I Tested the Instant Pot Steam Basket: The Easiest Way to Steam Veggies, Seafood, and More
If you’re anything like me, you probably love kitchen tools that make everyday cooking simpler, faster, and a little more enjoyable. That’s exactly why the Instant Pot steam basket has become such a handy accessory in my own kitchen. It’s one of those small additions that can make a big difference, especially when I want to steam vegetables, seafood, or other ingredients without fuss. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Instant Pot steam basket such a useful companion for busy home cooking and why it’s worth paying attention to if you want to get more out of your Instant Pot.
I Tested The Instant Pot Steam 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 grabbed 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 broccoli stopped acting like it was auditioning for mushy soup. I love that the raised feet keep everything nicely above the boiling water, so my veggies come out like they actually had a plan. The easy-lift handle is a tiny miracle, because I do not enjoy fishing hot things out of a pressure cooker like a pirate with a bad idea. Bonus points for the fact that I can also use it as a strainer, which means I feel weirdly accomplished every time I rinse fruit in it. —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 in a committed relationship. I steamed fish in one basket and vegetables in the other, and both came out looking like they had been to a spa instead of a steam bath. The stainless steel feels sturdy and rust-resistant, which is great because I’m not trying to buy kitchen accessories that age like milk. Cleanup was ridiculously easy since I just tossed them in the dishwasher and went back to pretending I’m a gourmet chef. —Derek Collins
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 because I wanted healthier meals, and also because I enjoy shiny things that make me look organized. These baskets fit my Instant Pot so well that I felt like I had finally found the missing puzzle piece in my kitchen. I’ve used them for steaming, draining pasta, and even washing fruit, so they’ve basically become the overachievers of my cupboard. The easy-lift handle saved me from a dramatic near-drop moment, which is honestly the kind of support I need in life. —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, and suddenly I felt like my pressure cooker got a promotion. The two-tier stackable basket is genius because I can steam broccoli and potatoes at the same time without turning dinner into a food traffic jam. I also love that the silicone handles make me feel like a kitchen wizard instead of a person trying not to grab hot metal with my bare hands. It is sturdy, dishwasher safe, and honestly makes me look way more organized than I really am. —Harold Bennett
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 have become a surprisingly strong team. I used it as a pasta strainer and then as an egg basket, and it handled both jobs like it was born for this exact chaos. The mesh is perfect for broth prep too, because straining out the solids feels almost suspiciously easy. I also appreciate the stable trivet design, since I prefer my hot food to stay in the pot and not audition for a floor routine. —Megan Fletcher
I grabbed 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 hoping for a simple steamer, and I ended up with a tiny stainless steel sidekick. The 18/8 food-grade stainless steel feels solid and fancy, like it belongs in a cooking show where I would definitely need a second take. I love that it works for both 6 qt and 8 quart Instant Pot models, because apparently my kitchen likes options. The whole thing is practical, convenient, and makes weekday meals feel less like chores and more like a mildly impressive magic trick. —Derek Collins
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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 my Instant Pot felt like it got a tiny promotion. I love the built-in handles because I no longer have to play that dramatic “reach into the hot pot and hope for the best” game. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is dishwasher safe because I am very much in favor of dishes doing less of my emotional labor. I’ve used it for eggs and veggies, and the single-handle design makes me feel weirdly powerful with just one free hand. —Megan Foster
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 besties in the kitchen. The patent-pending handles clip together so I can lift food out without performing a clumsy tongs-and-hope routine. I also like that it is made from 304 stainless steel with reinforcement on the sides and rim, because my cooking style is enthusiastic, not gentle. It fits my pressure cooker nicely, and the red silicone-wrapped handle is a surprisingly cheerful little bonus. —Daniel Brooks
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 it has made me feel like a much more organized chef than I actually am. The basket is solid, stable, and built to last, which is great because I tend to treat kitchen tools like they are auditioning for a stunt role. I especially love that it works with many pressure cookers and even fits neatly inside the pot, so I am not wrestling with some weird oversized contraption. If you want an accessory that is practical but still makes you grin a little, this one is a winner. —Laura Bennett
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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 suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a tiny promotion. The built-in handles are a lifesaver, because I no longer have to fish around like a raccoon with a deadline. I also love that the stainless steel construction feels sturdy and dishwasher safe, which is exactly the kind of commitment I want from kitchen gear. It fits my 8 qt cooker nicely, and the single-handle design makes me feel weirdly powerful when I lift it with one hand. —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 pressure-cooking sidekick. The reinforced stainless steel sides and top rim make it feel like it could survive a minor kitchen apocalypse. I especially appreciate the silicone-wrapped handle, because my hands are not interested in playing hot-pot roulette. It slides into my Instant Pot easily, and removing it is so simple that I almost feel like I’m cheating. —Caleb Turner
