A bamboo steamer is a simple way to add a whole cooking method to a kitchen. It is a stack of round baskets with a woven lid. Set it over simmering water and it cooks dumplings, bao, fish and greens in gentle steam, while the bamboo soaks up condensation so less water drips back onto the food.
Choosing one comes down to fit more than brand. The size that suits a 14-inch wok is wrong for a small saucepan, and an appealing kit may still need a different ring or liner. This guide sorts the sizes, explains wok and pot fit, and names the steamers worth buying.
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Quick verdict: which bamboo steamer to buy
For most kitchens, the best bamboo steamer is the Helen’s Asian Kitchen 10-inch Bamboo Steamer: 10 inches is the all-purpose size, and America’s Test Kitchen rates it Highly Recommended. Pick the Joyce Chen 12-inch if you cook for a crowd on a large wok, and the Helen’s 10-inch with Steaming Ring if you own a stockpot but no wok.
Below are five picks side by side, then all eight in detail, followed by how to match a steamer to your pan, which liner to use and how to look after the bamboo.
Five bamboo steamer picks side by side
Five picks for five kinds of kitchen, with each maker’s or listing’s own details. All eight steamers are reviewed in full below.
| Steamer | Best for | Build | Cookware | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Helen’s Asian Kitchen 10-inch Bamboo SteamerBest overall
|
Most kitchens | 2 tiers, plus lid | Wok, or pot with a ring | View on Amazon |
Joyce Chen 10-inch 2-Tier Bamboo SteamerBest for a wok
|
Wok cooks | 2 tiers, plus lid | Wok or pan of shallow water | View on Amazon |
Joyce Chen 12-inch 2-Tier Bamboo SteamerBest for a crowd
|
Big batches | 2 tiers, plus lid | Large wok; check your rim | View on Amazon |
Helen’s Asian Kitchen 6-inch Bamboo SteamerBest small steamer
|
One or two people | 2 tiers, plus lid | Saucepan or small pan | View on Amazon |
Helen’s Asian Kitchen 10-inch Bamboo Steamer and Steaming RingBest for a stockpot
|
Stockpot and Dutch oven owners | 10-inch steamer with ring | Stockpot or Dutch oven | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes and fit are as each maker or listing states them; measure your wok or pot rim before you order.
Our picks for the best bamboo steamer
The eight below run from a 6-inch steamer for one to a 12-inch stack for a crowd. Two are the same Joyce Chen design in different sizes, and one is a Helen’s 10-inch sold with a ring, because size and cookware fit are the real choices here. We have not used these products ourselves; the notes come from makers, listings and the reviewers we name.
1. Helen’s Asian Kitchen 10-inch Bamboo Steamer – The All-Purpose Size
Ten inches is the size to buy if you only buy one. The Woks of Life, a family-run cooking site, calls it the all-purpose size, and it is the diameter that liners and rings are most often sold to match. Helen’s sells this one as a three-piece set: two tiers and a lid, made of natural bamboo.
America’s Test Kitchen rates the Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Steamer as Highly Recommended, the tier above the Joyce Chen below. Its yardsticks were how well a steamer cooked bao and dumplings, and whether the tiers stayed aligned and kept their shape after repeated washing.
The maker’s care advice is plain. Rinse the steamer and lid in cold water before the first use, wash with hot water and a brush, skip the soap because bamboo can take on scents, then let it air dry and store it somewhere ventilated. The Amazon listing is looser and allows warm soapy water, so read our care notes further down. Helen’s also says food stays warm for about 30 minutes with the lid on, which helps when one batch finishes before the rest.
Why we like it
- America’s Test Kitchen rates it Highly Recommended
- Two tiers and a lid in the all-purpose size
- Bamboo takes up condensation so less water drips on the food, per Helen’s
- Listed as safe with nonstick cookware
Key specifications
| Model | 97009 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 in |
| Tiers | 2, plus lid |
| Material | Natural bamboo |
| In the box | 2 tiers, 1 lid |
| Cookware fit | Pot or pan per listing; ring for stockpots |
| Care | Rinse first; hot water and brush; air dry |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
This is the one for a home cook who owns a wok or a wide skillet and wants the size that everything else is sold to match. It has the strongest independent backing of any steamer we could find in stock.
