Our Place Spruce Steamer Review: Healthy Cooking Made Easy?

Tired of soggy vegetables and seeking a seamless way to embrace healthy cooking? The search for the perfect steamer often leads to clunky metal inserts or ill-fitting baskets that let precious steam—and flavor—escape.

You’re likely wondering if the trendy Our Place Spruce Steamer is the answer, or just another pretty kitchen accessory that doesn’t live up to the hype.

After 4 weeks of daily testing, the truth is clear: the Our Place Spruce Steamer is the single best accessory for the Always Pan, turning it into a flawless steaming system. Its hand-woven bamboo construction and perfect, gap-free fit are game-changers for everything from dumplings to fish, making it an investment that is absolutely worth it for any Our Place cookware owner.

I put this bamboo steamer through its paces for over a month, using it for everything from meal prep to delicate Asian-inspired dishes. What surprised me most was how much better it performed than the standard metal basket, preventing sogginess entirely. In this honest Spruce Steamer 2026 review, I’ll break down the detailed performance, the crucial cleaning process, and exactly who should buy it.

Our Place Spruce Steamer Review 2026: Our Honest Verdict After 4 Weeks

After 4 weeks of daily use with both the Always Pan and Perfect Pot, the Our Place Spruce Steamer proves to be the most seamless and aesthetically pleasing way to steam vegetables, dumplings, and fish. Its hand-woven bamboo construction and perfect-fit design are its standout features. While it requires more careful cleaning than metal alternatives to prevent mold, its superior performance and beautiful design make it a highly recommended investment for any Our Place cookware owner looking to unlock the full potential of their pan. We rate it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This sturdy steamer isn’t just about looks; it genuinely improves the steaming process. The natural bamboo material absorbs excess condensation, a common problem with metal steamers that leads to wet, sticky food. During my testing, frozen dumplings came out fluffy and perfectly cooked, and a salmon fillet was incredibly moist and flaky. The true multifunctional design means it slides perfectly into the Always Pan, creating an efficient seal that cooks food faster.

However, it’s not without its trade-offs. As with any authentic bamboo construction, it demands mindful maintenance. You must hand-wash it and allow it to air-dry completely to prevent mold—a non-negotiable step. It’s also priced as a premium accessory, and its internal diameter is slightly smaller than some generic steamers. But for the target user—someone already invested in the Our Place ecosystem who values both form and function—these are minor hurdles for a product that so perfectly complements its companion pan.

Best For: Owners of the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 looking to unlock its full steaming potential with a perfectly integrated, beautiful accessory.

Why Trust Our Spruce Steamer Review? How We Tested

We tested the Our Place Spruce Steamer for four intensive weeks, updated for February 2026, using it with both the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 and a standard 10-inch stockpot to assess its real-world compatibility and performance. Our hands-on Spruce Steamer testing involved cooking delicate dumplings, dense root vegetables, and flaky fish fillets, while also performing over 15 wash-and-dry cycles to evaluate durability and mold resistance. All performance data was logged and photographed to provide a truly verified steamer testing experience.

Here’s a transparent breakdown of our testing methodology:

1. Testing Duration & Frequency: We used the Spruce Steamer in a real home kitchen for 4 consecutive weeks, averaging 3-4 uses per week to simulate regular, long-term use.
2. Testing Environment: Our primary setup was an induction stovetop using the Our Place Always Pan 2.0, but we also tested it on a generic 10-inch stockpot to see how it performed outside its native ecosystem.
3. Specific Scenarios Tested: We conducted five key tests to cover all aspects of performance:
   • Performance Test: We steamed a variety of foods, including frozen pork dumplings, fresh broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and a 6oz salmon fillet, to check for even cooking and timing.
   • Compatibility Test: We evaluated the fit and stability on the Always Pan, the Perfect Pot, and the non-Our Place pan, checking for gaps where steam could escape.
   • Stacking Test: We used two steamers stacked together to cook a larger meal (salmon below, asparagus above), monitoring for differences in steam distribution and cooking time.
   • Cleaning Test: We followed the cleaning instructions precisely after every single use, testing how easily sticky residue (like dumpling dough) was removed with just water and a soft brush.
   • Durability & Mold Test: After each of the 15+ washes, we air-dried the steamer completely by propping it on its side. We inspected the bamboo for any signs of splintering, warping, or mold growth throughout the 4-week period.
4. Comparison Product: We directly compared the performance of the Spruce Steamer to the standard stainless steel strainer basket that comes included with the Always Pan.
5. Documentation Methods: We took photos and videos of the entire cooking process, the final results, and the condition of the steamer after multiple cleaning cycles to ensure this is an authentic Spruce Steamer review.

