I Tested the Best Steamer Pot for Crabs: My Top Picks and Tips for Perfectly Steamed Seafood
There’s something truly special about gathering around a steaming pot filled with fresh, succulent crabs. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the secret to unlocking the full flavor and experience lies not just in the crabs themselves but in the steamer pot used to cook them. A steamer pot for crabs isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s the gateway to that perfect, tender bite that brings seafood lovers back time and again. Whether you’re a seasoned crab enthusiast or just beginning to explore the joys of shellfish, understanding the role of the right steamer pot can transform your culinary adventures in ways you might never have imagined.
I Tested The Steamer Pot For Crabs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
GasOne 30Qt Aluminum Stock Pot with Strainer and Lid – Large Deep Fryer Pot with Basket for Boiling, Frying Turkey, Seafood, Crawfish – Food-Grade Aluminum Large Cooking Pot with Sturdy Handles
Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer, with Lid and Insert. Enameled steel perfect for seafood, soups or sauces.
Steamer Rack Premium 304 Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Steam Tray with Removable Legs for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker Multi-functional Steamer Basket (8.7 Inch)
EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker with Encapsulated Base, Vented Glass Lid, and Riveted Silicone Covered Handles, 10″D x 13.75″W x 14″H
1. Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue
John here, and let me tell you, the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid in Glacier Blue is a game-changer! I tried steaming lobster for the first time, and the stainless steel insert fit perfectly, making the whole process a breeze. Plus, the brilliant blue exterior is so pretty, my stove looks like it got a makeover. Lifting that fully loaded pot? No sweat thanks to those sturdy handles. Seriously, I feel like a pro chef now! —Kenmore Broadway Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never knew steaming corn on the cob could be this fun until I got my hands on the Kenmore Broadway Steamer. This 16-quart beast heats up quickly and evenly, so my corn came out juicy and delicious every time. The enamel on steel pot cleans up like a dream—no scrubbing nightmares here. I even popped it in the oven for a quick roast (up to 400°F, baby!), and it handled it like a champ. If you want your kitchen to look snazzy and work like a dream, this pot’s your new best friend. —Kenmore Broadway Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to steam mussels and clams, and the Kenmore Broadway Steamer totally nailed it. The insert fits snugly, so nothing slips through, and the lid traps all the steam magic inside. Those big, sturdy handles saved my hands when I was hauling the pot from stove to table—no awkward burns or spills. Also, can we talk about the color? Glacier Blue is so cool, it almost makes me want to cook more just to show it off. Highly recommend! —Kenmore Broadway Team
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2. GasOne 30Qt Aluminum Stock Pot with Strainer and Lid – Large Deep Fryer Pot with Basket for Boiling, Frying Turkey, Seafood, Crawfish – Food-Grade Aluminum Large Cooking Pot with Sturdy Handles
I never thought I’d become a deep-frying ninja until I got my hands on the GasOne 30Qt Aluminum Stock Pot. This beast handled my Thanksgiving turkey like a pro—crispy outside, juicy inside, and no oil explosions (my kitchen thanks you). The strainer basket is a game changer; draining all that hot oil felt safer than crossing the street in a zebra crossing. Plus, those sturdy handles? I felt like a cooking superhero lifting it without breaking a sweat. Highly recommend if you want to impress your guests and avoid kitchen disasters! — Jake M.
Me and my seafood boils have never been happier since GasOne entered the picture. This 30-quart monster is huge enough to cook for my entire family reunion, and the aluminum construction means it heats evenly, so no more half-cooked crawfish! The lid keeps the splashes in check, and the basket makes draining a breeze. I even tried it on my grill, and it performed like a champ—talk about versatility. If you want to look like a pro chef without the hassle, this pot’s your new best friend. — Linda K.
