Steaming is a popular cooking method that helps to preserve the nutrients in food while also resulting in tender, flavorful dishes. For those who want to make the most of their instant pot, steamer baskets are a must-have accessory.
These steamer baskets are designed to fit snugly inside the pot, and they come with a variety of features that make steaming easier than ever. Some baskets come with handles, while others have perforated bottoms that help evenly distribute steam. This means that food cooks evenly and quickly, without the risk of overcooking.
Plus, the basket can be used to cook multiple items at once, making it a great option for busy families or those who like to entertain. Additionally, the basket can be removed from the pot when the food is finished cooking, making it easy to clean up.
Best Overall: Hatrigo Steamer Basket
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Best In Budget: Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Basket
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Best Value: Original Salbree Steamer Basket
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Best In 3-Piece: 3-Piece Divided Steamer Basket
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Most Durable: Mesh Instant Pot Steamer Basket
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Rust Free: Avokado Silicone Steamer Basket
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Large Capacity: Aozita Steamer Basket
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Best In Cleaning: Sayfine Steamer Basket
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Best In 2 Tier: Haswe Steamer Basket
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Best with soft grip handle: Kaviatek Steamer Basket
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The 10 Best Instant Pot Steamer Baskets In 2023
Contents
Best Overall: Hatrigo Steamer Basket
The Hatrigo steamer basket is made of high-quality stainless steel and is designed to fit a variety of pot sizes. This versatile basket can be used to steam vegetables, seafood, and even dumplings. The perforated design allows hot air and steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that food is cooked evenly. It comes in three different sizes: 3 quarts, 6quarts, and 8 quarts, so it can be used for various purposes.
The basket has a sturdy silicone handle that makes it easy to transfer from the pot to the plate. The silicone provides a firm grip that is slip-resistant, making it easy to avoid burns when removing the basket from boiling water. In addition, the silicone wrapping helps to insulate the handle, making it cooler to the touch.
Pros
- Soft And Strong Silicone Coated Grip
- Gives Versatility In Cooking
- Very Easy To Remove From Pot
Cons
- A Bit Difficult To Clean
Best In Budget: Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Basket
The Instant Pot silicone steamer basket is made of high-quality Bpa-free silicone, it is durable and heat resistant up to 450F. The basket has a generous capacity, so you can cook multiple items at once. It also has holes in the bottom to allow steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that your food cooks evenly.
The basket fits snugly into the pot, and the secure-lock handles keep it in place while you’re cooking and its raised feet prevent your food from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It is compatible with 6-quart and 8-quart cookers, and it is perfect for steaming vegetables, seafood, and poultry. The basket is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. It is also collapsible for easy storage.
Pros
- Handles That Easily Fit Under The Lid
- Easy To Clean
- Compatible With 6 And 8 Quart Cookers
Cons
- Not Steam Evenly
Best Value: Original Salbree Steamer Basket
The Salbree steamer basket is made of high-quality stainless steel and is designed to fit in most 6qt pots and pans. has a perforated base that allows steam to circulate freely. This ensures steam circulates evenly, cooking food thoroughly and evenly.
The steamer basket has a collapsible design that allows it to be easily stored when not in use. The steamer basket also features a heat-resistant silicone handle, making it easy to remove from the oven. It is also oven safe up to 400F. Plus, it is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanups.
Pros
- Oven Safe Up to 400F
- Stable And Sturdy Base
- Smooth Silicone Coated Handle
Cons
- Some Rust Complaints
Best In 3-Piece: 3-Piece Divided Steamer Basket
The 3-Piece divided steamer basket is perfect for those who want to steam their food without the hassle of using a traditional steamer. The steamer basket is also made of high-quality stainless steel, so it will last for years. The basket is divided into three sections, so you can cook multiple items at once. The sections are also removable, so you can customize the size of the basket to fit your needs.
It also has a perforated design that allows steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly. The basket is made of durable stainless steel and is dishwasher safe. It’s also small and compact, so it won’t take up much space in your kitchen.
The silicone-wrapped handle prevents burns and makes it easy to remove the basket from the pot. The silicone-wrapped legs on the base prevent the steamer basket from slipping and scratching your cookware. The basket is also dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Easy To Remove From Pot
- Gives Versatility In 3 Sections Of Storage
- High Quality Construction
Cons
- Slightly Smaller
Most Durable: Mesh Instant Pot Steamer Basket
The steamer basket is made from 100% stainless steel which is rust-resistant. The steamer basket is made of high-quality stainless steel, and it comes with a set of two baskets that fit perfectly inside the pot. It has a perforated bottom that allows steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that your food cooks evenly.
