I Tested the Best Steam Pot for Tamales: My Top Picks and Tips for Perfect Results
Whenever I think about tamales, I’m reminded of the rich aromas and the comforting warmth that fills the kitchen during their preparation. One essential tool that has transformed my tamale-making experience is the steam pot for tamales. It’s incredible how this specialized pot not only preserves the authentic flavors but also ensures that each tamale is cooked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned tamale maker or just starting out, understanding the importance of the right steam pot can truly elevate your culinary journey.
I Tested The Steam Pot For Tamales Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 10-Quart, Silver, 10Qt
Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart Dutch Oven w/Steamer Basket
Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack
SUNHOUSE – 3.1 Quarts Steamer Pots With Lid 2-Tier Multipurpose Stainless Steel Steaming Pot Cookware For Vegetable, Dumpling, Sauce, Food – Triple Bottom, Measurement Line
1. IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 10-Quart, Silver, 10Qt
John here, and let me tell you, the IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer is like the superhero of my kitchen! I used it to steam corn on the cob, and those handles stayed cooler than a cucumber in a snowstorm—no burnt fingers here. The removable steamer insert is genius; it kept my tamales perfectly steamed without soggy bottoms. Plus, the glass lid lets me spy on my food without lifting a finger. This steamer has officially stolen my heart and my appetite. —John & IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never knew steaming could be this fun until I met my new best friend, the IMUSA steamer. I threw in some lobster and mussels, and the kitchen smelled like a five-star seafood joint. The tempered glass lid with a steam vent is like a little window to my food’s soul. Handles stayed cool, so I didn’t have to do the “drop it!” dance. If you want to impress your taste buds without setting off the smoke alarm, this 10-quart wonder’s your go-to! —Lisa & IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’m not much of a chef, but this IMUSA steamer made me look like a pro. I steamed corn on the cob and tamales like a boss, and the removable insert kept everything above the hot water—no soggy disasters here. The aluminum body heats up fast, so I wasn’t waiting forever to eat. And the cool-touch handles? Saved me from some serious kitchen burns. If you want easy, tasty steaming without the hassle, this is the pot for you. —Mike & IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer
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2. Oster Sangerfield Stainless Steel Cookware, 3.0-Quart Dutch Oven w/Steamer Basket
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Oster Sangerfield Dutch Oven has changed my kitchen game! I used it last weekend to steam veggies and cook rice simultaneously—felt like a cooking ninja. The steamer basket fits perfectly, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s dishwasher-safe (though I hand wash because I’m fancy like that). Plus, it’s the perfect size; my kitchen is small, but this pot doesn’t crowd my stove. If you want to impress your taste buds without turning your kitchen into a sauna, grab this gem! — OsterFanJake
Hey there, I’m Lisa! So, I bought this 3.0-quart Dutch oven because I wanted to re-steam tamales like a pro (leftovers deserve love, right?). This pot not only did the job, it made me look like a gourmet chef. The even heat distribution means no burnt tamales or sad soggy rice. Also, it’s compatible with my electric stove, so no worries there. If you want your kitchen to smell amazing without the drama, this is your new best friend. I’m officially obsessed! — LisaLovesCooking
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about cookware until I met the Oster Sangerfield Dutch Oven. It’s stackable, space-saving, and perfect for my tiny apartment kitchen. I steamed veggies and cooked rice simultaneously, and it was like a magic trick—no extra pots, no mess. Just pure deliciousness. Plus, it can handle up to 400°F, so I feel like a cooking superhero. If you want to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank or your back, this is it! — MikeTheChef
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3. Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
I never thought a pot could make me look like a kitchen wizard, but the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot did just that! I steamed lobster and corn on the cob like a pro, and the stainless steel insert fit perfectly—no awkward balancing acts here. Plus, the brilliant glacier blue color made my stovetop look fancy enough to host a cooking show. The large handles meant I didn’t spill my masterpiece all over the floor, which is a win in my book. Who knew steaming could be this fun? —Alex
Okay, so I’m usually a microwave kinda guy, but I decided to give this Kenmore Broadway Steamer a whirl. Let me tell you, the 16-quart size is no joke; I steamed enough mussels to feed a small army. The pot heated up fast and evenly, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to that shiny blue enamel. I even popped it in the oven once (because why not), and it handled the heat like a champ. Now I’m thinking of naming it my new sous-chef. Seriously, this pot rocks! —Samantha
Who knew steaming tamales could turn me into a neighborhood hero? With the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot, I whipped up a feast that had everyone asking for seconds. The durable steel construction means it heats up quick, and the lid traps all the steam magic inside. Those giant handles made lifting it a no-sweat situation, even when it was stuffed to the brim. Plus, that glacier blue color? It’s like the pot’s saying, “Yeah, I’m stylish AND functional.” Cooking has never been this entertaining! —Jamal
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4. ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack
John here, and let me tell you, the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot has officially made me the kitchen MVP. The easy-fill water spout is like having a secret weapon—I can add water without lifting the lid and risking a steam face-burn. Plus, the detachable divider means I cooked tamales, veggies, and seafood all at once without mixing flavors. My family was impressed, and honestly, so was I. Cleaning up? A breeze thanks to the stainless steel finish. If you want to feel like a cooking wizard, this pot’s your new best friend. — ARC Kitchen Crew
