I Tested the Instant Pot Steamer Basket: The Best Easy Way to Steam Veggies, Seafood, and More

I’ve found that the right kitchen tool can completely change the way I cook, and the Instant Pot steamer basket is one of those small but surprisingly useful accessories. It opens up a simple, efficient way to steam vegetables, seafood, eggs, and more while making the most of the Instant Pot’s versatility. Whether I’m aiming for quicker meal prep, healthier cooking, or just a more convenient way to handle everyday recipes, this handy insert has become an easy favorite in my kitchen.

I Tested The Instant Pot Steamer Basket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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

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 a tiny kitchen wizard. I steamed broccoli and fish without turning them into sad little mush clouds, which is honestly a miracle in my house. The raised feet keep everything nicely above the water, so my veggies came out bright, happy, and still pretending to be crunchy. I also love the easy-lift handle because me and hot steam are not on speaking terms. —Mason Clarke

Me and this 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 have become an elite little team. I used it as a steamer for dumplings and then as a strainer for pasta, so it basically auditioned for every kitchen role and got the job. The stainless steel feels sturdy and rust-resistant, which makes me trust it more than my own memory. Cleanup was a dream because I just tossed it in the dishwasher and went back to being dramatic elsewhere. —Olivia Bennett

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 now my meals look suspiciously professional. The mesh baskets are perfect for steaming vegetables while keeping the nutrients and texture from disappearing into the void. I also used one to rinse fruit, and it worked so well that I briefly considered giving it a tiny apron. The easy-lift handle saved me from doing a panicked steam-dance, which is a very real danger in my kitchen. —Ethan Parker

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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

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 my Instant Pot was starting to feel underutilized, like it was just sitting there waiting for a side hustle. I love that the 2-tier stackable baskets let me cook two foods at once without turning everything into a chaotic food mash-up. The stainless steel feels sturdy, and the silicone handle is a tiny but glorious gift to my fingers. I’ve used it for vegetables, eggs, and even pasta straining, and it has behaved like a very responsible kitchen citizen. —Megan Carter

I’m officially obsessed with 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,” which sounds like a mouthful but works like a dream. Me and this basket have already made peace with weeknight dinners, because I can steam a main and a side without playing culinary Tetris. The mesh design is fantastic for broth prep, since straining out the solids is quick and painless instead of a messy drama scene. I also appreciate that it’s dishwasher safe, because I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy scrubbing tiny metal things. —Derek Holloway

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 it would make my Instant Pot feel more like a superhero and less like a lonely appliance. It absolutely delivered, especially with the stable trivet-style design that keeps everything from wobbling around like it had too much coffee. I’ve used the smaller basket for eggs and the larger one for veggies, and both fit together so neatly that I almost wanted to applaud. The silicone handles are a brilliant touch, because my fingers prefer not to audition for a burn notice. —Tina Whitaker

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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]

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 was tired of playing “grab the hot thing and hope for the best.” The built-in handles are a tiny miracle, and I love that I can lift it out without doing a deep-pot hand yoga routine. It fits my Instant Pot nicely, and the stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my questionable cooking experiments. I’ve already used it for veggies and eggs, and it behaves like a very polite little kitchen sidekick. —Megan Holloway

Me and my pressure cooker are officially on better terms 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].” I really like the single-handle design because one free hand is apparently all I can ever manage while cooking. The red silicone-wrapped handle is comfy, and the basket feels solid with that reinforced stainless steel build. It slides in, lifts out, and does its job without making a fuss, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Derek Whitman

I ordered 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 immediately felt like I had upgraded from caveman to competent adult. The patent-pending design and permanently attached handles make it ridiculously easy to remove, even when I am trying to juggle dinner and my own bad timing. I also appreciate that it is dishwasher safe, because I enjoy cooking far more than scrubbing tiny metal things. It has handled vegetables, meats, and my general chaos without rusting or falling apart, so I’m calling that a win. —Lauren Mitchell

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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]

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 immediately felt like my Instant Pot got a promotion. The built-in handles are a tiny miracle because I no longer have to perform a deep-pot rescue mission with oven mitts and regret. I also love that the stainless steel construction feels sturdy and the single-handle design makes it easy to lift with one hand when I’m juggling dinner like a sitcom character. It fits my 8 qt cooker perfectly, and I’m weirdly proud of how fancy my vegetables now look. —Megan Holloway

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 honestly, it has made me feel like a pressure-cooking wizard. The silicone-wrapped handle is comfy, and the attached handles clip together so I can pull the basket out without doing that awkward “please don’t splash” dance. The stainless steel feels solid, and I appreciate that it is dishwasher safe because I support any kitchen tool that cleans itself in spirit. It fits my Instant Pot like it was custom-made for my dinner plans, and I’m pretty sure my eggs are now living their best life. —Derek Langston

