4 Fish Steamer Options for Perfectly Cooked Seafood Every Time
A guide to choosing the best fish steamer based on quality, material, size, and features from top models like RSVP International and Hamilton Beach.
Based on our own staff’s experience, in-depth research in premium trade subscriptions, and crunching publicly available user reviews, we’ve curated the thousands of options on the market for a few that fit each typical use.
Whether you are looking to poach a fresh trout, steaming pollock, or steaming some clams & oysters (instead of shucking), the fish steamer/fish poacher is a must-have seafood tool.
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Here are the details for all the fish steamer options.
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1. RSVP International Endurance® Stainless Steel Fish Poacher
If you’re looking for quality steamed fish, the RSVP International Endurance® Stainless Steel Fish Poacher is a great option. It’s made from commercial-grade stainless steel, and it comes with a removable inner rack that has long handles, making it easy to lift out cooked fish with a spatula without it falling apart. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup.
2. KitchenCraft POACHER24 Large Fish Kettle
Looking for a healthy and easy way to cook fish? The KitchenCraft POACHER24 Large Fish Kettle might be just what you need. Made of polished stainless steel with an encapsulated base, this fish kettle is perfect for evenly cooking medium to large fish. Plus, the welded handles make it easy to lift, even when it’s full of seafood goodness.
3. Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer
The Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer with a 5.5 quarts capacity has two stacking tiers which make it possible to steam many different types of dishes (even tamales) at once with ease. The divider in between each tier can be removed to fit larger quantities if necessary; you could even use one tier for small quantities and two tiers for whole meal preparation.
4. Tafura Microwave Fish Steamer
The Tafura Microwave Steamer is a 3-piece set that includes a removable strainer basket, an airtight locking lid, and a container. The steamer is ideal for cooking vegetables, fish, and poultry. The steamer is made of high-quality BPA-free material and is microwave-safe (with the vent tab open) and dishwasher-safe (top rack).
How To Choose The Best Fish Steamer
There are a few considerations when choosing the best fish steamer / fish poachers. Here are the primary ones to think about.
Size
Will you be cooking for one or two people? Are you preparing food for a picnic, event, or party?
Applications
Do you prefer to steam seafood, veggies, fruit, or all three in the same steamer?
Ease of Use
Is it easy to assemble and clean afterward? Does it have indicator lights or other features that make it easy to use?
Price
How much are you able to spend on this product? Quality usually tracks the price, so look at what an upgrade will get you over the long term.
Other Features
What other features does it have that are worth considering? Is there a warranty or guarantee included with the purchase of the product, and what’s its return policy if something goes wrong?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of fish steamers?
There are three main types of fish steamers: those that sit on the stovetop, those that are electric, and those that are microwaveable.
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Stovetop steamers typically provide more control over temperature and cooking time, while electric steamers are easier to operate and often have countdown timers. Microwaveable steamers are the most convenient option since they can be used in any kitchen without additional equipment.
Microwave steamers can also double as a veggie steamer, rice steamer, and different foods. However, they can also be the most difficult to use effectively, since microwaves vary in power output. You can also use a bamboo steamer if needed, even though they have tradeoffs compared to metal.
How do I choose the best fish steamer for my needs?
Start with choosing the type (stovetop, electric, microwave), then decide if you want a dedicated steamer with more size for larger fish, or whether you can make do with a smaller, multi-purpose steamer.
What are the benefits of using a fish steamer?
Fish steamers are a great way to cook delicate fish without ruining it. The high heat of the steamer cooks the fish quickly and evenly, leaving it moist and tender.
Additionally, because the steam surrounds the fish, it locks in all of the flavors and nutrients, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal.
How do I prevent my food from sticking to the steamer?
The best way to prevent food from sticking to the steamer is by using a little bit of non-stick cooking spray on the inside of the steamer.
Can I use a fish steamer to poach fish?
You can use a fish steamer to poach fish, but the nature of poaching is that you have a single point of heat so it might be too hot for delicate fish. Steaming fish will cook the food more evenly and save you some tons of time measuring out individual bowls of miso soup with every bite).
How do I get the best results from a steamer?
To achieve optimal results from a steamer, it is important to follow these guidelines: Start by using distilled water for steaming. Ensure that the water is fully heated before using the steamer on your clothes. Hang the garments you wish to steam on a hook or clothes hanger. Always hold the steamer nozzle in an upright position. For most fabrics, you can gently brush them with the nozzle while steaming.