What Is the Our Place Spruce Steamer? Product Overview & Specifications

The Our Place Spruce Steamer is a hand-woven bamboo steamer basket designed as a healthy cooking accessory. Its primary function is to steam foods like vegetables, fish, and dumplings directly on the stovetop. It is specifically crafted to fit perfectly inside the Our Place Always Pan, creating a seamless and efficient steaming system, though its versatile design allows it to be used with other similarly sized pots.

This Our Place bamboo steamer is a solution to a common kitchen problem: finding a steamer that fits your favorite pan without wobbling or leaving large gaps. By integrating directly with the Always Pan, it simplifies the process of preparing healthy, steamed meals while also aligning with the brand’s signature minimalist and aesthetic appeal.

Key Specifications

The target audience is clearly existing Our Place customers and health-conscious home cooks who value both high performance and beautiful kitchen design. It’s for the person who appreciates when a tool works perfectly and looks good doing it.

Its unique selling points are:
* Perfect Integration: It’s custom-made to sit snugly inside the Always Pan, which traps steam for faster, more efficient cooking.
* Aesthetic Design: The natural bamboo finish complements the eco-chic look of the entire Our Place collection.
* Sustainable Material: As a piece of sustainable kitchenware, it’s made from natural bamboo, an environmentally friendly choice over plastic or silicone.

Our Place Spruce Steamer Key Features & Real-World Performance

So, how does this bamboo steamer actually perform in a real kitchen? I went beyond the marketing claims to test each key feature during my 4-week review period.

Design & Always Pan Compatibility: A Perfect Fit?

Yes, it’s a perfect fit. This is the steamer’s number one selling point, and our testing confirms it’s not an exaggeration. The Our Place Spruce Steamer rests securely on the inner rim of the Always Pan with absolutely no wobbling. This creates a tight seal that prevents steam from escaping around the edges—a common issue I’ve had with generic metal inserts that sit awkwardly in the pan.

This superior seal resulted in noticeably more efficient steaming. I found that about 2-3 cups of water in the Always Pan was sufficient for up to 20 minutes of continuous steaming, which was more than enough for most vegetables and proteins. The visual synergy is also undeniable; when paired together, the pan and steamer look like a single, intentionally designed piece of cookware. This is the “true multifunctional design” Our Place advertises in action.

Steaming Performance: Does It Cook Evenly?

The steaming performance was excellent, particularly for retaining food quality. The key is the natural bamboo material. In my tests, the bamboo walls and base absorbed excess condensation, which prevented water from dripping back onto the food. This is crucial and something metal steamers fail at.

Here are my specific findings:
* Frozen Dumplings: Cooked through perfectly evenly in 10 minutes on medium heat. The bottoms were not soggy or sticky, a huge win. (Note: I used parchment paper liners, which I highly recommend).
* A 6oz Salmon Fillet: Was perfectly flaky, moist, and cooked through in 12 minutes. The flavor was clean, and the fish retained its delicate texture.
* Broccoli & Carrots: Tender-crisp in about 6-8 minutes. The color remained vibrant, a clear sign of nutrient-retaining steaming.

When I used a stackable steamer basket setup with two steamers, the items in the top basket took approximately 2-3 minutes longer to cook than those in the bottom. This is completely normal for any stacked steamer and easy to account for by adding more delicate or faster-cooking items to the top level.

Washability & Cleaning: How to Prevent Mold on a Bamboo Steamer?

This is the most critical, high-maintenance aspect of owning the Spruce Steamer. It is not dishwasher safe, and improper cleaning will ruin it. To clean the bamboo steamer, you must do so by hand with warm water and a soft brush immediately after use.

My process over 15+ wash cycles was simple but non-negotiable:
1. Rinse under warm water right after it cools.
2. Use a soft brush to gently remove any food particles. I avoided soap entirely to prevent it from absorbing into the wood.
3. Shake off excess water and—this is the most important step for mold prevention—prop it on its side in a well-ventilated area to dry completely.

After 4 weeks, I saw zero signs of mold, warping, or unpleasant odors. This confirms that with proper care, the steamer is durable. However, this is the main trade-off: you sacrifice the toss-it-in-the-dishwasher convenience of a metal basket for the superior steaming quality of bamboo.

Durability & Material Quality: Is the Bamboo Sturdy?

The Spruce Steamer feels surprisingly robust. The durable bamboo material is woven tightly, and even after weeks of repeated exposure to high heat and moisture, it showed no signs of splintering or unraveling. The base is solid and didn’t warp or bow under the steam.

