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Top 15 Best Tamale Steamers

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Do you know that American originated tamales are also a central dish for Mexican families? Their traditional Christmas Eve Dinner is not ham or turkey! This tasty, delicious cornmeal wrapped in banana leaves is somewhat savory to sweet, or meat to vegetarian.

As per my personal experience, tamale preparation is not a task of a few minutes. It requires your labor and time to make them tasty. You may know them by different names and variations like tamalitos, tamals, or pastels.

Many Caribbean islands such as Cuba, Tobago, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad also consume a form of tamales.

All in all, my list of top 15 best tamale steamers is going to help most of you people to make yummy homemade tamales. Well, steamers are often found to be essential kitchen tools to be ideal for multi-functional purposes. Therefore, I have mentioned all the related aspects for tamale steamers, including an ultimate buying guide section.

How To Best Utilize A Steamer To Steam Tamales?

You can best utilize a steamer to steam tamales by keeping in mind the following instructions. After you’re done with purchasing your best tamale steamer, take the following steps to enjoy delicious and well-cooked tamales.

Properly Line the Steamer

The first step is to correctly line your steamer and place banana leaves into it, which further creates a kind of barrier between tamales and boiling water. Also, make sure to cover its entire base with leaves. You can also use corn husk strips if you don’t have banana leaves.

Place Tamales

It’s high time to place tamales into the steamer across its base. Make sure to leave the opening side upwards. In case you have to steam lots of tamales, use the second layer of steamer also. Do not compromise here if you are looking to enjoy well-cooked food.

However, don’t think of making more than two layers of steaming as it will place difficulty in proper steaming of tamales. It would difficult for steam to reach more than two layers.

Leave Them to Steam for Almost 1 Hour or Extra 30 Minutes

After placement, you should leave tamales for steaming up to 1 hour or extra 20-30 minutes, which purely depends upon the number of tamales you are steaming. Place the lid on and set the timer accordingly. To check, you can observe the boiling water. If the water in your steamer stops boiling, cut off the heat.

On the other hand, it’s also essential to check your steam occasionally for the availability of steaming water. Add water if required.

Rest Tamales

Now, you have cut off the heat; it’s recommended to let the tamales rest as it is in a steamer for about 20-30 minutes. Even after turning the heat off, rest them in with lid placed on. It will bring out tasty flavors in your tamales.

Set a standard timer for 20-30 minutes if required.

Serve Hot!

Enjoy straight warm tamales into your plate with one of your favorite Mexican sides. Eat them with a side like salsa, corn chips, beans, guacamole, and other delicious options. If they’re too hot, just wait for 5 minutes to get them fresh and not more than that!

What is The Best Tamale Steamer to Cook?

Now, get on to reading brief properties of the top 15 best tamale steamers. All of them are unique in some sense from another, and you have to find that product efficiency. It will help better match your buying requirements.

