Electric food steamers are appliances used in kitchens to cook food with the help of steam. They are available in different types and sizes that are intended to meet specific cooking requirements. Among the various types of steamers, the most common one is the countertop steamer, which is small and practical for everyday use. It usually comes with one or two tiers to hold different kinds of food items such as vegetables, fish, and chicken. Another popular type is the rice cooker, which can be used not only for cooking rice but also for steaming other foods. These appliances offer numerous benefits such as retaining the nutritional value of food, enhancing natural flavors, and reducing cooking time. Additionally, they are easy to clean and maintain, making them a preferred choice for individuals who are health-conscious and have busy schedules.
Key Drivers of the Electric Food Steamers Market
Increasing Disposable Income
The demand for electric food steamers has grown due to the increase in disposable income and the trend towards busier lifestyles. Consumers are more inclined to purchase kitchen appliances that provide health benefits, convenience, and time-saving features, such as electric food steamers, as their income increases. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ report for China, in 1990, the country’s urban per capita disposable income was 1,510 RMB ($219.2), which increased to 36,396 RMB ($5,284.3) in 2017.
Rise in Smaller Living Spaces
The rising number of individuals living in smaller houses or flats, as well as the growth in single-person households, have all led to an increase in demand for electric food steamers. These kitchen equipment are small, simple to store, and take up less counter space, making them an interesting option for those who live in small apartments.
Increasing Availability
The increasing availability and affordability of electric food steamers, coupled with the growth of online and offline retail channels, are driving the growth of the market. Consumers can now easily purchase electric food steamers from a variety of sources, including online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores, and specialty kitchen stores. Online retailers on E-commerce platforms is the major factor driving the market. According to the International Trade Administration stats, E-commerce had an 18% ($4,280 billion) share of total retail sales in 2020, globally, which is expected to reach 22% ($6,388 billion) of global retail sales by 2024.
Expansions and Innovations by Major Market Players
The electric food steamers market has significant contributors such as EmberGlo, Samsung, SALVIS, Solaris, Hackman, Southbend, AccuTemp Products, Vulcan, Crown Verity, Unified Brands, Rational AG, ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, Hobart, and Nemco Food Equipment, among others. These players assist in the market’s growth with the launch of new products and through collaborations and investments. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In March 2023, Nutribullet® Baby introduced a new baby food maker called the nutribullet® Baby Steam + Blend, which is designed to simplify the process of making fresh, homemade baby food. The product combines the functions of a cooking pot, steaming basket, and blender in one compact system, enabling users to steam, blend, cook, purée, and defrost ingredients with minimal mess and fewer dishes than traditional methods.
• In July 2021, Xiaomi launched its Mi Smart Steam Oven to the Philippines. The oven, which was first launched in China in 2020 as the MIJIA Smart Oven, is a 30L electric steam oven with 1,200W of power. It offers a range of cooking solutions with five steaming and cleaning modes- Regular Steaming, Pure Steaming, Fermented, Slow Cooked, and Dehydrated. These modes enable users to cook and bake a variety of foods with precision and ease. The Xiaomi Mi Smart Steam Oven is a useful addition to any kitchen, providing a smart and efficient cooking experience.
• In May 2020, Xiaomi launched the OCooker Multipurpose Electric Cooker in China. The OCooker Multipurpose Electric Cooker features a 400ml capacity and an inner cooking surface made of 304 stainless steel. The pot is separated from the heating surface due to the split design of the cooker.