Steaming is one of the healthiest and most efficient cooking methods, and your Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple. The right steamer basket elevates this function, allowing you to prepare perfect vegetables, dumplings, tamales, and more with ease. A good basket prevents food from becoming waterlogged, preserves nutrients, and enables versatile “pot-in-pot” cooking.
With numerous options available, from collapsible stainless steel to stackable silicone inserts, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the top eight Instant Pot steamer baskets for 2025, detailing their unique features and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen.
The Best Instant Pot Steamer Baskets for Your Kitchen
- Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt Instant Pot
- Kitchen Deluxe Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Basket, Non-Toxic
- Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling
- Kirecoo 3.2QT Steamer for Cooking – Stainless Steel
- Instant Pot Stainless Steel Steamer Basket Insert
- Instant Pot Steamer Basket with Silicone Handles
- Miusco Stainless Steel Steamer Basket for Instant Pot
Original Salbree Steamer Basket for 6 qt Instant Pot
The Salbree steamer basket is designed with user convenience as a top priority. Its patent-pending design includes permanently attached handles that clip together, creating a secure and easy-to-grip mechanism. This means you no longer have to reach deep into a hot Instant Pot to retrieve your food, making the process much safer and more comfortable.
Constructed from durable, dishwasher-safe 304 stainless steel, this basket is built to last. The solid reinforcement on all four sides and the top rim adds significant strength and stability. The handles have been rigorously tested to lift up to 20 pounds, far exceeding the weight of most steamed foods, ensuring reliability during every use.
Kitchen Deluxe Vegetable Steamer Basket for Instant Pot
This Kitchen Deluxe set offers exceptional value, bundling a premium steamer basket with useful extras. The basket itself is made from 100% stainless steel and features a unique collapsible design that opens like a water lily. This allows it to adjust and fit various pot sizes, not just your Instant Pot, and it collapses down for compact storage.
Beyond the versatile basket, the package includes an ultra-sharp julienne peeler for prepping vegetables and a dedicated safety tool with a removable center loop for easy and safe removal from hot cookers. To help you get started, you also receive a downloadable recipe eBook full of healthy steaming ideas sent directly to your email.
Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Basket
For those who prefer silicone kitchen tools, this official Instant Pot steamer basket is an excellent choice. Made from non-toxic and BPA-free materials, it offers a flexible and lightweight alternative to metal baskets. Its soft structure makes it easy to clean and store, conforming to the shape of your Instant Pot’s inner pot for a great fit.
A key advantage of this basket is its stackable design. You can stack two of them high within a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot, which is perfect for dehydrating tasks or steaming different foods in layers. The material is heat resistant up to 450°F (230°C), ensuring it holds up well under standard cooking temperatures.
Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling
The Aozita set takes “pot-in-pot” cooking to a new level of versatility. It includes two stackable 18/8 stainless steel pans that allow you to cook two different foods simultaneously in your Instant Pot. This is ideal for preparing a complete meal, like steaming rice in one pan and vegetables or fish in the other, all at once.
This set comes with two interchangeable lids, significantly increasing its functionality. One lid is a steaming lid with holes for circulating steam, while the other is an air-tight lid suitable for baking, cooking, reheating, or even storing leftovers. A sling is included for safe and easy insertion and removal of the hot pans from your cooker.
Kirecoo 3.2QT Steamer for Cooking
The Kirecoo is more than just a basket; it’s a complete, dedicated stovetop steamer pot that is also useful for Instant Pot users who need extra capacity. The pot features a 3-layer clad bottom with aluminum core for fast and even heating, and it works on all stovetop types, including induction.
This set includes a steamer basket that also functions as a colander, making it simple to drain pasta or wash vegetables. The ergonomic handles are wrapped in silicone to stay cool, and the transparent glass lid lets you monitor your food without releasing heat and steam. It’s a highly versatile piece of cookware for any kitchen.