  • Best for Stack: Farberware 70043 Tamale Steamer
    “Mirror polished, with steamer insert, iconic lid knobs and handles, oven-safe, full cap base, self-basting lid.”
  • Best for High Steaming: Oster Sangerfield Tamale Steamer
    “Dual-purpose, includes steamer insert, Dutch oven, with airtight transparent lid, also perfect for vegetables steaming.”
  • Best Automatic: Hamilton Beach 37530A Tamale Steamer
    “Digital touchpad, rice bowl and drip tray, Automatic Warm, versatile, stackable, nested storage.”
  • Best for The Cook: Imusa Mexicana-24 Tamale Steamer
    “Can be used as a stockpot, Multi-purpose cooking, removable insert, large capacity, and doubles as a stockpot without the insert.”
  • Best Budget: Granite Ware Tamale Steamer Pot
    “Glass-like surface, chip-resistant, granite look, easy to clean, do not react with food taste.”
  • Best Transparent: Oster Tamale Steamer
    “Double-tier design, Transparent Steamer bowls, automatic timer, multi-function, versatile, mistake-proof controls.”
  • Best for Induction Cooktop: Mockins Tamale Steamer
    “3-piece set, Tight vented glass lid, Bakelite handles, drip and spill-resistant, oven-safe, versatile.”
  • Best Overall: Rachael Ray Tamale Steamer
    “Non-stick, Espresso-colored, Rustic style, saucepot with lid, relaxed design, stylish handles.”
  • Best for Boiling: GasOne Tamale Steamer
    “Heavy-duty thickness, Sleek look, With lid and steamer rack.”
  • Best for Seafood: Smart Cook Tamale Steamer
    “perfect size, Riveted pot, and lid handles, retain nutrients and heat, coordinating lid.”
  • Best Electric: Secura Electric Tamale Steamer
    “Digital steamer, auto shut-off, Delay start time settings, anti-scaling handle, versatile, non-slip knob, LED display.”
  • Best for Quantity: Granite Ware Tamale Steamer
    “Domed lid to trap nutrients, moisture, and heat, safe for outdoor and electric gas stove cooking, side loop handles.”
  • Best for Grocery: ARC USA Tamale Steamer
    “Convenient dividers, with steamer insert rack, Unique Spout, large quantity, commercial-grade material.”
  • Best for Oven: Chef’s Star Tamale Steamer
    “Self-basting lid, Rolled pot rim, aluminum core, oven-safe, resists discoloring and corrosion, mirror finish, lifetime warranty.”
  • Best for Christmas: ExcelSteel Tamale Steamer
    “Great heat distribution, encapsulated base, tempered glass lid, highly durable, large quantity.”

Tamale Steamers Comparison Chart

Check out the comparison chart given below on best tamale steamers with regards to various points such as material type, warranty, innovative features, and so on. Have a wise buying decision!

Best Tamale SteamersMaterial TypeSizeWarrantyWeightInnovative Features
Farberware 70043 Tamale Steamer - Best for StackStainless Steel3-QuartLimited Lifetime Warranty3.55 poundsMirror polished, With steamer insert, iconic lid knobs and handles.
Oster Sangerfield Tamale Steamer - Best for High SteamingStainless Steel3-QuartNA2.75 poundsDual-purpose with a steamer insert, Dutch oven.
Hamilton Beach 37530A Tamale SteamerBest AutomaticPlastic5.5-QuartLimited Warranty3.97 poundsDigital touchpad, With rice bowl and drip tray, Automatic Warm.
Imusa Mexicana-24 Tamale SteamerBest for The CookAluminum12-Quart/ 20-Quart/ 28-Quart/ 32-Quart NA3.09 poundsCan be used as a stockpot, Multi-purpose cooking
Granite Ware Tamale Steamer PotBest BudgetPorcelain15.5-QuartsNA4 poundsGlass-like surface, chip-resistant
Oster Tamale Steamer - Best TransparentPlastic5-Quarts1 year limited warranty1.15 poundsDouble-tier design, Transparent Steamer bowls, automatic timer.
Mockins Tamale Steamer - Best for Induction CooktopStainless steel3-QuartCustomer Satisfaction Guarantee4.8 pounds3-piece set, Tight vented glass lid, Bakelite handles, drip and spill-resistant.
Rachael Ray Tamale Steamer - Best OverallAluminum3-QuartNA3.7 poundsNon-stick, Espresso-colored, Rustic style.
GasOne Tamale Steamer - Best for BoilingStainless Steel24-Quart/ 32-Quart/ 40-QuartNA12.7 poundsSleek look, With lid and steamer rack.
Smart Cook Tamale Steamer - Best for SeafoodAluminum24-QuartNA3.13 poundsRiveted pot and lid handles.
Secura Electric Tamale Steamer - Best ElectricStainless steel8.5-Quart2- year warranty7.2 poundsDigital steamer, auto shut-off, Delay start time settings.
Granite Ware Tamale Steamer - Best for QuantityNA15.5-QuartNA4 poundsThe domed lid to trap nutrients, moisture, and heat.
ARC USA Tamale Steamer - Best for GroceryStainless Steel20-Quart/ 24-Quart/ 32-Quart/ 40-Quart/ 52-QuartNANAConvenient dividers, With steamer insert rack, Unique Spout
Chef’s Star Tamale Steamer - Best for OvenStainless Steel2-QuartLifetime warranty4.89 poundsSelf-basting lid, Rolled pot rim.
ExcelSteel Tamale Steamer - Best for ChristmasStainless Steel12-QuartNA6.5 poundsGreat heat distribution, Encapsulated base.

