Steamers: How we test steamers

Recording cooking times before tucking in to delicious steamed food is the basis of our testing

We carried out our own version of a supermarket sweep to carry out comprehensive tests of steamers to find the best and worst models. We cleared shelves of 20kg of carrots, 12kg of broccoli and 14.4kg of new potatoes. We then stripped supermarket fridges of 60 salmon fillets and 48 chicken breasts. 

With taste buds, sharp knives and stopwatches at the ready, we got to work at the Which? test lab.

Steamer cooking ability

We cooked broccoli, carrots, rice and salmon separately, and also made complete meals by layering chicken breasts with potatoes and carrots. 

We timed how long each steamer took to cook the food properly, then checked for texture and even cooking. 

Steamer convenience

We rated how easy each steamer is to use by going through the entire process of using it - from reading the instruction booklet to setting it up and and using the controls. 

We also assessed how easy the models were to clean and pack away for storage in a kitchen cupboard.