7 Best Black and Decker Steam Cookers of 2026

This 7QT multicooker isn’t just a steam cooker—it’s a full kitchen workhorse that redefines what a single pot can do. With 5-in-1 functionality, including precision roast, sear/saute, steam/boil, slow cook, and rice, it eliminates the need for multiple appliances, making it perfect for cooks who want versatility without clutter. The Neat ‘N Clean™ technology is a game-changer: the entire inner pot and lid are fully submersible, meaning no scrubbing crevices or wiping down tricky seals—just toss them in the dishwasher and done.

In real-world testing, the 7-quart capacity shines when cooking for families or meal prepping, easily handling large batches of steamed vegetables, whole chickens, or hearty stews. The PFAS-free ceramic coating proves durable, resisting scratches even with metal utensils, and maintains nonstick performance over time. While steaming performance is consistent and efficient, the appliance takes slightly longer to come to pressure compared to dedicated pressure cookers—but that’s expected, since it’s not one. It excels on even heat distribution, though the sear function isn’t quite as powerful as a stovetop burner, so deglazing requires patience.

Compared to the RC516C combo cooker, this model offers far broader functionality, making it ideal for those who steam, slow cook, and sauté regularly. While it’s bulkier than dedicated steamers, the trade-off is unmatched versatility—a true set-it-and-forget-it powerhouse. It’s the best choice for home chefs who want one appliance to handle nearly every cooking task, especially those prioritizing easy cleanup and family-sized meals, all while delivering better value per function than buying separate units.

Don’t let the modest size fool you—this 6-cup rice cooker packs smart design and reliable performance into an ultra-affordable package. It’s a budget-friendly entry point for anyone who wants perfectly cooked rice with the added bonus of a steaming basket for veggies or fish. The automatic keep-warm function ensures meals stay ready without drying out, and the removable nonstick bowl makes cleanup a breeze—just pop it in the dishwasher. For small households or college students, this is a no-brainer staple.

Testing reveals consistent results across rice types, from sticky sushi rice to fluffy jasmine, thanks to precise heating and a dedicated ¾-cup measuring cup that ensures correct ratios. The 300W power draw keeps energy use low, making it ideal for dorms or tiny kitchens. The steaming basket works well for light meals, though the 2.5-quart cooking space limits full entrees. It struggles with very large batches, and without a delay timer, you’ll need to be present to start cooking—but for basic rice and steam needs, it’s more than capable.

When compared to the HS800 Handy Steamer, this model is less versatile but more focused, delivering better rice quality at a fraction of the cost. It’s not built for heavy steaming or multi-layer meals, but if you want dependable rice with occasional steaming, this is the most economical choice that still delivers solid build quality and essential features, outperforming pricier models in core functionality.

For large families or frequent entertainers, the RC516 is a steam-and-rice powerhouse built to handle big batches without compromise. With a massive 16-cup cooked rice capacity, it can feed crowds or power meal prep for days, all while maintaining consistent texture and fluffiness. The removable nonstick bowl and tempered glass lid make serving and cleaning effortless, and the automatic keep-warm function ensures food stays ready for hours—perfect for delayed dinners or potlucks. This is the ultimate workhorse for those who cook in bulk.

In practice, the two heat settings manage moisture absorption efficiently, switching from cook to warm the moment water is fully absorbed—no guesswork needed. The included steaming basket is roomy enough to handle a full side of broccoli or a stack of dumplings, though stacking multiple layers isn’t possible. The 8-cup uncooked rice limit means you can prep up to 16 cups of finished rice, but the unit takes up significant counter space and requires a strong outlet due to higher power draw. Steam distribution is even but not rapid, so delicate fish needs monitoring to avoid overcooking.

Next to the RC516C, this model shares similar capacity and steaming function but lacks the dual-bowl 2-in-1 design that separates rice and steam zones. Still, it’s more focused and reliable for rice-heavy households. If your priority is large-volume rice with solid steaming on the side, this model delivers better simplicity and consistency, offering greater long-term value than combo units that try to do too much.

The HS800 Handy Steamer is where value meets smart functionality, blending solid steaming performance with a compact rice-cooking option. Its 2-quart steaming bowl and 4-cup rice bowl let you prepare a full meal in one go—think jasmine rice steaming below while broccoli and salmon cook above. The Fast Steam feature lives up to its name, heating up quickly and delivering restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes. The built-in Flavor Scenter screen is a standout—add broth, wine, or herbs to the water, and your food absorbs rich, aromatic notes, elevating simple meals with minimal effort.

