versatile – can use it to sterilizing cutlery, steaming cakes, etc
- Affordable with a long warranty
Cons:
- Hot sides (metal material)
- Plastic base and metal screws may not last as long
- No keep warm function
- Base pot cannot be removed
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 6L (2 Tier)
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: ~$79.9
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2. Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer
This massive food steamer in Singapore is the most expensive in this list! Moreover, you only get one year’s warranty with the Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer.
But the highlights of the Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer are many:
For starters, we love the elegant and neat design of the Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer. It is compact and yet, it can cook multiple dishes at once.
PS: It holds up to an hour’s worth of water.
It would be nice if there was more use of stainless steel in its construction, but the Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer steam tray is of stainless steel and we are content with that.
And we are pleased that its main selling point is not a gimmick either! It really does take less than a minute to start steaming away.
Preset functions make the Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer an incredible lifesaver in small and busy households too.
Again, the only real downside to the Buydeem Multifunctional Food Steamer is its hefty price.
Pros:
- Good quality build
- Stunning and compact design
- Large cooking capacity
- Useful preset functions
- Short warranty for the price
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not all components use stainless steel
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 5L
- Dimensions: W28.5 x D33.5 x H29.5 cm
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~$430
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3. Cornell Daily Food Steamer CS-201
Smaller than it appears, the Cornell Daily Food Steamer CS-201 is just ideal for a small family and even a 2-pax household (if you use 1 tier)!
Clean up is easy and so is the operation! It’s lightweight and compact build will not take up much room on your counter.
However, its oval-shaped trays may be an obstacle for big round plates. And if you regularly steam whole fish or chicken, this will be a problem too!
If that’s not an issue for you, you should be able to steam rice and a dish at the same time! Or use it to sterilize milk bottles!
The build quality is acceptable. And quite comparable to Tefal food steamers. Although with some units, the trays and lid are not an exact fit.
Pros:
- No plastic odor
- Heats up quickly
- Space saving
- Easy operation
- If you register online, you can get an extra 3 months warranty
- Lightweight
- Cheap
- Easy to clean
- Double-tiered
- Timer for 60 minutes
Cons:
- Not large enough to fit a big fish or whole chicken
- Cover and trays don’t fit perfectly
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 10L (2 Tier)
- Material: BPA Free Plastic
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~$32.9
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4. WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer
In terms of capacity, you won’t get the same value with the WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer as with the Cornell Daily Food Steamer CS-201.
But the WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer is more of an old-school appliance. Hence, you are meant to use it on a gas stove (as well as induction hobs, it turns out).
We like its practical and neat stature which is good for 1-2 pax households. It is quite deep too.
The WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer is smaller than you might imagine however the quality is not lacking. With the exception of the thin-ish lid.
The steam tray is also of stainless steel and we appreciate that. If you remove this steam tray insert, you can use the rest of the WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer like regular pots. Unfortunately, what it is missing from the WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer is a steam vent.
To conclude, if you find that you don’t depend heavily on electrical features like timers, you might really enjoy having the WMF Mini Vegetable Steamer around in your small household.
Pros:
- Good quality
- Practical for small households
- Reasonable pricing
- Compatible for stovetops (gas or induction)
- Deep enough for bowls
- Versatile design (pots can be used separately)
Cons:
- Small capacity
- No steam vent
- No special features (e.g., keep warm, delay timer, etc)
- Type: Stove Top
- Capacity: 2L (2 Tier)
- Material: Cromargan Stainless Steel
- Warranty: –
- Price: ~$45
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5. Bear Electric Steamer DZG-240GA
Want an even smaller food steamer?
The Bear Electric Steamer DZG-240GA can only take plates with a maximum diameter of 20cm. It has 2 levels and is most suitable for couples. Or families with small eaters.
Note: There is an 8L version for larger households
You can save counter space with it as the base is very small. Steaming is easy (with the 60-minute timer) and quiet too. Topping up water is also convenient!
There’s some built-in safety so that when the water level is too low, it will not steam. And the handles are insulated so you will not burn yourself. Just be careful of the stainless steel sides!
