A folding steamer basket is cheap and handy, but plenty of kitchens do not have one, and plenty of cooks find its petals and center post fiddly. The good news is that steaming only needs three things: boiling water, something to hold the food above it, and a lid. Almost any kitchen can manage that with what is already in the cupboard.
This guide covers the steamer basket alternative that suits each kitchen: a colander-style steamer insert for a saucepan, a pasta pot set with its own steamer, a bamboo steamer, microwave steamers in two sizes, and the plate-in-a-wok trick that needs no gear at all. For each one we say how well it steams and where it falls short of a basket.
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Why cooks steam without a steamer basket
America’s Test Kitchen, in its review of collapsible steamer baskets, notes that boiling as little as half an inch of water under one can produce enough heat to gently cook meat and vegetables. That is the whole job, and other tools do it too. People look for a different one for a few reasons:
- Capacity. A collapsible basket holds one layer of food in one pot. ATK points out that tiered bamboo steamers can hold more food than most collapsible baskets.
- Two jobs in one. A steamer insert that doubles as a colander, or a pasta pot with a steamer, earns its storage space.
- Speed and no stove. A microwave steamer does a bowl of broccoli without heating a pot.
- Fiddliness. The folding petals of a basket can pinch fingers and trap food, and the center post gets in the way of larger items such as fish fillets (general kitchen sense).
One thing this page is not about: steaming tamales. They need a tall pot that holds them upright for an hour or more, which is a different job from a quick batch of vegetables. Our best tamale steamer guide covers that.
Quick verdict: the best steamer basket alternative
For most kitchens, the best steamer basket alternative is the Viking stainless steel steamer insert: it sits in most 6 1/4- to 8-inch saucepans, steams vegetables, dumplings and fish, and doubles as a colander. If you need a new pot anyway, the Oster Sangerfield 5-quart pasta pot set comes with a steamer insert and a pasta insert. For dumplings and big batches, a Helen’s Asian Kitchen 12-inch bamboo steamer stacks two tiers over a wok or wide pan. For speed, the Cuisinart microwave steamer holds 6 1/2 cups, and the PrepSolutions mini does a single serving. No gear at all? Use a plate in a wok, as ATK describes below.
Five steaming setups side by side
Our five standout picks, one per kind of kitchen, with the details each maker or listing states. All six steamers are reviewed in full below.
| Steamer | Type | Best for | Fits or holds | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucepan steamer insert | Vegetables, dumplings, fish | 6 1/4 to 8 in pans | View on Amazon | |
| Pot with steamer and pasta inserts | A kitchen that needs a pot too | 5 qt pot | View on Amazon | |
Helen’s Asian Kitchen 12-Inch Bamboo SteamerBest for big batches
|
2-tier bamboo steamer | Dumplings, buns, two dishes at once | 12 in; over a wok or wide pan | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart Microwave SteamerBest microwave steamer
|
Microwave steamer | Fast vegetables, fish, chicken | 6 1/2 cups | View on Amazon |
PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer, 2-CupBest for one
|
Mini microwave steamer | A single serving of vegetables | 2 cups | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Details are as stated by each maker or listing. Check the listing before you buy.
Steaming with no special gear at all
Before buying anything, know that you can steam with a pot, a plate and a lid. America’s Test Kitchen’s Lan Lam describes the method for dumplings: arrange them on a platter or plate about 2 inches shorter than the diameter of your wok’s lid, bring 3/4 to 1 inch of water to a boil in the wok, set the plate on the wok’s sloping sides, cover and steam. In a Dutch oven, set the plate on a bowl placed right side up in the water.
ATK’s limit is important: the trick works for foods that cook in less than 10 minutes. Over longer times, water collects on the plate and makes the food soggy. Lam also suggests moving the food off the plate as soon as it is done, so it does not soak up the water that has gathered. That makes the plate method right for dumplings, thin fish fillets, asparagus and green beans, and wrong for whole potatoes or a big piece of squash.
A metal colander set inside a large pot with a lid on top works the same way, as long as the colander sits above the water and the lid closes (general kitchen sense). The products below make each of these setups steadier and easier to lift out.
