An electric food steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that uses hot steam to cook foods quickly and healthfully. With an electric steamer, you can easily cook rice, vegetables, fish, eggs, and more with the touch of a button.

Steaming food locks in nutrients that may be lost in other cooking methods. It allows you to cook tasty meals without adding extra fat or oil. An electric food steamer can be a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to eat healthier home cooked meals.

However, electric steamers can range widely in price from $20 basic models to over $200 for multi-tiered steamers with advanced features. So when is the best time to buy one of these handy kitchen gadgets while still getting a great deal? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• Benefits of Owning an Electric Steamer
• Average Costs of Electric Steamers
• Factors That Impact Pricing
• Recommended Features to Look For
• Seasonal Sales Cycles & Holiday Discounts
• Tips for Finding the Lowest Prices
• FAQs About Electric Steamer Purchases

Let’s get started!

Benefits of Owning an Electric Food Steamer

Before we dive into the best times and ways to save money on an electric steamer purchase, let’s first go over why you may want to buy one in the first place.

Here are some of the biggest reasons to consider adding an electric steamer to your kitchen lineup:

More Nutrients & Flavor

Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods. It preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling, microwaving, or sautéing foods. The hot steam cooks food gently to lock in beneficial compounds.

Steaming also brings out the natural flavors of fresh ingredients without adding extra fat, salt, or sugar. It intensifies tastes and aromas in healthy ways.

Faster Cooking Times

An electric steamer can cook rice, vegetables, fish, and other foods much faster than conventional stovetop methods. The enclosed heating element and steam distribution system speeds up cooking significantly.

You can prepare complete meals with the touch of a button in the same time it would take just to boil water. The convenience makes it easier to cook at home versus ordering unhealthy takeout.

Safer & Easier

Electric steamers feature automatic shut off settings and sensors to prevent burning or overcooking. The enclosed chambers prevent hot steam from escaping and burning you.

They are also extremely simple to operate. Just add water and ingredients, select a cook time, and let the steamer handle the rest! Clean up is easy too since foods don’t stick without the need for oil.

More Versatile

In addition to steaming, some electric steamer models can also cook foods using preset programs for rice, eggs, yogurt, bread proofing, sterilization, and more.

Higher-end models may come with multiple stackable tiers or flat trays to prepare complete meals at once. This versatility replaces several other appliances.

Now that you know the many great reasons to buy an electric food steamer, let’s explore what features impact costs and how to find the best discounts.

Average Costs of Electric Food Steamers

Electric steamers vary widely in price depending on size, settings, and extra features. Here is an overview of typical pricing:

• Basic Single Tier Steamers – $20 to $60
• Mid-Range Two Tier Steamers – $60 to $120
• Advanced Multi-Tier Steamers – $120 to $200+

The most budget-friendly steamers under $60 usually feature a single stackable steaming tray with options to cook vegetables, fish, eggs, and rice using steam and preset programs.

Mid-range two tier steamer models between $60 to $120 add an extra tray to cook more ingredients at once. They also tend to have more cooking functions and settings such as delayed start timers and keep warm modes.

High-end steamers costing over $120 normally have three or more stackable tiers for preparing full meals simultaneously. The most advanced professional-style models also incorporate features like LCD displays, stainless steel construction, and specialized cooking functions.

Now let’s go over the specific features and factors that cause electric steamers to be priced higher or lower.

Factors That Impact Pricing of Electric Steamers

Electric steamers range so much in price because of major differences in size, power, construction materials, and cooking features.

Here are the main factors that make some steamer models more expensive than others:

Number of Tiers

The number of stackable steaming tiers or trays is the most significant price factor. More tiers allow you to cook more ingredients at once but also increases costs.

• Single Tier – The most affordable, usually under $60. Good for singles or couples.
• Double Tier – Mid-range pricing between $60 to $120. Feeds small families.
• Triple+ Tiers – $120+, best for larger families. Cooks full meals.

In general, each added tier raises the price by $30 to $60. Triple tier models almost always cost over $100.

Power & Capacity

Higher wattages and larger water reservoirs allow electric steamers to run longer and accommodate bigger batches of food. Higher power and capacity adds cost.

• 800-1000 Watts – Typical for basic single tier models under $60.
• 1000-1200 Watts – Mid-range power found in most 2 tier steamers from $60 to $120.
• 1200+ Watts – Highest power levels seen in 3+ tier models over $120.

Likewise, water tanks under 40 oz. are cheaper while tanks over 60 oz. allow longer steam times.

Construction Materials

Professional-style electric steamers made from stainless steel rather than plastic cost more but also tend to last longer with better heat distribution.

Cooking Programs

More preset cooking functions through digital interfaces raise costs but also increase convenience. The most expensive models have LCD displays and customized programs.Advanced programs to look for include:

• Rice
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Sterilize
• Cake
• Yogurt
• Sous vide
• Multigrain

Extra Features

Additional convenience and safety features also increase price. Some examples are delayed start, keep warm modes, removable water tanks, and cool touch exteriors.

Now that you know what makes some steamers more expensive than others, let’s go over the recommended features to have based on your budget.