Skip it if you often cook for a crowd; two 10-inch tiers fill up fast with bao, and the 12-inch below holds more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong independent rating
- Common size for liners and rings
- Simple, no extras to store
Cons
- No liners included
- Needs a wok, a wide skillet or a ring
- Listing mentions no metal bands on the tiers
2. Joyce Chen 10-inch 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer – A Plain Wok Partner
Joyce Chen’s steamer is about as simple as this category gets. The listing, which dates back to 2004, describes two tiers in traditional bamboo that you place in a pan of water and heat. The whole stack stands about 6 inches tall on a 10-inch base.
America’s Test Kitchen rates the Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets as Recommended, one step under the Helen’s. That is still a solid result, and BestReviews named a Joyce Chen steamer its top choice in a roundup last updated in 2023. Treat it as the close second, and let availability decide between the two.
It belongs in a wok. The Woks of Life favors a wok for steaming because the thin metal boils water quickly and the wide rim takes steamers of different sizes. Fill it so the water comes about a quarter to half an inch above the steamer’s bottom rim but stays below the bed where the food sits. Top up with boiling water, not cold, so the simmer does not stop.
Why we like it
- Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
- Assembled stack of about 6 in, per the listing
- Two levels for cooking several dishes at once
- Bamboo is a renewable material, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | J26-0013 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 in |
| Tiers | 2, plus lid |
| Material | Bamboo |
| In the box | 2 tiers, 1 lid |
| Cookware fit | Pan of water; a wok suits it best |
| Care | Hand wash; dry fully |
| Warranty | 60 days, per listing text |
Why we recommend it
Buy it for a home wok if you want a plain steamer from a familiar kitchen brand, with an independent recommendation behind it.
Skip it if you want liners in the box; Joyce Chen sells its steamer papers separately.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Independent recommendation
- Well-known maker
- Takes standard 10-inch liners
Cons
- Rated a step below the Helen’s
- Short warranty in the listing text
- No ring for narrow pots
3. Joyce Chen 12-inch 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer – More Room for a Crowd
This is the 12-inch size of the Joyce Chen above, and it earns its own place for one reason. Going from 10 to 12 inches adds about 44 percent more floor to each tier, by simple circle math. Joyce Chen describes it as a generous size for cooking for a big group.
The trade-off is the pan. A 12-inch steamer wants a large wok. Taylor & Ng, another steamer brand, pairs its own 12-inch steamer with a 14-inch wok, which is a fair guide: with a wok of about that width, this size should settle low enough for its rim to reach the water. It will not fit most home saucepans, and it takes up a real block of cupboard space.
Care is the same as for any bamboo steamer: hand wash, keep it out of the dishwasher and let it dry fully. With a bigger stack that drying matters more, because there is more wood to dry. We list a second size of the same steamer on purpose, since size is the first choice this category asks you to make.
Why we like it
- About 44 percent more floor per tier than a 10-inch
- Two levels for separate dishes
- Same simple construction as the 10-inch
- Sold for cooking for a big group
Key specifications
| Model | J26-0012 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 12 in |
| Tiers | 2, plus lid |
| Material | Bamboo |
| In the box | 2 tiers, 1 lid |
| Cookware fit | Large wok, around 14 in |
| Care | Hand wash; dry fully |
| Warranty | 60 days, per listing text |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for dumpling nights, family-size batches of vegetables or fish on a plate, if you already own a large wok.
Skip it if your wok is 12 inches or smaller, or you steam on a home stockpot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much more cooking area
- Two tiers for separate foods
- Room for a wide plate
Cons
- Needs a large wok
- Bulky to store
- Slower to dry
4. Helen’s Asian Kitchen 6-inch Bamboo Steamer – Small Batches, Table Ready
A small steamer does a different job. At 6 by 6 by 5.5 inches, this set holds a few dumplings or a single portion of vegetables per tier, and it needs very little pan. Helen’s says it can go inside a wok, a wide saucepan, a stockpot, a Dutch oven or a deep skillet, so it asks for no special equipment.
It is also a serving piece. Helen’s describes it as attractive enough to bring straight to the table, and the tiers can be stacked or used alone. Its food list runs from bao and siu mai to rice, salmon and even tamales. Small tamales can lie flat in a tier, although a full pot of them is a job for a dedicated tamale steamer. It is listed as safe for nonstick cookware.