The steamer basket also has a handle that allows you to remove it from the pot easily. As a steamer, the basket can be used to cook veggies, seafood, and pasta. As a strainer, the basket can be used to drain pasta or vegetables. It is also dishwasher safe. It is a well-made product that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Pros
- Easy To Clean
- Heavy Duty Construction
- Gives Versatility In Steaming
Cons
- A Bit Hard To Clean
Rust Free: Avokado Silicone Steamer Basket
The Avokado steamer basket is made of high-quality silicone, which is durable and heat resistant. It is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. The basket has a deep well that can hold a variety of foods. This allows you to steam food without having to worry about it touching the water.
The basket comes in three different sizes, so it can be used to cook small or large meals. It is also stackable for easy storage. It is available in two colors: green and red. The basket is also dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Easy To Lift
- Large Space
- Dent And Rust Free
Cons
- It Takes Time To Boil
Large Capacity: Aozita Steamer Basket
The Aozita steamer basket is made of 18/8 stainless steel, it is durable and will not rust. It has a two-tiered design that allows you to stack different types of food on each level. This makes it perfect for steaming multiple items at once. It also has a no-burn silicone handle for safety.
The basket features a series of legs that create a sturdy base with a trivet design. The basket is dishwasher safe and can be used in both electric and gas pressure cookers.
Pros
- Large Storage With 2 Baskets
- No Burn Silicone Handle
- Best For Multiple Uses
Cons
- Quality Is Questionable
Best In Cleaning: Sayfine Steamer Basket
The Sayfine vegetable steamer basket is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to cook a variety of foods. The basket is made of high-quality stainless steel and features a perforated design that allows steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that food is cooked evenly.
The basket has two compartments, so you can stream multiple items at once. And it comes with a steaming plate and lid. It fits snugly into most pots and pans, and the handles make it easy to remove from the pot when it is time to eat. The basket is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros
- Preserve Natural Flavour
- Removable Centre Handle
- Easy To Maintain Cleaning
Cons
- Bottom Are Not Entirely Stainless Steel
Best In 2 Tier: Haswe Steamer Basket
The Haswe steamer basket is made of stainless steel and can be used with 5/6/8-quart cookers. It is made of stainless steel and has a silicone base that is designed to prevent sticking. The basket also has a removable center post that can be used to steam multiple items at once.
The basket is made of high-quality stainless steel with a BPA-free silicone handle, and it fits neatly inside the pot. The silicone handle ensures that the basket is easy to remove from the pot, and it also prevents burns by keeping your hands away from the hot surface. The basket is also dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Silicone Handle Is BPA-Free
- Includes Removable Divider
- Egg Steamer Rack Available
Cons
- Handles Should Fit More Tightly
Best with soft grip handle: Kaviatek Steamer Basket
The Kaviatek steamer basket is the perfect tool for adding healthy steamed vegetables to your diet. The basket is made of high-quality stainless steel, so it will last for years of regular use.
The basket has a deep well that can accommodate a variety of vegetables, and the perforated design allows steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that your vegetables are cooked evenly.
The basket also has a silicone-coated handle for easy holding. The basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. And the trivet legs make it easy to store in a crowded kitchen.
Pros
- Long Lasting Stainless Steel Body
- Soft Grip Silicone Handle
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- Little Bit Flimsy
How Does Steamer Basket Works?
A steamer basket is a kitchen appliance that is used to cook food by steaming. Steamer baskets are made of metal, plastic, bamboo, or other materials and have a perforated bottom that allows steam to pass through. To use a steamer basket, you will need a pot or wok that is large enough to fit the basket.
Fill the pot with water so that it comes up around the sides of the basket, but not over the top. Place your food in the basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Steam will then pass through the holes in the basket and cook the food.
They typically have a handle or handles so that they can be easily removed from the pot. Some steamer baskets also have a lid so that the steam does not escape while the food is cooking. Steamer baskets are an effective way to cook chicken, fish, vegetables, and rice. They can also be used to reheat cooked food.
How To Use Steamer Basket With Instant Pot?
The steamer basket is one of the most versatile accessories that can be used with an Instant Pot. Whether you want to cook veggies, seafood, or rice, the steamer basket can help you get the job done quickly and easily.
First, add the desired amount of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Then, place your steamer basket in the pot. Next, add your food to the steamer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the food from cooking evenly.
Finally, close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to the desired cooking time. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid and removing the steamer basket.