Pros:
- Convenient to refill
- Easy washing and operation
- Cute compact design
- Has a 60-minute timer
- Quiet
- Boil-dry protection
Cons:
- Can’t fit plates with diameter larger than 20cm
- No visibility for middle layer
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 5L (2 Tier, 1L+2L+2L)
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: ~$57.9
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6. PowerPac Food Steamer 2.5L (PPS706)
PowerPac’s Food steamer 2.5L Multifunction 2 Tier Steamer (PPS706) is a compact addition to small households with 1 to 2 pax.
Because it is quite small, be sure to cross-check the dimensions (L21.5X W17X H19 cm) against your largest plate size if you are planning to get this food steamer.
Other than this, the food steamer is highly functional and easy enough that kids can use it too. Although there is no timer (i.e. single-button operation).
Plus, the PowerPac Food steamer 2.5L Multifunction 2 Tier Steamer (PPS706) will automatically switch off if the water fully evaporates.
As a bonus, the PowerPac Food steamer 2.5L Multifunction 2 Tier Steamer (PPS706) is relatively quiet for a food steamer.
So if you don’t mind the lack of a timer and steaming small quantities of food at a time:
The PowerPac Food steamer 2.5L Multifunction 2 Tier Steamer (PPS706) is another personal food steamer and space-saving solution in a cramped kitchen.
You might prefer the rectangular shape for the base of the PowerPac Food steamer 2.5L Multifunction 2 Tier Steamer (PPS706) over the round Bear Electric Steamer DZG-240GA which retails for almost twice the cost of the PowerPac Food steamer 2.5L Multifunction 2 Tier Steamer (PPS706).
Pros:
- Cheap
- Easy to clean and use
- Very compact footprint
- Rectangular base
- Transparent (easy to view cooking)
- Long warranty for the price
Cons:
- Made of plastic (not durable)
- No timer
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 2.5L (2 Tier)
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: ~$30
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7. Cornell Electric Food Steamer CFS-EL20L
Big enough to steam a whole fish, you don’t have to worry about what can or cannot fit into the spacious Cornell Electric Food Steamer CFS-EL20L!
Which means you won’t have to keep transferring food between different plates or serving dishes! And if you do want to put it away, the adjustable racks can be restacked neatly inside the base.
Its main drawback is the somewhat fragile plastic build. And how troublesome it is to remove water since the base is not removable!
Refilling water is a little tricky too. Since the inlet is at the side, and blocked by the handle of the upper tray!
This food steamer does heat up very fast for its size though. And the cooking capacity makes up for its negative points if you always cook a lot! Or have a bigger family (e.g., 5 pax household).
If you previously owned a EuropAce food steamer of the same capacity, the parts are actually interchangeable!
Pros:
- Huge cooking capacity (3 levels)
- Stackable for easy storage
- Heats up fast (<4 minutes)
- Alternative for the discontinued EuropAce food steamer of the same size
- Fits all sizes of bowls and plates
Cons:
- Short warranty for the price
- Plastic build doesn’t look very durable (don’t drop this!)
- Pouring out and refilling water is inconvenient
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 25L (3 Tier, 10L+10L+5L)
- Material: BPA Free Plastic
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~$99
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8. IONA 6L Food Steamer – GLMC1830
Cheaper but with the same steaming capacity (with 2 stainless steel steaming racks) as the Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451, the IONA 6L Food Steamer, GLMC1830 is fantastic value for money.
Note: Between the two products, the Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451 has the longer warranty (2 years vs 1 year)
And for comparison, the steaming trays of the IONA 6L Food Steamer, GLMC1830 have a diameter of 26cm whereas the Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451 can only fit plates of up to a diameter of 22cm.
Because the base of the pot (non-stick surface) can also be used for steamboats or to fry food. That said, this is the base of the food steamer where the electrical components are. So you can’t wash it like a regular pot.
The cooking capacity of the IONA 6L Food Steamer, GLMC1830 is more than it appears. Households of 3 pax and less may find it too big for their needs.