The maker asks you to wipe it with a dry cloth or brush before first use and to hand wash it in warm, soapy water as needed. Size is the limit here. A 6-inch tier holds very little, and a liner made for a 10-inch steamer has to be trimmed to fit.
Why we like it
- Compact 6 by 6 by 5.5 in stack, per the listing
- Goes inside many ordinary pans
- Tiers work together or alone
- Serves at the table
Key specifications
| Model | 97080 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6 in |
| Tiers | 2, plus lid |
| Material | Natural bamboo |
| In the box | 2 tiers, 1 lid |
| Cookware fit | Wok, wide saucepan, stockpot, Dutch oven, deep skillet |
| Care | Dry wipe first; hand wash; dry |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook living alone, a couple, or anyone who wants to steam a side dish without pulling out a wok.
Skip it if you feed more than two; you will spend the meal cooking in rounds.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits small pans
- Serves at the table
- Stores in very little space
Cons
- Small capacity
- Large liners need trimming
- Little room for tall food
5. Helen’s Asian Kitchen 10-inch Bamboo Steamer and Steaming Ring – Steam Without a Wok
A bamboo steamer narrower than your pot falls in, and one that only just matches the rim wobbles. A steaming ring solves that. It sits on the pot and gives the steamer a stable ledge, so a stockpot or Dutch oven can do the wok’s job. This Helen’s listing pairs a 10-inch steamer with its ring in one purchase.
This is the same size of Helen’s steamer as our top pick, and we list it separately on purpose: the ring changes which kitchens can use it. It also frees up the wok for the stir-fry that goes with the dumplings, which is the point Helen’s makes in the listing. The maker’s site says its rings let a steamer sit on stockpots of 11 or 13 inches across, so measure your pot’s rim before you order.
Use it the way Helen’s says: set the ring over boiling water, put the steamer on top and do not let the pot boil dry. Hand wash the ring in warm, soapy water.
Why we like it
- Steamer and ring bought together
- Turns a stockpot or Dutch oven into a steamer
- Keeps the wok free for other cooking
- Same 10-inch size as our top pick
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 in |
| Tiers | Not stated in this listing |
| Material | Natural bamboo; metal ring |
| In the box | Steamer and steaming ring |
| Cookware fit | Stockpots and Dutch ovens; check the rim |
| Care | Hand wash in warm, soapy water |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose this if you have never owned a wok and do not plan to. It is the shortest path from a pot you already own to a working steamer.
Skip it if you already have a wok; the plain 10-inch steamer does the same job with no ring to store.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works with common pots
- No wok needed
- Bought as one set
Cons
- Listing gives few details
- Ring needs a suitable rim
- One more piece to store
6. Flexzion 10-inch Bamboo Steamer with Stainless Steel Banding – Banded Tiers, Liners Included
America’s Test Kitchen calls out metal bands on the tiers as a construction feature worth looking for, along with thick glued slats and few loose fibers. Its top-rated Juvale steamer has steel rings, but we could not find it in stock on Amazon when we checked. Flexzion’s set has the same kind of reinforcement, with what the listing calls stainless steel lining around the bamboo.
ATK’s review does not include this model, so treat it as a set that matches the feature, not one that earned the verdict. Flexzion is an Amazon-first brand, and the listing is our only source for its claims. You get a 10-inch steamer, two sets of chopsticks and 50 wax liners, which saves the first shopping trip. Check the liners against the food you steam: The Woks of Life says a liner has to be porous so steam can reach the food.
Flexzion says the set fits most 10-inch pots, though a steamer resting on a rim of the same width is a looser match than one on a ring. It advises hand washing with soap and warm water, then air drying completely.
Why we like it
- Metal bands around the bamboo, a feature ATK looks for
- 50 liners in the box
- Two sets of chopsticks included
- Fits most 10-inch pots, per the maker
Key specifications
| Model | STM_BMB_STL_10IN |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 in |
| Tiers | Stackable; count not stated |
| Material | Bamboo with stainless banding |
| In the box | Steamer, 50 wax liners, 2 sets of chopsticks |
| Cookware fit | Most 10-inch pots, per listing |
| Care | Hand wash; air dry |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first-time buyer who wants everything in one box and likes the idea of reinforced tiers.