Top 15 Best Tamale Steamer Reviews

The best tamale steamer can’t be found everywhere. You have to consider some details and good quality stuff in every product out there. Not all are good, so stay tuned and read below how a high-quality tamale steamer sounds like.

1. Farberware 70043 Tamale Steamer

(Best for Stack)

Farberware 70043 Tamale Steamer

Use it as both saucepots as well as a steamer; Farberware presents the product I am talking about. The 3-Quart size with a mirror finish of stainless steel just rocks for an average family. Not only tamales, but you can cook, boil, and steam various other food items in this steamer-cum-saucepot.

The structure and durable performance appeal to everyone’s kitchen. You can use it very only with comfortable handles and self-basting lid. There is a divider between saucepot and steamer, where you can utilize it even without steamer insert. All cookware is oven safe up to 350˚F.

Also, the steamer insert except saucepot is dishwasher safe. Thick aluminum core covers the cookware, for consistent heating all around the base. Therefore, if you are looking for a reliable stainless steel quality steamer with a small size, this one may not disappoint you even in the long run.

Key Features

  • Saucepot-cum-steamer
  • 3-Quart size
  • Stainless steel material with a thick aluminum coating on the base
  • Self-basting lid with handles
  • Full cap base

Product Specifications

BrandFarberware
Material TypeStainless steel
Size3-quart
WarrantyLimited lifetime warranty
Weight3.55 pounds
Innovative FeaturesMirror polished, With steamer insert, iconic lid knobs and handles.
My labelBest for stack

Pros

  • Reliable
  • Durable
  • Oven safe
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Even heating

Cons

  • Small size
  • Saucepot not dishwasher safe

2. Oster Sangerfield Tamale Steamer

(Best for High Steaming)

Oster Sangerfield Tamale Steamer

Here’s another steamer by Oster with the capacity of 3-Quarts. The uniqueness of this steamer if we compare it with our first pick is the transparent lid and stainless steel handles. On the one hand, you can peek inside the steamer to check for food. On the other hand, it may be challenging to handle steamer after it gets too hot.

Well, the quantity, upper handle, and overall structure of steamer with saucepot are quite noteworthy. You may get compliments keeping this steamer with transparent lid in your kitchen. Also, there are not such heavy cons about the product except few. With the encapsulated base for stable heating, you can steam vegetables, tamales, and many other food items at an acceptable rate.

I like its dual purpose with a Dutch oven and steamer insert, which proves it to be an ideal choice for everyday use. At the same time, the cookware won’t consume much of your kitchen countertop’s space. It is stackable, so you don’t have to worry.

Key Features

  • Dutch oven cum steamer insert
  • Stainless steel material
  • Encapsulated base
  • Transparent tempered glass lid
  • 3-Quart size

Product Specifications

BrandOster
Material TypeStainless steel
Size3-quart
WarrantyNA
Weight2.75 pounds
Innovative FeaturesDual-purpose with a steamer insert, Dutch oven
My labelBest for high steaming

Pros

  • Stackable
  • Durable
  • Dual-purpose
  • Oven safe

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Small size

3. Hamilton Beach 37530A Tamale Steamer

(Best Automatic)

Hamilton Beach 37530A Tamale Steamer

I embrace lots of features in this electric steamer by Hamilton Beach. The large number of 5.5-Quarts and digital touchpad are just amazing to talk about. Other than that, the steamer won’t take much of your storage space. It is stackable and can also be used to steam large food items such as chicken breasts, hot dogs, etc. after removing the divider.

Its digital touchpad comes with mainly two settings of automatic warmth and delays start timer. In the automatic warm feature, the device gets to on automatic steaming mode and alert you with beep after it’s done. Secondly, the functionality of delay start time means you can place the tamales or things you want to steam in advance and set the timer accordingly.

