The Instant Pot steamer basket is a simple yet versatile accessory designed to expand the cooking options of your Instant Pot. It lets you steam vegetables, fish, dumplings, and more, preserving nutrients while keeping foods separate from liquids below.
What this accessory does
A steamer basket is a perforated, generally stainless steel, container that fits inside your Instant Pot’s inner pot. It holds food above the water or broth, enabling steam to circulate freely. This method of cooking helps retain flavor, texture, and nutrients without direct contact with water or pressure liquid. Many steamer baskets have handles for easy removal and collapsible designs for compact storage.
Why it’s worth having
- Preserves nutrients and texture by cooking food with steam rather than boiling
- Prevents direct contact with water, keeping foods from becoming soggy
- Allows cooking multiple foods simultaneously if size permits
- Easy to clean, especially stainless steel versions
- Expands the types of meals you can cook in your Instant Pot
Quick compatibility check
Steamer baskets come in sizes suited to different Instant Pot models. A 3-quart Instant Pot usually requires a smaller basket tailored to its dimensions. Most 6-quart Instant Pots are compatible with many 6-quart steamer baskets available on the market. Larger 8-quart models often need a larger basket or an expandable design to fit comfortably. Always verify the basket dimensions against your pot’s inner diameter to ensure proper fit and stability during cooking.
How to use it
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Add the required amount of water to the Instant Pot inner pot, typically 1 to 1.5 cups depending on the recipe.
What you should see: Sufficient steam is generated during cooking without boiling food directly.
Step 2: Place Food in the Steamer Basket
Arrange chopped vegetables, seafood, or other steamable foods in the steamer basket, avoiding overfilling to allow steam circulation.
What you should see: Food cooks evenly and retains texture without becoming waterlogged.
Step 3: Insert the Basket into the Pot
Carefully place the steamer basket inside the Instant Pot’s inner pot, ensuring it sits above the water level.
What you should see: Basket remains stable and food is elevated from the liquid.
Safety note: Use oven mitts or pot holders to prevent burns from hot surfaces.
Step 4: Set Instant Pot to Steam Mode
Close the lid and select the steaming function according to your recipe’s timing guidelines.
What you should see: Steam circulates inside the pot, cooking the food gently and evenly.
Step 5: Release Pressure Safely
When cooking is complete, release pressure using the natural or quick release method as appropriate.
What you should see: Steam is released safely without splattering hot liquid.
Safety note: Keep face and hands clear of steam vent to avoid burns.
Step 6: Remove Basket Carefully
Open the lid and use the basket handles or tongs to lift the basket out of the Instant Pot.
What you should see: Food can be transferred easily without dripping water onto the counter or yourself.
Safety note: Handles and basket will be hot; use protective gloves.
Buying advice
Look for steamer baskets made of high-quality stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning. Confirm the basket size matches your Instant Pot’s capacity to ensure proper fit and prevent tipping. Some baskets offer collapsible or expandable designs for convenient storage and multi-model compatibility. Check if the product is dishwasher-safe for easier maintenance. Avoid baskets with excessive plastic parts that may not withstand Instant Pot temperatures or produce unwanted odors.
Top picks (affiliate-ready)
| Product | Best for | Why it’s useful | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| COSORI Stainless Steel Steamer Basket for Instant Pot | General steaming of vegetables, fish, and dumplings | Expandable design fits 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots; sturdy handles for easy removal | COSORI Stainless Steel Steamer Basket for Instant Pot |
| Instant Pot Official Steamer Basket | Users preferring OEM accessories with guaranteed fit | Designed specifically for Instant Pot sizes; polished stainless steel; dishwasher safe | Instant Pot Official Steamer Basket |
COSORI Stainless Steel Steamer Basket for Instant Pot
Best for: General steaming of vegetables, fish, and dumplings
Why it’s useful: Expandable design fits 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots; sturdy handles for easy removal
- Buy on Amazon: COSORI Stainless Steel Steamer Basket for Instant Pot
Instant Pot Official Steamer Basket
Best for: Users preferring OEM accessories with guaranteed fit
Why it’s useful: Designed specifically for Instant Pot sizes; polished stainless steel; dishwasher safe
- Buy on Amazon: Instant Pot Official Steamer Basket
Quick comparison
| Feature | Recommended spec | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel for durability and heat resistance | Using plastic baskets that may warp in high heat |
| Size Compatibility | Basket size matching Instant Pot capacity for stable placement | Buying a basket too large or small causing instability |
| Handle Design | Handles that stay cool or are easy to grip | Basket without proper handles, leading to difficulty removing basket safely |
| Dishwasher Safety | Dishwasher-safe baskets for easy cleanup | Choosing baskets with delicate parts that require hand washing |
| Storage Design | Foldable or collapsible baskets for saving space | Rigid baskets that occupy excessive storage area |
Related guides
- Start here: Best Instant Pot Accessories
- What Is an Instant Pot Steamer Basket — and Do You Really Need One?
- The Most Versatile Accessory for My Instant Pot: Stackable Wire Racks
- Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories for Beginners: 10 Essential Tools to Get Started
FAQ
Can I use the Instant Pot steamer basket for all Instant Pot sizes?
Steamer baskets come in different sizes. While some are expandable and fit multiple sizes, it is important to confirm the basket’s dimensions correspond with your Instant Pot’s model to ensure proper stability and fit.
Is the steamer basket dishwasher safe?
Most stainless steel steamer baskets are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier. However, always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing.
Can I steam meat or fish in the basket?
Yes, the steamer basket is suitable for steaming delicate proteins like fish and seafood, as well as vegetables, allowing for gentle cooking without submerging the food in liquid.
How much water should I put in the Instant Pot when steaming?
Typically, one to one and a half cups of water is sufficient for steaming in the Instant Pot, depending on the recipe and size of the pot.