10 Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer - A Complete Buying Guide
If you are a hot dog fan, you’ll opine that they are never delicious when too cold or too hot. They must be in their right temperature (preferably warm) for you to enjoy optimally.
To prevent overcooked hot dogs, you should invest in the best hot dog steamer and bun warmer. These appliances will help keep your hotdogs warm without necessarily overcooking them.
However, there are many electric hot dog warmers in the market, and choosing the ideal one can be confusing.
If you’re unsure of the best hot dog steamer and bun warmer brand, then you shouldn’t worry. This article enumerates the top brands and gives a detailed buyers guide that’ll help you in every step of your purchasing process.
Benefits of Owning the Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer
A hot dog steamer and bun warmer reduces your cooking time significantly while ensuring that your hot dogs and buns cook evenly.
Even better, the entire cooking process will be based on a straightforward steaming process as opposed to the cumbersome frying technique.
Additionally, your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer will help you to keep the hot dogs warm for a long time. This preserves their scrumptiousness!
Hot dog steamer and bun warmers come in different sizes to ensure that you get:
- The best commercial hot dog steamer and bun warmer
- The best hot dog steamer and bun warmer for home use
Whichever option you choose, just ensure that it offers enough space, has ergonomic design, and is effective. This way, you can be sure that your hot dog will serve you right.
Best Overall
Paragon 8020 Bun Warmer and Hot Dog Steamer Merchandiser
Features
- The machine is dishwasher safe to make it easy to clean the parts
- It’s built with a 20 gauge stainless steel material to add more durability
- Has a capacity to hold 200 hot dogs and 42 buns
- Features an over-sized water reservoir for hot dog steaming throughout the day
- Has an automatic shut off to alert you when the water level goes down?
Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer – Comparison
| Image | Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Paragon 8020 Bun Warmer and Hot Dog Steamer | -Heavy duty 20 gauge stainless steel construction-200 dogs or sausages and 42 buns capacity-13 1/2”W x 20”H x 16”D. Electrical requirements: 120 Volts, 10 amps | |
| Paragon Classic Hut Steamer Merchandiser Hot Dog Steamer | -Heavy Duty 20 gauge stainless steel construction-Heat indicator light-Eight quart water reservoir for increase holding times is the largest in the business-Dishwasher safe | |
| Empura Hot Dog Steamer | -Stainless Steel-27.0 pounds-6.0 quarts | |
| Nostalgia HDS248RD | -cooks upto 24 hot dogs at a time-bun warmer holds upto 12 buns at a time, keeping them warm and ready to enjoy-3-position cooking dial (high, Warm and off) | |
| Smart Planet HDS‐1 | -Steams perfect hot dogs in 5 minutes-Hot dog recipe booklet included-Makes 4 buns and 8 hot dogs | |
| CuiZen ST-1412 Steamer | -Steams up to 12 hotdogs in 12 minutes-Warmer can hold up to 12 buns-800 watts of power | |
| Maverick HC-01 Hot Dog Steamer | - cooks up to 6 hot dogs in less than 9 minutes-stay-cool curved tail makes lifting the lid easy without burning your hand-Dishwasher safe |
Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer
1. Paragon 8020 Bun Warmer and Hot Dog Steamer Merchandiser
Features
- The machine is dishwasher safe to make it easy to clean the parts
- It’s built with a 20 gauge stainless steel material to add more durability
- Has a capacity to hold 200 hot dogs and 42 buns
- Features an over-sized water reservoir for hot dog steaming throughout the day
- Has an automatic shut off to alert you when the water level goes down?
This is a heavy-duty hot dog steamer that’s widely used and features a 20 gauge stainless steel material for durability. Additionally, it has an automatic shut off system any time the water level gets low.
It has a fantastic capacity and can separately hold 42 buns and 200 sausages or hot dogs. It features a compact dimension and measures 20 inches height by 13.5 inches wide and 16 inches length. It’s easy to clean the machine and comes with safety features to keep you safe while using it. It’s a reliable dishwasher machine.