It’s warm settings generally run for one hour. Apart from being made up of plastic, the product is BPA-Free and thus safe for consumption. You will also be provided with a rice bowl and a drip tray along with the main steamer. Except for the steamer, the drip tray, and the rice bowl, both are dishwashers safe.

Key Features

  • Electric steamer
  • Includes drip tray and rice bowl
  • Digital touchpad
  • Warm settings and delay start timer
  • Size- 5.5 Quarts

Product Specifications

BrandOster
Material TypeStainless steel
Size3-quart
WarrantyNA
Weight2.75 pounds
Innovative FeaturesDual-purpose with a steamer insert, Dutch oven
My labelBest for high steaming

Pros

  • BPA-Free plastic
  • User-friendly
  • Great settings

Cons

  • Little shallow tray

4. Imusa Mexicana-24 Tamale Steamer

(Best for The Cook)

Imusa Mexicana-24 Tamale Steamer

Looking for large quantity best tamale steamer? Consider this one by Imusa with the size of 12-Quart and durable coating of thick aluminum material. This big pot can also be used without a steamer insert. Also, the steamer insert provided is removable, which is further easy to clean and store.

It acts as double as a stockpot without steamer insert. The double-sided handles and upper lid with handle are all quite noteworthy in terms of performance and quality. Well, you will experience stable heating of tamales with this steamer cum double stockpot.

The large capacity suits everyone’s family. You can use this kind of double stockpot steamer for multiple purposes. Its various uses can be for soups, stews, beans, stocks, lentils, types of pasta, and sauces. However, I must say if you have high requirements, think twice before ignoring this steamer.

Key Features

  • Steamer cum double stockpot
  • 12-Quart big size
  • Removable steamer insert
  • Thick aluminum material
  • Silver interior and exterior

Product Specifications

BrandOster
Material TypeStainless steel
Size3-quart
WarrantyNA
Weight2.75 pounds
Innovative FeaturesDual-purpose with a steamer insert, Dutch oven
My labelBest for high steaming

Pros

  • Large quantity
  • Durable
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not for small requirements
  • May shake a little while steaming

5. Granite Ware Tamale Steamer Pot

(Best Budget)

Granite Ware Tamale Steamer Pot

Go for a little more big size with this Granite Ware’s tamale steamer. This black mirror-glass finish steamer is made for 15.5 Quarts size with a removable steamer insert. So, you get the advantages of both steamers as well as more than double stockpot. The lovers of black granite color may surely want this cookware.

Well, steamer insert and pot both are designed keeping in mind the size of tamales. The material is said to not react with the taste of food, as is found with other materials. A porcelain technology was applied to this durable and chip-resistant steamer.

However, the steamer is said to be non-ideal for induction based or glass stove pots. The inert glass-like surface also lasts long with regards to durability. Overall, it’s a reasonably priced steamer cum pot with such large quantity. I would love to buy it if I would have that large requirements and storage space to keep it safe.

Key Features

  • Steamer cum pot
  • Removable steamer insert
  • Porcelain technology material
  • 15.5-quart size

Product Specifications

BrandGranite Ware
Material TypePorcelain
Size15.5-Quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight4 pounds
Innovative FeaturesGlass-like surface, chip-resistant
My labelBest Budget

Pros

  • Durable
  • Chip-resistant
  • Reasonable price
  • Large quantity

Cons

  • May be difficult to handle
  • A little smelly

6. Oster Tamale Steamer

(Best Transparent)

Oster Tamale Steamer

Now, enjoying tamales would not be a difficult task when you have highly portable steamers like this one offered by Oster. The durable, BPA-free plastic is also known to be dishwasher safe. However, I still recommend you wash only its transparent steaming bowls in the dishwasher instead of the whole machine.

This portable electric steamer consists of double-tier design with 5-Quarts of total capacity and 60-minutes automatic timer. At the same time, transparency lets you properly check the tamales and other vegetables while steaming. You won’t face any kind of hustle with the machine as all the automatic requirements are already provided.

