Carnivals, county fairs, baseball games…what do all of these have in common? Besides representing some of the best family fun one can experience throughout the summer, these are all great opportunities to enjoy a delicious hot dog in its native environment. Whether you work in food service or simply want to bring the festive atmosphere home, you can be certain that there is a modern hot dog steamer that will fit your needs and budget.
List and Comparison of the Best Hot Dog Steamers:
| Photo | Product | Capacity | Dimensions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nostalgia HDS248COKE | Steams: 24 hot dogs Warms: 12 buns | 12.8x9.2x11.2in | More Information |
 | Paragon 8020 | Steams: 200 hot dogs Warms: 42 buns | 13.5x20x16in | More Information |
 | Nostalgia RHD800 | Steams: 8 hot dogs Warms: 6 buns | 15x9.5x14.2in | More Information |
 | CuiZen ST-1412 | Steams: 12 hot dogs Warms: 12 buns | 14x9x14in | More Information |
 | Smart Planet HDS-1 | Steams: 8 hot dogs Warms: 4 buns | 9.2x7.3x6.9in | More Information |
 | Paragon International 8080 | Steams: 96 hot dogs Warms: 30 buns | 16x13x14.5in | More Information |
 | Hamilton Beach 37530A | Steams: 2 hot dogs Warms: 2 buns | 8.6x12.9x12.7in | More Information |
 | Nostalgia Large HDS248RD | Steams: 24 hot dogs Warms: 12 buns | 12.8x9.2x11.2in | More Information |
 | Maverick HC-01 | Steams: 6 hot dogs | 9.5x7.8x7in | More Information |
From the consumer-focused Nostalgia HDS248COKE Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer to the industrial Paragon 8020 Hot Dog Hut Steamer, these modern models have really simplified the hot dog steaming and bun warming process substantially. While the current competitive market has helped to drive down prices across the board, such competition has made it more challenging to pick out the absolute best model.
This guide is designed to simplify your shopping process substantially by providing you with succinct information on today’s top hot dog steamer models. Using each of the following detailed reviews and concise pro-con lists, you’ll be able to easily determine which hot dog steamer machine will meet your needs as you provide friends and family with succulent hot dogs during any season.
Whether it’s the atmosphere or the experience, there’s something special about fair food that’s hard to replicate at home. But with one of top hot steamers, you can certainly come close as you cook up flavorful hot dogs and serve them in pre-warmed buns.
As you begin to research and compare top hot dog steamer models, you should look to the following chart in order to attain a concise, yet knowledgeable understanding of what makes each popular model so productive. You can also use this chart to efficiently compare several key specifications, allowing you to purchase a high performing hot dog steamer without any further delays.
Review of the Best Hot Dog Steamers:
1. Nostalgia HDS248COKE Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer – Best Overall Hot Dog and Bun Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 24
- Bun capacity – 12
- Case material – Plastic
- Color – red and white
- Extra features – Three position cooking dial, easy-view water level window, cool touch handle, Coca-cola branding, beer brat compatibility
Nothing takes you back to the good old days like Coca-Cola and the taste of a well-steamed hot dog. This model from Nostalgia brands brings you both at once as it provides space to steam up to 24 hot dogs and 12 buns simultaneously while also providing an undenyably retro aesthetic. All you need to do is bring your own bottle of Coke!
In terms of performances, this model can do more than just bring hot dogs to perfectly flavorful peak temperature. In fact, you can add your favorite beer to this model’s cooking basin in order beer boil your favorite brats as well! All things considered, this hot dog steamer is simply one of the best.