This machine has an over-sized water reservoir that helps you steam the hot dogs throughout the day with no worry. Furthermore, it comes with an illuminated on/off function that’s accompanied by an adjustable thermostat that helps you work with the machine productively.
Pros
- It’s intuitive
- It’s easy to use the machine
- Durable construction to serve you for long
- It’s a commercial steamer
- Has a compact size and it’s the best for traveling
Cons
- Doors open and close
- The sides can heat up and burn
- Can take up to 45 minutes to heat
2. Paragon Classic Hut Steamer Merchandiser Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- It has a water level indicator light that helps in alerting the user when the re-filling is needed
- The heat indicator alerts you when the hot dog steamer and bun warmer is heating
- It features professional controls that make it easy to operate
- The removable trays help in easy accessibility
- It’s designed with sturdy construction to enhance longevity
- It has a divided vent system
The Paragon steamer is a durable burner made of stainless steel material gauge 20. It features robust construction that makes it an essential steamer for commercial applications. It’s a top option for many business owners.
It has removable trays for simple and secure access and has a foldout door that allows for easy cleaning. All the parts are dishwasher safe.
Paragon classic has a heat indicator light that signals you anytime the hot dog machine is working. It has standard divided trays that are designed to hold 192 hot dogs. Alternatively, you can use the removable insert that can combine an average number of 30 buns and 96 hot dogs.
It has a water level indicator light that alerts you anytime re-filling is needed. This hot dog steamer has professional control, and it’s easy to use. A big thanks to the manufacturer for backing the steamer with a one year warranty.
Pros
- Has a perfect steaming
- Features a great design
- Its dishwasher safe to make it easy to clean
- Backed up with a one year warranty
- Perfect for commercial use
Cons
- It’s prone to corrosion and rust
- The door hinges can come off
3. Nostalgia HDS248COKE Large Coca-Cola Diner-Style Steamer
Features
- It has cool-touch handles built with a chrome plating to keep your hands safe from hot steam
- It comes with hidden cord storage for easy cleaning of the unit.
- The water level window helps in ensuring that the correct quantity of water is added
- The three-position cooking dial makes the hot dog cooking effortless and cooks your bums in 15-20 minutes
- The warming tray can hold up to 12 buns keeping them warm and ready to eat
The Nostalgia hot dog and bun warmer will complete all your hot dog steaming solutions. It has a separate steaming drawer that can hold up to 24 hot dog pieces and 12 pieces of buns at a time. You can as well steam meats, beverages, and beer for an added flavor. In other words, it’s a versatile steamer.
It comes with cool-touch handles that are chrome-plated to keep your hands safe from hot steam during the cooking process.
Beneath the unit is hidden cord storage that allows for clean storage, and it’s easy to clean the steamer, as it’s simple to disassemble. Children will admire this unit due to its unique Coca-Cola design.
Furthermore, the steamer has a three-positioned steaming dial that helps you check the water level indicator window quickly. This is essential in setting the perfect temperature needed to warm your buns and ensures that there is an ideal amount of water flow throughout.
Pros
- It’s a perfect pick for parties
- Comes with safe touch handles
- The water level is easy to check
- It can even steam your hot dogs
- Can easily be assembled and disassembled
Cons
- It has a plastic construction
- The water tray is not detachable
4. Nostalgia HDS248AQ Extra Large Diner-Style Steamer
Features
- Cooks up to 24 Hot Dogs At a time,
- The bun warmer holds up to 12 buns at a time
- 3-position cooking dial (high, Warm and off)
- Easy to disassemble, making clean up a breeze
This is a high-capacity hotdog steamer and burner warmer that comes in two different colors: red and blue. It can accommodate 24 hotdogs and 12 bans at a time.
