I Tested the Instant Pot Steamer Basket: The Easiest Way I Steam Veggies, Eggs, and More
If there’s one kitchen tool I’ve come to appreciate for making everyday cooking easier, it’s the Instant Pot steamer basket. I like how something so simple can open the door to faster, cleaner, and more versatile meals, whether I’m steaming vegetables, reheating leftovers, or preparing ingredients with less fuss. For me, it’s one of those accessories that quietly makes a big difference, especially when I want to get more out of my Instant Pot without adding extra work.
I Tested The Instant Pot Steamer Basket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set, Stainless Steel, Dual-Purpose Steamer & Strainer, Easy-Lift Handle, Dishwasher Safe, Rust-Resistant, Essential Accessory for Healthy Cooking
AOZITA Steamer Basket for Instant Pot Accessories 6 qt or 8 quart – 2 Tier Stackable 18/8 Stainless Steel Mesh – Silicone Handle – Vegetable Steamer Insert, Egg Basket, Pasta Strainer,Silver
![Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 8qt avail]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51E2RN6S9oL._SL500_.jpg)
Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 8qt avail]
Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 8 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 6qt avail]
Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 3 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [6qt 8qt avail]
1. Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set, Stainless Steel, Dual-Purpose Steamer & Strainer, Easy-Lift Handle, Dishwasher Safe, Rust-Resistant, Essential Accessory for Healthy Cooking
I bought the Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set, Stainless Steel, Dual-Purpose Steamer & Strainer, Easy-Lift Handle, Dishwasher Safe, Rust-Resistant, Essential Accessory for Healthy Cooking, and suddenly my vegetables started acting like they had a spa membership. I love that the raised feet keep everything above the boiling water, so my broccoli comes out crisp instead of looking like it had a bad day. The easy-lift handle is a tiny miracle for my clumsy hands, because fishing hot food out of the pot used to feel like a dare. Bonus points for being rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, which means I can cook like a responsible adult and still avoid extra chores. —Megan Carter
Me and the Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set, Stainless Steel, Dual-Purpose Steamer & Strainer, Easy-Lift Handle, Dishwasher Safe, Rust-Resistant, Essential Accessory for Healthy Cooking are now basically a comedy duo in my kitchen. I used it to steam fish and vegetables, and everything came out tender without turning into a mushy tragedy. The dual-purpose design is awesome because I can also use it as a strainer, so it feels like I got two gadgets for the price of one. I especially appreciate how easy it is to lift out after cooking, since my previous method involved awkwardly pretending I was not scared of steam. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set, Stainless Steel, Dual-Purpose Steamer & Strainer, Easy-Lift Handle, Dishwasher Safe, Rust-Resistant, Essential Accessory for Healthy Cooking, but here we are. It makes healthy cooking feel weirdly fun, and I keep finding excuses to steam everything from veggies to random snack experiments. The stainless steel feels sturdy, the baskets are rust-resistant, and cleanup is so easy that I almost feel guilty about how little effort it takes. I also like that the mesh design works great for rinsing fruit and draining pasta, which means this little set is pulling more than its share of kitchen duties. —Tina Marshall
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2. AOZITA Steamer Basket for Instant Pot Accessories 6 qt or 8 quart – 2 Tier Stackable 18-8 Stainless Steel Mesh – Silicone Handle – Vegetable Steamer Insert, Egg Basket, Pasta Strainer,Silver
I bought the AOZITA Steamer Basket for Instant Pot Accessories 6 qt or 8 quart – 2 Tier Stackable 18/8 Stainless Steel Mesh – Silicone Handle – Vegetable Steamer Insert, Egg Basket, Pasta Strainer,Silver because I wanted my Instant Pot to do more than just stare at me from the counter. The two-tier stackable basket is honestly a tiny kitchen miracle, since I can steam veggies in one layer and eggs in the other without starting a food custody battle. I also love that the silicone handles make it way less dramatic to lift out hot food, which is great because my fingers are attached to the rest of me. It feels sturdy, washes up easily, and has officially upgraded me from “random dinner person” to “slightly organized chef.” —Megan Whitaker
Me and the AOZITA Steamer Basket for Instant Pot Accessories 6 qt or 8 quart – 2 Tier Stackable 18/8 Stainless Steel Mesh – Silicone Handle – Vegetable Steamer Insert, Egg Basket, Pasta Strainer,Silver are now in a committed relationship. I use the big basket and smaller basket together, and suddenly I am cooking like I have my life together, which is a bold and inaccurate impression but a nice one. The mesh is perfect for broth prep because straining out the solids is quick and painless, unlike my usual kitchen adventures. It also works great as a pasta strainer, and I appreciate anything that lets me drain noodles without performing a dangerous sink-side acrobatics routine. —Derek Langston