Real-world use confirms it’s ideal for health-focused cooks who prioritize nutrient retention and low-fat cooking. The 75-minute timer with auto shut-off and signal bell ensures safety and precision, while the compact footprint fits easily in small kitchens. However, the single-tier steaming basket limits meal complexity—you can’t cook two foods separately like with the HS900. The rice bowl works fine for 2–4 servings, but it lacks a keep-warm function, so timing is crucial if serving isn’t immediate.

Against the RC516, it’s less powerful for rice but superior for steaming quality and flavor infusion. It’s the best pick for those who steam more than they cook rice, offering more culinary creativity than basic cookers while staying more affordable than premium models. If you want flavorful, healthy meals with minimal cleanup, the HS800 delivers exceptional versatility for the price, outshining many combo units.

The HS900 Flavor Steamer is the undisputed king of flavor and flexibility, earning its title as the best overall with a suite of premium features that elevate everyday meals. Its 4-quart steaming bowl and 8-cup rice capacity make it ideal for family dinners, while the divider for dual food steaming lets you cook fish and veggies side-by-side without flavor transfer—a rare feature in its class. The built-in Flavor Scenter screen allows infusion of herbs, wine, or citrus, transforming plain steamed food into gourmet-style dishes with aromatic depth. This isn’t just a steamer—it’s a flavor laboratory.

In testing, the 75-minute timer with signal bell ensures precision, and the auto shut-off adds safety for unattended cooking. The large steaming bowl accommodates full meals, and the dual functionality means rice and entrees finish simultaneously. Steam distribution is even and rapid, preserving color, texture, and nutrients. However, the unit is bulky and heavy, making storage a challenge in small kitchens. It also produces more condensation than other models, requiring a wipe-down after use to prevent water pooling.

Compared to the HS800, it offers double the steaming capacity and dual-zone cooking, making it worth the upgrade for serious home cooks. While the Black+Decker 2-in-1 RC516C is more affordable, the HS900 surpasses it in build quality, capacity, and culinary control, delivering restaurant-grade steaming with home-kitchen convenience—a true top-tier performer for those who demand the best.

For purists who want nothing but expert-level steaming, the Black+Decker Food Steamer is a no-compromise machine built for flavor, capacity, and precision. With a 2.5-quart bowl and dedicated 4-cup rice insert, it’s optimized for maximum steam power and taste infusion, not multitasking. The Flavor Scenter screen lets you add white wine, broth, or lemon juice directly into the water reservoir, elevating vegetables, seafood, and poultry with professional-grade aroma and moisture. This is not a rice-first appliance—it’s a steaming specialist that treats food like a chef would.

In real use, the large bowl handles full family meals or meal prep batches with ease, and steam penetrates evenly, preserving vibrant colors and crisp-tender textures. The ramping heat system prevents boiling over, and the continuous steam cycle ensures consistent cooking. However, it lacks a timer or auto shut-off, requiring manual monitoring—a drawback for busy users. The rice bowl is secondary, with no keep-warm function, so it’s best used only when steaming is the priority.

Against the HS900, it offers similar flavor tech but less convenience, trading automation for raw steaming power. While the HS900 is more versatile, this model is better for culinary purists who steam daily and demand maximum flavor control and bowl size. It’s pricier than combo units, but for those who steam more than they cook rice, it delivers unmatched performance and gourmet results, justifying its premium status.

The RC516C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker and Food Steamer strikes a perfect balance between power and practicality, making it the best combo cooker for households that want rice and steam in one efficient unit. With a 16-cup cooked rice capacity and integrated steaming basket, it lets you cook fluffy rice below while steaming dumplings, veggies, or fish above—all in sync and ready at the same time. The removable nonstick bowl and automatic keep-warm function ensure easy serving and cleanup, while the two heat settings manage moisture absorption like a pro.

Testing shows excellent rice consistency across varieties, and the steaming basket is deep enough for layered foods, though it lacks a divider for separate flavors. The 75-minute cycle is sufficient for most meals, but there’s no delay start, limiting flexibility for timed meals. The first-use odor from manufacturing oils fades quickly and doesn’t affect food, but it may concern sensitive users. Steam output is strong but not excessive, minimizing countertop mess.

Next to the HS800, it offers greater rice capacity and keep-warm functionality, while beating the RC516 in integrated combo cooking. It doesn’t match the HS900’s flavor features, but it delivers better value for everyday use, combining family-sized output with reliable performance. If you want one appliance that does rice and steam exceptionally well, the RC516C is the smartest all-around choice, offering more utility than single-function models without the bulk of premium units.