Additionally, the steamer is quite versatile and you can use it to steam your vegetables, dumplings, sausages, fish, and other snacks. It has an easy-to-use dial that allows you to switch from high, to warm, to off, making cooking quite simple.
It has an easy to view water level window to help you monitor the water levels. Besides, you can use beer and other beverages to steam your meats and snacks! All you’ll be required to do is add water/beverage to the reservoir, turn on the steamer and turn to high, and then wait for 15-20 minutes.
It has cool-touch handles and a hidden cord storage at the bottom. You can disassemble it for ease of cleaning.
5. Maverick HC-01 Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- It’s a portable hot dog steamer that weighs only one pound
- It comes with a cute lid and a dog design and a stay-cool curved tail for easy lid lifting
- It has a compact design that measures 9.5 by 7.8 by 7 inches.to fit in your kitchen
- It features an embedded voice chip to alert you immediately the hot dogs are ready
- The tray is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Quickly make your hot dogs with Maverick hot dog steamer. It can cook six hot dogs in nine minutes, and the machine has an embedded voice chip that barks immediately your hot dogs are ready, and the machine shuts off. You will never end up in soggy and overcooked hot dogs.
Furthermore, it has a cute lid with a dog design with a stay-cool curved tail that makes the cover lifting easy without burning your fingers. The tray is dishwasher safe and comes with a measuring cup for precise water measurement during the steaming process.
Maverick is a lightweight hot dog steamer that weighs only 1 pound, making it an excellent product to use for other outdoor steaming solutions. The machine features a compact size and measures 9.5 by 7.8 by 7 inches.
Pros
- It’s an excellent simmer for hot dogs
- Its one of the light weighted hot dog steamer
- Features a cute design to add beauty to your kitchen
- It produces deliciously and even steamed hot dogs
- It’s affordable
Cons
- Not wide enough and may not favor large families
6. Benchmark 60048 Party Occasion The Dogpound Hotdog Steamer
- Holds 164 hotdogs and 36 buns
- 3 Years warranty
- Cooks hotdogs in 20-30 minutes
- Adjustable thermostat for all cooking conditions. Measures 15″ width by 19″ height by 16″ depth
- Hot Dog Capacity:164 Hot Dogs
This hotdog steamer is ideal when you are serving hotdogs and buns to many people. It can hold up to 164 hotdogs and 36 buns.
It has inner divisions that allow you to arrange your hotdogs and buns based on size and shape. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability.
Additionally, this hotdog steamer and bun warmer has removable trays and doors for ease of cleaning. It’s low water LED and brightly illuminated on/off switch guarantees convenience.
It measures 15″ width by 19″ height by 16″ depth.
7. Nostalgia HDT600RETRORED Pop-Up 2 Hot Dog and Bun Toaster
Brand
Nostalgia
Color
Metallic Retro Red
Material
Plastic
Item Dimensions LxWxH
9 x 5 x 8.3 inches
Item Weight
3 Pounds
The Nostalgia hot dog steamer is built-in a 2 in 1 design that includes a bun warmer and a hot dog steamer. It’s an NSF certified steaming appliance, and you’ll never regret buying it.
It’s designed to hold 2 buns and 2 hot dogs at once. It’s one of the best hot dog steamer and bun warmer with the highest capacity. More so, you can steam your hot dogs all-day as it has an extended capacity water pan.
It’s designed with convenience, and you can load and unload your buns and hot dogs via the top opening. It is safe and secure to use the machine as your hands can’t get burned while taking out your scones.
The thermostat is vital in getting the most accurate temperature needed for proper steaming. This will save you from eating roasted dishes. Its dishwasher free, and cleaning it comes so quickly.
8. Empura Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- The steamer has a humidity control to keep the bund fresh during the hot dog steaming
- It has a capacity of 100 hot dogs and 36-48 buns
- The lids and the body are made of stainless steel material to add durability
- Tempered glass showcase
Empura Hot Dog Steamer is a side by side hot dog and bun steamer that can accommodate more than 100 hot dogs. It has a bun capacity of 36-48 buns and features a humidity control located on the bun compartment that keeps the buns full and fresh while hot dog steaming takes place.
