People like to taste new dishes, and when it is about us Americans. We go one step ahead. Most of us prefer to eat different types of food, and we also love to cook these dishes. One such recipe that we often experiment with is the tamale. In essence, the tamale is a Mesoamerican dish, and now it is popular widely. We cook this delicious food on various occasions.
But everyone can’t cook this item as preparing it is a bit tricky. We need to follow some techniques to cook tamales perfectly. One such method is steaming. We need to steam tamales in the best tamale steamer, and then we go for further step of cooking. If we make a mistake at the first step by using a faulty steamer, no matter how hard we try, we won’t get our desired cooking result.
So, experts always recommend people to avoid such mistakes and use the best rated tamale steamer as well as follow the recipe correctly. If you are also aware of cooking tamales perfectly and looking for the best steamer, you may read the article of the top ten best steamers for tamales thoroughly. Let’s get started.
Quick Answer – Tamale Steamer
| 1. Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware |
| 2. Farberware 70043 Stainless Steel Steamer Set |
| 3. Hamilton Beach 37530A Digital Food Steamer |
| 4. Mockins Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Steamer |
| 5. ExcelSteel Muti Multi-Cookware Set |
| 6. IMUSA USA MEXICANA-24 Aluminum Steamer |
| 7. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Sauce Pot with Steamer |
| 8. Secura Vegetable Double Tiered Stackable tamale steamer |
| 9. Chef’s Star Stainless Steel Stack and Steam Pot Set |
| 10. Cooks Standard Classic 12 Quart Cooker Steamer |
1. Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware
The Oster Sangerfield Cookware is ideal for steaming veggies and cooking rice at the same time. Because it comes with a Dutch oven and a steamer insert that allows you to cook in such a way. Let’s get straight into their features.
First, you will notice that both the Dutch oven and steamer insert are made of high-quality stainless steel. Thus, these items will last for an extended period. Another benefit of stainless steel tamale steamers is it can conduct high heat. It offers you to experience good cooking every time.
The Dutch oven has a 3-quart capacity, which is adequate for housing a good amount of food for your family. Its measurement is 8.5-inch in diameter and 3.7-inch in height. This saucepan features a tempered glass lid, and it is vented that allows steam to escape. Plus, it enables you to monitor cooking.
With the help of the Dutch oven, you can steam potatoes, vegetables and cook meat to perfection. When you need to cook a lot of foods, you can use the steamer insert for steaming additional veggies or other items. This steamer insert features an encapsulated base for even heating. Its optimum heat distribution will give you a good steaming experience.
This small tamale steamer comes in small size; in essence, it is pretty smaller than traditional steamers. It is 8.5-inch in diameter and has a 3.6-inch height. For that, it becomes space-saving and convenient to use. Overall, the cookware set is excellent for steaming tamales, broccoli, asparagus, or other foods.
Key Features
| 3-quart saucepan and steamer Vented tempered glass lid Encapsulated base Stainless steel structure Ergonomic handles |
2. Farberware 70043 Stainless Steel Steamer Set
The Farberware 70043 Stack ‘N’ Steam Covered Saucepot can be a better choice for classic design and function. This classic saucepot combines superior technology with traditional styling and quality. The cookware set contains a 3-quart saucepot that features a thick aluminum core and stainless steel mirrored finish. It entices the beauty of your kitchen and gives it a professional look. Besides that, these materials ensure rapid and even heating.
Like the saucepot, the steamer insert is made up of the same materials, and it matches up correctly with saucepot and bell-shaped lids. The cookware set also contains phenolic handles that offer easy maneuvering. Another noticeable feature is that it includes a steam basket that you can place far away from the water level for moist steaming.
Apart from steaming, this cookware set has kitchen capabilities like you can use the saucepot for boil soups, simmer chili, etc. All these features make this set the best-suited kitchen tool for professional chefs. And you may also give it a try to experience professional-grade cooking.
Key Features
| Thick aluminum base Phenolic handles Self-basting lid Steam basket Oven safe to 350° F |
3. Hamilton Beach 37530A Digital Food Steamer
Hamilton Beach 37530A Food Steamer has become a popular choice among health-conscious people. Because it maintains the food-nutrients even after foods get boiled. And so, tamale lovers have also praised its functionalities. Not only that, but they have also rated it as the best tamale steamer of recent times.