Skip it if you want a steamer with an independent rating behind it; the Helen’s and Joyce Chen have one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Reinforced tiers
- Liners in the box
- Chopsticks in the box
Cons
- Not in ATK’s review
- Amazon-first brand
- Fit on a same-size pot is approximate
7. Three Way Cut 10-inch Extra Deep Bamboo Steamer – Tall Tiers With Side Handles
Standard bamboo tiers are shallow; BirdRock Home, for one, lists its 10-inch tiers at 2.4 inches deep. Bao rise as they steam, so a shallow tier can leave them pressed against the one above. Three Way Cut sells a deeper basket for that reason, with side handles on each tier so you can lift a hot, loaded basket off the stack. The listing gives no depth figure, so we can only pass on the word deep.
The stainless ring is the other selling point. Three Way Cut says it fits pots, woks and pans from 6 to 12 inches and gives the 10-inch steamer a stable base on gas, electric or induction stoves. Induction depends on your pot being induction-ready; the ring does not change that. Four reusable silicone liners come in the box.
Like the Flexzion, this is an Amazon-first brand and the listing is our only source. We chose it over similar deep sets partly because its stated contents include no ceramic dish, so there is no glaze question to answer.
Why we like it
- Deeper tiers for tall food
- Side handles on every basket
- Stainless ring for 6- to 12-inch cookware, per listing
- Four reusable silicone liners
Key specifications
| Model | BS-10REGB01-WH2T |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 in |
| Tiers | 2 |
| Material | Bamboo; stainless ring |
| In the box | 2 tiers, ring, 4 silicone liners |
| Cookware fit | 6–12 in pots, woks and pans with ring |
| Care | Not stated in listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if bao or soup dumplings are the main reason you want a steamer, and you would rather have one kit than buy a ring and liners separately.
Skip it if you want an independent review behind your purchase, or a precise depth figure before you order.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Room for tall food
- Ring and liners in the box
- Handles for lifting tiers
Cons
- Depth not stated
- Amazon-first brand
- No independent rating found
8. Our Place Spruce Steamer – Made for the Always Pan
Read this one as an accessory rather than a general steamer. Our Place makes the Always Pan, and the Spruce Steamer is built to fit that cookware. The listing names the Regular Always Pan, the Cast Iron Always Pan and the Original Perfect Pot. It is a single basket with spruce walls and a bamboo base, sold with a set of chopsticks and 15 paper liners.
That wood detail matters, because it is not all bamboo and the box holds one basket, not a two-tier stack, though the listing does call it stackable. Our Place claims a close fit that keeps steam in, and open-weave walls that let air move through. No diameter appears in the listing, and the retailer pages we read give none either, so if your pan is from another brand you cannot judge the fit from here.
For someone who already owns an Always Pan, that named fit is the main appeal: no ring, no measuring and no wok. For anyone else, the 10-inch steamers above are the better buy.
Why we like it
- Named fit for three Our Place pans
- Spruce walls with a bamboo base
- Comes with 15 paper liners
- Chopsticks included
Key specifications
| Model | Spruce Steamer |
|---|---|
| Diameter | Not stated |
| Tiers | 1 basket |
| Material | Spruce walls, bamboo base |
| In the box | Steamer, chopsticks, 15 paper liners |
| Cookware fit | Always Pan, Cast Iron Always Pan, Original Perfect Pot |
| Care | Not stated in listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits Our Place owners who want a steamer that fits their pan with no guesswork.
Skip it if you do not own Our Place cookware; there is no stated diameter to match against other pots.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Named fit for specific pans
- Simple single basket
- Liners in the box
Cons
- Not a general-purpose size
- Diameter not stated
- Only one basket in the box
How to choose a bamboo steamer for your kitchen
A restaurant kitchen judges any steamer on three things: does it fit the heat source, does it hold enough, and will it survive daily washing. At home the same questions apply, in this order.
1. Start with the pan you own
A wok is the easiest partner, because its wide rim takes steamers of several sizes. The Woks of Life says a large skillet that fits a 10-inch steamer also works, and Taylor & Ng pairs a 12-inch steamer with a 14-inch wok. On a straight-sided pot, the steamer needs a ring. Measure across the top of the rim and compare it with the ring size the maker gives.
2. Pick the size for how many you feed
Think of 6 inches as a portion or two, 10 inches as a family dinner with both tiers full, and 12 inches as cooking for a crowd. Those are our rules of thumb, not maker figures. If you are between sizes, choose 10 inches.
