Nordic Ware Steam Cooker
- Steamer
- Plastic
- Yes
- Red
- Better rated than 71%
A simple, reliable microwave steamer for vegetables and similar foods, as long as it's kept strictly to microwave use.
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How it ranks among the 14 steamers we track
4.6★ across 106 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
106 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 14 steamers we track - how the scorecard works · full steamers data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 15, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
A microwave-only steaming vessel with a removable elevated tray and an adjustable steam-release valve in the lid, made in the USA from BPA and melamine-free plastic, for vegetables, hot dogs and similar quick foods.
The key spec to know before buying: this is for microwave use only and is explicitly not rated for stovetop or oven use, since the plastic isn't built for direct heat. Cook times run a few minutes and vary by microwave wattage and food type, per the listed instructions.
- Removable elevated steaming tray
- Adjustable steam-release valve
- BPA and melamine-free plastic
- Made in the USA
Who it's for
Suits anyone wanting a fast microwave method for vegetables, hot dogs or sausages without dirtying a pot. Not for anyone wanting a steamer usable on a stovetop or in a conventional oven.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Reviewers report it steams vegetables, hot dogs and sausages well and cleans up easily, with several long-term owners on a second unit. One reviewer notes the lid fits tightly and needed extra care removing it from a microwave mounted higher up, to avoid a steam burn.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Fast microwave steaming for vegetables and hot dogs
- Adjustable valve lets steam vent as needed
- Removable tray keeps food above the water
- Easy cleanup per reviewers
- Microwave use only, not stovetop or oven safe
- Tight-fitting lid can be awkward to remove per one reviewer
- Cook times vary by microwave wattage
Performance notes
A small amount of water in the base combines with the elevated tray to lift food above the liquid, while the lid's adjustable valve controls how much steam escapes during cooking. The listing specifies roughly 3-5 minutes of cook time, varying with microwave wattage and how tender the food needs to be.
Specifications
| Brand | Nordic Ware |
|---|---|
| Model | 68600 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 7.4 ounces |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 12 × 6.7 × 3.2 inches |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Red |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | steamer;lid |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 5 years |
| Other details | |
| Is Electric | Yes |
| Item Type Name | Microwave Steamer |
| Part Number | 68600 |
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in steamers.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordic Ware Steam CookerThis product | 4.6 / 5 | 106 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-CookerPresto | 4.6 / 5 | 5,575 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Moyuum Silicone Microwave Divided SteamerMoyuum | 4.6 / 5 | 163 | 4.2 / 5 |
| WMF 415090011 Vitalis E Steamer SteelWMF | 4.3 / 5 | 2,200 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Paragon Dog Hut Hot Dog SteamerParagon | 4.2 / 5 | 615 | 4.1 / 5 |
Similar steamers from other brands
Questions about the Nordic Ware 68600
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Can the Nordic Ware Steam Cooker be used on the stovetop?
No, it's rated for microwave use only and is not safe for stovetop or oven use.
How long does food take to steam in the Nordic Ware 68600?
The listing suggests about 3-5 minutes for bite-sized vegetables, though timing depends on the microwave used.
What is the Nordic Ware Steam Cooker made from?
It's made from BPA-free and melamine-free high-heat plastic, manufactured in the USA.