Considering its cooking capacity and versatility, the IONA 6L Food Steamer, GLMC1830 is an appealing alternative over the pricier Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451.
Especially if you have use for the base pot!
Pros:
- Transparent top lid
- Great value for money (both a multi-cooker and a food steamer)
- Steaming racks are of a durable material (stainless steel) instead of plastic
- Generous cooking capacity
- Decent build quality
Cons:
- Can’t see the status of food in the lower tier
- Short warranty
- Can’t submerge the base pot in water (electrical components)
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 6L (2 Tier, 3L+3L)
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~$45
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9. EuropAce 12L 2-Tier Food Steamer – EFS 2121W
Those with large round plates, beware:
The EuropAce 12L 2-Tier Food Steamer – EFS 2121W has oblong-shaped trays which can make for a weird fit depending on the size and shape of your plates! Hence, the actual capacity may not be as big as you expect!
However, for steaming a small-medium sized fish or crabs, it will be perfect! You should be able to steam about 3 dishes simultaneously. And it does heat up fast. Cleaning is easy, and so is the operation!
The food steamer is lightweight and won’t eat up a lot of counter space. Although the power cable is on the short side (~50cm).
There are some other negative points:
Like the light lid, which wobbles and allows water to escape during steaming.
And thus, the EuropAce 12L 2-Tier Food Steamer – EFS 2121W is quite disappointing if you have used older EuropAce electric food steamers before.
Pros:
- Can fit multiple plates and bowls in
- Doesn’t take up too much counter space
- Lightweight
- Easy operation
- Convenient to use (with a timer)
- Together with a manual
Cons:
- Base container is not removable
- Sometimes, water escapes from the cover and cover can vibrate (i.e. too light)
- Oblong shape is not convenient for some
- Short wire (50cm)
- Type: Electric
- Capacity: 12L (2 Tier)
- Dimensions: W40.5 x D27.5 x H32 cm
- Material: BPA Free Plastic
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~$74.9
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Tips On How To Choose The Best Food Steamer
Some things to consider when choosing a food steamer:
1. Type
A food steamer can be as simple as adding a steaming basket or rack to your wok or large pots, but they can also come in other forms:
Like a bamboo steamer – the kind you see in dim sum restaurants!
Or a pressure cooker which also uses steam to cook food along with high pressure to cook food faster! Some ovens have a steaming function too (i.e. steam ovens).
Electric Steamers vs. Stove-top Steamers
The main benefit of an electric steamer over a stove-top steamer is the minimal supervision it requires!
With stove-top steamers, it’s a little inconvenient since you can’t see what’s going on inside the pot! And there’s no timer, so if you forget about it, the water will evaporate completely and you will risk burning your food!
2. Capacity
A microwave or rice cooker can serve as a food steamer too. Especially if you’re only cooking for 1-2 people.
3. Material Build
Electric food steamers can be made of BPA free plastic, stainless steel, or glass.
Each material type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Naturally, plastic food steamers are lighter and cheaper. But can become brittle over time and may even leach unwanted chemicals into your food.
Stainless steel and glass food steamers are more durable, eco-friendly (recyclable) and safer (i.e. no chemical leaching).
But you lose side visibility with stainless steel food steamers. And they are a hazard to the unwary because the outside gets very hot!
Glass food steamers on the other hand, will not burn you but they are quite uncommon. Besides this, glass food steamers can be very costly too.
4. Features
Compared to multi cookers, electric food steamers have way fewer functions.
But they do have some key features that you can look out for when selecting a food steamer:
- Automatic keep warm
- Timer – usually for 60 minutes
- How easy it is to clean
- Number of tiers
- Water level gauge/ alert
- Non slip feet
- Dishwasher-friendly components
Verdict
For most households, we think that the best food steamer in Singapore is the Tefal Stainless Steel Convenient Steamer VC1451.
It has tremendous value for its build quality, functionality, warranty, and cooking capacity. But this does not mean that the other models are not worth looking at!