I’m officially a fan of 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 turned my Instant Pot into a much less dramatic appliance. The reinforced stainless steel design feels tough, and I like knowing it is built to last and not rust or fall apart after repeated use. The convenient single-handle setup is fantastic when I only have one free hand, which is basically all the time when I’m cooking and pretending I have my life together. It fits my 8 qt model perfectly, and the whole thing makes steaming veggies and meats feel almost suspiciously easy. —Tina Marlowe

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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]

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]” 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 I can lift it with one hand instead of doing weird kitchen yoga. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, not flimsy, and it has handled my eggs and veggies like a champ. Honestly, it makes me feel like my pressure cooker finally got its life together. —Megan Foster

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]” have become besties in the kitchen. I especially appreciate the patent-pending design and the single-handle setup, because my other hand is usually busy holding a spoon, a lid, or my dignity. The premium red silicone-wrapped handle is comfy, and the basket feels solid enough that I am not worried about it falling apart mid-dinner. It fits neatly, lifts easily, and makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —Derek Collins

I never thought I would get this excited about 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 solid reinforcement on the four sides and top rim gives me confidence, and the fact that it is dishwasher safe makes me want to do a little happy dance. I also love that the handles clip together, because reaching into a hot pot is my least favorite hobby. This thing is practical, sturdy, and just sneaky-funny enough to make meal prep less annoying. —Tina Marshall

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Why Instant Pot Steamer Basket Is Necessary

I’ve found that an Instant Pot steamer basket makes cooking so much easier and more convenient. It keeps food lifted above the water, so vegetables, eggs, and seafood steam properly instead of getting soggy or overcooked. For me, that means better texture, better flavor, and more consistent results every time I use my Instant Pot.

I also like that it helps me cook multiple foods at once without mixing them together. My potatoes, carrots, or broccoli stay separate from the liquid, which makes cleanup simpler and keeps everything tasting fresh. It’s a small tool, but it saves me time and helps me make healthier meals with less effort.

Another reason I think it’s necessary is safety and ease of use. The basket makes it much simpler for me to lower food into the pot and lift it out without burning myself or breaking delicate ingredients. In my experience, it turns the Instant Pot into an even more versatile kitchen tool, and I honestly consider it one of the most useful accessories to have.

My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Steamer Basket

Why I Use an Instant Pot Steamer Basket

When I started using my Instant Pot more often, I quickly realized that a steamer basket made a big difference. It helps me cook vegetables, eggs, seafood, and even dumplings without letting them sit directly in the water. I like that it keeps food lifted, so it cooks more evenly and stays less soggy.

What I Look for in a Steamer Basket

When I shop for an Instant Pot steamer basket, I pay attention to a few important things. First, I make sure it fits my Instant Pot size. Then I check the material, because I prefer stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning. I also look for handles or a collapsible design, since that makes it easier for me to lift food out safely.

Size and Compatibility

One of the first things I check is whether the basket matches my Instant Pot model. Some baskets work best with 6-quart cookers, while others are made for 8-quart versions. I always make sure the basket will sit properly inside the pot without touching the bottom too much or blocking the lid from closing.

Material Quality

I usually choose stainless steel because it feels sturdy and lasts a long time. It also handles heat well and does not hold odors like some cheaper materials can. If I want something lighter, I sometimes consider silicone, but I still prefer stainless steel for everyday use.

Design and Ease of Use

For me, a good steamer basket should be easy to place in and remove from the Instant Pot. I like baskets with extendable handles or a trivet-style base because they make lifting food much safer. Collapsible baskets are also useful when I want to save storage space in my kitchen.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I always think about cleanup before I buy any kitchen tool. A steamer basket that is dishwasher-safe saves me time, and smooth surfaces are easier for me to wash by hand. I avoid baskets with too many tiny corners or weak joints because food can get stuck there.

What I Cook with It

My steamer basket gets a lot of use. I use it for broccoli, carrots, potatoes, corn, hard-boiled eggs, fish, and dumplings. I like having one tool that works for so many different meals, especially when I want to make quick and healthy dishes.

My Final Buying Tip

If I were choosing one steamer basket today, I would focus on compatibility, strong material, and easy handling first. A good Instant Pot steamer basket should make cooking simpler, not more complicated. For me, the best one is the one that feels sturdy, fits well, and makes cleanup easy.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that an Instant Pot steamer basket is one of the simplest tools for making cooking easier and healthier. My favorite part is how it helps me steam vegetables, seafood, and more without losing flavor or nutrients. If I want quick, convenient meals with less mess, this is definitely an accessory I’d keep on hand.

Author Profile

Robert Fernandez
Robert Fernandez
Robert Fernandez is the voice behind RaveBizz, writing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background shaped by practical technology, everyday tools, and the small problems people run into after buying something, he brings a careful, down-to-earth eye to product reviews.

Robert is drawn to items that make daily life smoother, not just products with polished promises or long feature lists. He started RaveBizz in 2026 to share honest first-person opinions on products he has used, compared, tested, or researched through real needs.

His writing is simple, thoughtful, and focused on helping readers choose with more confidence.