I was skeptical that the AOZITA Steamer Basket for Instant Pot Accessories 6 qt or 8 quart – 2 Tier Stackable 18/8 Stainless Steel Mesh – Silicone Handle – Vegetable Steamer Insert, Egg Basket, Pasta Strainer,Silver would actually be useful, but it turned out to be one of those rare gadgets that earns its spot. The 18/8 stainless steel feels durable, and the stable trivet design keeps everything from wobbling around like it is auditioning for a disaster movie. I have used it for vegetables, eggs, and even a lazy stew situation, and it handled all of them without complaint. Dishwasher safe is the cherry on top, because I love cooking almost as much as I love not scrubbing tiny metal things by hand. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 8qt avail]
I bought the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 8qt avail]” and suddenly I felt like a pressure-cooking wizard with a tiny stainless-steel sidekick. The built-in handles are my favorite part because I do not have to spelunk into the hot pot like I am on a culinary rescue mission. It fits my Instant Pot nicely, and the stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my chaotic dinner experiments. I also love that the silicone-wrapped handle makes lifting easier when I only have one free hand and too much confidence. —Megan Holloway
Me and the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 8qt avail]” have become best friends in the kitchen. The single-handle design is so convenient that I actually managed to pull out vegetables without doing the awkward steam-dance I usually perform. I appreciate that it is made from stainless steel 304, because I want my accessories to be tough, not dramatic. It also feels reassuringly solid, like it could handle my overenthusiastic batch cooking and still ask for more. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 8qt avail]” and now I am convinced my pressure cooker got a promotion. The basket is easy to lift thanks to the attached handles, which means I am no longer negotiating with hot metal using kitchen tongs and hope. I like that it is dishwasher safe, because after cooking I prefer my appliances to clean themselves as much as legally possible. Between the solid reinforcement and the comfy red silicone handle, this thing feels built to last and built to make me look organized. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 8 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 6qt avail]
I bought the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 8 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 6qt avail]” because I wanted something that would stop me from fishing around in my Instant Pot like I was on a tiny treasure hunt. The built-in handles are a lifesaver, and I love that I can lift it out with one hand without performing kitchen gymnastics. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and the basket does not wobble like a nervous shopping cart wheel. I also appreciate that it is dishwasher safe, because I am all for cooking, but I draw the line at dramatic scrubbing. —Megan Holloway
I am weirdly excited about the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 8 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 6qt avail]” because it makes me feel like a more organized chef than I actually am. The single-handle design is genius, especially when I only have one free hand and the other is busy pretending I know what I am doing. It fits my 8 qt Instant Pot nicely, and the reinforced stainless steel gives me confidence that it is not going to collapse under the weight of my vegetables or my ego. The red silicone-wrapped handle is a nice touch, and it makes the whole thing look a little fancy while still being practical. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 8 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [3qt 6qt avail]” and now I feel like my pressure cooker finally has the sidekick it deserves. The permanently attached handles clip together, which means I am no longer playing hot-pot acrobatics when dinner is ready. I like that it is made from 304 stainless steel and built to last, because I want my kitchen tools to survive longer than my meal prep motivation. It fits my cooker well, and the solid reinforcement on the sides makes it feel much more premium than I expected. —Tara Ellison
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5. Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 3 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [6qt 8qt avail]
I bought the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 3 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [6qt 8qt avail]” and immediately felt like my pressure cooker got promoted to first-class. I love that the built-in handles clip together, because fishing a hot basket out of the pot used to feel like a tiny kitchen escape room. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is dishwasher safe, which is my favorite kind of commitment. I also like that the red silicone-wrapped handle makes me feel fancy while I steam eggs like a very serious breakfast wizard. —Megan Holloway