The food steamer comes with two bowls that you can use to cook a large amount of food. You can use one bowl for small quantities, as well. Even you can remove the divider, which is placed between those bowls, to fit a variety of abundant foods such as a large chicken part, or a huge head of broccoli, etc.
This large tamale steamer features a rice bowl that is ideal for cooking white or brown rice. You can also use this item for cooking eggs. Alongside that, this food steamer contains a digital touchpad that enables you to set the countdown timer and other functions.
The Hamilton Beach 37530A has an automatic switch to warm food. You can extend the warm timer to sixty minutes, and it will alert you when food is ready. This fantastic food steamer features a delay timer, which allows you to set time to begin steaming.
That means you don’t need to wait anymore for cooked food after work; you enter the door, and your food is cooked already. The only drawback of the steamer is it isn’t dishwasher safe. Although the drip tray and rice bowl are compatible with dishwasher, you need to clean the food steamer with hand.
Key Features
| Digital touchpad Automatic warm switch Delay timer Drip tray Rice bowl |
4. Mockins Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Steamer
The Mockins 3 Piece Steaming Set can be a necessary addition to any kitchen because it is more of a traditional steamer set. So, let’s check out what it includes. The Mockins Steamer Set contains one 3-quart cooking pot, one 2-quart steamer insert, and a vented glass lid.
The cooking pot is comprised of heavy-duty 18/8 stainless steel that assures ultimate longevity. It features an aluminum base that ensures optimal heat distribution. Like the saucepot, the 2-quart steamer basket features an aluminum core at the bottom, which aids in distributing the heat thoroughly.
This steam basket fits perfectly into the saucepot. Thus, you can steam your favorite food in the steamer insert and see the steaming process through the vented glass lid. Both kitchen utensils feature thick and durable rolled rims that offer spill and drip-free pouring.
Besides that, they come with Bakelite handles that stay cool while cooking. This steaming set is suitable for all cooking surfaces. So, this set can be a perfect tool for steaming tamales.
Key Features
| High-quality stainless steel Aluminum base Steam basket Vented glass lid Bakelite handles |
5. ExcelSteel Muti Multi-Cookware Set
The ExcelSteel Multi-Cookware Set is suitable for cooking nutritious veggies, preparing tamales, or other delicious food. It is constructed of stainless steel that prevents rust and offers optimum durability. It features an encapsulated base, which provides fast and uniform heat distribution for an elegant cooking experience.
It lets you boil, steam, and simmer flavorful meals without waiting for an extended period. The multi-cookware set contains steamer insert and pasta baskets that enable you to cook stocks and bases for stews. Also, they let you steam vegetables and prepare pasta.
The significant feature of the cookware set is that it includes a tempered glass lid. It is vented, and it lets steam escape easily. It also offers you to monitor food while cooking. In summary, with the help of this multi-cookware set, you can prepare meals that your friends and family will love to eat.
Key Features
| High-quality stainless steel Encapsulated base Tempered lid Steamer insert Pasta baskets |
6. IMUSA USA MEXICANA-24 Aluminum Steamer
IMUSA Tamale Steamer is another highest quality kitchenware on our list. It is suitable for large batch cooking, so if you want to cook a large amount of food within a short time, you will find this steamer promising. Let’s get into its features.
The IMUSA Tamale Steamer is made out of aluminum, and so, it is pretty lightweight yet sturdy. It offers superior heat distribution that aids in heating food quickly. The steamer features a sleek and alluring silver body that is spacious enough to house a large number of tamales, crabs, lobsters, etc.
Besides the silver structure, this steamer contains a flat metal lid, straight sides, and metallic handles. Also, it features a removable steamer rack that includes a series of holes for moist steaming. This steamer rack fits snugly and provides ample space for the boiling water.
The best fact regarding this excellent steamer is that it comes at a reasonable price, which is why it becomes the top priority for many beginner cooks. If you are a beginner and don’t want to invest money into an expensive one, you may go with this IMUSA Tamale Steamer.