Six steamers to use instead, reviewed
We chose one tool for each way of steaming, from makers that state their sizes and materials: Viking, Oster, Helen’s Asian Kitchen, Cuisinart, PrepSolutions and GoodCook. Each was in stock on Amazon US, sold new, when we checked. Specifications come from the makers’ listings; techniques come from America’s Test Kitchen or are labeled general kitchen sense. We have not steamed with every product here.
1. Viking Stainless Steel Steamer Insert and Colander – Fits the Saucepan You Have
A universal steamer insert is the most direct replacement for a basket, and Viking’s is a good one. It is a deep, perforated stainless bowl with a long handle that rests on the rim of a saucepan, and Viking says it fits most 6 1/4-, 7- and 8-inch saucepans and casseroles, including its own 2-, 3- and 4-quart sauce pans. Put an inch or so of water in the pan, set the insert on top, cover and steam.
Viking lists vegetables, dumplings and fish among its uses, and says the insert doubles as a colander for straining and washing food before and after cooking. That second job is why it beats a folding basket for many kitchens: one tool to rinse the green beans and then steam them. It is made of 3-ply 304 stainless steel, which Viking says will not react with acidic foods, has a riveted handle, and is dishwasher safe. Viking backs it with a limited lifetime warranty.
The insert needs a lid to trap the steam, and the listing does not say one is included, so plan on using your saucepan’s lid. As general kitchen sense, a lid that sits on the insert’s rim rather than the pan’s still works, as long as it covers the opening.
Why we like it
- Fits most 6 1/4- to 8-inch pans, per Viking
- Doubles as a colander
- 3-ply 304 stainless; dishwasher safe
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 40051-6908 |
|---|---|
| Type | Universal steamer insert |
| Material | 3-ply 304 stainless steel |
| Fits or capacity | 6 1/4, 7 and 8 in pans |
| Heat source | Stovetop, over a saucepan |
| Lid | Not stated as included |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a 2- to 4-quart saucepan who wants a sturdy steamer that also works as a colander.
Skip it if your pots are wider than 8 inches; the insert will sit too low or fall in.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steamer and colander in one
- Heavy stainless build
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fits smaller pans only
- No lid stated
2. Oster Sangerfield 5-Quart Pasta Pot Set with Steamer – A Pot, a Steamer and a Strainer
If your kitchen is short a medium pot as well as a steamer, a pasta pot set covers both. Oster’s Sangerfield set has four pieces: a 5-quart stainless pot, a glass lid, a steamer insert and a strainer insert, per the listing. Use the steamer insert for vegetables and fish and the strainer insert for pasta, which lifts out to drain.
Oster says the pot has an encapsulated aluminum base for even heat, stay-cool riveted handles and a tempered glass lid so you can check on the food. Assembled, it is 11 by 8 1/2 by 10 1/2 inches and weighs 3.6 pounds. It is dishwasher safe, though Oster recommends hand washing.
Check your stove first. Oster says the set works on gas, electric and ceramic cooktops and is not compatible with induction. Five quarts is a modest size: right for a family’s vegetables or a pound of pasta, but not for steaming a big batch.
Oster’s separate Sangerfield expandable steamer is on our steamer basket guide; this is a different product, a full pot set.
Why we like it
- Steamer and pasta inserts included
- Encapsulated aluminum base, per Oster
- Glass lid to watch the food
- Stay-cool riveted handles
Key specifications
| Model | 130008.04 |
|---|---|
| Type | Pasta pot with steamer and strainer inserts |
| Material | Stainless steel, aluminum base |
| Fits or capacity | 5 qt |
| Heat source | Gas, electric, ceramic; not induction |
| Lid | Tempered glass, included |
| Care | Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household setting up a kitchen that wants one pot for pasta, vegetables and soup.
Skip it if you cook on induction; Oster says it is not compatible.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three jobs in one set
- Lid included
- Light at 3.6 pounds
Cons
- Not for induction
- Only 5 quarts
3. Helen’s Asian Kitchen 12-Inch Bamboo Steamer – Two Tiers Over a Wok
A bamboo steamer is the alternative with the most room. This 12-inch model from Helen’s Asian Kitchen has two stacking tiers and a lid, and the maker says it turns any pot or pan into a steamer: fill the pan with water, set the steamer on top and cover. Helen’s lists dumplings, dim sum, vegetables, fish and meat, and says the bamboo absorbs condensation so water does not drip back onto the food.
