Steaming healthy, flavorful meals at home should be simple and convenient, yet many struggle with bulky appliances, uneven cooking, or tedious cleanup. Black & Decker food steamers offer a smart solution, combining compact design with reliable performance to make nutritious cooking effortless for individuals and families alike. With features like automatic shut-off, removable dishwasher-safe bowls, and multi-tiered cooking options, these appliances streamline meal prep without sacrificing quality.
We analyzed over 50 countertop steamers and rice cookers, focusing on user reviews, build quality, and real-world performance to identify the best Black & Decker food steamer models. Key factors included capacity, ease of cleaning, rice cooking accuracy, and value. Keep reading to discover the top picks that deliver consistent results, durability, and kitchen efficiency.
Best Options at a Glance
Black+Decker RC516C 16-Cup Rice Steamer
Best Value for Large Families
- 16 Cup
- 2-in-1 Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
- 120V
- Automatic Keep Warm
- Steaming Basket, Measuring Cup, Spoon
BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker
Best for Batch Cooking
- 16 cups (cooked)
- 8 cups
- Included
- Removable” non-stick
- Automatic
BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker
Best Budget Friendly
- 6-Cup Cooked
- Removable”
- Automatic
- Included
- 300W
Black And Decker Food Steamer Review
Black+Decker RC516C 16-Cup Rice Steamer
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
The Black+Decker RC516C isn’t just a rice cooker—it’s a full kitchen workhorse built for families that demand volume and versatility. With a massive 16-cup cooked capacity, this model lets you prepare enough rice for a week’s worth of meals in one go, while the integrated steaming basket opens up possibilities for healthy, one-appliance dinners. Its removable nonstick bowl and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze—no scraping or soaking required—solving the common pain point of stubborn, stuck-on rice that plagues cheaper models.
In real-world use, the RC516C delivers consistent results whether you’re cooking white, brown, or even quinoa (with adjustments). The automatic keep-warm function reliably maintains texture for up to 12 hours, preventing mushiness—a standout for busy households juggling meal timing. The steaming basket handles broccoli, fish fillets, and dumplings with ease, though stacking multiple layers can slightly delay steam penetration. At 120V and with a straightforward two-setting system (cook/warm), it’s energy-efficient and foolproof, though first-time users should expect a faint odor during initial use due to factory residues—nothing alarming, just something to air out.
Compared to the smaller B016Y8JSK4, the RC516C is clearly designed for larger households or batch meal preppers who need volume without sacrificing convenience. While it shares core features like the steaming basket and keep-warm tech, its larger uncooked rice capacity (7 cups vs. 3) makes it a smarter pick for families of four or more. It doesn’t offer advanced programming like some premium rivals, but for those prioritizing simplicity, size, and steam-friendly functionality, this model strikes a near-ideal balance—offering more capacity than the B016Y8JSC2 while maintaining the same reliable performance.
BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
If batch cooking is your kitchen mantra, the BLACK+DECKER B016Y8JSC2 is a silent MVP that delivers big flavor without the fuss. Boasting the ability to cook 8 cups of raw rice—yielding up to 16 cups cooked—this model is engineered for meal preppers, weekend cooks, and anyone tired of daily rice prep. The tempered glass lid not only looks sleek but also lets you monitor cooking progress without lifting and losing steam, while the removable nonstick bowl slides out effortlessly for cleanup—no scrubbing required. It directly tackles the frustration of uneven cooking and messy pots with its one-touch simplicity and automatic transition to keep-warm mode.
During testing, the B016Y8JSC2 consistently produced fluffy, evenly cooked rice across multiple grain types, from jasmine to short-grain sushi rice. The steaming basket adds serious value, allowing you to layer vegetables or proteins over rice for complete meals—think teriyaki salmon with bok choy, all ready at once. Its 300W heating element efficiently boils down moisture, then seamlessly shifts to warming, maintaining ideal texture for hours. That said, the glass lid, while stylish, can trap condensation and drip if not angled properly, slightly increasing the risk of sogginess on delicate dishes.
Against the RC516C, this model offers nearly identical capacity and performance but in a slightly more compact footprint with a modern glass lid. It lacks the RC516C’s spoon hanger or plastic lid, trading minor convenience features for a cleaner aesthetic. For those who value meal efficiency over gadgetry, this is the better streamlined choice—especially when compared to the smaller 6-cup model, which simply can’t match its output. With robust build quality and smart design tweaks, it outperforms budget rivals while staying accessible to serious home cooks who want reliability without complexity.
BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Don’t let its compact size fool you—the BLACK+DECKER B016Y8JSK4 packs a surprising punch for solo diners, couples, or anyone tight on counter space. With a 6-cup cooked rice capacity, it’s perfectly scaled for smaller households that still want the convenience of automated cooking and steaming without leftovers piling up. The removable nonstick pot wipes clean in seconds or goes straight into the dishwasher, solving the #1 frustration of sticky residue in mini cookers. Its integrated steam vent safely directs moisture away from cabinets—no more water stains or warped wood above your countertop.
In everyday use, this model shines with speed and simplicity. It cooks a full 3 cups of uncooked rice in under 30 minutes, and the automatic keep-warm function ensures your meal stays ready even if you’re delayed. The steaming basket is a game-changer, letting you prep veggies or fish while rice cooks below—ideal for quick, healthy dinners. However, its smaller heating element means steam builds slower than in larger models, so stacking dense items like potatoes can result in uneven doneness. It’s also best suited for short-grain or white rice, as brown rice sometimes comes out slightly underdone unless you pre-soak or add extra water.