Key Features
| Aluminum body Metallic lid and handles Straight sides Steamer rack Large capacity |
7. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Sauce Pot with Steamer
Rachael Ray’s Tamale Steamer is a piece of solution-driven stuff. It helps cooks prepare meals comfortably and appropriately. By using this steamer, chefs can cook foods that have rich flavor and beautiful hues. That’s why most of them have considered it the best tamale steamer available in the market.
This fantastic tamale steamer is manufactured from durable aluminum that promotes even heating. Besides, it features a hard enamel coated exterior. The combination of aluminum and enamel coating gives this steamer a stylish look and makes it capable of delivering high performance.
The Rachael Ray’s Tamale Steamer features a long-lasting nonstick interior, which is PFOA-free and espresso-colored. It assures easy food release and makes cleanup more comfortable. Apart from all these features, this tamale steamer comes with a glass lid that is resistant to shatter.
The steamer also contains a steamer basket, which is made out of stainless steel. The steamer’s most significant feature is that it includes silicone handles that are dual-riveted and oven safe to 400°F. These handles are rubberized for a comfortable grasp. In a nutshell, it has all the essential features, and it is suitable for all stovetops, so you may use this tamale steamer for cooking delicious meals.
Key Features
| Enamel coated exterior PFOA-free interior Silicone handles Steamer basket Glass lid |
8. Secura Vegetable Double Tiered Stackable tamale steamer
SECURA Electric Food Steamer is specially manufactured for those who prefer cooking healthily. It comes with a powerful 1200W steam system that delivers steam from the top to down and enables you to cook food quickly as well as evenly.
This stackable tamale steamer requires 15 seconds to generate steam; as a result, you get the advantage of fast heating. This excellent steamer features two stackable containers that have 8.5 Quarts capacity. This space is large enough for cooking family-size portions of meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and more.
The most remarkable feature of the steamer is that it is versatile. That means you can warm food alongside cooking. It produces 176℉ temperature and keeps your food warm for 1 hour and up to 10 hours. You can set the delay start time for warming food using the LED panel.
Alongside these features, this electric steamer comes with a non-slip upper lid, anti-scalding handle, water line, steaming basket, etc. Another significant feature of the steamer is that it steams perfectly so that food retains its nutrients. Also, this steamer eliminates the need for cooking oils even then it protects food from getting burned. Overall, it is an excellent choice for people who want to cook various food using a stackable tamale steamer.
Key Features
| Two stackable containers Anti-scalding handle Non-slip upper lid Steaming basket Dishwasher safe |
9. Chef’s Star Stainless Steel Stack and Steam Pot Set
The Chef’s Star Stack and Steamer Set is widely popular for its excellent features. It is made out of heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel that gives the set a beautiful appearance. The set contains a 2-quart steamer, a 3-quart saucepan, and a domed lid.
The base of the tamale steamer pot features an aluminum core, and it is capped by stainless steel. For that, it offers even heat distribution and lets you cook meals to perfection. Plus, the bottom of the best tamale pot withstands corrosion and discoloring.
Both steamer and saucepan feature ergonomic handles that provide a more comfortable grip. With the help of these handles, you can conveniently maneuver the steamer set. The manufacturer has given the steamer an efficient design, so it fits directly inside the saucepot.
After placing the steamer inside the saucepan, you can seal it with the self-basting lid so that it can hold optimal heat and moisture. The Chef’s Star Stack and Steamer Set features rolled rims for drip-free pouring. Lastly, both kitchen utensils are dishwasher safe and oven safe to 350 degrees, respectively. In conclusion, the Chef’s Star steamer set is convenient and can be your go-to kitchen equipment.
Key Features
| 2-quart steamer 3-quart saucepan Domed lid Dishwasher safe Lifetime Warranty |
10. Cooks Standard Classic 12 Quart Cooker Steamer
The Cooks Standard Classic Steamer set has superior quality features that can draw any tamale lover’s attention. For its features, it is widely famous and is rated as the best tamale steamer. Let’s see what features it includes.
The steamer set comes with 12-quart stockpot, pasta insert, steamer insert, and stainless steel lid. If you look at the building materials of the stockpot, you will notice that it has a steel structure. That means it is built from 18-10 stainless steel for ultimate longevity.