Pros
- Retro Coca-cola branding and matching color scheme
- Optimal 24 hot dog capacity for feeding friends and large family
- Warms up to 12 buns to perfection
2. Paragon 8020 Hot Dog Hut Steamer – Best Commercial Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 200
- Bun capacity – 42
- Case material – 20 gauge stainless steel
- Color – silver
- Extra features – Automatic shut-off, meets NSF/ANSI standard, 1-year warranty
Safety and durability are two of the absolute most important factors to consider when purchasing a commercial hot dog steamer machine. The Paragon 8020 takes both key factors into account, as seen first in its implementation of an automatic shut-off mechanism that meets NSF/ANSI standards. Such safety will ensure that your kitchen remains safe while you boil up to 200 hot dogs at once.
In terms of construction, this model is built from 20 gauge stainless steel that can resist corrosion caused by ambient moisture in and around the appliance. With a 1-year warranty, you’ll also be able to invest in this pricy model and know that it will be viable for a fair amount of time after adding it to your restaurant or food cart.
Pros
- Massive 200 hot dog capacity
- Auto shut-off for added safety
- Durable stainless steel exterior construction
3. Nostalgia RHD800 Hot Dog Roller and Bun Warmer – Best Countertop Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 8
- Bun capacity – 6
- Case material – plastic
- Color – red, white, and grey
- Extra features – stainless steel rollers, canopy-mounted bun warmer, adjustable heat settings
Traditionally, hot dog rollers have only been a viable option for large scale cooking operations, such as in restaurants and convince stores. Those days are gone now, though, because the Nostalgia RHD800 provides the opportunity to make up to 8 of these flavorful wieners on your very own kitchen countertop.
Using a series of stainless steel rollers, this model evenly transfers heat across the length of your chosen hot dogs in order to prevent cold spots. Better yet, when the hot dogs are ready, you can also add a pre-heated bun from the canopy-mounted bun steamer to really maximize this model’s core functionality. Party planners looking to serve a small or medium sized party should definitely put this model high on their list.
Pros
- Canopy-mounted bun warmer provides form and function
- Stainless steel rollers are durable and transfer heat well
- Designed for countertop usage
4. CuiZen ST-1412 Hotdog Steamer – Best Cuizen Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 12
- Bun capacity – 12
- Case material – plastic
- Color – red and white
- Extra features – “Hot Dogs from Around the World” recipe book
It’s one of the age-old problems of preparing hot dogs – you never have a matching number of hot dogs and buns! This dilemma is infuriating, especially if you are trying to efficiently use your resources to feed a full party. The CuiZen ST-1412 is the only model that prevents this problem from arising with its 12-12-12 system, that is, 12 hot dogs and 12 buns ready to eat in 12 minutes.
The CuiZen ST-1412 also provides home chefs with the opportunity to spice up the hot dogs they serve from this hot dog steamer. Using the “Hot Dogs from Around the World” recipe book that comes standard with this model, you’ll be able to make crowd-pleasers like the Coney Dog without needing to track down a complicated recipe with expensive ingredients.
Pros
- Steams the same number of hot dogs as buns
- Multiple handles for easy transportation
- Comes with recipe book that includes 40 unique variations
5. Smart Planet HDS‐1 8-31121-00434-5 – Best Steam-O-Matic Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 8
- Bun capacity – 4
- Case material – plastic
- Color – red and chrome
- Extra features – recipe booklet
If time is of the essence, then be sure add the Smart Planet HDS‐1 to your kitchen as soon as possible. This model cuts the cook time of competing models in half, proving well-steamed buns and hot dogs in just 5 minutes. If you do have a few minutes to spare, though, you can also make use of this model’s complimentary recipe book to cook up a new flavorful hot dog variation.
Accessing this hot dog steamer is easy and safe, as well, given the extra-large handle placed at the top of this appliance. This handle also reminds guests of this appliance’s contents, encouraging them to gather around and chow down. Clean up afterward isn’t a hassle either because this model’s sections easily separate and wipe clean with a sponge.