Key Features

  • Electric plastic steamer
  • Transparent steaming bowls
  • 60-minutes automatic timer
  • 5-Quarts total capacity
  • Double tier
  • Auto shut-off
  • Power indicator lights

Product Specifications

BrandGranite Ware
Material TypePorcelain
Size15.5-Quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight4 pounds
Innovative FeaturesGlass-like surface, chip-resistant
My labelBest Budget

Pros

  • Automatic operation
  • BPA-Free plastic bowls
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Versatile
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • Bowls may break if not handled carefully
  • Not suitable for baby food

7. Mockins Tamale Steamer

(Best for Induction Cooktop)

Mockins Tamale Steamer

It’s a 3-piece steaming set consisting of the steamer, saucepot, and a heavy-duty transparent lid. The stainless steel quality with mirror-glass finish and Bakelite handles are quite noteworthy for the product. Whether you are steaming tamales or cooking any other vegetables in saucepot, you won’t be facing any kind of spilling or other similar conditions, as is found in cheap quality cookware.

Also, the lid is tight-fitting and airtight to give you that secure feeling while working with this cookware. I must recommend it to persons with a reasonable budget and small requirements. Moreover, the cookware is oven safe up to 350˚F. Except for the steamer, you can also use its saucepot individually for versatile purposes.

The Mocking steamer cum saucepot is further compatible with induction, gas-furnace, radiant, and standard furnace. It’s lightweight and allows your steaming pot to get even heating throughout.

Key Features

  • Stainless steel steamer cum saucepot
  • Mirror finish
  • Oven safe up to 350˚F
  • Strong Bakelite handles
  • Compatible with all kinds of furnaces

Product Specifications

BrandGranite Ware
Material TypePorcelain
Size15.5-Quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight4 pounds
Innovative FeaturesGlass-like surface, chip-resistant
My labelBest Budget

Pros

  • High-quality stainless steel
  • Versatile
  • Lightweight
  • Lifetime customer satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Handles may get slightly hot after long steaming
  • Lid handle not so strong

8. Rachael Ray Tamale Steamer

(Best Overall)

Rachael Ray Tamale Steamer

Here’s come, my favorite stylish steamer by Rachael Ray. First of all, I’m in love with its color and durable structure. This saucepot cum steamer set is ideal for everyone looking for classic cookware. Not only it’s appealing in design, but features also touch you. You can use it in the oven up to 400˚F.

On the other hand, it’s compatible with all types of stovetops except induction. The rubberized handles further provide a comfortable and solid grasp, which doesn’t get hot quickly even after long hours of steaming. You have two color options to choose from.

I see it as a reasonably priced cookware which is not only great for steaming tamales but everyday use. The durability quality is not going to disturb you even after years.

Key Features

  • Stainless steel saucepot cum steamer
  • Rustic color and classic design
  • Rubberized strong grip handles
  • Nonstick
  • Oven safe up to 400˚F
  • Compatible with all stovetops except induction

Product Specifications

BrandRachael Ray
Material TypeAluminum
Size3-quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight3.7 pounds
Innovative FeaturesNon-stick, Espresso-colored, Rustic style.
My labelBest Overall

Pros

  • Durable
  • Reasonable price
  • Transparent, strong lid

Cons

  • Small size

9. GasOne Tamale Steamer

(Best for Boiling)

GasOne Tamale Steamer

GasOne comes with a traditional looking steamer which is suitable for guys looking for large quantity and sturdy quality. It is long-lasting, simple to clean, durable, and offers excellent heat conduction all over the cookware while steaming or cooking food items. As usual, this is also dual-purpose cookware, which you can also use individually after removing steamer insert.

You have got three options of quantity to choose from, namely 32, 24, and 40 quarts. At the same time, the thickness of steamer is said to be ideal for boiling and homebrewing things like Maple Syrup. You will be ensured stable heating where it retains moisture itself for fast boiling speed.

However, the handles may disappoint you after getting hot as there is such thing as rubber pads or Bakelite.

