The best tamale steamer pot is the IMUSA 20-Quart. It holds holiday batches, has 3,000+ reviews and costs about $42.
We compared seven tamale steamers by capacity, material, refill design and stove compatibility, using only the specs each brand lists. For smaller everyday steamers, see our steamer pot guide. Prices, ratings and review counts may change.
Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Tamale Steamer Pots
IMUSA 20-Quart Aluminum Tamale and Seafood Steamer Pot
GasOne 20-Quart Stainless Steel Steamer Pot with Water Spout
Concord Mi Abuela 20-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale SteamerTamale Steamer Pots Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. IMUSA 20-Quart Aluminum Tamale and Seafood Steamer Pot Best Overall | 20 qt aluminum · Removable steamer insert | 4.5/5 3,009 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. GasOne 20-Quart Stainless Steel Steamer Pot with Water Spout Best Stainless | 20 qt stainless steel, satin finish · Capsule 3-layer bottom | 4.7/5 154 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Concord Mi Abuela 20-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Best for Induction | 20 qt 100% stainless steel; holds 30–60 tamales · Extra-thick tri-ply clad bottom | 4.5/5 88 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. ARC 20-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Spout Best Size Range | 20 qt (5 gal) multi-ply stainless · Easy-fill water spout | 4.6/5 0 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Steamer Pot with Rack Best Enamel | 15.5 qt porcelain on steel · Steamer rack included | 4.4/5 640 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Set, 28-Quart and 10-Quart Best for Parties | 28 qt and 10 qt aluminum steamers · Removable steamer inserts | 4.4/5 205 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. IMUSA MEXICANA-410 10-Quart Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid Best Budget | 10 qt aluminum · Removable steamer insert | 4.3/5 593 reviews | Check Price |
1. IMUSA 20-Quart Aluminum Tamale and Seafood Steamer Pot – Best Overall
IMUSA USA Aluminum Tamale and Steamer Steamer Pot 20-Quart, Silver
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 3,009 reviews
Pros
Cons
The IMUSA 20-Quart Tamale Steamer is the best tamale steamer pot for most families, at about $42 with 4.5 stars from 3,009 Amazon reviews. Its removable insert holds tamales above the water, and the aluminum body heats quickly and evenly.
The 20-quart size handles holiday batches of tamales, plus lobster, mussels and corn on the cob. Riveted handles help you lift it when full.
Key features
20 qt. Holiday batches.
3,000+ reviews. Proven.
About $42. Value.
What it’s like to own
It’s the classic choice for tamaladas. Keep water below the insert and add more as needed.
It has no refill spout.
Best for: Most families.
May not fit: Induction kitchens.
2. GasOne 20-Quart Stainless Steel Steamer Pot with Water Spout – Best Stainless
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 154 reviews
Pros
Cons
The GasOne 20-Quart is the best stainless tamale steamer, at about $70 with 4.7 stars from 154 Amazon reviews. A welded spout lets you add water mid-steam without opening the lid.
Its capsule bottom spreads heat evenly, and a divider lets you steam pork, chicken and sweet tamales separately.
Key features
Water spout. No lid lifting.
Divider. Three fillings.
4.7 stars. Top rated.
What it’s like to own
Stainless won’t react with salty or acidic foods like aluminum can.
It costs more than IMUSA.
Best for: Frequent tamale makers.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
3. Concord Mi Abuela 20-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer – Best for Induction
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 88 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Concord Mi Abuela 20-Quart is the best tamale steamer for induction, at about $86 with 4.5 stars from 88 Amazon reviews. Its tri-ply clad bottom works on gas, electric and induction.
An exterior spout with a max fill line makes refilling easy, and Concord says it holds 30 to 60 tamales.
Key features
Induction. Tri-ply bottom.
Fill line. Easy refills.
30–60 tamales. Big batches.
What it’s like to own
A 30-quart version holds 60 to 120 tamales.
It has fewer reviews.
Best for: Induction kitchens.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
4. ARC 20-Quart Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Spout – Best Size Range
ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot w/ Easy-fill Water Spout, 5 Gal
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 0 reviews
Pros
Cons
The ARC 20-Quart Tamale Steamer is the best pick if you need a specific size, at about $79 with a 4.6-star rating. Its 804 Amazon reviews appear to be shared across 20- to 52-quart sizes.
