I Tested the Top Steamers for Tamales – Here’s My Pick for the Best One!

I absolutely love tamales – the delicious, savory filling wrapped in a soft corn husk and steamed to perfection. But as any tamale lover knows, the key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor lies in using the right steamer. That’s why I’ve scoured the market to find the best steamer for tamales, so you can enjoy these mouthwatering treats anytime you want. In this article, I’ll share my top picks and give you all the information you need to make a wise decision. Are you ready to elevate your tamale game? Let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Steamer For Tamales Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart, Silver

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IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer 52-Quart, Silver

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ARC 52-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot w/Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Steamer Rack, 13 Gallon

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ARC 52-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot w/Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Steamer Rack, 13 Gallon

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Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart

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Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart

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IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set, 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

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IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set, 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

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32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot Premium Aluminum Tamalera 8 Gallons

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32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot Premium Aluminum Tamalera 8 Gallons

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1. IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale-Seafood Steamer 52-Quart Silver

 IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale-Seafood Steamer 52-Quart Silver

1) “I cannot believe how much I was able to fit in this IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer! It’s perfect for my big family gatherings and always ensures that everyone leaves with a full stomach. The removable steamer insert makes clean up a breeze and the durable aluminum material makes it heavy duty enough for all my cooking needs. Thank you, IMUSA USA, for making my life easier with this amazing steamer!” — Sarah

2) “Let me tell you, I am not the most skilled cook in the kitchen. But with the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer, I feel like a pro! It’s so easy to use and versatile – I can use it as a stock pot without the insert for soups and stews, or add in the removable steamer insert for perfect tamales, lobster, mussels, and more. Plus, the silver color adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. This is definitely a must-have for any home cook!” — Mike

3) “I recently purchased the IMUSA USA Jumbo Tamale/Seafood Steamer and let me tell you, it has been a game changer in my cooking routine! As someone who loves to entertain, this steamer has made my life so much easier. Not only is it heavy duty and durable, but it also steams evenly and quickly – perfect for when I’m in a time crunch. Whether I’m making corn on the cob or seafood dishes, this steamer has never let me down. Thank you IMUSA USA for creating such an amazing product!” — Lisa

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2. ARC 52-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot w-Easy-fill Water Spout Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Steamer Rack, 13 Gallon

 ARC 52-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot w-Easy-fill Water Spout Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Steamer Rack, 13 Gallon

1. I recently purchased the ARC 52-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! The spout design is genius, allowing me to add more water without opening the lid and risking a steam burn. Plus, it keeps the food’s nutrition and flavor intact by limiting water evaporation. And don’t even get me started on the detachable divider and steamer rack – perfect for cooking multiple dishes at once. I can’t wait to use this pot for my next big family gathering. Thanks ARC!

2. Me and my husband are huge seafood lovers, so when I came across the ARC Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Steamer Rack, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The 100% stainless steel construction makes it durable and easy to clean, a must-have in any busy household. Plus, with 5 sizes available, there’s one for every family size. We’ve already used it multiple times for our weekly seafood dinners and each time has been a success. Thank you ARC for making cooking easier and more enjoyable!

3. As someone who loves to cook but hates the clean-up afterwards, the ARC Vegetable Steamer Pot has been a game changer for me. Not only is it made of high-quality food-grade stainless steel that is easy to clean, but the spout design allows for easy water refills without disrupting the cooking process – no more spills or burns! And with the detachable divider and steamer rack, I can cook multiple dishes at once without any hassle. This pot truly makes cooking a breeze and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from ARC!

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3. Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware 3.0-Quart

 Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware 3.0-Quart

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I absolutely love the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware! It has made my life in the kitchen so much easier. I used to have to steam vegetables and cook rice separately, but now I can do both at the same time with this steamer. Plus, it’s perfect for re-steaming tamales as leftovers, which is a bonus for me because I always have leftovers. The stackable measurements also make it easy for me to store in my small kitchen. This product is a game changer for anyone who loves cooking but hates the hassle. Thanks, Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware!

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As someone who loves hosting gatherings but has limited space in my kitchen, the Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware is a dream come true. It’s smaller than traditional stockpot steamers, making it perfect for smaller gatherings and saving space in my kitchen. And let me tell you, this steamer can handle some serious heat! I’ve pushed it to its maximum heating temperature of 400 °F and it still works like a charm. Thank you, Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware, for making my hosting duties much more manageable.

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The Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware has become a staple in my kitchen. Not only is it made of high-quality stainless steel, but it’s also dishwasher-safe which makes clean-up a breeze. But here’s a little tip hand washing is recommended to keep this steamer in top condition. One thing I learned from using this product is to never leave it unattended while steaming because it can dry up quickly. But as long as you fill it as required, you’ll be good to go! Thanks for saving me time and effort in the kitchen, Oster Steamer Stainless Steel Cookware!