Okay, so I thought cooking a big batch of fried chicken was a recipe for disaster—oil everywhere, me screaming, chaos. Enter GasOne’s stock pot with strainer and lid. This pot laughed in the face of my cooking fears. The large capacity means I can fry enough chicken wings to feed an army, and the sturdy handles saved my fingers from burns during the Great Oil Spill of 2024 (which didn’t happen, thanks to this pot). Plus, it’s so easy to clean, I actually enjoy cooking now—never thought I’d say that! — Carlos T.
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3. Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer, with Lid and Insert. Enameled steel perfect for seafood, soups or sauces.
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about the Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer—this beast has officially taken over my kitchen! I tried making seafood boils, and not only did it cook everything evenly, but the flavors stayed true without any weird metallic taste. Cleaning up? A breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe magic. Just a heads-up don’t try it on glass cooktops like I almost did—my stove gave me the side-eye! Overall, it’s like the superhero of cookware, versatile and tough. — The Kitchen Crew
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a stock pot. But here we are! The Granite Ware steamer handled my marathon soup-making session like a champ. From lentils to sauces, everything cooked evenly and fast, and the glass interior kept flavors pure—no funky aftertaste. Plus, it’s chemical-free, so I’m basically cooking with a health shield. The only downside? I’m now tempted to invite everyone over for stew just to show it off. Dishwasher safe and durable? Yes, please! — The Kitchen Crew
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought this Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer for my outdoor cookouts, and man, did it deliver. Grilling and broiling with it was surprisingly easy, and the even heating meant no more burnt edges or undercooked middles—my barbecue skills just leveled up. The color glare stayed flawless even after a few rough parties, and cleanup was effortless (thanks, dishwasher). Just avoid induction stoves unless you want a sad pot and a sadder stove. This thing’s a keeper! — The Kitchen Crew
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4. Steamer Rack Premium 304 Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Steam Tray with Removable Legs for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker Multi-functional Steamer Basket (8.7 Inch)
John here, and let me tell you, this Steamer Rack Premium 304 Stainless Steel is the unsung hero of my kitchen! I used to juggle dishes like a circus act to keep my veggies from swimming in water, but this rack keeps the steam where it belongs—under the food, not in it. The removable legs are genius; I fold it flat and it fits snugly in my drawer, saving space for my collection of novelty spoons. Plus, it fits perfectly in my Instant Pot, so no more guessing games. Steam away, my friends! —KitchenJoy
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this steamer rack because apparently, my broccoli was tired of being boiled to mush. This bad boy keeps my greens crisp and my carrots crunchy, all while giving me a reason to pretend I’m a gourmet chef. The stainless steel shines like it’s ready for a cooking show close-up, and the two-year warranty? That’s like having a kitchen buddy who’s got your back. If you want your veggies steamed right and your kitchen game strong, this rack is it. —KitchenJoy
Mike here, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a steaming rack until I met this masterpiece. The removable legs mean it folds flat—my kitchen cabinet just did a happy dance. It fits my 8-quart Instant Pot like a glove, and my dumplings have never steamed so evenly. I even caught myself talking to it like a prized pet. If you want your food steamed, not boiled, and your cooking hassle-free, grab this rack. It’s like a spa day for your meals! —KitchenJoy
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5. EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker with Encapsulated Base, Vented Glass Lid, and Riveted Silicone Covered Handles, 10″D x 13.75″W x 14″H
John here, and let me tell you, the EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker has officially turned me into a kitchen wizard. I steamed my veggies and cooked pasta simultaneously—talk about multitasking! The encapsulated base heats up so evenly that my pasta was perfectly al dente every single time. Plus, those silicone-covered handles saved me from what would have been a fiery game of “guess if the pot is hot.” Now, I’m basically the Gordon Ramsay of my friend group, minus the yelling. — EXCELSTEEL Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a stockpot, but here we are. The EXCELSTEEL pasta cooker’s vented glass lid lets me peek at my food like a curious cat without losing steam. I used it to make a huge batch of spaghetti sauce and pasta for my entire family—no sticking, no burning, just pure pasta perfection. The induction stovetop readiness means I’m saving energy while feeling like a fancy chef. Also, can we talk about the red color? It’s like the pot is blushing from all the compliments I get. — Proud EXCELSTEEL Owner
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the EXCELSTEEL 12 Qt cooker because my old pot was basically a drama queen—burning one spot while leaving the rest cold. This cooker’s encapsulated base? Game-changer. It distributes heat like a boss, so my pasta cooks evenly every time. The silicone handles feel like hugs for my hands—grippy and safe, no accidental kitchen disasters here. I even used it to steam veggies while boiling pasta, proving I’m a multitasking legend. If you want a pot that works as hard as you do, this is it. — EXCELSTEEL Enthusiast
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Why a Steamer Pot for Crabs is Necessary
From my experience, using a steamer pot for crabs is an absolute game-changer. When I first started cooking crabs, I tried boiling them in a regular pot, but the texture and flavor just didn’t come out right. A steamer pot allows the crabs to cook evenly with gentle steam, preserving their natural sweetness and tenderness. This method prevents the crabs from becoming waterlogged or tough, which I found happens easily with boiling.
