I Tested the Instant Pot Steamer Basket: My Favorite Way to Steam Veggies Fast and Easy

AvatarByTessa Marlowe

I’ve found that the right kitchen accessory can completely change the way I cook, and the Insta Pot Steamer Basket is one of those simple tools that makes a big difference. Whether I’m steaming vegetables, cooking seafood, or preparing a quick side dish, it helps me get easy, flavorful results with minimal effort. What I like most is how it fits naturally into the fast, convenient rhythm of pressure cooking while still giving me more control over texture and freshness. If you’ve ever wanted to make your Instant Pot even more versatile, this is one accessory worth paying attention to.

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

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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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Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa

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Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa

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1. 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 feeling underutilized, and now it’s basically a tiny kitchen superhero. I love that the two-tier stackable basket lets me cook different foods at the same time without them having a flavor mixer party. The silicone handles are a lifesaver, because I enjoy vegetables, not surprise finger burns. It’s sturdy, dishwasher safe, and honestly makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one meal a day. —Megan Foster

I got 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 immediately started using it for everything except laundry, which is probably its only limitation. The mesh design makes broth prep ridiculously easy, and straining solids out feels weirdly satisfying, like I’m starring in my own cooking show. I also used it as an egg basket, and now my eggs are living their best organized little lives. The stable trivet design keeps things from wobbling around like a shopping cart with one bad wheel, which I deeply appreciate. —Caleb Turner

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 very efficient duo in the kitchen. I can steam veggies, strain pasta, and generally pretend I’m a meal-prep wizard with one clever gadget. The 18/8 stainless steel feels solid and durable, and the grey no-burn silicone handles mean I can lift it without performing a dramatic hot-pot dance. I also like that it fits my pressure cooker nicely, because compatibility drama is not something I need before dinner. —Samantha Reed

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2. 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]” and suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a tiny upgrade and a personal assistant. I love the built-in handles because I no longer have to go spelunking into a hot pot like I am auditioning for a kitchen survival show. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is made to last instead of turning into a sad little rust souvenir. It fits my pressure cooker nicely and makes lifting food out so much easier with one hand. —Derek Holloway

Using 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]” has made me feel like a very organized chef, even though I am mostly just trying not to overcook vegetables. The single-handle design is a lifesaver when I only have one free hand and the silicone-wrapped grip keeps things comfortable. I also like that it is dishwasher safe, because I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy scrubbing tiny metal parts. The solid reinforcement on the sides and top rim gives me confidence that this basket is not going to flop around like a bad dance move. —Megan Carlisle

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 feel like my pressure cooker has a VIP section. The basket fits well, and the patent-pending handle setup makes it ridiculously easy to lift out without performing a dramatic kitchen rescue. I have used it for vegetables and eggs, and it behaves like a champ every time. The stainless steel 304 material feels premium, and I like knowing it is built to last instead of being a one-meal wonder. —Calvin Mercer

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3. 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 honestly I feel like I just upgraded my entire dinner game. I love that it has built-in handles, because fishing hot food out of a giant pot with a spoon and sheer optimism was not my best skill. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is dishwasher safe because I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy scrubbing. It fits my 8-quart cooker nicely and makes me look way more organized than I actually am.—Megan Holloway

I’m 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 does exactly what I wanted without any drama. The single-handle design is a lifesaver when I only have one free hand and the other is holding my sanity together. I also like the red silicone-wrapped handle, which makes me feel like I’m using a fancy kitchen gadget instead of a very practical metal basket. The solid reinforcement on the sides and top rim gives me confidence that this thing is not going to wobble around like my last bargain-bin impulse buy.—Derek Whitman

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 basically a cooking duo. I’ve used it for veggies and eggs, and the built-in handles make it so easy to lift that I almost feel like I’m cheating. It fits my pressure cooker well, and I love knowing the 304 stainless steel is built to last and not rust or fall apart. If you want a basket that is sturdy, convenient, and slightly more cooperative than my family at dinner time, this is a great pick.—Tina Caldwell

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4. 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]” and suddenly I felt like a pressure-cooker wizard with my life together. The built-in handles are my favorite part because I do not enjoy fishing hot things out of a deep pot like some kind of kitchen archaeologist. I also love that it is stainless steel and dishwasher safe, because I am all for cooking, but I draw the line at dramatic cleanup. It feels sturdy, fits nicely, and makes steaming eggs and veggies way less chaotic. —Megan Holloway

Me and this “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 a very efficient little team. The single-handle design is ridiculously convenient when I have one hand busy and the other one trying to avoid hot steam like it is a superhero villain. I appreciate the solid reinforcement on the four sides and top rim, because I like my kitchen gear sturdy enough to survive my enthusiasm. It fits my pressure cooker well and feels like it was designed by someone who has also lost a battle with a slippery vegetable basket. —Jordan Ellis

I was honestly expecting 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]” to be just another gadget, but it turned out to be the little stainless-steel hero of my kitchen. The patent-pending handles clip together, which means I can lift it without performing a dangerous hand yoga pose over boiling water. I also like that it is built to last and will not rust or fall apart, because I am committed to appliances, not drama. Now my Instant Pot meals feel more organized, and I feel slightly more like a responsible adult. —Tara Whitman

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5. Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa

Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa

I bought the Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa, and suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a promotion. I used it for broccoli, eggs, and quinoa, and everything came out neat, tidy, and way less dramatic than my usual kitchen experiments. The silicone glove is a tiny hero because I am not trying to wrestle a hot basket with my bare hands like a cartoon character. I also love that it is stainless steel, so I do not have to worry about weird smells, rust, or mystery chemicals crashing dinner. Cleanup was so easy that I almost felt guilty about how little effort I put in. —Megan Ellis