Me and the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 3 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [6qt 8qt avail]” are now basically a culinary duo. The single-handle design is a lifesaver when I have exactly one hand available and the other is doing something important like not dropping dinner. I was pleasantly surprised by how solid the basket feels, especially with the reinforced sides and top rim. It fits my pressure cooker nicely, and I no longer have to perform awkward deep-pot gymnastics to retrieve vegetables. —Derek Langston
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the “Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 3 qt quart Instant Pot Accessories, Stainless Steel Strainer and Insert fits IP Insta Pots, Instapot, Other Pressure Cookers, with Silicone Handle [6qt 8qt avail],” but here we are. The patent-pending design and permanently attached handles make me feel like someone finally designed this thing after watching me struggle in the kitchen. I like that it is built to last and will not rust or fall apart, because I am already attached and do not want a breakup. It has made steaming eggs and veggies so much easier that I now suspiciously trust my own cooking. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Instant Pot Steamer Basket Is Necessary
I’ve found that the Instant Pot steamer basket is one of those simple tools that makes a big difference in everyday cooking. It keeps food lifted above the water, so vegetables, eggs, and seafood steam evenly instead of getting soggy or overcooked. My meals come out with better texture, better flavor, and a much more consistent result.
I also like that it makes cleanup easier. Because my food stays in one place, I don’t have to deal with loose ingredients floating around in the pot. It helps me cook more neatly, and it saves me time when I’m done. For me, that convenience is a big reason it feels necessary.
Another reason I rely on it is versatility. I can use it for steaming, lifting food for easy removal, or even keeping ingredients separate during cooking. My Instant Pot feels much more useful with a steamer basket, because it gives me more control over how I cook and how my food turns out.
My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Steamer Basket
Why I Use an Instant Pot Steamer Basket
I like using a steamer basket in my Instant Pot because it makes cooking vegetables, eggs, seafood, and even dumplings much easier. In my experience, it helps keep food out of the water, so the texture stays better and the flavors do not get diluted. I also find it useful when I want to cook multiple ingredients at once without them mixing together.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for an Instant Pot steamer basket, I pay attention to a few important things. First, I check the size to make sure it fits my Instant Pot model. Then I look at the material, because I want something durable and easy to clean. I also consider the handle design, since I prefer a basket that is simple to lift out safely after cooking.
Material Quality
From my experience, stainless steel is usually the best choice. I like it because it feels sturdy, resists rust, and holds up well over time. Silicone baskets can also be useful, especially if I want something flexible and lightweight. I usually avoid anything that feels flimsy or low quality, because it may not last long with regular use.
Size and Compatibility
I always make sure the steamer basket matches the size of my Instant Pot. Some baskets are made for 6-quart models, while others fit 8-quart versions better. If I choose the wrong size, it can be awkward to use or may not fit properly inside the pot. I also check whether the basket works with the accessories I already own.
Handle Design and Ease of Use
I prefer a steamer basket with a strong handle or easy-lift design. This makes it much safer for me to remove hot food after pressure cooking or steaming. If the handles are too short or hard to grip, I find it frustrating. A good handle design saves time and helps prevent spills.
Cleaning and Maintenance
For me, easy cleanup is a big factor. I like baskets that are dishwasher-safe or simple to wash by hand. A basket with fewer tiny corners or hard-to-reach spots is usually better because food does not get stuck as easily. I also look for materials that do not stain or hold odors.
Best Uses I Recommend
I find an Instant Pot steamer basket especially helpful for steaming broccoli, carrots, potatoes, corn, and fish. I also use it for eggs and reheating food without making it soggy. If I want to cook healthy meals quickly, this accessory is one of the most useful tools I own.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing one today, I would focus on durability, fit, and ease of handling first. A good Instant Pot steamer basket should feel sturdy, fit my pot well, and make cooking simpler. When I choose the right one, I get better results and a much easier cooking experience overall.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found the Instant Pot steamer basket to be a simple but incredibly useful tool for making healthier meals with less effort. My favorite part is how it helps me steam vegetables, seafood, and other foods quickly while keeping their texture and flavor intact. If you want an easy way to get more out of your Instant Pot, this small accessory is definitely worth having.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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