11 Best Food Steamers in the Philippines

Food steamers are essential kitchen appliances for healthier, oil-free cooking. In the Philippines, they are popular for preparing vegetables, seafood, rice cakes, and more. This guide highlights the 11 best food steamers available locally, along with buying tips, maintenance advice, and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you want to cook healthier meals without sacrificing flavor, a food steamer is a smart investment. Steaming preserves nutrients, enhances natural taste, and requires little to no oil. In Filipino households, steamers are widely used for dim sum, siomai, fish, vegetables, and even desserts like puto. With many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your search by featuring the best food steamers in the Philippines.

History of Food Steamers

Steaming is one of the oldest cooking methods in the world. Ancient civilizations in Asia, particularly China, used bamboo steamers as early as 5,000 years ago. Traditional Filipino cooking also adopted steaming for dishes such as puto and bibingka.

With modernization, steamers evolved from simple bamboo baskets to stainless steel stovetop steamers and now electric multi-layer food steamers. Today’s electric steamers offer timers, automatic shut-off functions, and stackable tiers, making them convenient for modern kitchens.

Types of Food Steamers

Understanding the different types of food steamers helps you choose the right one for your needs.

1. Stovetop Steamers

These are placed on top of a pot or built as a steamer pot set. They are durable and do not require electricity.

2. Electric Food Steamers

These plug into a power outlet and often come with multiple tiers, timers, and automatic shut-off features.

3. Bamboo Steamers

Traditionally and commonly used for dim sum, they sit over boiling water and provide a distinct cooking style.

4. Microwave Steamers

Compact containers designed for quick steaming inside a microwave.

Importance of Using Food Steamers

Using a food steamer offers several benefits:

• Preserves more nutrients compared to frying or boiling
• Requires little to no oil
• Retains natural flavor and texture
• Allows multi-level cooking at once
• Reduces overcooking with built-in timers (electric models)

For health-conscious households, steaming is one of the simplest ways to prepare balanced meals.

Review of the Best Food Steamers in the Philippines

1. Asahi FS 036 Food Steamer

The Asahi FS 036 Food Steamer is a reliable electric model ideal for small to medium households. It features stackable steaming bowls, a simple control dial, and efficient steam distribution. Its compact design fits easily on kitchen counters while allowing simultaneous cooking of vegetables, seafood, and meat.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use control dial
• Stackable transparent trays
• Affordable price range
• Compact and lightweight

Cons:

• Limited capacity for large families
• Basic features only

2. Astron FS85 3-Layer Electric Food Steamer

The Astron FS85 3-Layer Electric Food Steamer offers generous cooking space with three stackable tiers. It is suitable for preparing multiple dishes simultaneously. The transparent trays allow easy monitoring, while its timer function ensures food is not overcooked.

Pros:

• Large three-layer capacity
• Built-in timer
• Transparent trays
• Good for batch cooking

Cons:

• Takes up more counter space
• Plastic trays may stain over time

3. Dowell Food Steamer

Dowell Food Steamer models are known for durability and efficient steaming. It typically includes multiple layers and a timer function. It distributes steam evenly, making it suitable for vegetables, fish, and dumplings. It is ideal for households that prefer simple but functional kitchen appliances.

Pros:

• Reliable brand reputation
• Even steam distribution
• Easy to operate
• Suitable for daily use

Cons:

• Design may look basic
• Not ideal for very large servings

4. Hanabishi Food Steamer

Hanabishi Food Steamer is designed for Filipino families who frequently cook steamed dishes. It features stackable bowls and simple controls. Its straightforward design makes it easy for beginners to use.

Pros:

• User-friendly controls
• Lightweight construction
• Affordable
• Good for everyday cooking

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Moderate capacity only

5. HODEKT Electric Food Steamer

HODEKT Electric Food Steamer offers multi-layer steaming with timer functionality. It is suitable for vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. The transparent design allows easy food monitoring during cooking.

Pros:

• Multi-layer capacity
• Built-in timer
• Clear steaming trays
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Plastic trays may absorb odor
• Build quality may feel lightweight

6. Kuchenluxe 5L Food Steamer

Kuchenluxe 5L Food Steamer is compact yet spacious enough for small families. With a 5-liter capacity, it allows efficient cooking without occupying too much counter space. It heats up quickly and is simple to clean.

