Boil vs Steam: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 11 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
11
Boil Faster
7
Steam Faster
2
| Food | Boil Temp ? | Boil Time | Steam Temp ? | Steam Time | ← Boil fasterSteam faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artichoke (Steamed) | boiling | 20-35 min | boiling | 25-40 min | ← 5 min slower |
| Carrots | boiling | 8-12 min | boiling | 6-10 min | 2 min faster → |
| Carrots (Steamed) | boiling | 8-12 min | boiling | 6-10 min | 2 min faster → |
| Cauliflower | boiling | 5-8 min | boiling | 5-8 min | Same |
| Green Beans | boiling | 3-5 min | boiling | 5-7 min | ← 2 min slower |
| Hard Boiled Eggs | boiling | 10-12 min | boiling | 12-14 min | ← 2 min slower |
| King Crab Legs | boiling | 5-8 min | boiling | 6-10 min | ← 1 min slower |
| Lobster Tail | boiling | 6-12 min | boiling | 8-12 min | ← 1 min slower |
| Snow Crab Legs | boiling | 4-6 min | boiling | 5-7 min | ← 1 min slower |
| Soft Boiled Eggs | boiling | 6-7 min | boiling | 6-8 min | Same |
| Whole Lobster | boiling | 8-14 min | boiling | 10-16 min | ← 2 min slower |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boil faster than Steam?
Boil is faster for 7 out of 11 foods in this comparison. Steam is faster for 2 foods.
Should I use Boil or Steam?
Both methods produce great results. Boil and Steam each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Boil and Steam?
11 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Boil and Steam. See the full comparison table above.