Pros
- Quick 5 minute cook time for hot dogs and buns
- Easy to lift top handle that reminds guests of delicious contents
- Includes complimentary recipe booklet
6. Paragon Classic Hot Dog Hut Steamer – Best Paragon Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 96
- Bun capacity – 30
- Case material – 20 gauge stainless steel
- Color – silver
- Extra features – Hut style architecture, heat indicator light, 8 quart water reservoir
Hut-style hot dog steamers are less common in today’s restaurants and food trucks. But even so, Paragon brand has found a method to remaster this classic style in order to empower modern food servers to sell as many flavorful hot dogs as efficiently as possible. This can primarily be seen in this model’s foldout door, which provides easy access to the inner cooking chamber.
Along the same lines, this inner cooking chamber includes a stainless steel divider that can be removed and cleaned in a dishwasher. If you choose to remove this divider, you’ll be able to pack a whopping 196 hot dogs in this steamer – a remarkable feat that will surely serve the masses at the next carnival or baseball game.
Pros
- Hut-style architecture provides foldout door for easy access
- All components are dishwasher safe, with much being stainless steel
- Can hold up to 196 hot dogs without dividing section
7. Hamilton Beach 37530A Digital Food Steamer – Best Multi-Use Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 2
- Bun capacity – 2
- Case material – stainless steel, plastic
- Color – silver and black
- Extra features – 2 stackable steaming treys, automatic warmer, digital interface, can be used for other foods
On its face, the Hamilton Beach 37530A was not designed to steam hot dogs. But in fact, this model excess at doing just that, with the capability to steam 2 hot dogs and buns at once in its stackable steaming treys. These treys are also dishwasher safe, making for a quick clean up after harming up a personal meal.
Hot dogs are not this model’s only domain, though. In fact, this steamer can heat eggs, vegetables, fish, and more to flavorful perfection in mere minutes. As such, this model is the best option for home chefs looking to steam more than just hot dogs for their family.
Pros
- Can provide a personal hot dog meal in minutes
- Stackable treys are dishwasher safe
- Can also cook eggs, veggies, fish, and more
8. Nostalgia Large HDS248RD INNOVA Diner Style Hot Dog Steamer – Best Retro Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 24
- Bun capacity – 12
- Case material – Plastic
- Color – red and white, aqua and white
- Extra features – Three position cooking dial, easy-view water level window, cool touch handle, beer brat compatibility
Functionally, the Nostalgia Large HDS248RD falls in line with several of its competitors, providing space for the simultaneous steaming of 24 hot dogs and 12 buns. This model also provides a retro design appeal by providing an eye-catching aqua and white alternative color scheme.
Beginners can use this hot dog steamer with as much poise as a seasoned chef, thanks to its user-friendly design. This includes a three position cooking dial and easy-view water level window that combined provide an enhanced cooking experience that will surely take the hassle out of providing for a sizable party.
Pros
- Easy to cook on with three position cooking dial
- Can cook up to 24 hot dogs for a sizable party
- Also comes in retro aqua color scheme
9. Maverick HC-01 Hero Electric Hot-Dog Steamer – Best Family-style Hot Dog Steamer
Features
- Hot dog capacity – 6
- Case material – Plastic
- Color – black and white (dog-shaped form)
- Extra features – Auto shut-off with dog bark, curved “tail” handle
No other hot dog steamer can claim to be as child-friendly as the Maverick HC-01. Simply put, no other hot dog steamer is shaped like a friendly dog in order to encourage kids to interact with the appliance safely. This can be seen with its “tail,” which doubles as a handle to safely access the cooking chamber.
Kids and parents alike will know when it’s time to serve their finished hot dogs when the Maverick HC-01 lets out a “bark.” This “bark” also signals the initiation of this model’s auto shut-off mechanism, ensuring that the hot dogs inside remain plump and flavorful. While the lack of a bun steamer is troubling, it shouldn’t dissuade parents from trying the Maverick HC-01 with their young children.
Pros
- Barks when hot dogs are ready
- Curved “tail” handle for easy lid lifting
- Ideal for cooking with small children
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