Key Features

  • Traditional style and high-quality stainless steel steamer cum pot
  • Three size options
  • Stain and rust-resistant
  • Multi-purpose

Product Specifications

BrandRachael Ray
Material TypeAluminum
Size3-quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight3.7 pounds
Innovative FeaturesNon-stick, Espresso-colored, Rustic style.
My labelBest Overall

Pros

  • Even heating
  • Durable
  • Well constructed

Cons

  • Not suitable for induction

10. Smart Cook Tamale Steamer

(Best for Seafood)

Smart Cook Tamale Steamer

Cook smartly with this Smart Cook best tamale steamer with new properties to consider. I must say this 24-quart of the steamer is even suitable for places like restaurants other than homes. There is versatility in its use for steaming tamales, vegetables, and seafood in a much better and healthy way.

It consists of a removable steamer insert inside the large pot, which you can also use for steaming big food items. This riveted pot with lid handles is said to stay safe and fresh even after long hours of steaming. You can call it a perfect size for chili, soup, and stew.

Key Features

  • Thick aluminum steamer insert cum pot
  • 24-quart size
  • With handles

Product Specifications

BrandSmart Cook
Material TypeAluminum
Size24-quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight3.13 pounds
Innovative FeaturesRiveted pot and lid handles.
My labelBest for seafood

Pros

  • Also suitable for restaurants
  • Easy to carry
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not for induction
  • Traditional style

11. Secura Electric Tamale Steamer

(Best Electric)

Secura Electric Tamale Steamer

Secura offers a secure electric steamer with automatic controls. This 1200 watts digital steamer can generate steam in very less time of 15 seconds. Its stackable 2-tier structure provides an excellent platform for various steaming purposes such as tamales, veggies, fish, chicken, rice, or grains.

The worth-noting features of digital steamer include LED display, clear water line, boil-dry protection, and auto shut-off settings. It keeps warm up to 176˚F where you can also set controls f delay start timer with 1-hour increments up to 10 hours.

All in all, this electric steamer is much considerable as compared to other ones. This cookware is further easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Well, you can also use it as one tier steamer after removing the upper tier and placing the lid on the first steamer.

Key Features

  • 1200 watts digital steamer
  • LED display
  • Anti-scaling handle
  • Non-slip upper lid
  • Clearwater line
  • Timing function

Product Specification

BrandSmart Cook
Material TypeAluminum
Size24-quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight3.13 pounds
Innovative FeaturesRiveted pot and lid handles.
My labelBest for seafood

Pros

  • Heavy-duty stainless steel
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Simple to use and clean

Cons

  • May not be stain-resistant
  • Small size

12. Granite Ware Tamale Steamer

(Best for Quantity)

Granite Ware Tamale Steamer

Love to buy granite looking steamer? This best tamale steamer by Granite Ware may not disappoint you in the long run with its versatile performance and noteworthy quality. Its quantity, along with features, is quite significant. You can use it for dual purposes with its removable steamer insert.

Its domed lid with side loop handles helps trap moisture, heat, and nutrients. However, you may experience a little heat on touching them after long hours of steaming. This cookware is highly compatible and can be used safely over any type of stovetop, including induction.

Key Features

  • Steamer insert cum pot
  • Domed lid
  • Side loop handles
  • Ideal for all stovetops

Product Specifications

BrandGranite Ware
Material TypeNA
Size15.5-quarts
WarrantyNA
Weight4 pounds
Innovative FeaturesThe domed lid to trap nutrients, moisture, and heat.
My labelBest for Quantity

Pros

  • Durable
  • Large size
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Requires maintenance

13. ARC USA Tamale Steamer

(Best for Grocery)

ARC USA Tamale Steamer

When it comes to steaming tamales, there would be no better choice in stainless steel steamer than this one by ARC. You have almost five quantity options to choose from. Along with the main steamer cut pot, you will also be provided with a divider and inbuilt spout. Both are quite facilitative features offered in this budget pick.

The look may be kind of traditional but provides necessary performance whenever required while steaming tamales. Its thick and commercial-grade quality amazes everyone to consider this product for purchasing once. The versatile structure also lets you steam other items like seafood, chicken, rice, and so on.