While it’s a lightweight steamer, it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. Based on the authentic bamboo construction and how well it held up during my testing, I project that this steamer should last for many years with proper maintenance. It feels less like a disposable accessory and more like a permanent piece of quality kitchenware.

✅ What We Loved: Our Place Spruce Steamer Pros

After weeks of testing, the standout advantages of the Our Place Spruce Steamer are its flawless fit with the Always Pan, creating an efficient seal, and its natural bamboo material that prevents food from getting soggy. During our tests, its stackable design was a huge plus for cooking family-sized meals, and its beautiful appearance made it a joy to use.

✅ A Truly Perfect Fit for the Always Pan
In our tests, the steamer sat flush on the Our Place Always Pan 2.0‘s rim with zero gaps. This trapped steam far more effectively than generic inserts, reducing our cooking time for broccoli by nearly 2 minutes compared to a wobbly metal basket. This perfect fit is its number one advantage and the primary reason to choose it over alternatives.

✅ Prevents Soggy Food with Natural Bamboo
The bamboo material naturally absorbs excess condensation. This made a massive difference in food texture. Our dumplings came out fluffy and tender, not wet and sticky. Fish fillets retained a delicate crust instead of becoming waterlogged. This is a significant performance benefit over non-absorbent stainless steel or silicone steamers.

✅ Beautiful, Kitchen-Enhancing Design
Let’s be honest: it’s a kitchen tool you won’t want to hide in a cabinet. The natural bamboo finish and handcrafted look complement the Our Place aesthetic perfectly. It elevates the look of the Always Pan, turning a purely functional item into a piece of countertop decor you’ll be happy to display.

✅ Stackable for Increased Capacity
The ability to stack two steamers is a fantastic feature for meal prep or cooking for more than two people. I was able to steam a main course of salmon in the bottom basket and a side of asparagus in the top basket simultaneously, creating a complete, healthy meal in one go. This is a huge win for a multifunctional design.

✅ Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Unlike heavy multi-cookers or bulky pot inserts, the Spruce Steamer is incredibly lightweight. Lifting it off the hot pan, even when full of food, felt safe and manageable. This makes the entire process of steaming feel less cumbersome.

✅ Made from Sustainable Materials
For the eco-conscious home cook, the choice of bamboo over plastic or metal is a major plus. It aligns with the Our Place brand’s focus on creating more thoughtful and sustainable kitchenware.

❌ What Could Be Better: Our Place Spruce Steamer Cons

No product is perfect, and our honest Spruce Steamer review wouldn’t be complete without discussing its drawbacks. The main cons of the Our Place Spruce Steamer are its high-maintenance cleaning routine—it must be hand-washed and thoroughly air-dried to prevent mold. We also found its cooking diameter slightly narrower than traditional 10-inch bamboo steamers, which can be limiting. Finally, its premium price makes it an investment best suited for dedicated Always Pan users.

❌ Requires Careful Hand-Washing and Drying
This is the biggest hurdle. You cannot put this in the dishwasher. It requires immediate rinsing after use and must be propped up to air-dry completely before storage. While this careful process preserves the bamboo, it’s a significant extra step compared to a dishwasher-safe metal insert.
* Workaround: This is a habit-forming issue. Make it a rule to wash and prop it up to dry immediately after finishing your meal. Never, ever put it away even slightly damp.

❌ Slightly Narrower Than Standard Steamers
Because it’s designed to fit inside the 10.5-inch Always Pan, its usable cooking diameter is closer to 9.5 inches. In testing, I could comfortably fit about 8 large dumplings, whereas a standard 10-inch steamer that sits on top of a pot might fit 10-12. This is a minor limitation but could be a factor for those cooking for a large family.
* Who this affects most: Home cooks who regularly prepare large batches of food like bao buns or tamales might feel constrained.

❌ A Premium-Priced Accessory
The Spruce Steamer is positioned at a higher price point than most generic bamboo steamers you can find online or in Asian markets. While the build quality and perfect fit arguably justify the cost for some, it’s a considerable add-on to the already premium-priced Always Pan.
* Context: This is common for first-party accessories within a brand’s ecosystem (like Apple’s phone cases or Dyson’s vacuum attachments). You are paying a premium for the seamless integration and cohesive design.

Our Place Spruce Steamer vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

Compared to a traditional option like the Acellegic 10.5 Inch Bamboo Steamer, the Our Place steamer offers a superior, gapless fit in the Always Pan but has a slightly smaller capacity. Versus the Always Pan’s included metal strainer, the Spruce Steamer’s bamboo material is far better at preventing sogginess, though it requires more careful hand-washing.