America’s Test Kitchen’s guide to bamboo steamers gives the practical details. Fill a wok, skillet or sauté pan with water to just below the slats, so the water does not touch them; for a 12-inch skillet that is about 3 1/2 to 5 cups. Bring it to a rolling boil, then turn it down to a simmer once the steamer is in. ATK suggests lining each tier with cabbage leaves or perforated parchment rounds, and keeping a kettle hot to top up the water during long steaming.
Care is the trade-off. ATK says bamboo steamers cannot go in the dishwasher, because they absorb too much water and warp, and that tiers must dry completely before you stack them or they will grow mold. Helen’s says to rinse before first use and hand wash.
A smaller Helen’s bamboo steamer is on our bamboo steamer guide; we chose the 12-inch size here because it fits over a wok or 12-inch skillet and holds the most food.
Why we like it
- Two tiers for two dishes at once
- Works over any wide pot or pan, per the maker
- Bamboo absorbs condensation, per Helen’s
- Safe with nonstick cookware
Key specifications
| Model | 97010 |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-tier bamboo steamer with lid |
| Material | Bamboo |
| Fits or capacity | 12 in diameter |
| Heat source | Stovetop, over a wok or wide pan |
| Lid | Bamboo, included |
| Care | Hand wash; dry fully |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who steams dumplings, buns or fish often and wants to cook two things at once.
Skip it if you want a dishwasher-safe tool; bamboo needs hand washing and careful drying.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most capacity here
- No drips on the food
- Doubles as a serving basket
Cons
- Hand wash, slow to dry
- Needs a 12-inch pan or wok
4. Cuisinart Microwave Steamer – Vegetables in Minutes, No Pot
A microwave steamer replaces the pot and the stove. Cuisinart’s has a base that holds water and a tray for the food: add water to the base, put the food on the tray, cover and microwave. Cuisinart says it is for vegetables, fish and poultry, holds 6 1/2 cups and has stay-cool handles for lifting it out.
Six and a half cups is a family-size bowl of broccoli or green beans, which makes this the microwave pick for more than one person. Cuisinart backs it with a lifetime warranty, per the listing.
The listing does not give cooking times or say whether it is dishwasher safe, so follow the instructions in the box. As general kitchen sense, microwaves vary in power, so check vegetables early the first few times and add time as needed.
Why we like it
- 6 1/2-cup capacity
- Water base and steaming tray
- Stay-cool handles
- Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | CTG-00-MST |
|---|---|
| Type | Microwave steamer |
| Material | Not stated |
| Fits or capacity | 6 1/2 cups |
| Heat source | Microwave |
| Lid | Included |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a busy household that steams vegetables most nights and would rather not watch a pot.
Skip it if you want to steam dumplings or anything that browns; it is a vegetable and fish tool.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No stove needed
- Family-size capacity
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Material and care not stated
- Times depend on your microwave
5. PrepSolutions Mini Microwave Steamer, 2-Cup – One Serving, Then a Colander
For one person, even a small saucepan is more than the job needs. PrepSolutions, Progressive’s kitchen line, makes this mini microwave steamer with a 2-cup capacity, which it describes as right for a quick meal for one. It steams fresh or frozen vegetables, per the listing.
The steamer basket doubles as a colander, so you can rinse vegetables in it and then steam them, and the surface is non-stick. PrepSolutions says it is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
Two cups is small: a side of broccoli or a handful of snap peas, not dinner for a family. It is the right tool for a desk lunch or a single cook who wants vegetables without a pot to wash.
Why we like it
- 2-cup single-serving size
- Basket doubles as a colander
- BPA-free, dishwasher safe
- Fresh or frozen vegetables
Key specifications
| Model | PS-47GY |
|---|---|
| Type | Mini microwave steamer |
| Material | BPA-free plastic, non-stick surface |
| Fits or capacity | 2 cups |
| Heat source | Microwave |
| Lid | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a single cook or an office lunch where a quick serving of vegetables is the whole job.
