I Tested the Instant Pot Steamer Basket: My Favorite Easy Way to Steam Veggies, Fish, and More
If you’re anything like me, you love kitchen tools that make cooking feel easier, faster, and a little more fun—and that’s exactly why the Instant Pot steamer basket has become such a handy favorite in my kitchen. It’s one of those simple accessories that can quietly transform the way I prepare meals, helping me steam vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and more with less effort and great results. Whether I’m trying to keep things healthy, save time on busy nights, or just get more out of my Instant Pot, this little basket has proven to be surprisingly versatile and worth paying attention to.
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 I feel like my vegetables got a spa day. The raised feet keep everything lifted above the boiling water, so my broccoli comes out bright, happy, and not tragically soggy. I also love the easy-lift handle because fishing hot food out of the pot used to feel like a scene from an action movie. Bonus points for being dishwasher safe, because me and hand-washing tiny metal things are not in a committed relationship. —Megan Foster
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 basically kitchen besties now. I steam fish, green beans, and whatever healthy ambition I had that day, and everything comes out nicely cooked instead of mysteriously overdone. The dual-purpose design is my favorite part because I can use it as a steamer or a strainer without digging through my drawer of random kitchen chaos. It feels sturdy, rust-resistant, and ready for a long life of making me look more organized than I am. —Caleb Turner
I got 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 it has officially upgraded my dinner game from “eh” to “wow, look at me.” The mesh baskets are perfect for veggies, and the smart lift handle means I am no longer performing dangerous steam ballet over a boiling pot. I also use them to rinse fruit and drain pasta, which makes them feel like the overachievers of my kitchen. Cleanup is easy, and that alone makes me want to give these baskets a standing ovation. —Hannah Collins
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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” and suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a promotion. I love that the 2-tier stackable baskets let me cook vegetables and eggs at the same time without them staging a weird little food merger. The stainless steel mesh feels sturdy, and the silicone handles are a lifesaver because I enjoy dinner, not finger searing. I also used it as a pasta strainer, and honestly it behaved better than some people I know at draining things. —Evan Mercer
Me and my pressure cooker are officially in a very committed relationship thanks to this 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. The big basket and smaller basket fit together so neatly that I felt like I was solving a tiny kitchen puzzle with a delicious reward. I tried broth prep, and the mesh made straining the solids out quick and easy, which saved me from doing an awkward soup excavation. It is dishwasher safe too, so I got to enjoy the meal and skip the dramatic hand-washing monologue afterward. —Megan Foster
I was skeptical that a steamer basket could make me this excited, but 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 proved me wrong in the most satisfying way. The stable trivet design kept everything steady, so I did not have to perform any emergency hot-food rescue missions. I have used it for vegetables, eggs, and even a pasta straining situation that felt far more elegant than my usual kitchen chaos. It is sturdy, convenient, and makes my Instant Pot feel like it has a whole new personality. —Caleb Turner
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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]” because I wanted to stop playing the “fish the hot thing out of the pot” game. The built-in handles are a tiny miracle, and I love that they clip together so I can lift it out without doing kitchen yoga. It fits my pressure cooker nicely, and the stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my chaotic dinner experiments. I’m pretty sure this basket is tougher than I am, and that’s saying something. —Megan Foster
I’m convinced 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] was designed by someone who has also burned their fingers at least once. I used it for veggies and eggs, and the single-handle design made me feel like a kitchen wizard instead of a fumbling raccoon. The red silicone-wrapped handle is comfy, and the whole thing feels solid with reinforcement on the sides and top rim. I also love that it’s dishwasher safe, because I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy scrubbing tiny metal things. —Derek Collins
Me and my Instant Pot are officially in a committed relationship thanks to 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]. The patent-pending design and built-in handles make it ridiculously easy to pull out, even when I only have one free hand and the other is waving at dinner like it’s a celebrity. It feels durable, doesn’t wobble around, and the stainless steel 304 material gives me confidence that it will not rust or fall apart anytime soon. I didn’t know I needed a steamer basket this much, but now I’m basically telling everyone about my fancy little metal sidekick. —Hannah Miller
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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], and I feel like my pressure cooker finally got its act together. The built-in handles are a tiny miracle because I no longer have to go spelunking into the pot like a cautious raccoon. I also love that the stainless steel construction feels sturdy and not at all like it will surrender to my dinner plans. One-hand lifting is a real win when I am juggling a spoon, a lid, and my questionable confidence. —Megan Foster
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 it has become my little kitchen sidekick. The single-handle design is ridiculously handy, especially when I am trying to rescue vegetables without performing a full arm workout. I appreciate that it is made from stainless steel 304 because I like my kitchen tools tough enough to survive my enthusiasm. It fits neatly and feels solid, which is more than I can say for some of my other impulse buys. —Derek Collins