A spout and divider make it easy to refill and steam three fillings at once, but it isn’t induction compatible.
Key features
5 sizes. Up to 52 qt.
Spout. Safe refills.
Divider. Three fillings.
What it’s like to own
The 40- and 52-quart sizes suit big parties.
It doesn’t work on induction.
Best for: Big parties.
May not fit: Induction kitchens.
5. Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Steamer Pot with Rack – Best Enamel
Granite Ware 15.5 Qt Steamer Pot with Rack – Black, Set of 3
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 640 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Steamer is the best enamel tamale pot, at about $45 with 4.4 stars from 640 Amazon reviews. Its porcelain-on-steel surface is nonreactive and free of PFOA and PTFE.
The included rack keeps tamales, seafood and vegetables above the water.
Key features
Nonreactive. Pure flavors.
15.5 qt. Mid-size.
About $45. Value.
What it’s like to own
It’s a traditional style many families grew up with.
Enamel can chip if dropped.
Best for: Traditionalists.
May not fit: Induction kitchens.
6. IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Set, 28-Quart and 10-Quart – Best for Parties
IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set, 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 205 reviews
Pros
Cons
The IMUSA 28-Quart and 10-Quart Steamer Set is the best tamale steamer for parties, at about $65 with 4.4 stars from 205 Amazon reviews. You get a 28-quart steamer for big batches and a 10-quart bonus steamer.
Both work as stock pots without the inserts.
Key features
Two pots. 28 + 10 qt.
About $65. Value.
Inserts. Steam or boil.
What it’s like to own
It’s perfect for holiday tamaladas.
It takes a lot of storage space.
Best for: Big gatherings.
May not fit: Small kitchens.
7. IMUSA MEXICANA-410 10-Quart Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid – Best Budget
IMUSA USA MEXICANA-410 Aluminum Steamer with Glass Lid 10-Quart, Silver, 10Qt
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 from 593 reviews
Pros
Cons
The IMUSA MEXICANA-410 10-Quart is the best budget tamale steamer, at about $28 with 4.3 stars from 593 Amazon reviews. Its glass lid lets you check water levels without releasing steam.
Cool-touch handles and knob make it easier to handle.
Key features
About $28. Cheapest.
Glass lid. Watch the water.
10 qt. Easy storage.
What it’s like to own
It suits smaller households.
It holds fewer tamales.
Best for: Small households.
May not fit: Big batches.
How to Choose a Tamale Steamer Pot
Capacity
A 20-quart pot holds a few dozen tamales; Concord says 30–60.
28-quart and larger pots, like the IMUSA set and ARC 40–52 qt, suit big tamaladas.
Material
Aluminum, like IMUSA, heats fast and costs less but can react with acidic or salty foods.
Stainless steel, like GasOne and Concord, is nonreactive and lasts longer.
Water spout
A spout lets you add water without lifting the lid and losing steam.
Without one, check water every 30–45 minutes and add hot water carefully.
Divider
Dividers keep pork, chicken and sweet tamales separate.
They also help tamales stand upright.
Induction
Concord’s tri-ply bottom works on induction.
ARC and the aluminum IMUSA pots aren’t listed for induction.
Other uses
Tamale steamers double as seafood boilers and stock pots.
Use the rack for corn, crab and lobster.
FAQ
What is the best tamale steamer pot?
The IMUSA 20-Quart is our top pick for capacity, price and reviews.
How many tamales fit in a 20-quart steamer?
Concord says its 20-quart holds 30–60, depending on size.
Aluminum or stainless steel tamalera?
Aluminum is cheaper and lighter; stainless is nonreactive and durable.
How much water goes in a tamale steamer?
Fill just below the rack and top up as needed.
Do tamale steamers work on induction?
Only induction-ready models like the Concord Mi Abuela.
How long do tamales take to steam?
Usually about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the masa pulls away from the husk.
Final Verdict
The IMUSA 20-Quart is the best tamale steamer pot overall.
Choose GasOne for stainless with a spout, Concord for induction or the IMUSA set for parties.
On a budget, the IMUSA 10-quart costs about $28.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: IMUSA 20 qt
- Best stainless: GasOne 20 qt
- Best for induction: Concord Mi Abuela
- Best for parties: IMUSA 28 + 10 qt
- Best budget: IMUSA 10 qt
Related buying guides: Best Steamer Pots · Best Stock Pots · Best Multipots