3. Look at the build
America’s Test Kitchen looks for metal bands on the tiers, thick glued slats and few loose fibers, and it judged durability on whether the tiers stayed aligned and kept their shape after repeated washing. Deeper tiers help with bao, but they add height to the stack without adding floor area.
4. Decide on liners
The Woks of Life lists the options: napa cabbage or lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, parchment squares, perforated parchment made for steamers, and reusable cloth or silicone. Whatever you use has to let steam through. Helen’s sells 9.5-inch parchment rounds for this purpose, and Joyce Chen sells 9-inch steamer papers. For marinated fish or meat, skip the liner and use a heatproof shallow dish about an inch narrower than the steamer, as Helen’s advises, to catch the juices and keep the bamboo clean.
5. Watch the extras
Many kits add a ceramic sauce dish. Prime Home Direct, a popular seller, includes one, and we could find no statement from the company that the glaze is free of lead, so we left that kit off this list. A kit is only a good deal if the ring and liners are things you would have bought anyway.
Caring for bamboo so it lasts
Before the first use, Helen’s says to rinse the steamer and lid in cold water. The Woks of Life goes further and soaks the bottom rim for about 30 minutes, which helps keep it from scorching on a hot wok.
Advice on soap differs. Helen’s site says no soap or detergent because bamboo can absorb scents and flavors, The Woks of Life uses a little mild dish soap, and some Amazon listings allow it. We would start with hot water and a brush, and use a drop of soap only when something oily has reached the wood. The rest is less disputed. Keep it out of the dishwasher, do not leave it soaking, and let it dry completely before you put it away. The Woks of Life allows at least two days of air drying to prevent mold.
How we chose these eight steamers
We began with what a kitchen needs from a steamer: the right size for the pan, sound construction and simple care. We then read the America’s Test Kitchen review, the maker pages and the full Amazon listing for each candidate, and we kept only steamers from identifiable makers that were in stock on Amazon in the United States when we checked. ATK’s top-rated Juvale and its Highly Recommended MTC Kitchen steamer did not turn up in stock, so they are not here. Town, Norpro and Fox Run steamers were scarce or unavailable. We limited Amazon-first brands to two, and we say where a listing is our only source. We also searched the CPSC recall database for these brands and found no recall of these products.
Bamboo steamer basket questions, answered
What size bamboo steamer basket should I buy?
Ten inches for most homes. The Woks of Life calls it the all-purpose size. Go to 12 inches only with a wok of about 14 inches, and to 6 inches for one or two portions.
Can I use a bamboo steamer on a regular pot?
Yes, with a steaming ring, or by choosing a small steamer that sits inside a wide pot. Helen’s says its 6-inch model works in a wide saucepan, a stockpot, a Dutch oven or a deep skillet.
Why is my bamboo steamer scorching?
The water level has probably dropped below the bottom rim. The Woks of Life keeps the water a quarter to half an inch above that rim and tops it up with boiling water.
Can you steam tamales in a bamboo steamer?
Small batches, yes. Helen’s lists tamales among the foods for its 6-inch steamer. The tiers are shallow, though, so tamales lie flat rather than standing up, and a full batch is better in a tall pot. Our best tamale steamer guide covers those.
Is a bamboo steamer better than a metal one?
Each has its strengths. Bamboo absorbs condensation and can go to the table. Stainless is easier to clean; Joyce Chen lists its 10-inch stainless steamer as dishwasher safe. If you would rather have an appliance do the job, see our rice cooker steamer guide.
How do I stop food sticking to the steamer?
Use a liner that lets steam through, such as cabbage leaves, perforated parchment or a silicone mat. Food on a heatproof plate needs no liner.
Our pick for steaming at home
Buy the Helen’s Asian Kitchen 10-inch if you own a wok or a wide skillet, and add liners. Choose the Joyce Chen 10-inch if it is the one you can get first, the 12-inch for a crowd, the 6-inch Helen’s for small meals, the set with a ring for a stockpot, and the Three Way Cut if bao is your main job.
Related guide: Best collapsible steamer basket.
Related guide: Best idli cooker.
Related guide: Best dumpling cookbook.
Related guide: Best gifts for dumpling lovers.
If you still need the pan, start with our best wok guide. For steaming on a larger scale, see the best tamale steamer picks and our explanation of what tamales are. And on a night when you would rather not cook, see the Julia’s menu and call to order at (346) 546-8283.