Pros:

• Compact size
• 5-liter capacity
• Easy to clean
• Efficient steaming

Cons:

• Not suitable for large gatherings
• Limited features compared to premium models

7. Kyowa Stainless Steel Electric Food Steamer

The Kyowa Stainless Steel Electric Food Steamer offers durable stainless steel construction combined with reliable electric steaming performance. It is designed for households that prefer sturdier materials over plastic trays. With efficient heating and practical capacity, it handles vegetables, seafood, and meat consistently for everyday cooking.

Pros:

• Durable stainless steel material
• More resistant to staining and odor retention
• Reliable heating performance
• Suitable for regular family use

Cons:

• Heavier than plastic models
• May cost more than basic plastic steamers

8. Simplus Electric Food Steamer

Simplus Electric Food Steamer is known for minimalist design and functionality. It typically includes adjustable timer settings and stackable trays for multi-level cooking. It suits small households or individuals seeking convenient cooking.

Pros:

• Sleek and simple design
• Adjustable timer
• Easy assembly
• Affordable

Cons:

• Smaller capacity
• Basic control features

9. Tefal Mini Compact Food Steamer

Tefal Mini Compact Food Steamer is designed for efficient storage and performance. It offers high-quality construction and consistent steam distribution. Ideal for compact kitchens, it is reliable for everyday steaming tasks.

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Compact storage design
• Even steaming results
• Trusted brand

Cons:

• Smaller cooking capacity
• Higher price compared to basic models

10. Timo Food Steamer

Timo Food Steamer offers multi-layer steaming and simple timer control. It is suitable for preparing vegetables, fish, and dumplings. Its lightweight design makes it easy to store after use.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Multi-layer design
• Simple controls
• Affordable

Cons:

• Limited advanced safety features
• Plastic trays may discolor over time
  

11. Tixx 3-layer Electric Food Steamer

Tixx 3-layer Electric Food Steamer provides generous capacity for larger meals. With three tiers, it supports simultaneous cooking. It includes timer control for better precision.

Pros:

• Large three-layer capacity
• Timer function
• Suitable for families
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Requires ample storage space
• May take longer to heat compared to smaller models

How to Choose the Best Food Steamer

Choosing the right food steamer depends on your cooking habits and household size.

Consider the following:

• Capacity: Small households may need 5L, while larger families benefit from 3-layer models.
• Power Rating: Higher wattage means faster steaming.
• Timer Function: Prevents overcooking.
• Material: BPA-free plastic or stainless steel options.
• Ease of Cleaning: Removable trays are easier to wash.
• Safety Features: Automatic shut-off is important.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Food Steamers

Proper maintenance ensures long-term performance.

• Unplug and cool down before cleaning
• Wash removable trays with mild soap
• Wipe the heating base with a damp cloth
• Avoid immersing the base in water
• Descale regularly if you notice mineral buildup
• Dry thoroughly before storage

Regular cleaning prevents odor retention and maintains steam efficiency.

10 FAQs About Food Steamers

Are food steamers healthy?

Yes. They preserve nutrients and require no oil.

Can I cook rice in a food steamer?

Some models include rice bowls; check product specifications.

How long does steaming vegetables take?

Usually 5–15 minutes depending on the vegetable type.

Can I steam frozen food?

Yes, but it may take longer.

Do food steamers consume a lot of electricity?

No. Most are energy-efficient appliances.

Is plastic safe for steaming?

If BPA-free, it is generally safe.

Can I cook meat in a steamer?

Yes, especially fish, chicken, and dumplings.

How do I remove limescale buildup?

Use a vinegar-water solution for descaling.

Are multi-layer steamers better?

They are ideal for cooking multiple dishes at once.

How long does a food steamer last?

With proper care, several years.

Conclusion

Food steamers are practical, healthy, and convenient kitchen appliances for Filipino households. Whether you need a compact unit or a multi-layer model for family meals, there are many excellent options available. By considering capacity, features, and maintenance requirements, you can choose the best food steamer that fits your lifestyle and cooking needs.