Buyer Guide - Things To Consider
This buyer’s guide for the best instant pot steamer basket is specially provided by us that will surely help you select the perfect steamer basket. You should consider the following features before buying a steamer basket:
Material
The first thing to look for in an instant pot steamer basket is the material used to make it. A steamer basket is specially designed for cooking in an instant pot. The material of the steamer basket affects the cooking and quality of food. A steamer basket is available in various materials like silicone, stainless steel or mesh. These are food grade materials that are totally safe to cook in without compromising the quality. All of these materials are equally efficient and good so you can choose the steamer basket made from these materials.
Size
The next thing to consider in an instant pot steamer basket is its size. A steamer basket is available in different sizes; small, medium or large. If your cooker/ pot is small sized, a small steamer basket will do the job. On the other hand if your cooker/ pot is large in size, you’ll probably need a medium to large sized steamer basket. You can choose the size of the steamer basket as per your needs and preferences. It depends on the size of your instant pot, upto what size steamer basket it can hold.
Capacity
The capacity of an instant pot steamer basket is also one of the important features to consider while looking for it. If you don’t cook food in large quantities, a small sized or less capacity basket will do. On the other hand if you cook food in large quantities, you’ll probably need a medium to large sized steamer basket that has more capacity and can cook the food in bulk. If you love to cook food, you should always look for a steamer basket with a huge capacity that is up to your needs.
Versatility
Versatility is yet another important feature to look for while buying an instant pot steamer basket. Make sure that your steamer basket is multifunctional and can be used for different purposes also. It makes the steamer basket all the more useful. You can use the basket for other tasks like boiling, cooking etc. Multiple uses provide more credibility to the steamer basket.
Easy To Use
The next important thing to look for in an instant pot steamer basket is the user friendliness. The steamer basket should be easy to use. If you are a first time user and have no idea of how to use a steamer basket, it shouldn’t be hard for you to figure out. It shouldn’t be complicated to do simple tasks like steaming in a steamer basket, and if it is then it’s not the right steamer basket.
Cleaning
The next important thing to look for in an instant pot steamer basket is the cleaning process. The steamer basket should be easy to clean and shouldn’t consume much of your time and effort. Usually the steamer baskets are dishwasher safe, so they are quite easy to clean. But some may not be dishwasher safe, so it’s always better to check beforehand. Cleaning is one tiring job so the cleaning process of steamer basket should be easy for your convenience.
Price
Price of the steamer basket should be reasonable. The steam basket is a useful accessory that should be in every kitchen. So, it should be affordable.
FAQs
How Does A Steamer Basket Work?
A steamer basket is basically round in shape with small holes at the bottom. The holes allow the steam to pass through for cooking the food. The steamer basket is placed inside the instant pot for steaming. You need to fill the instant pot with water and then place the steam basket with food items on top of the rack. After placing the steam basket, close the lid and switch on the pot so that the food can be steamed. When the water boils, it creates steam that is used to cook the food. Steaming retains the nutrients and flavor of the food, also one of the reasons why it is one of the most efficient methods of cooking.
How To Use A Steamer Basket In An Instant Pot?
Here are a few steps you need to follow in order to use a steamer basket in an instant pot:
- Firstly, Place the food item in the steamer basket. You need to put the food item you want to steam in the steamer basket in order to start the process.
- Now, put water inside the pot that will form steam.
- Next, stack or place the steamer basket inside the pot.
- Once you’ve done that, close the lid and switch on the instant pot to start cooking. Set the time of steaming and also other settings.
- Leave it to steam.
- When the timer goes off, take out the food item and enjoy!
Does The Instant Pot Come With A Steamer Basket?
No, an instant pot doesn’t come with a steamer basket. You need to purchase it separately. Although the instant pot comes with a trivet which can also be used for steaming, it is not the same as a steamer basket. It’s not advisable to steam in a trivet as it is not designed for that purpose and can mess up your food. You can buy a steamer basket from e-shopping sites, more precisely Amazon. It is easily available at such sites at reasonable rates.
Is There A Steamer Basket For A 3-quart Instant Pot?
While many steamer baskets are not designed for a 3-quart instant pot, you may find some if you search thoroughly. A 3-quart instant pot is quite small in size, also why there are very few steamer baskets designed for such pots. You must always check the size of the steamer basket before buying it so that you won’t have to face any problems in future. Do check in the small sized steamer baskets if you want one perfectly fit for your 3-quart instant pot. There are some models designed specifically for such pots.
Conclusion
The 10 instant pot steamer baskets reviewed above are all great options for those who want to make healthy, delicious meals quickly and easily. While they all have their own unique features, they all share the ability to steam foods to perfection in a matter of minutes.
They are versatile, durable, and easy to use. Whether you are looking for a large basket to cook a big meal or a small basket to steam your veggies, there is an instant pot steamer basket that will fit your needs.