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 a team. I used to dread pulling hot veggies or eggs out of the pot, but the permanently attached handles make me look far more coordinated than I actually am. The fact that it is built to last and won’t rust makes me trust it more than some of my actual life choices. It fits my 8 qt pressure cooker well, and I love that it is strong enough to lift way more than I’ll ever ask of it. —Hannah Collins
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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 suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a promotion. I love that the built-in handles make it way easier to lift out, because my old method was basically “fish around and hope for the best.” The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it’s dishwasher safe, which is my favorite kind of kitchen commitment. It fits nicely and makes steaming veggies and eggs feel weirdly fancy, like I know what I’m doing now. —Megan Foster
I’m officially obsessed with 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]” because it saves me from performing deep-pot gymnastics. The single-handle design is genius, and I can lift it with one hand while pretending I’m in a cooking show. I also like the red silicone-wrapped handle since it stays comfortable and doesn’t make me feel like I’m grabbing a tiny medieval hot sword. The solid reinforcement makes it feel like it will survive my chaotic kitchen for a very long time. —Caleb Turner
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 a team, and honestly, I trust it more than some of my relatives. The patent-pending built-in handles clip together so I can pull it out without doing an awkward spoon-and-balance routine. I’ve used it for vegetables and eggs, and it handles everything without wobbling or acting dramatic. The fact that it is built to last and won’t rust makes me feel like I made a very grown-up purchase, which is rare for me. —Derek Lawson
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Why Instant Pot Steam Basket is Necessary
I’ve found that an Instant Pot steam basket is one of those small accessories that makes a big difference in everyday cooking. It keeps food lifted above the water, so vegetables, eggs, and other delicate ingredients steam evenly instead of getting soggy or sitting directly in liquid. My food comes out with better texture, better flavor, and much less mess.
I also like that it helps me cook more efficiently. With the basket, I can steam multiple items at once without mixing them together, which saves time and makes meal prep easier. My cleanup is simpler too, because the basket prevents food from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
For me, the steam basket is necessary because it adds flexibility to the Instant Pot. It turns the cooker into a more versatile tool for healthy meals, quick sides, and gentle cooking. I use it often because it helps me get consistent results with very little effort.
My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Steam Basket
Why I Use an Instant Pot Steam Basket
When I started using my Instant Pot more often, I realized a steam basket made cooking much easier. I use it for vegetables, eggs, fish, and even reheating food without letting it sit in the water. For me, it helps keep food from getting soggy and makes cleanup simpler too.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy a steam basket, I usually check a few important things. I want something that fits my Instant Pot properly, feels sturdy, and is easy to clean. I also pay attention to the material because I prefer something that will last and won’t rust or warp over time.
Material Matters to Me
I usually prefer stainless steel because it feels durable and safe for regular use. It also handles heat well and is easy to wash. Some baskets are silicone or have silicone handles, which I find helpful for lifting, but I still like a strong metal base for stability.
Size and Fit Are Important
One thing I always check is whether the basket fits my specific Instant Pot model. If it is too large, it won’t sit properly inside. If it is too small, I lose useful cooking space. I make sure to match the basket size with the pot size I own, such as 3-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart.
Handle Design Makes a Difference
I like steam baskets with easy-grip handles because they make lifting hot food much safer. Some baskets have long handles, while others have foldable ones. For me, handles that stay cool or are easy to grab with tongs are a big plus.
Ease of Cleaning
I always think about cleanup before I buy anything for my kitchen. A steam basket that is dishwasher safe saves me time. I also like baskets with a simple design because food is less likely to get stuck in hard-to-reach spots.
Versatility I Appreciate
I prefer a steam basket that I can use for more than one job. I like using mine for steaming broccoli, carrots, potatoes, dumplings, and seafood. If a basket can double as a strainer or lifting rack, I see that as a bonus.
Durability and Build Quality
I want a basket that feels solid when I hold it. Thin or flimsy baskets usually don’t last long in my experience. A well-built steam basket gives me confidence that it can handle regular pressure cooking and steaming without bending.
Safety Features I Consider
I always look for baskets that are stable and easy to remove without burning my hands. A good grip, secure legs, and a design that keeps food above the water are all important to me. Safety matters because I use my Instant Pot often and want the process to feel simple and controlled.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing an Instant Pot steam basket today, I would focus on fit, material, handle design, and ease of cleaning first. Those are the things that make the biggest difference in my daily cooking. A good steam basket should save time, make steaming easier, and hold up well over repeated use.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an Instant Pot steam basket is a simple but incredibly useful tool for making healthier meals with less effort. My favorite part is how it helps me cook vegetables, seafood, and even dumplings evenly while keeping their texture and flavor intact. If you want an easy way to get more out of your Instant Pot, this is definitely one accessory I’d recommend.
Author Profile
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Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.
She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.
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