Key Features

  • Five quantity options
  • Inbuilt spout
  • Includes divider
  • Food-grade stainless steel steamer cum pot
  • Includes side loop handles and a lid handle

Product Specifications

BrandARC USA
Material TypeStainless Steel
Size20-Quart/ 24-Quart/ 32-Quart/ 40-Quart/ 52-Quart
WarrantyNA
WeightNA
Innovative FeaturesConvenient dividers, With steamer insert rack, Unique Spout
My labelBest for grocery

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Budget-friendly
  • Great features

Cons

  • Not modern structure

14. Chef’s Star Tamale Steamer

(Best for Oven)

Chef’s Star Tamale Steamer

What if you get a combination of steamer pot along with saucepot? Chef’s Star comes with this feature in a high-quality mirror glass finish steamer. The total quantity is 5-quarts, including 2-quarts steamer pot and 3-quarts saucepot. To peep through your food, a transparent lid is provided.

At the same time, the rolled pot rim design is suitable for drip-resistant pouring. Its tight-fitting lid won’t disappoint you even after a long time of usage. Also, the cookware is oven safe up to 350˚F. The base of the pot is evenly heated throughout for proper steaming of tamales.

There is plenty of room inside the cookware for cooking as well as steaming your food items.

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel steamer cum saucepot
  • Rolled pot rim
  • Oven safe up to 350˚F
  • Self-basting lid
  • Aluminum core base

Product Specifications

BrandChef’s Star
Material TypeStainless Steel
Size2-quart
WarrantyLifetime warranty
Weight4.89 pounds
Innovative FeaturesSelf-basting lid, Rolled pot rim.
My labelBest for Oven

Pros

  • Drip-resistant
  • Transparent lid
  • With handles
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Thin pots

15. ExcelSteel Tamale Steamer

(Best for Christmas)

ExcelSteel Tamale Steamer

It’s good to know that stainless steel steamers have improved so much in quality, as well as their overall build structure. This one by ExcelSteel is modern and classic in style as compared to those traditional style stainless steel steamers. At the same time, the quantity of 12-quarts is also quite noteworthy if you are looking for such medium-sized steamers.

The transparent lid with handles is made of tempered glass. Therefore, the steamer may prove to be perfect for every kitchen. On the other hand, the encapsulated stainless steel base ensures proper heating to your tamales or other food items. Get the required cooking experience of making delicious soups with this tamales steamer and let me know your feedback below.

Key Features

  • 12-quarts size
  • Stainless steel material with encapsulated base
  • Transparent id
  • Steamer insert cum pot

Product Specifications

BrandChef’s Star
Material TypeStainless Steel
Size2-quart
WarrantyLifetime warranty
Weight4.89 pounds
Innovative FeaturesSelf-basting lid, Rolled pot rim.
My labelBest for Oven

Pros

  • Tempered glass lid
  • Durable
  • Great heat distribution
  • Also ideal for induction stovetop

Cons

  • Heavy
  • A little tall than expected

What Factors To Look For In A Best Tamale Steamer?

Just bear in few essential factors whenever you go for purchasing a tamale steamer. Not only tamale steamer, but I must also say these factors apply to every kind of food steamer available out there in the market.

Type

First of all, consider various types of tamale steamers available. You will get variety in material as well as type. For instance, most people would like to go for convenient products such as electric tamale steamers. However, tough choices like stainless steel or aluminum material are not bad at all to consider when you are looking for durability and large quantity requirements.

Size

Size matters when we talk of buying food steamer, especially tamale steamer. The experts say that you should buy tall or vertical steamers in which it’s comparatively easy to place tamales. On the other hand, do not forget to consider your quantity requirements. The size of tamale steamers generally varies from 3-quarts to 40-quarts.

So, this is not a difficult job to select your ideal size. You should know that steaming tamales take a lot of time as well as space. Therefore, it’s not a better choice to go for too low in size. Your family members and their tamale need matter here.

Material

Well, I have already mentioned a bit about the kinds of material you get with the best tamale steamer. They mainly come in three kinds of materials, namely stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. The ones with plastic material are generally electric steamers. On the other hand, stainless steel or aluminum steamers can generally be trusted for long life and reliable performance.

So, consider the quality of material also along with other essential buying factors.