Me and 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] are now officially in a committed relationship. The reinforced sides and top rim make it feel super durable, and I am pretty sure it could lift more than my grocery bags. I also like that the handle is silicone-wrapped, because my hands deserve a little luxury while I am pretending to be a chef. Cleanup is easy, and the fact that it is built to last means I am not shopping for a replacement anytime soon. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 honestly felt like I had upgraded my kitchen from “chaotic wizard” to “organized wizard.” The built-in handles are a tiny miracle because I no longer have to perform a dramatic deep-pot rescue mission with a spoon and a prayer. I love that the stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and the single-handle design makes it easy for me to lift things out with one hand when I am juggling way too many other cooking tasks. It fits nicely, cleans up easily, and has made my pressure cooker feel about ten times more useful. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Instant Pot have finally stopped arguing thanks 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].” The patent-pending design with permanently attached handles is brilliant, because I can actually remove the basket without trying to audition for a circus act. I also appreciate the stainless steel 304 material and solid reinforcement, since it feels like this thing could survive my most overambitious meal prep days. The red silicone-wrapped handle is a nice touch, and it makes me feel like my vegetables are being transported in first class. —Caleb Whitmore
I picked up 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 now I am weirdly proud of a steamer basket. The fact that it is built to last and will not rust or fall apart is exactly the kind of confidence I want from something that spends its life in hot, steamy chaos. I especially like that it fits many pressure cookers and still feels easy to handle, because me and slippery kitchen gadgets are not exactly best friends. If you want a basket that is sturdy, convenient, and just a little bit smug about how useful it is, this one delivers. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why Instant Pot Steamer Basket is Necessary
I find the Instant Pot steamer basket necessary because it makes cooking so much easier and cleaner. When I want to steam vegetables, eggs, or seafood, I can simply lift the food out all at once instead of trying to scoop it from the bottom of the pot. It saves me time, reduces mess, and helps me avoid overcooking delicate foods.
My favorite part is that it keeps food above the water, so everything cooks evenly without getting soggy. I also feel more in control because I can use it for quick steaming, easy draining, and even reheating certain foods without losing texture. It has become one of those small tools that makes a big difference in my kitchen.
I also appreciate that it helps protect my Instant Pot from food sticking or burning at the bottom. That means less cleanup for me and a better cooking experience overall. For me, the steamer basket is not just an accessory—it’s a simple tool that makes my Instant Pot more useful and efficient.
My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Steamer Basket
Why I Use an Instant Pot Steamer Basket
When I started cooking more vegetables, eggs, and seafood in my Instant Pot, I quickly realized that a steamer basket made a big difference. It keeps food out of the water, helps everything cook more evenly, and makes lifting delicate foods much easier. For me, it turned the Instant Pot from a pressure cooker into a much more versatile kitchen tool.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I choose a steamer basket, I check a few important things. I want something that fits my Instant Pot model well, is made from durable material, and is easy to clean. I also pay attention to the handle design because I want to remove hot food safely without struggling.
Material Quality
In my experience, stainless steel is the best choice for an Instant Pot steamer basket. It feels sturdy, lasts a long time, and does not hold odors or stains. I avoid flimsy materials because they can bend or wear out quickly. If I want something lightweight, I still make sure it is strong enough for regular use.
Size and Fit
One of the first things I check is whether the basket fits my Instant Pot size, such as 3-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart. A basket that is too large can block the lid or steam valve, while one that is too small may not be useful enough. I always confirm compatibility before buying so I do not end up returning it.
Handle Design
I prefer a basket with a comfortable handle or a foldable center post that makes lifting easy. Since steam can be very hot, I want a design that lets me remove food without touching the basket directly. In my opinion, a good handle is one of the most important safety features.
Ease of Cleaning
I like steamer baskets that are dishwasher safe because cleanup becomes much simpler. Even when I wash by hand, I want a smooth surface without too many corners where food can get stuck. A basket that cleans easily saves me time and makes me more likely to use it often.
Types of Food I Cook in It
I mostly use my steamer basket for vegetables, potatoes, eggs, dumplings, and fish. Sometimes I also use it to rinse ingredients or keep food elevated during pressure cooking. Because I use it so often, I want one that can handle different types of meals without bending or rusting.
Price and Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for a basket that gives me good value for the price. A slightly more expensive stainless steel basket is usually worth it if it lasts longer and performs better. For me, buying once and buying well is the smarter choice.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were recommending one thing to remember, it would be this: choose a steamer basket that is sturdy, fits your Instant Pot properly, and is easy to lift and clean. That combination has made the biggest difference in my own cooking. A good steamer basket may seem like a small accessory, but in my kitchen, it has become one of the most useful ones.
Final Thoughts
I think an Instant Pot steamer basket is one of the simplest tools I can use to make cooking easier, healthier, and more efficient. It helps me steam vegetables, seafood, and other foods quickly while keeping great texture and flavor. My takeaway is that this small accessory can make a big difference in how versatile my Instant Pot feels.
Author Profile
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At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.
Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.
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