Recommended Features Based On Budget

Here are the electric steamer features we recommend looking for at different price points:

Under $60 Steamers

If you’re on a tight budget, here are the key features to target in sub-$60 electric steamers:

• 800-1000 Watts – Enough power for basic steaming.
• 60 oz Water Tank – Allows 20+ minutes of steam time.
• Vegetable & Rice Programs – Cover the essentials.
• 2 Liters Capacity – Fits 1-2 servings per tier.
• Cool Touch Exterior – Added safety.

With these specs, you can find very affordable single tier steamers perfect for singles, couples, and small families looking for a basic appliance.

$60 to $120 Steamers

In this popular mid-range price bracket, aim for these specs:

• 1000-1200 Watts – Faster, more powerful steaming.
• Double Tier – Cooks more at once.
• 60+ oz Tank – Supports longer multi-tier steaming.
• Eggs & Seafood Programs – More cooking options.
• Delay Start Timer – More convenience.

Double tier steamers with higher power and more programs offer excellent value for money in this range.

$120+ Luxury Steamers

If your budget accommodates premium models, these are the hallmarks of high-end electric steamers:

• 1200+ Watts – Fastest steaming times.
• Triple+ Tiers – Cook entire meals simultaneously.
• Stainless Steel – Durability and aesthetics.
• Large LCD Displays
• Specialized Programs – Yogurt, cake, sterilize, sous vide, etc.
• Removable Water Tank – Easier filling and cleaning.

With triple tier stacking, stainless steel bodies, advanced digital interfaces, and specialty cooking functions – deluxe steamers over $120 truly feel like professional chef appliances.Now that you know what features to look for at different prices, let’s explore the best times of year to find deals.

Seasonal Sales Cycles & Holiday Discounts

The cost of electric steamers fluctuates at certain predictable times each year:

Winter Holidays – Prices are usually lowest from October through December during the busy holiday shopping season. Retailers offer major discounts on small kitchen appliances and electronics during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Summer (June to August) – Warmer weather sparks interest in healthier cooking, so steamers often go on sale during the summer months. Look for markdowns when buying seasonal produce in bulk.

Back-to-School Season – Unexpectedly, August and September back-to-school sales also include kitchen appliance deals as parents stock up on equipment for kids heading off to college.

Post-Holiday Clearances – Prices also tend to dip in January and February during post-holiday inventory clearing sales after the winter rush. Retailers discount remaining seasonal inventory.

Wedding Season – Late winter through early summer is also wedding season, so registry discounts on kitchen gadgets often pop up during this timeframe.

The best electric steamer deals usually coincide with major holiday promotional periods, back-to-school season, summer grilling season, or post-holiday inventory clearances.

Now let’s go over some insider tips to maximize savings year-round.

Tips for Finding the Lowest Prices on Electric Steamers

Beyond watching for seasonal sales trends, here are some insider tricks to save the most money on electric steamer purchases:

1. Check Circulars & Coupon Sites

Regularly check Sunday newspaper circulars, websites like TheKrazyCouponLady.com, and ValPak mailers for appliance promotions at big box stores like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, etc. Stores don’t always advertise the lowest prices for seasonal sales online. Monitoring print ads can reveal extra savings.

2. Price Match In-Store

Brick-and-mortar retailers will often price match deals you find online from competitors. Bring evidence of lower prices on your phone to stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, and Crate & Barrel and ask if they’ll match or beat the deals.

3. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Use discounted gift cards from sites like CardCash.com to save up to 25% off the face value at appliance and kitchenware chains. The extra 20 to 25% in gift card savings makes a big difference on larger purchases.

4. Open Box Savings

Buying open box electric steamers can mean huge discounts. Inventory with damaged packaging or minor cosmetic defects often goes on clearance sale for up to 70% off retail prices. If you don’t mind some wear and tear, open box deals deliver the steepest savings.

5. Price Track on Camelcamelcamel

Use Amazon price tracking tools like Camelcamelcamel.com to view historical price graphs and set alerts when preferred models drop below target thresholds. This ensures you buy at the lowest price all year long.

6. Avoid Impulse Purchases

It’s easy to overpay for electric steamers when making impulse buys without researching alternatives. Set a target budget and features checklist before purchasing. Take time to search and compare prices across brands and retailers. A little patience goes a long way to prevent buyer’s remorse.

Doing your homework on pricing and features while watching for seasonal sales opportunities will help guarantee you score the best discounts on electric food steamers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Electric Steamers

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about getting the best deals on electric food steamers:

1. Are cheap electric steamers worth it?

Basic electric steamers under $50 can still be very worthwhile purchases if you manage expectations. Models in the $20 to $40 range often have lower wattages and plastic construction but still provide the healthy benefits of steam cooking for smaller households. Dual tier models less than $60 can also work well for couples or singles by cooking in batches.

Just don’t expect a sub-$50 steamer to have stainless steel bodies or cook for large families. But they can still deliver tasty steamed meals conveniently.

2. Which brands have the best prices?

Aroma, Cuisinart, and Oster tend to offer some of the most affordable electric steamers while still receiving high marks for reliability. Hamilton Beach and Rosewill also make quality budget-friendly models. DeLonghi, Philips, and Panasonic steamers cater more towards the high-end.