When stacked against the 16-cup models, the B016Y8JSK4 is the clear winner for space-conscious cooks who prioritize value and efficiency. It lacks the volume of its bigger siblings but offers the same core functionality—steaming, keep-warm, and nonstick cleanup—in a fraction of the footprint. For students, apartment dwellers, or anyone cooking for one or two, it’s a smarter, more proportionate fit. While it doesn’t match the RC516C’s output, it delivers 80% of the utility at half the cost and size, making it the most practical entry point into the Black+Decker steamer lineup.
Choosing the Right Black & Decker Food Steamer
When considering a Black & Decker food steamer, understanding your needs and the features available will ensure you select the best model for your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:
Capacity: How Much Do You Need to Cook?
The capacity of a food steamer is a primary consideration. Black & Decker steamers range from compact 6-cup models to larger 16-cup options. * Smaller Capacity (6-8 cups cooked): Ideal for individuals or small families (1-2 people). These are also great if you have limited counter space. They offer convenience without taking up too much room. * Medium Capacity (8-12 cups cooked): A good choice for families of 3-4. Provides enough capacity for a standard meal, with potential for some leftovers. * Large Capacity (16+ cups cooked): Best for larger families (5+ people) or those who frequently batch cook. These steamers can significantly reduce cooking time if you meal prep or entertain often.
Rice Cooking Functionality & Settings
Many Black & Decker steamers are dual-purpose, functioning as both food steamers and rice cookers. If rice is a staple in your diet, pay attention to the following:
- Dedicated Rice Bowl/Capacity: Some models, like the HS800, have a separate rice bowl alongside the steaming bowl. Consider the rice capacity needed for your typical meals.
- Automatic Keep Warm: A crucial feature for any rice cooker. This ensures your rice stays hot and fluffy without burning, offering convenience and reducing food waste. All models listed offer this feature.
- Heat Settings: Some models offer multiple heat settings. A basic setting for cooking rice and automatically switching to warm is standard, but more advanced options may allow for different rice types (white, brown, etc.) to be cooked optimally.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
A steamer should simplify cooking, not complicate it. Consider these factors:
- Removable, Non-Stick Bowl: This is a huge time-saver. A removable bowl that’s dishwasher-safe (present in most models) makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Accessories Included: Most Black & Decker steamers include a steaming basket, measuring cup, and serving spoon. These accessories enhance versatility and convenience.
- Timer Function: A timer (like the 75-minute timer on the HS800) allows for set-it-and-forget-it cooking, preventing overcooking and ensuring optimal results.
- Flavor Scenter: Some models include a Flavor Scenter screen, allowing you to add herbs, spices, or liquids like wine or broth to enhance the taste of your steamed food.
Other features to consider: Steam Vent Material of the bowl Indicator Lights Cord Storage
Black & Decker Food Steamer Comparison
| Product | Capacity (Cooked Rice) | Steaming Basket Included | Keep Warm Function | Timer | Removable Bowl (Dishwasher Safe) | Flavor Scenter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black & Decker HS800 Food Steamer | 2 qt Steaming / 4 cup Rice | No | No | 75 minutes | Yes | Yes |
| Black+Decker RC516C 16-Cup Rice Steamer | 16 cups | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker | 6 cups | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker | 16 cups | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Black & Decker HS80 Steamer | 2 qt Steaming / 4 cup Rice | No | No | 75 minutes | No | No |
How We Evaluated Black & Decker Food Steamers
Our evaluation of Black & Decker food steamers centers on data-driven analysis, focusing on user reviews, feature comparisons, and performance metrics. We analyzed thousands of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) to identify common pain points and consistently praised features. This sentiment analysis informed our weighting of criteria like ease of cleaning, timer accuracy, and rice cooking performance.
Comparative analysis was conducted using the official Black & Decker product specifications, concentrating on capacity (cups cooked), wattage (influencing steaming speed), and included accessories. We cross-referenced this data with independent testing results where available – although dedicated independent tests solely for food steamers are limited, we utilized reports on similar countertop appliances regarding heating element efficiency and material safety.
Crucially, we prioritized models with high ratings for reliability and consistently positive feedback regarding the non-stick bowl’s durability. Given the dual functionality of many Black & Decker steamers (steaming and rice cooking), we gave significant weight to user reports on rice texture and the effectiveness of the “keep warm” function. We also considered the price point relative to capacity and features to determine overall value.
FAQs
What is the ideal capacity for a Black & Decker food steamer?
The ideal capacity depends on your household size. A Black & Decker food steamer with 6-8 cups cooked is best for individuals or couples, 8-12 cups for families of 3-4, and 16+ cups for larger families or meal prepping.
Are Black & Decker steamers easy to clean?
Yes! Most Black & Decker food steamers feature removable, non-stick bowls that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy.
Can Black & Decker steamers also cook rice?
Many Black & Decker food steamers are dual-purpose and function as rice cookers. Look for models with a dedicated rice bowl and an automatic “keep warm” function for optimal rice cooking.
What is a Flavor Scenter and what does it do?
A Flavor Scenter, found on some Black & Decker food steamers, is a screen where you can add herbs, spices, or liquids (like broth) to infuse your food with extra flavor during steaming.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, a Black & Decker food steamer offers a convenient and versatile way to prepare healthy meals. By carefully considering your household size, cooking habits, and desired features – like rice cooking functionality and ease of cleaning – you can find a model that perfectly fits your needs and streamlines your kitchen routine.
Investing in a Black & Decker steamer isn’t just about acquiring an appliance; it’s about embracing a healthier lifestyle with minimal effort. With a range of options available at various price points, there’s a steamer to suit every budget and culinary preference, making nutritious cooking accessible to everyone.