It’s durable and sturdy as it features a stainless steel body and lids to showcase long term use. The tempered glass is also keen to serve you for long. Additionally, the steamer features tempered glass on both sides for an excellent merchandising and steaming.
It has an adjustable thermostat and features an all-day steaming of hot dog and comes with a 6 quarts water capacity. Its CE and ETL approved.
Pros
- Sturdy materials to serve you for long
- It’s a perfect steamer and great for industrial use
- An excellent steamer for commercial use
- Steams hotdogs evenly
- Very easy to use and works well
Cons
-
It comes with a short cord.
-
It has sharp edges that can be risky when preparing buns.
9. Smart Planet HDS-1 Hotdog Steamer and Bun Warmer
Features
- Designed to save your time and can perfectly steam hot dogs in five minutes
- Included is an inbuilt steaming tray that separately holds eight hot dogs and four buns at a time
- It has a hot dog recipe book for delicious hot dog preparation
- Compact design that measures 9.2 by 7.3 by 6.9 inches to fit in your kitchen
- It weighs only 2 pounds and can be carried easily
This Hot Dog Steamer from Smart Planet can warm your buns and steam the hot dogs excellently in five minutes. It comes with a beautiful and attractive construction and has an included built-in tray meant for bun cooking and can steam hot dogs in an innovative and stylish design.
It has a hot dog recipe book that’s included in the package that can help you prepare more delicious hot dogs.
It features a perfect plan and can make up to 4 buns and eight hot dogs at a time. It’s easy to use and it’s the best option for beginners. Just plug it in, then add water to the required level, wait for five minutes then steam your hot dogs.
Also, it’s easy to clean and features a compact design that measures 9.2 by 7.3 by 6.9 inches and can fit in any kitchen. The product weighs only 2 pounds.
Pros
- It’s easy to use and easy to wash
- It’s a perfect steamer for parties
- Can also steam eggs perfectly
- It cooks delicious and juicy hot dogs
Cons
Smaller compared to other models
10. CuiZen ST-1412 Hotdog Steamer
Features
- It has a large capacity, and the warmer is designed to hold up to 12 buns at a time
- It has a beautiful retro design
- Designed to steam up to 12 buns and 12 hotdogs in 12 minutes
- Included is the “Hotdogs from around the World” booklet with over 40 variations
- 800 power wattage for perfect steaming results
This hot dog steamer provides you with an excellent way to enjoy buns and hotdogs at home. It features a patented and advanced steaming mechanism that can steam 12 buns and hot dogs at once in 12 minutes using a cooking timer. Your hot dogs will come out ideally as expected.
CuiZen ST-1412 is a versatile steamer that can be used to prepare different foods. You can learn more hot dog recipes as it comes with a hot dog recipe booklet that can be used with more than 40 variations. Additionally, it has a beautiful retro design and uses 800 power watts to produce better steaming results.
It’s a lightweight hot dog steamer and a bun warmer that weighs only 8.15 pounds and can be used for numerous outdoor steaming activities. It’s simple and easy to use and can be cleaned with a breeze.
Pros
- It’s a portable and light-weighted steamer
- It features a natural cooking ability
- Has plenty of cooking room
- Produces delicious and evenly steamed hot dogs
Cons
- It’s not durable as it has a plastic construction.
- More attention needed to cook the buns
Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer – Buyers Guide
Before we look at what you should consider when buying your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer, you should know how to operate it. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Remove all the trays through the door or the window. Ensure that you remain cautious to avoid being burnt.
- **Add water to the required levels (**most manufacturers mark the ideal water level either on the equipment or on the manual guide).
- Put back the trays and ensure that they perfectly fit into their position. The upper part should have a compact tray while the lower one should have the tray with vents.