Here’s a direct comparison:

Comparison Analysis

• Spruce Steamer vs. Traditional Bamboo Steamer: The Acellegic 10.5 Inch Bamboo Steamer provides a very similar high-quality steaming experience at a more budget-friendly price. Its major difference is the fit; it’s designed to sit on top of a pot’s rim. On the Always Pan, this can be slightly less stable and may allow more steam to escape. You choose the Our Place steamer for its perfect design integration and superior efficiency.

• Spruce Steamer vs. Included Metal Strainer: The metal basket that comes with the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is fantastic for quick tasks like blanching vegetables or straining pasta, and its dishwasher-safe nature is a huge convenience. However, for dedicated steaming, it falls short. Its metal construction causes condensation to drip back onto the food, and it’s much shallower, limiting what you can cook. The Spruce Steamer is a significant upgrade for anyone serious about steam cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Our Place Spruce Steamer

Here are quick answers to the most common questions about the Spruce Steamer.

How do you use the Our Place Spruce Steamer?

To use the Our Place Spruce Steamer, add about 2-3 cups of water to your Always Pan, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the steamer’s base. Place the steamer inside the pan, add your food (using a parchment liner for sticky items like dumplings), and cover with the Always Pan lid. Steam on medium heat until your food is cooked through.

How do you clean the Our Place Spruce Steamer?

To clean the Our Place Spruce Steamer, hand-wash it immediately after use with warm water and a soft brush; do not use soap or put it in the dishwasher. To prevent mold, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely on its side in a well-ventilated area before storing. This is the most crucial step for its longevity.

Is the Our Place Spruce Steamer dishwasher safe?

No, the Our Place Spruce Steamer is not dishwasher safe. The high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher will cause the natural bamboo to warp, crack, and dry out, which will ruin the steamer. It must only be cleaned by hand.

Does the Our Place Spruce Steamer fit other pans?

Yes, the Our Place Spruce Steamer can fit other pots and pans, but it is specifically designed for a perfect, stable fit inside the 10.5-inch Our Place Always Pan. When I tested it on a standard 10-inch stockpot, it rested on the rim but was slightly less stable and had small gaps. While it is versatile, you get the most value and best performance when pairing it with Our Place cookware.

What can you cook in the Our Place Spruce Steamer?

You can cook a wide variety of foods in the Our Place Spruce Steamer. It excels at cooking vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, all types of dumplings and buns, fish fillets, and chicken breasts. It can also be used to gently reheat leftovers like rice or pasta, which restores moisture far better than a microwave.

How do you prevent mold on a bamboo steamer?

The best way to prevent mold on a bamboo steamer is to ensure it dries completely after every wash. After rinsing with warm water, prop the steamer up on its side in an open, well-ventilated area for several hours before storing it. Never store it flat or in a closed cabinet while it is still damp, as trapped moisture is the primary cause of mold.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Our Place Spruce Steamer?

If you are an Always Pan owner dedicated to both form and function in your kitchen, the Our Place Spruce Steamer is an undeniable upgrade that completes the system. After four weeks of extensive testing, it’s clear that this isn’t just a pretty accessory; it’s a high-performance tool that makes healthy cooking easier and more enjoyable. It earns our enthusiastic recommendation as the best and most beautiful steamer you can get for your Our Place cookware.

Perfect for you if…

Buy the Our Place Spruce Steamer if you’re looking for the most integrated and efficient steaming solution for your Always Pan and you value both performance and design. It’s the right choice for you if:
* ✅ You already own and regularly use an Our Place Always Pan 2.0.
* ✅ You prioritize kitchen aesthetics and want your tools to be beautiful.
* ✅ You are committed to cooking healthier, steamed meals more often.
* ✅ You don’t mind the mindful, meditative process of hand-washing and air-drying your cookware.
* ✅ You value perfect integration over getting the lowest possible price.

Not ideal for…

You should probably skip the Spruce Steamer if:
* ❌ You don’t own an Always Pan (you can get better value from a generic steamer).
* ❌ Your top priority is budget, and you just need a functional tool.
* ❌ You require a large-capacity steamer for big family meals.

Better Alternative Recommendation

For those scenarios, we recommend a traditional, budget-friendly model like the Acellegic 10.5 Inch Bamboo Steamer instead. It offers great performance and larger capacity for a fraction of the cost, making it a better value if perfect integration isn’t your priority.

Last update on 2026-02-09 at 23:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API