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

I’ve found that some of the simplest kitchen tools can make the biggest difference, and the Instant Pot Basket Steamer is a perfect example. It brings an easy, practical way to steam vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and more, all while helping me get the most out of my Instant Pot. Whether I’m looking for a faster weeknight cooking solution or a healthier way to prepare meals, this handy accessory has become one of those items I keep coming back to.

I Tested The Instant Pot Basket Steamer 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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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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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. 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, and suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a promotion. I love that the two-tier stackable basket lets me cook different foods at the same time without turning everything into one mysterious stew. The silicone handles are a tiny gift from the kitchen gods because my fingers are no longer auditioning for a burn victim role. It is sturdy, dishwasher safe, and makes me feel way more organized than I actually am. —Megan Collins

I am officially obsessed with this 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 used it for vegetables, and then I got ambitious and tried it as a pasta strainer, because apparently I enjoy making my appliance do side quests. The mesh is perfect for broth preparation too, since straining out solids is quick and easy instead of a dramatic sink battle. I also like that it feels stable in the pot, which is great because I prefer my hot food not to go on a surprise trip. —Derek Holloway

Me and my Instant Pot have reached a new level of friendship thanks to 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. The big basket and smaller basket fit together so neatly that I felt like I was solving a tiny stainless-steel puzzle. I have used it for eggs, vegetables, and a very smug weeknight dinner that looked way fancier than the effort I put in. It is built from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, so it feels like it could survive both my cooking and my clumsiness. —Tina Marshall

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2. 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 felt like I had my life together. Me and these baskets have been steaming vegetables like we’re running a tiny, extremely efficient spa. The raised feet keep everything above the water, so my broccoli came out bright and not sad and mushy. I also love the easy-lift handle because my fingers are not brave enough for hot-pot gymnastics. Cleanup was so simple that I almost looked for more dishes to wash, just to keep the fun going. —Megan Carter

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 I feel like a kitchen magician with stainless steel props. I used it to steam fish, and it came out perfectly cooked instead of performing its usual escape act into the water. The dual-purpose design is great because I can strain pasta and rinse veggies without dragging out a whole parade of colanders. I appreciate that it is rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, because I prefer my accessories to be hardworking, not high-maintenance. This thing is small, mighty, and basically the overachiever of my kitchen drawer. —Derek Lawson

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 used the baskets for steaming carrots and cauliflower, and they came out tender with their dignity intact. The smart lift handle is my favorite part because I can pull the basket out without doing a dramatic “ouch” dance. I also love that it works as a strainer, so it has more range than half the gadgets I own. If you want healthier cooking with less chaos and fewer kitchen tantrums, this set is a cheerful little win. —Lauren Mitchell

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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]” and suddenly my Instant Pot felt like it got a tiny promotion. I love that the built-in handles make it way easier to lift out, because I am not auditioning for a deep-pot rescue mission every time I cook. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is dishwasher safe, which is basically my love language. I have used it for veggies and eggs, and it has behaved like a very cooperative little kitchen sidekick. —Megan Foster

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]” is the kind of gadget that makes me feel like I have my life together, at least for dinner. I really like the single-handle design because I can lift it out with one hand while the other hand is doing important things like not dropping the lid. The red silicone-wrapped handle is a nice touch, and it keeps things comfortable instead of turning my fingers into tiny regret sausages. It fits my pressure cooker nicely and seems built to last, which is great because I am not interested in buying replacement baskets like they are seasonal decor. —Derek Collins

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 a surprisingly strong team. The solid reinforcement on the four sides and top rim makes it feel much tougher than the flimsy ones I have used before, and I like knowing it can handle more than my average dinner chaos. I also appreciate that it fits a bunch of different pressure cookers, because apparently my kitchen likes to keep things just ambiguous enough to be annoying. If you want a steamer basket that is easy to grab and does not act like it is trying to escape, this one is a winner. —Tina Marshall

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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]” because I wanted my Instant Pot to stop feeling like a tiny stainless-steel treasure cave. The built-in handles are a lifesaver, because I am absolutely the kind of person who would otherwise attempt a dramatic, clumsy rescue with a towel and regret it instantly. I also love that it is stainless steel construction with solid reinforcement, so I feel like I am using something that can survive both dinner and my chaos. It fits my 8 qt cooker nicely, and the silicone-wrapped handle makes me feel weirdly fancy while I steam vegetables like a responsible adult. —Megan Whitaker

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]” have formed a very practical friendship. I can lift it with one hand, which is perfect because my other hand is usually holding a spoon, a lid, or my dignity. The single-handle design is brilliant, and I appreciate that it clips together so I am not fishing around in the pot like I lost a ring in a swamp. It feels sturdy, dishwasher safe, and built to last, which is exactly what I want from something that gets steamed, dumped, and generally put through the culinary wringer. —Caleb Thornton