- Close the window and the door and ensure that they return to their rightful place.
- Place the hot dogs and buns on the lower and upper tray. Once you’re through, you should plugin the steamer.
- Set the optimal temperature to allow the equipment to form adequate steam. Once you have enough steam, you can reduce the temperature to allow the hot dogs to cook slowly and evenly.
- When the hot dogs are cooked, you should remove them, unplug your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer, and drain the water.
Just like the way you clean your favorite air fryer, you should always clean the steamer after use. This is not only hygienic but it also boosts the longevity of your equipment.
Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer – What You Should Look For
When buying your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer, you should ensure that it meets the following requirements. That way, you can be certain that it’ll serve its purpose efficiently for a prolonged period.
Only choose your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer after considering the following:
Size
You should always pick a hot dog steamer and bun warmer that’s larger enough to meet all your needs. If you intend to serve hot dogs to a large family, then you need a big hot dog steamer and bun warmer.
At the same time, you should consider the availability of storage space! Never buy a large one if your kitchen is already congested!
Power Consumption
While you want efficacy, your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer should not consume too much energy. Remember that you’ll likely use this cookware for prolonged periods. As such, a heavy consumer will be uneconomical in the long run.
A hot dog steamer and bun warmer whose consumption exceeds 2000 watts per every use might be too costly to operate optimally for long. However, you should only check energy-efficient and highly efficient steamers; never compromise on quality!
Capacity
While we’ve already discussed the size as a factor to consider, you should never disregard the capacity. Some big hot dog steamers and bun warmers may accommodate very few hot dogs and buns.
As such, you should never be fooled by the size! Always be careful to check the capacity too! If you can get a small one with an ideal capacity, the better it’ll be for you.
Portability
Do you want to use your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer outdoors? If yes, then portability should be a primary consideration.
In this case, you should choose a wheeled hot dog steamer and bun warmer. Alternatively, you can choose conveniently small cookware that you can carry around with ease.
Lid Cover
Your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer should always have a lid cover. This guarantees an efficient heat distribution, thus ensuring that your hot dogs cook evenly.
Also, ensure that the lid has a handle for efficiency when checking the progress of your hot dogs and buns. Additionally, some may even have transparent lids for ease of assessing your meals.
Efficiency
How fast do you want your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer to take cooking your meal? Different types of burner have different cooking times. Always ensure that you only choose those that meet your needs effectively.
Additionally, several brands offer temperature resistant features as well. Just ensure that you consider all these factors before you settle for your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer.
Durability
The materials used for construction determines how durable your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer is. Sturdy materials will guarantee a long-lasting product!
Thermostat and Motor
Your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer should always have a functional thermostat and motor. Cookware with a substantial RPM motor will cook hot dogs faster – the higher the quality, the more durable the steamer/warmer will serve you.
Additionally, an easily adjustable thermostat guarantees that you get well-cooked hot dogs and buns. It helps you to set the ideal temperatures and time, thus preventing overcooking.
How Easy is it to Clean?
If your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer can have a dishwasher-safe tray, the better it’ll be for you. It’ll be easy to disassemble and clean up.
Best Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer – Bottom Line
Buying your best hot dog steamer and bun warmer is a big milestone! You’ll enjoy super delicious hot dogs that have evenly cooked.
However, it’s likely that you’ll get bombarded by numerous types of hot dog steamer and bun warmers which may blur your decision-making process. But we won’t allow that to happen!
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best hot dog steamer and bun warmer that you should consider. Also, you will get a detailed buyers guide that’ll guide your every purchasing step!
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Boniface Muriuki
Chef Boniface is a graduate in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education, New York. He has worked in several restaurants and is currently the Head Chef at Cavali Restaurant. He has excelled in developing unique recipes and influencing the menu at the restaurant. He prides himself in sharing his knowledge at thekitchenpot.com where he writes about the best cookware for various recipes..