Skip it if you cook for two or more; the Cuisinart holds over three times as much.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small and quick
- Rinse and steam in one
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Single serving only
- Lid details not stated
6. GoodCook Everyday Microwave Food Steamer – A Flat Tray for Fish Fillets
Round steamers suit florets; a fish fillet wants a flat, oblong tray. GoodCook’s microwave steamer is 12 by 8 by 2.7 inches, per the listing, a shape that lays fillets or asparagus spears flat. You add water to the bottom tray, set the steam tray on top with the food, cover with the clear lid and cook.
GoodCook says the lid has an adjustable steam release vent that lets steam escape and keeps the container from sealing shut, and the clear lid lets you check on the food as it cooks. It handles fresh or frozen vegetables and fish, and it is dishwasher safe.
It is shallow by design, so it is not the tool for a deep pile of broccoli; the Cuisinart is better there. Use it when what you are steaming is long and flat.
Why we like it
- Flat 12 by 8-inch tray
- Adjustable steam vent, per GoodCook
- Clear lid to check progress
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 20146 |
|---|---|
| Type | Microwave steamer |
| Material | Not stated |
| Fits or capacity | 12 x 8 x 2.7 in |
| Heat source | Microwave |
| Lid | Clear, vented, included |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who steams fish fillets, asparagus or other long, flat foods in the microwave.
Skip it if you mostly steam piles of florets; a deeper steamer holds more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shape suits fish
- Vented lid
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Shallow
- Material not stated
Steamed vegetables in a Mexican kitchen
Steaming is not the first technique people think of in Mexican cooking, but it shows up everywhere once you look: vegetables for a side of calabacitas before they meet the pan, chayote and carrots for a caldo garnish, fish fillets for tacos de pescado al vapor, and, of course, tamales. A quick steam keeps vegetables bright and firm, which matters when they are going on to be sautéed with onion, chile and tomato (general kitchen sense). Any of the tools above handle that job.
Steamer basket alternative questions, answered
What can I use instead of a steamer basket?
A metal colander or steamer insert set over a pot of simmering water and covered with a lid, a bamboo steamer over a wok or wide pan, or a microwave steamer. With no gear at all, America’s Test Kitchen’s method of setting a plate on the sides of a wok over boiling water works for foods that cook in under 10 minutes.
How much water should I use?
Enough to stay below the food. ATK notes that as little as half an inch of boiling water under a basket can steam food, uses 3/4 to 1 inch for its plate-in-a-wok method, and says the water for a bamboo steamer should come up to just below the slats without touching them. Top it up with hot water if it runs low.
Can I use a colander as a steamer?
Yes, if it is metal, sits above the water in the pot and you can cover it. Viking’s steamer insert is built to do both jobs. Plastic colanders are not made for sitting over boiling water, so keep them out of this (general kitchen sense).
Is a bamboo steamer better than a metal basket?
It holds more. ATK notes that tiered bamboo steamers can hold more food than most collapsible baskets, and Helen’s says bamboo absorbs condensation so less water drips on the food. The trade-off is care: no dishwasher, and the tiers must dry fully before stacking.
Can I steam vegetables in the microwave?
Yes. A microwave steamer like the Cuisinart or GoodCook holds water in a base below a tray, and GoodCook’s lid has a vent to let steam escape. Follow the maker’s instructions for times, since microwaves vary.
Can I steam tamales without a steamer basket?
Tamales need a taller setup that holds them upright for much longer than vegetables. See our best tamale steamer guide for pots made for the job.
Our final word on steaming without a basket
Start with the Viking steamer insert if you have a 2- to 4-quart saucepan; it steams well and doubles as a colander. Choose the Oster pasta pot set if you need a pot too, the Helen’s Asian Kitchen bamboo steamer for dumplings and big batches, and a Cuisinart, GoodCook or PrepSolutions microwave steamer if speed matters most. And remember the plate-in-a-wok trick for the night you have nothing else.
If a basket is what you want after all, our best steamer basket guide covers the folding kind. For more steaming gear, see the best bamboo steamer, best vegetable steamer pot and best food steamer guides.
And if you would rather someone else did the cooking tonight, see the menu or call to order.