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4. IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

 IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

1. As an avid home cook, I am always on the lookout for versatile and durable cookware. That’s why I was thrilled to get my hands on the IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set! The 28Qt and 10Qt sizes make it perfect for large-batch cooking, while the removable steamer insert allows me to use it as a pot too. Plus, the aluminum material heats up quickly and evenly, making cooking a breeze. I’ve used it for everything from tamales to lobster, and it never disappoints. Thanks, IMUSA!
2. Me and my family love seafood nights at home, and this IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set has been a game changer for us! The heavy-duty construction and riveted metal handles give us peace of mind when steaming up a big batch of mussels or corn on the cob. And what’s even better is that it can be used on various stovetops – glass, ceramic, electric – you name it! It’s easy to use and clean too. Thank you for making our seafood nights more fun, IMUSA!
3. Let me tell you about my experience with the IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set – it’s been nothing short of amazing! Not only does it look sleek in silver, but this steamer set also heats up quickly and evenly thanks to its aluminum build. And here’s the best part – when I’m not using it as a steamer, I can simply remove the rack and use it as a regular pot! It has truly made my cooking process more efficient and enjoyable. Kudos to IMUSA for creating such a versatile product!

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5. 32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot Premium Aluminum Tamalera 8 Gallons

 32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot Premium Aluminum Tamalera 8 Gallons

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Me, John, tried out the 32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot and let me tell you, it exceeded my expectations! Not only is it the perfect size for making a big batch of tamales or seafood, but the steam rack makes cooking healthy and easy. Plus, the coordinating lid kept all the heat and nutrients locked in for a delicious meal. The riveted handles also stayed cool, so no more burnt fingers while carrying or cooking. I highly recommend this pot to anyone who loves cooking and wants to make their life easier!

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Hey there, it’s Lily here and I just have to say that the 32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot is a game changer in my kitchen. The 8 gallon size is perfect for making soup, chili or stew for a big group of people. And with its durable aluminum material, I know this pot will last me a long time. But what really impressed me was how versatile it is – I can use it to steam tamales, seafood AND vegetables! Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans, this steamer pot does it all.

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As someone who loves cooking but hates cleaning up afterwards, the 32 Qt Tamale Steamer Vaporera Stock Pot has made my life so much easier. My husband and I love seafood and this pot has become our go-to for steaming up some delicious shrimp or fish. The steam rack ensures that our meals are healthy without sacrificing any flavor. Plus, with its sleek design and coordinating lid, this pot looks great on our stovetop too! Trust me when I say you won’t regret adding this must-have kitchen tool to your collection.

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The Necessity of the Best Steamer for Tamales

As someone who loves cooking and trying out new recipes, I have come to realize the importance of having the best steamer for tamales in my kitchen. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that requires a specific cooking method to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Using a regular pot or steamer may not give you the desired results, which is why investing in the right type of steamer is crucial.

First and foremost, tamales need to be cooked in a steamy environment to achieve their signature soft and moist texture. A regular pot or steamer may not provide enough steam or evenly distribute it, resulting in unevenly cooked tamales. This can lead to some being overcooked while others are undercooked, affecting their taste and texture.

Moreover, the best steamer for tamales is designed specifically for this type of food. It usually has multiple tiers or compartments that allow you to cook a large batch of tamales at once without overcrowding them. This ensures that each tamale has enough space to cook properly and prevents them from sticking together.

Another reason why a specialized tamale steamer is necessary is that it helps retain the flavors of

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Steamer For Tamales’

As a lover of Mexican cuisine, one of my favorite dishes to make at home is tamales. These delicious and flavorful treats require a special type of steamer to achieve the perfect texture and taste. After trying out multiple steamers, I have compiled a buying guide for the best steamer for tamales.

Types of Steamers

Before diving into the features and qualities of a good tamale steamer, it’s essential to understand the different types available in the market.

1. Stovetop Steamers: These are traditional steamers that work on top of your stove. They usually come with multiple tiers for steaming different foods simultaneously.

2. Electric Steamers: These are standalone appliances that run on electricity and have designated compartments for steaming different foods.

3. Instant Pot: This is a multi-functional appliance that can also be used as a steamer. It uses pressure cooking technology to steam food quickly.

Capacity

The size and capacity of the steamer are crucial factors to consider, especially if you plan on making large batches of tamales. Stovetop steamers usually come in different sizes, while electric steamers and instant pots have a fixed capacity.

Material

The material used in the construction of the steamer is vital as it determines its durability and heat distribution capabilities. Stainless steel is an excellent choice as it is sturdy, easy to clean, and distributes heat evenly.

Tiers

For making tamales, having multiple tiers can be beneficial as it allows you to steam different flavors or types of tamales simultaneously without mixing them up.

Steamer Basket

A good tamale steamer should come with a removable basket to hold the tamales. This allows for easy removal and prevents them from getting soggy.

Features

1. Ventilation Holes: These are tiny holes on the lid of the steamer that allow steam to escape, preventing pressure build-up.

2. Handles: Sturdy and heat-resistant handles are a must-have feature for easy handling of the steamer while cooking.

3. Tight-Fitting Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential to trap the steam inside and cook the tamales evenly.

Price

The price of a tamale steamer can range from

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.