Alongside steel, it contains an encapsulated aluminum base, which ensures even heat distribution. Like the 12-quart stockpot, the lid is also comprised of stainless steel that seals in heat and moisture. Also, the steamer set includes riveted handles that offer easy and secure maneuverability. The Cooks Standard Classic Steamer set is versatile because it allows you to cook a variety of food.
You can use the pasta pot to prepare pasta, potatoes, grains, etc. You can use the steamer insert to boil vegetables or other food. This excellent tamale steamer set is dishwasher safe, and it works on every cooktop. Thus, you can use this steamer set outdoor besides using it in the home.
Key Features
| Encapsulated aluminum base Stainless steel lid 12-quart stockpot Pasta insert Dishwasher safe |
How to choose the Best Tamale Steamer – What you need to consider?
Before purchasing the best tamale steamer, you need to consider a few factors. Because every stockpot isn’t a tamale steamer, which means some facts accurately differentiate a tamale steamer from a regular stockpot. So, let’s check out those facts so that you can easily choose your desired steamer.
Size
As you know, preparing tamales take time and require a lot of work. So, nobody wants to spend time cooking a few tamales. The tamale steamer you choose should house at least one dozens of tamales. That’s why size is essential when it is to tamale steamer.
This cookware comes in a variety of sizes that ranges from 8 to 40 quarts. If you want to cook not for a large family but for a small group of people, you can select an eight or ten-quart tamale steamer. For a large family, you should choose a larger steamer according to your need.
Type
Generally, tamale steamers come in two types: traditional steamer, which is manufactured from aluminum or stainless steel and is compatible with most stovetops. The other one is the electric tamale steamers, which offers additional advantages like it allows you to set the time for delay steaming.
Besides, some electrical steamers provide features, including water level control, warming, etc. So, you can go with either the traditional steamer or you can opt for the electrical one. It entirely depends on your needs.
Material
Material is another crucial feature that you need to inspect before purchasing any tamale steamer. Some tamale steamers are made of aluminum, and some feature stainless steel bodies. In terms of heat distribution, aluminum wins the race. But the drawback of this material is it loses heat very quickly. On the contrary, stainless steel can hold heat for an extended period. Plus, it can resist impact and corrosion. So, stainless steel tamale steamers become a popular choice among most chefs.
Lid
The lid is an integral part of any tamale steamer. Although most lids are designed flat, some come in dome-shaped. Generally, lids are made from stainless steel, and some are comprised of tempered shatterproof glass. We recommend you to select the glass lid as it enables you to see food during cooking. Also, make sure that the lid features a steam vent, which would be an added plus.
Handles
Of course, handles are also an essential part of a tamale steamer. Usually, the handles are riveted or welded securely to the steamer, and they provide a more comfortable grasp. You will find handles of various types in the market. Some are made of metal, while some feature silicone structures. No matter which type you choose, you need to ensure that it offers secure handling.
Additional accessories
Some tamale steamers offer additional kitchen accessories, such as a steamer rack, spatula, etc. Among these accessories, a steamer rack is quite essential as it holds the tamales and lets steam in. So, you need to ensure that your tamale steamer comes with a steamer rack and make sure that it contains perfect holes.
Budget
After checking all of the essential features, it is time to take a look at the price. As you know, the highest-quality stuff always demands a high price. Still, you can get your desired tamale steamer at your budget.
You need to do a bit of research and follow expert’s recommendations before opting for any tamale steamer. If you find researching a tiresome work, then you may pick one from the list of the top ten tamale steamers of present times.
Conclusion
Tamale is an ancient dish, and it is widely popular. Preparing this dish is time-consuming and requires pretty hard work. So, tamale lovers never allow anything that can ruin the dish. They ensure that they have the best tamales and cook these tamales using the best tamale steamer.
If you are also one such a person, you should avoid using the traditional steamer while cooking this delicious meal. Instead, you need to use the best one, which you can easily find by reading the TheKitchenBest team’s in-depth review. In this tamale steamer review, we have tried to describe every ins and outs of a tamale steamer.
Plus, we have listed some of the top quality tamale steamers that will make your cooking job more comfortable. We hope that our effort will narrow down your search process and help you select one steamer that suits your preference.