This guide will help narrow down the best fish steamer (i.e., “fish poacher”) within your budget that fits your needs.
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 for poaching a fresh trout, steaming pollock, or steaming some clams & oysters (instead of shucking), the fish steamer / fish poacher is a must-have seafood tool.
Here are the details for all the fish steamer options.
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RSVP International Endurance® Stainless Steel Fish Poacher
If you’re looking for a 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.
- GREAT FOR THE KITCHEN: The removable inner rack with handles makes it easy to lift out a cooked dishes without them flaking apart
- PERFECTLY POACHED: Prepare an elegant meal of whole salmon, snapper, or striped bass, or cook vegetables with a fish steak or fillets, and serve over hot rice
- PERFECTLY SIZED: Fish poacher measures 20.25 x 6.25 x 5.5"
- FANTASTIC QUALITY: Large fish poacher pan is made from commercial quality stainless steel
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Dishwasher safe
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.
- SIMPLE AND HEALTHY: making delicious, nutritious fish dishes couldn't be easier with this large fish kettle
- INDUCTION SAFE: just add fish and stock, pop on the lid, and heat on any type of stovetop
- HIGH QUALITY: it's made of polished stainless steel with an encapsulated base for even cooking, plus welded handles for easy lifting
- EXPERIMENT WITH SEAFOOD: wow guests with whole poached salmon and transform the juices into a tasty sauce
- IDEAL FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE FISH: measures 61.5 x 18.5 cm; dishwasher safe (appliance size permitting); 15 year guarantee.NOTE-This item is not suitable for an oven
Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer
The Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer with 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.
- FOOD STEAMER AND RICE COOKER: Easily cook a whole meal with one appliance with 5.5 quarts of cooking capacity. Includes 2 steaming bowls plus rice basket for rice or small foods.
- VERSATILE STEAMING: Versatile, stackable 2-tier steaming to cook multiple foods at once for quick and easy meal solutions. Use 1 tier for small quantities and 2 tiers for a whole meal. The center divider can also be removed to fit larger quantities of foods.
- GUESS-FREE STEAMING: Just fill it up and set the timer. When the food is ready, it will automatically switch to Warm. It also includes Delay Start and Auto Shutoff DIGITAL TOUCHPAD: Easily set the countdown timer and other functions easily.
- FITS NEATLY IN CABINETS: The tiers nest together to easily store away.
- PERFECTLY COOKED EGGS: Cook eggs from soft cooked to hard-boiled. Cook up to 16 large eggs at a time by simply standing them up on each steam bowl's egg holders.
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).
- The Tafura Microwave Steamer makes a healthy meal in minutes. just add water to the container, fill the basket with food, and heat. The steam release tab allows steam to escape while cooking. Ideal for a variety of vegetables, fish, and poultry
- This 3pcs steamer container includes a removable strainer basket, an airtight locking lid, and a container. with a capacity of 8.5 Cups. Dimensions: 7”x7"x4.5"
- With this microwave steamer, you can now enjoy the benefits of Microwave steaming. It is the healthier way of cooking and retains the vegetable’s original flavor, protein and vitamins.
- Tafura Microwave cookware is made of high-quality BPA Free materiel and is microwave safe (with vent tab open) and dishwasher safe (top rack), the lid features a rubber sealing ring and locking clips to keep food fresh on the go - and for a leakproof experience.
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?
FAQs about Fish Steamers & Poachers
Here are some frequently asked questions about fish steamers.
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).
Final Thoughts – Best Fish Steamer
Fish is a staple of many diets, and fish steaming has become one of the most popular cooking methods. It’s also healthier than frying or baking your fish.
But with so many different varieties to choose from (in addition to DIY options), how do you know which type will work best for you? Check out our list below for some recommendations on what we think are the top four options that’ll give you soft, tender fish every time for healthy food every time.