Nordic Ware 68600 Food Steamer Review
Our verdict
The Nordic Ware 68600 is a $16 plastic food steamer designed for quick, convenient steaming, and its 4.6-star rating from 106 buyers makes it one of the highest-rated options at any price in this category. At 0.46 lb it is exceptionally light and clearly built for simplicity.
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Anyone who wants the easiest, lowest-cost way to steam vegetables or small portions of food without using a countertop electric unit. At $16 and 0.46 lb it is ideal for small kitchens, offices, or as a secondary steaming option.
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Buyers who need an electric countertop steamer with a timer, programmable settings, or large capacity will not find that here. This is a simple, passive steaming vessel rather than a standalone appliance with its own heating element.
- Material Plastic
- Color Red
- Weight 0.46 lb
- Priced 86% below the category median ($114.00 across 14 tracked models)
- Weight of 0.46 lb - lighter than 100% of the 14 models we track
Pros
- 4.6-star rating from 106 buyers is strong for a sub-$20 kitchen tool
- At $16 it is the most affordable route into food steaming
- Weighing just 0.46 lb it is easy to store, handle, and clean
- Nordic Ware is a known American brand with a track record for durable kitchenware
Cons
- Plastic construction is less durable long-term than stainless or ceramic alternatives
- No electric heating element, so it depends on a microwave or stovetop heat source
- No capacity specification published, so volume expectations must be set by the unit's physical size
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 106 owner ratings
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Popularity0.7/5
106 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Material
- Plastic
- Color
- Red
- Weight
- 0.46 lb
Overview
At $16 and 0.46 lb, the Nordic Ware 68600 is as simple and affordable as food steamers get. The red plastic construction is lightweight and clearly aimed at buyers who want a fast, low-effort way to steam food without the complexity or counter space of an electric unit.
The 4.6-star rating from 106 buyers is impressive for the price tier. A 4.6 average is easier to achieve with a smaller review count, but 106 ratings is still meaningful enough to take seriously. The consistent high score suggests buyers are getting exactly what they expect from a simple, inexpensive steamer.
At this price, Nordic Ware has positioned this as a practical tool rather than a featured appliance. Its red color gives it some kitchen personality, and the minimal weight makes it easy to store in a drawer or cabinet when not in use.
Performance notes
At 0.46 lb and the $16 price point, this steamer is best understood as a passive steaming vessel rather than an electric appliance. It relies on an external heat source and is designed for quick steaming of vegetables or small food portions. The red plastic construction is light and easy to clean. Because no capacity or wattage figures are published, buyers should expect this to handle single-serving portions typical of a microwave or stovetop steaming accessory.
What buyers say
With 106 ratings at 4.6 stars, the Nordic Ware 68600 has a high satisfaction rate among buyers who knew exactly what they were getting: a simple, affordable steaming tool. Buyers at this price point are not expecting a fully featured electric appliance, and the high rating reflects that the product delivers on its straightforward promise. Satisfaction here is driven by ease of use and value rather than advanced performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Nordic Ware 68600 an electric steamer?
Based on its 0.46 lb weight and $16 price, this is a passive steaming vessel rather than an electric countertop unit. It is designed to use steam from a microwave or stovetop heat source. If you need a self-contained electric steamer with its own heating element, this product does not fill that role.
Is plastic safe for steaming food?
Nordic Ware products are designed for food-safe use, and reputable brands use plastics rated for food contact and heat. For a passive steamer used as intended, food-grade plastic is generally considered safe. If you have concerns about plastics near food at steam temperatures, stainless steel or ceramic alternatives are available at higher price points.
How much food does the Nordic Ware 68600 hold?
Capacity is not published in the available spec data. Based on its positioning as a simple, lightweight steaming tool, it is best suited for single-serving portions of vegetables or similar small quantities. If you regularly cook for two or more people at once, a larger electric steamer with a published capacity figure would be a more reliable fit.