I bought a Zojirushi rice cooker, so I probably spent a little more than many people (but I have a middle range level… not the $300-500 one). I have it for 10 years now, so it is actually fairly inexpensive if I divided out by the years.
As for steamer, my recommendation is to get a stovetop one. The reason is that if you want to use your steamer to make steam buns (bao), I would think you want a high power one with a lot of steam coming out to achieve a fluffy texture. Many electric steamers are fairly gentle in comparison, but I am sure there are high power electric steamers too.
