7 Best Cuisinart Vegetable Steamers of 2026

This stainless steel workhorse delivers restaurant-grade performance on any stovetop, combining 18/10 polished steel construction with a tight-sealing tempered glass lid that locks in moisture and nutrients. The riveted cool-grip handle stays comfortable during extended steaming sessions, while the drip-free pouring rim makes transitioning from steamer to serving a seamless move—ideal for health-conscious cooks who refuse to sacrifice flavor. Its mirror-finish exterior isn’t just for show; it resists staining and corrosion, standing up to daily use with minimal maintenance.

In real-world testing, the pan heats evenly thanks to its solid stainless build, though it lacks an encapsulated base, so induction users may experience slight hot spots. It comfortably fits a full pound of broccoli or a whole artichoke, and the glass lid allows constant visual monitoring without lifting and losing steam—preserving both texture and cooking time. While it’s not designed for stacking with other pots, its universal 20cm diameter ensures compatibility with most standard lids and cookware sets. That said, it’s heavier than budget steamers, making one-handed maneuvers awkward when full.

Compared to the collapsible CTG-00-SS, this model trades portability for long-term durability and superior heat retention, making it a favorite for serious home chefs. It doesn’t collapse or fold, but it’s built to last decades, not just seasons. If you prioritize stovetop precision and professional aesthetics over compact storage, this Cuisinart steamer outperforms entry-level models with ease—offering gourmet results without gourmet complexity.

Meet the space-saving stovetop essential—a collapsible stainless steel steamer that tucks into the back of your cabinet but performs like a full-size model when expanded. With an expandable handle that locks securely into place, it offers safe, stable lifting even when loaded with root vegetables or dumplings. Its 10.5-inch diameter fits most standard pots, and the elevated perforated basket ensures even steam circulation—no more soggy bottoms or unevenly cooked peas. For apartment kitchens or minimalist cooks, this is smart design that doesn’t skimp on function.

During testing, the steamer proved surprisingly sturdy despite its lightweight build, handling a full batch of potatoes without warping. The collapsible design is the star—press the handle and the basket folds flat, cutting storage space by over 70%. It’s dishwasher safe, and food residue rinses off effortlessly, but the thin steel means it heats quickly and can develop hot spots on high heat, requiring occasional stirring for larger loads. It’s not oven-safe, and the lack of a dedicated lid means you’ll need to use one from another pot—limiting standalone use.

When stacked against the premium STM-1000, this model is clearly for budget-focused users who still want quality. It lacks digital controls or built-in water tanks, but that’s not the point—it’s a no-frills, highly functional steamer for those who cook fast and clean up faster. If you need affordable efficiency with a dash of Cuisinart reliability, this model delivers far beyond its price tag—offering real utility without the countertop footprint.

For the speed-obsessed home cook, this microwave steamer slashes prep time to under 10 minutes while preserving nutrients and flavor in everything from green beans to salmon fillets. With a 6.5-cup capacity, it handles single servings or side dishes for two, and the dual-level design—water reservoir below, food tray above—ensures steam rises evenly without boiling over. The stay-cool handles make removal safe, even when the interior is scalding, and the locking lid prevents spills—perfect for busy mornings or post-work meals when energy is low but nutrition matters.

In real-world use, it consistently outperforms stovetop methods for speed: frozen veggies go from freezer to fork-ready in under 5 minutes, and boneless chicken breasts steam through in 8 with no dryness. The clear plastic lid lets you monitor progress without interrupting the cycle, though condensation can obscure visibility. It’s ideal for dorm rooms, offices with microwaves, or small kitchens lacking stove space. However, it’s not suitable for large meals or dense foods like whole potatoes, which cook unevenly at the core.

Compared to the CTG-00-SS, this model wins on speed and convenience, but loses on versatility—it can’t sear, sauté, or braise. It’s not dishwasher safe (top-rack only), and the plastic construction, while BPA-free, doesn’t feel as durable as stainless. Still, for microwave-first households seeking healthy, fast meals, this steamer is a no-brainer upgrade from plastic takeout containers—offering restaurant-style results without turning on the stove.

This is not just a steamer—it’s a complete kitchen command center, anchored by a 4.5-quart multi-purpose pan that tackles 14 cooking techniques, from steaming to searing to roasting. The PURELYCERAMIC nonstick coating is the standout feature—delivering effortless food release without metal utensils gouging the surface, making it ideal for delicate fish or sticky rice. The included steamer basket and slotted turner integrate seamlessly, and the lid’s built-in utensil holder keeps tools handy during cooking—eliminating clutter and boosting workflow. For those tired of cluttered cabinets, this set offers maximum function in minimal space.