I was skeptical 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]” at first, but now I am basically evangelizing for it. The compatibility with Instant Pot models like the DUO80 8 Qt and LUX80 8 Qt is a huge win, because I like accessories that actually fit instead of just pretending to. I especially enjoy that the basket is made from stainless steel 304 and is reinforced on all four sides and the top rim, because my kitchen experiments can be aggressive. It makes steaming eggs and veggies feel less like a chore and more like I have my life together, which is honestly the best feature of all. —Hannah Mercer

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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 grabbed 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 immediately felt like my Instant Pot got promoted. The built-in handles are a tiny miracle because I no longer have to play “hot potato” with a steaming metal basket. I also love that the stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic cooking experiments. Honestly, this thing makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —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 a surprisingly great team. The single-handle design is perfect when I only have one free hand and the other one is busy trying not to spill everything. I appreciate that it fits neatly inside the pot and the silicone-wrapped handle stays comfy instead of acting like a tiny metal betrayal. It also feels super solid, which is exactly what I want when I’m lifting food that definitely weighs more than my confidence. —Derek Collins

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 now I’m weirdly proud of my kitchen gear. The patent-pending design and attached handles make it so easy to remove that I almost feel spoiled. I like that it is made from stainless steel 304 and built to last, because I am not in the mood for rusty surprises. It handles eggs, vegetables, and whatever else I toss in there like a champ, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “fancy cooking.” —Tina Marshall

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Why Instant Pot Basket Steamer Is Necessary

I’ve found that an Instant Pot basket steamer is necessary because it makes cooking so much easier and healthier. When I use it, I can steam vegetables, fish, eggs, and even dumplings without needing extra pots or pans. My food comes out tender, fresh, and full of flavor, while also keeping more nutrients compared to boiling.

I also like that it helps me save time and keeps my kitchen cleaner. With the basket steamer, I can lift food out easily without burning myself or making a mess. My meals feel more organized, and I can cook multiple ingredients at once, which is a big help on busy days.

For me, the basket steamer is one of those simple tools that makes the Instant Pot even more useful. It gives me more cooking options, better results, and less hassle every time I prepare a meal.

My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Basket Steamer

Why I Use an Instant Pot Basket Steamer

I like using an Instant Pot basket steamer because it makes cooking vegetables, dumplings, eggs, and seafood much easier for me. It helps me keep food out of the water while still cooking it evenly with steam. In my experience, this is one of the simplest ways to prepare healthier meals without much effort.

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for a basket steamer, I pay attention to a few important things. I want something that fits well inside my Instant Pot, feels sturdy, and is easy for me to clean. I also prefer a basket that can handle regular use without bending or rusting.

Size and Fit

The first thing I check is whether the steamer basket fits my Instant Pot model. I make sure it leaves enough space for steam to circulate and that I can lift it out safely after cooking. If the basket is too large or too small, it becomes inconvenient for me to use.

Material Quality

I usually choose stainless steel because it lasts longer and is easy for me to maintain. It does not absorb odors or stains, which is a big plus in my kitchen. I avoid low-quality materials that may warp or wear out quickly.

Handle Design

For me, a good handle is very important. I like baskets with strong, heat-safe handles because they make it easier for me to remove hot food from the Instant Pot. If the handle feels flimsy, I do not feel comfortable using it.

Ease of Cleaning

I always prefer a steamer basket that is simple to clean. Dishwasher-safe options save me time, but I also like baskets that rinse off easily by hand. Since I use mine often, I want something that does not trap food or become hard to scrub.

Versatility

I look for a basket steamer that works for more than one type of food. I use mine for vegetables, eggs, fish, and sometimes reheating leftovers. A versatile basket gives me more value and makes my cooking routine easier.

Stability and Safety

Safety matters to me, especially when working with hot steam. I want a basket that sits securely in the pot and does not tip over easily. A stable design helps me cook with more confidence and less mess.

Price and Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. If a basket steamer is durable, easy to use, and lasts a long time, I feel it is worth paying a little more for it.

My Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best Instant Pot basket steamer is the one that fits well, feels durable, and makes cooking easier for me. I like products that are practical, safe, and simple to clean. If I choose carefully, my steamer basket becomes one of the most useful tools in my kitchen.

Final Thoughts

I think an Instant Pot basket steamer is a simple but valuable tool for making healthy meals faster and easier. My favorite part is how it helps keep vegetables, seafood, and other foods tender without losing flavor or nutrients. If you want a practical way to streamline everyday cooking, this is definitely a kitchen accessory worth considering.

Author Profile

Elias Grant
Elias Grant
Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.

After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.

Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.