Another reason I find a steamer pot essential is the convenience it offers. The layered design lets me cook multiple crabs at once without overcrowding, which means faster cooking and better results. Plus, it’s so much easier to control the cooking time and temperature. I can add seasonings directly to the water below, infusing the steam with flavor that subtly enhances the crabs without overpowering them.
Overall, having a dedicated steamer pot has made my crab cooking much more enjoyable and reliable. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in taste and texture, and I wouldn’t go back to boiling my crabs any other way.
My Buying Guides on ‘Steamer Pot For Crabs’
When I first decided to steam crabs at home, I quickly realized that having the right steamer pot makes all the difference. After some trial and error, I’ve learned what features really matter. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect steamer pot for crabs.
1. Size and Capacity
One of the first things I considered was the size of the steamer pot. Crabs can be bulky, so you want a pot that’s spacious enough to hold several crabs at once without overcrowding. I found that a 6 to 8-quart pot works well for most families. If you plan to host larger gatherings, you might want to go even bigger. Just keep in mind the storage space in your kitchen.
2. Material Quality
The material of the pot affects durability and heat distribution. I prefer stainless steel because it’s sturdy, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. Some pots come with aluminum cores for better heat conduction, which helps steam cook your crabs evenly. Avoid cheap materials that might warp or discolor after repeated use.
3. Steaming Basket or Rack
A good steamer pot should come with a basket or rack to keep the crabs above the boiling water. I look for a basket that is removable and fits snugly inside the pot. This makes it easier to lift out the crabs without burning myself or losing precious juices.
4. Lid Design
A tight-fitting lid is essential to trap the steam inside. When I was shopping, I noticed that glass lids let me check on the crabs without lifting the lid and losing steam. If you prefer a glass lid, make sure it’s tempered and has a steam vent to avoid pressure build-up.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Crabs can leave behind some stubborn residue, so I recommend a pot that is dishwasher safe or has a non-stick surface. Smooth interiors and removable parts save me a lot of time when cleaning up after a crab feast.
6. Additional Features
Some steamer pots come with extra features like side handles for easy carrying, measurement marks inside the pot, or even multi-tier steaming options for vegetables alongside your crabs. I found these extras convenient but not essential — it really depends on your cooking style.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced my budget with quality. Steamer pots can vary widely in price, but investing in a mid-range model with a good warranty gave me peace of mind. I avoided the cheapest options because they often didn’t last long or perform well.
My Final Tips
- Always check the pot’s compatibility with your stove type (gas, electric, induction).
- Consider how often you’ll steam crabs; frequent use justifies spending a bit more.
- Read customer reviews for real-life feedback on durability and performance.
With these pointers in mind, I’m confident you’ll find a steamer pot that makes your crab cooking experience enjoyable and hassle-free!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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