In testing, the pan heated evenly on gas and electric stoves, though high-heat searing slightly compromised the nonstick finish over time—best used at medium heat for longevity. The steamer basket fits snugly and allows full steam penetration, cooking vegetables to crisp-tender perfection. The silicone EasyGrip handles stay cool and provide a secure hold, even when transferring from stovetop to oven (up to 550°F). However, the nonstick surface demands hand washing, and the steamer basket isn’t collapsible, taking up more storage than ultra-compact models.

Versus the Nouveau Navy version, this set is functionally identical—same materials, same performance—just in a different color. Compared to standalone steamers like the STM-1000, it sacrifices digital presets for hands-on versatility and pan-to-oven flexibility. If you want one pot that replaces five and value nonstick convenience over automation, this Cuisinart set delivers professional-grade adaptability without the specialty appliance clutter.

This all-in-one digital powerhouse redefines countertop steaming with a top-down steam system that ensures even, consistent cooking across five pre-programmed settings—vegetables, grains, poultry, seafood, and manual mode. The 5-liter glass pot offers family-sized capacity, easily handling a full chicken or a week’s batch of meal-prep veggies, while the removable 1-liter water tank eliminates guesswork and prevents boil-dries. With an LCD display, countdown timer, and audible alerts, it’s as intuitive as a rice cooker but far more capable—perfect for busy parents or health-focused cooks who want set-and-forget precision.

In real-world use, the steamer excels at multitasking: you can steam broccoli on the upper tray while cooking quinoa below, all without flavor transfer. The stainless steel steaming tray flips to accommodate different food types, and the glass lid with stainless rim provides a secure seal that locks in nutrients. It handles dense foods like potatoes and chicken thighs with ease, though delicate fish can overcook if left unattended past the recommended time. The glass pot is dishwasher safe, but the base must be wiped down—so spills should be cleaned immediately.

Compared to the CTG-00-MST, this model is larger, smarter, and built for serious cooking, not just quick sides. It lacks the portability of stovetop baskets but offers unmatched automation and capacity. For those who steam daily and want restaurant-quality results without babysitting a pot, the STM-1000 is the undisputed leader in digital convenience and performance—offering more features and flexibility than any other model in the lineup.

Don’t let the sleek navy finish fool you—this isn’t just a pretty pot. It’s a fully functional 14-task powerhouse with the same Cuisinart PURELYCERAMIC nonstick coating as its stainless counterpart, delivering effortless release and cleanup without compromising on performance. The 4.5-quart multi-purpose pan transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, and the included steamer basket fits perfectly, allowing you to steam, sauté, or braise with a simple swap of accessories. The EasyGrip silicone handles stay cool and provide a secure grip, while the lid’s built-in utensil holder keeps spoons and turners within reach—elevating kitchen ergonomics in a way few sets do.

In testing, the nonstick surface handled eggs, fish, and sticky sauces with zero residue, and the pan distributed heat evenly across gas and electric burners. The steamer basket allowed full steam circulation, producing crisp-tender vegetables every time. It’s oven-safe up to 550°F, making it ideal for finishing dishes like baked fish or gratins. However, like its twin, it requires hand washing to preserve the coating, and the non-collapsible basket takes up more drawer space than minimalist users may like.

Functionally identical to the stainless version, this set trades sleek aesthetics for the same robust utility—perfect for those who want high performance with a pop of color. Against the basic CTG-00-SS, it’s a massive upgrade in versatility, offering pan, steamer, and tool integration in one elegant package. If you want a single, stylish workhorse that replaces multiple pots, this Cuisinart set delivers form and function in perfect balance—offering the same power as its twin, just in a bolder shade.

This jumbo-sized steamer set is built for big families, batch cooking, or holiday feasts, with a 12-quart capacity that can handle an entire turkey or 3 pounds of potatoes in one go. The aluminum-encapsulated base ensures rapid, even heating across all stovetops (including induction), eliminating hot spots that plague thinner pots. The flavor-lock lid creates an airtight seal that traps steam and nutrients, while the dual-rim design allows drip-free pouring—a rare touch in large cookware. With a helper handle for balance, it’s safe to lift even when fully loaded, making it a true workhorse for high-volume kitchens.

In real-world use, the pot brought 8 quarts of water to a boil faster than most standard stockpots, thanks to its optimized heat distribution. The steamer basket sits high enough to keep food above the water line, even during rolling boils, and the stainless steel construction resists warping and staining. It’s oven-safe to 550°F, so you can start on the stove and finish in the oven—ideal for braised dishes. However, its massive size makes it unwieldy for small kitchens, and it doesn’t fit under most cabinet shelves when assembled.

Compared to the 20cm universal steamer, this set is in a different league—larger, heavier, and built for volume over finesse. It lacks the collapsibility of budget models but offers professional-grade durability and unmatched capacity. If you regularly cook for four or more and need a reliable, high-capacity steamer that won’t quit, this Cuisinart set delivers industrial strength in a home-friendly package—offering more space and power than any other model, at the cost of compactness.