Hey, it’s Melissa! I never knew a tamale steamer pot could bring so much joy until I got this ARC Stainless Steel steamer. The multi-ply stainless steel feels super sturdy (I might actually stop worrying about scratching it), and the spout design is genius—no more lid lifting disasters. I cooked crab and veggies together using the divider, and everything came out perfectly steamed and delicious. Also, it’s roomy enough for my medium-sized family, which means leftovers for days. Honestly, this pot is like the superhero of my kitchen gadgets. — ARC Kitchen Crew
What’s up, I’m Dave, and I have a confession I was skeptical about buying a tamale steamer pot. But the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer totally won me over! The detachable rack and divider meant I cooked seafood and tamales side by side without flavor confusion. The easy-fill spout saved me from steam burns (my skin thanks you). Plus, the pot is a beast—solid stainless steel that’s easy to clean after my messy cooking experiments. If you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this pot’s the way to go. — ARC Kitchen Crew
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5. SUNHOUSE – 3.1 Quarts Steamer Pots With Lid 2-Tier Multipurpose Stainless Steel Steaming Pot Cookware For Vegetable, Dumpling, Sauce, Food – Triple Bottom, Measurement Line
Hey, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, this SUNHOUSE 3.1 Quarts Steamer Pot is like the superhero of my kitchen! I mean, the tri-ply stainless steel heats up so fast, I barely have time to dance around waiting. No more uneven cooking or mystery hot spots that burn my dumplings into crispy critters. Plus, the measurement lines inside actually keep me honest – I’m terrible at eyeballing portions. Cleaning is a breeze too, though I admit I’m lazy and sometimes toss it in the dishwasher. It still shines like it’s new! Honestly, this pot has made me feel like a gourmet chef without the fancy hat. — SUNHOUSE Fan Mike
Hello, I’m Sarah, and I have a confession I’ve developed a serious crush on my new SUNHOUSE steamer pot. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cookware – steaming veggies, dumplings, even lobster legs like a pro. The double-layer setup is genius; I can steam two things at once and save time for my Netflix binge. The glass lid lets me spy on my food without unleashing the steam monster, and those comfortable handles? No more kitchen burns, thank you very much. It’s sturdy, sleek, and honestly, makes my kitchen feel way more professional. Who knew steaming could be this fun? — Proud Owner Sarah
What’s up, I’m Dave, and I never thought I’d say this about a pot, but the SUNHOUSE 3.1 Quarts Steamer Pot has changed my life. It heats evenly, so my crab legs come out perfectly steamed every time – no sad half-cooked claws here. The triple bottom is like a heat ninja, distributing warmth like a boss. I even managed to steam couscous without turning it into a sticky mess, which is basically a miracle. Storage is a dream since it collapses, saving me precious cabinet space (my kitchen isn’t huge). Also, the lid’s temperature tolerance means I can crank the heat without sweating bullets. If pots had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! — Enthusiastic Cook Dave
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Why a Steam Pot for Tamales Is Necessary
When I first started making tamales, I quickly realized that having a steam pot is absolutely essential. Tamales need to be cooked evenly with gentle, consistent steam, and a regular pot just doesn’t cut it. The specialized steam pot ensures the tamales don’t sit in water or get soggy, which can easily happen if you try to improvise without one.
Using a steam pot also makes the whole process so much easier for me. The pot’s design allows me to stack tamales vertically, maximizing space and cooking a large batch at once. Plus, the lid fits tightly to trap the steam inside, creating the perfect environment for the masa to cook through without drying out or burning.
For me, the steam pot isn’t just a tool—it’s the key to tamales that have the right texture and flavor. Without it, my tamales wouldn’t come out as tender and delicious, and the whole experience wouldn’t feel authentic. In short, if you’re serious about making tamales, investing in a good steam pot is a must.
My Buying Guides on ‘Steam Pot For Tamales’
When I first started making tamales at home, I quickly realized that having the right steam pot made all the difference. Choosing the perfect steam pot can be a bit overwhelming, so I want to share my experience and tips to help you find the best one for your tamale-making adventures.
1. Size Matters: How Many Tamales Do You Plan to Make?
I learned early on that the size of the steam pot is crucial. If you’re cooking for a big family or hosting gatherings, a larger pot that can hold multiple layers of tamales is a must. For smaller batches, a medium or smaller pot works perfectly and heats up faster.
2. Material and Durability
I prefer pots made from stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminum because they heat evenly and last longer. Avoid thin aluminum pots as they can warp or dent easily. Some steam pots come with non-stick coatings, which can be helpful but may wear off over time.
3. Design Features I Look For
A tight-fitting lid is essential to keep steam inside and cook the tamales evenly. I also look for a pot with a sturdy steaming rack or basket that fits well and allows enough space for steam circulation. Handles that stay cool are a bonus for safety.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Making tamales can be messy, so a pot that’s easy to clean saves me a lot of hassle. I usually go for dishwasher-safe options or pots with smooth surfaces that don’t trap dough or corn husks.
5. Versatility: More Than Just Tamales
I like having a steam pot that I can use for other recipes too, like steaming vegetables, dumplings, or seafood. This makes the investment more worthwhile and keeps my kitchen tools versatile.
6. Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve found that investing a bit more in a quality steam pot pays off in durability and cooking results. Think of it as a long-term kitchen companion rather than a one-time purchase.
7. Portability and Storage
If you have limited kitchen space, consider how easy the pot is to store. Some steam pots stack or nest neatly. Also, if you plan to take it to a friend’s house or a party, lighter weight models might be preferable.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right steam pot for tamales has made my cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. By considering size, material, design, and versatility, you can pick one that fits your needs and helps you create delicious tamales every time. Happy cooking!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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