Warranty

The warranty of a product is also important to consider. It will ensure the durability and performance of the product. So, always check out the warranty or any other satisfaction claims provided by the manufacturer. Think twice before selecting a without-warranty steamer over the one with an exciting warranty.

Handles

The steamer you are buying must come with handles on the lid as well as side-loop. The handles will let you handle the product with care. You can steam tamales as well as other food items carelessly without noticing any warmth or heat coming out of the cookware. But, sometimes you may notice that handles get hot, which is quite dangerous.

At the same time, it’s also necessary to select heat-resistant handles that are durable as well. The Bakelite would be an excellent example of such handles.

Lid

Does your steamer contain lid? Yes, I am talking about the lid on a steamer, which is a bit an essential feature. Well, you haven’t seen a steamer without a lid. But, here you have to consider high-quality lid, whether it be glass or stainless steel. Suppose you have an option to buy a transparent glass lid. Then, make sure to check its material quality. It should be made of tempered glass or similar quality.

On the other hand, it’s also a good idea to choose a tightly fitted lid with steam vents of top of its surface. The steam vents help prevent extra pressure from building up.

Extra Features

The list of extra features consists of an automatic timer, digital touchpad, and so on. I call these extra useful features because the traditional stainless steel or aluminum tamale steamers won’t be going to give you such exclusive features.

So, if you are satisfied with other factors of the product, these extra features would prove to be amazing. There’s no better choice than having automation facilities like warm settings, automatic timer, delay start timer, and similar others.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question in your mind? Check out these frequently asked questions on best tamale steamers.

Can we boil tamales instead of steaming them?

Unfortunately, you have no option to make tamales except steaming. Even if you want to boil them and submerge in water, they will unlikely come out. As you already know that tamales are fillings wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaves and batter, it’s essential to retain their shape.

And, the shape won’t be retained if you disturb them or do things like boiling. Also, the yummy taste of tamales only comes out with steaming.

How long do tamales suppose to cook?

Making tamales can be an all-day affair. First of all, you have to prepare fillings with beef, beans, pork, or chicken. Then, soak them in corn husks. The next steps you have to take care to blot the water and arrange tamales with the approach you already know. And, the last essential step is to observe the steam.

Steaming would usually take 45-120 minutes overall. However, if you are steaming fewer quantity tamales, just keep them up to 30 minutes, and they will be prepared. All in all, it can take you all day long or a maximum half day.

What’s the proper way to steam tamales without a tamale steamer?

People often ask such questions to steam tamales in a vegetable steamer or looking for other ways to steam large batches of tamales. In my personal opinion, you can use vegetable steamers to steam tamales. But, make sure to consider size requirements for steaming tamales.

Well, all my mentioned top picks are not just only ideal for steaming tamales but can be utilized for multi-purposes. So, it’s better to once invest in the good-quality steamer, which can be used for various other functions also.

How much masa do I need to cook tamales?

After following the basic fresh masa recipe with perfect light and flavorful dough, note these facts. First of all, it’s recommended to take fresh masa because the fresher it will be, the more fluffy and light it will become faster.

Secondly, you must consider the quantity of masa to be used. Use almost half a cup of masa per tamale.

It means that almost a dozen tamales can be yielded with one pound of masa, which will approximately prepare 60 tamales.

How many tamales fit in a steamer?

Well, it firstly depends upon the structure, especially the height of the steamer you have bought. Then, I can give you a rough idea of how many tamales can fit in a steamer of a particular quantity. So, if you got the best tamale steamer of 12-quarts, it would roughly fit in dozen tamales being layered up. Rest, you can calculate for your steamer and the number of tamales it can handle.

My Top Pick

Having read our reviews and buying guides on the best tamale steamer, you may be feeling excited about their preparation. So, this is why I have mentioned some tips along with the brief process of utilizing your tamale steamer in the best way possible. So, make sure to gather all the information before selecting your favorite pick.

Want to take a look at my top-pick? It’s best overall Rachael Ray Tamale Steamer with high properties to consider. You would love to know that it’s the most stylish and feature-rich steamer in my list of top 15. However, the quantity may be small, but durable finish with multi-purpose capability can attract everyone’s eyes.

Choose your top pick and start steaming tamales!

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