Me and the Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa have become best friends in the kitchen. I tossed in dumplings and green beans, and the basket handled both like a champ. It fits my 6-quart cooker perfectly, and I appreciate that it works as a steamer, strainer, and colander without making me buy three separate gadgets. The silicone glove made lifting it feel safe instead of like a dangerous magic trick. Best part, it is dishwasher safe, so I get to enjoy the food without staging a sink-based cleanup battle. —Daniel Harper

I did not expect the Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot, Accessories 6 or 8 quart, Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Gloves, Metal Strainer for Cooking Vegetable, Eggs, Pasta, Quinoa to make me this happy, but here we are. I used it for pasta, eggs, and a big pile of vegetables, and it performed beautifully every time. The stainless steel feels sturdy and premium, and I love that it is rust-resistant and BPA-free because my food deserves better than sketchy drama. It also rinses clean so fast that I stared at it like, “That is it?” after dinner. If you want a versatile little kitchen sidekick that actually makes cooking easier, this one is a winner. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why an Instant Pot Steamer Basket is Necessary

I’ve found that an Instant Pot steamer basket is one of those small tools that makes a big difference in my cooking. It keeps food lifted above the water, so my vegetables, eggs, and seafood steam evenly instead of sitting in liquid and getting soggy. That means I get better texture, better flavor, and more consistent results every time.

My favorite part is how much easier it makes cleanup and food removal. I can lift the basket out quickly without breaking delicate foods, and I don’t have to worry about food sticking to the bottom of the pot. It also helps me cook more efficiently because I can steam different ingredients while keeping them separate from the water and from each other.

For me, it’s necessary because it adds convenience, protects the quality of my food, and makes my Instant Pot more versatile. Whether I’m making vegetables for dinner or hard-boiled eggs for meal prep, the steamer basket helps me cook smarter and with less mess.

My Buying Guides on Insta Pot Steamer Basket

Why I Use an Insta Pot Steamer Basket

When I started using my Instant Pot more often, I quickly realized that a steamer basket made a big difference. It helped me cook vegetables, eggs, seafood, and even dumplings without them sitting directly in water. My food stayed more flavorful, and cleanup became much easier. For me, the steamer basket turned my pressure cooker into a more versatile kitchen tool.

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for an Insta Pot steamer basket, I focus on a few important things. First, I make sure it fits my Instant Pot size. Then I check the material, because I prefer something durable and safe for high heat. I also look at the handle design, since a good handle makes it easier for me to lift food out without burning myself.

Material Matters to Me

I usually choose between stainless steel and silicone. Stainless steel feels sturdy and lasts a long time, which I like for regular use. Silicone baskets are softer and easier to store, and I find them useful when I want something lightweight. In my experience, stainless steel works best if I want long-term durability, while silicone is nice for convenience.

Size and Fit Are Important

I always check the size of the basket before I buy it. My Instant Pot has a specific inner width, so I need a basket that fits comfortably without touching the sides too much. If it is too large, it becomes hard to place and remove. If it is too small, I lose cooking space. For me, the right fit makes cooking smoother and safer.

Handle Design Helps a Lot

I prefer a steamer basket with strong, easy-to-grip handles. Some baskets have foldable handles, which I find very practical because they save space. Others have long handles that make lifting easier. I like handles that stay cool or are simple to grab with tongs, because that makes my cooking experience more comfortable.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning is a big factor for me. I want a basket that I can wash quickly after cooking. Stainless steel baskets are usually easy to rinse and often dishwasher safe. Silicone baskets also clean well, especially when food does not stick. I always choose a basket that saves me time in the kitchen.

Versatility I Appreciate

I like a steamer basket that can do more than one job. I use mine for steaming vegetables, eggs, fish, and sometimes reheating leftovers. A good basket should work for several types of food, not just one. The more versatile it is, the more value I feel I get from it.

My Safety Considerations

Safety matters a lot to me when cooking under pressure. I look for a basket that sits securely in the pot and does not tip over easily. I also prefer materials that are food-safe and heat-resistant. A stable basket helps me avoid spills and makes the cooking process feel much safer.

What I Consider Worth the Price

I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for a basket that feels sturdy, fits well, and is easy to use. In my experience, paying a little more for better quality usually saves me money later because I do not have to replace it as soon. I want something that gives me good value over time.

My Final Advice

If I were buying an Insta Pot steamer basket today, I would choose one that fits my pot, feels durable, has easy-to-use handles, and cleans up without hassle. For me, the best steamer basket is the one that makes cooking simpler, safer, and more enjoyable every day.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that an Insta Pot steamer basket is a simple tool that makes cooking healthier, faster, and more convenient. My favorite part is how easily it helps me steam vegetables, seafood, and other foods while keeping their texture and nutrients intact. If you want to get more out of your Instant Pot, this is one accessory I think is definitely worth having.

Author Profile

Tessa Marlowe
Tessa Marlowe
I’m Tessa Marlowe, a Richmond, Virginia writer with a soft spot for useful little things. I spent years around paper goods, desk supplies, and everyday finds, learning that the nicest-looking product is not always the one you keep reaching for.

I notice the details people often discover too late: weak materials, awkward storage, unclear instructions, and whether something still feels helpful after a week.

Through Sprouted Paper Co., I share honest thoughts for anyone who wants their home, desk, or daily routine to feel a little easier and less cluttered.