Instant Pot Stainless Steel Steamer Basket Insert
As an official accessory from the brand itself, this stainless steel steamer basket is engineered for a perfect fit and performance in compatible Instant Pot models. You can trust that it is designed to the correct dimensions, ensuring stable placement and efficient steam circulation for consistent cooking results every time.
The all-stainless steel construction promises durability and easy cleaning, being dishwasher safe. Its simple, perforated design is effective for a wide range of foods, from hard-boiled eggs to broccoli florets. For those who prefer to stick with first-party accessories, this basket is a reliable and straightforward option.
Instant Pot Steamer Basket with Silicone Handles
This basket combines the best of both worlds: the durability of stainless steel with the safety and comfort of silicone. The silicone handles remain cool to the touch during use, providing a secure and comfortable grip when lifting the basket out of a hot Instant Pot. This design greatly reduces the risk of burns.
The stainless steel body ensures even heating and long-term reliability. The handle design often includes a hook or rest feature, allowing you to safely place the hot basket over a bowl or plate without making a mess. It’s a thoughtful design focused on safety and user experience.
Miusco Stainless Steel Steamer Basket for Instant Pot
Miusco offers a robust steamer basket built from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel. It is designed to be corrosion-resistant and dishwasher safe, promising easy maintenance and a long service life. The construction is solid, capable of holding a substantial amount of food without bending or warping.
Many models feature a central handle or side handles for balanced and easy lifting. The perforations are optimally sized to allow ample steam through while preventing smaller food items from falling into the water below. It’s a no-fuss, highly functional basket that gets the job done effectively.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Instant Pot Steamer Basket
Choosing the right steamer basket for your Instant Pot can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve tested my fair share, and I can tell you that a few key factors make all the difference between a basket you use once and one that becomes a kitchen staple. Let’s break down what you should be looking for.
First up is material. This is probably the most important decision. You’ll mainly find stainless steel and silicone. Stainless steel baskets are my personal favorite for their durability and stability. They don’t absorb odors and can handle heavier items like artichokes or a bunch of potatoes without sagging. Silicone baskets are great because they’re often collapsible for easy storage and usually come with handles that make lifting food out super simple. Just make sure any silicone is food-grade and BPA-free.
Next, consider the size and fit. Not all 6-quart Instant Pot models have the exact same inner diameter, so you need a basket that sits comfortably inside your pot without forcing it. It should rest securely on the inner lip, leaving a little space around the sides for steam to circulate properly. A basket that’s too big is useless, and one that’s too small might tip over. If you have an 8-quart model, you’ll need to specifically look for a basket designed for that larger size to get the most cooking space.
Then there’s the handle design. This might seem minor, but it’s a huge quality-of-life feature. Long, heat-resistant handles are a must. Some stainless steel baskets have handles that fold down for storage, while others are fixed. Silicone baskets often have large loop handles that are easy to grab, even with oven mitts on. The goal is to be able to safely and easily lift a basket full of hot food out of the pot without burning yourself or dropping your dinner.
Finally, think about the base and perforations. A basket with very large holes is fine for big vegetables but will let smaller items like green beans or broccoli florets fall through. Many baskets solve this with a fine mesh base or come with a removable liner for smaller foods. Some even have a solid base that lets you use them for pot-in-pot cooking, which is incredibly versatile. When you are searching for the 8 best Instant Pot steamer baskets 2025, paying attention to these small design details will ensure you get a tool that truly works for your cooking style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular steamer basket in my Instant Pot?
You can, but only if it fits correctly. The basket must sit above the bottom of the inner pot without touching it, usually on the included trivet or its own legs. It also can’t be so wide that it blocks the steam release valve on the lid. For the best and safest results, I recommend using a basket specifically designed for the Instant Pot’s dimensions.
What’s the difference between a stainless steel and a silicone steamer basket?
The main differences are durability, stability, and storage. Stainless steel is more rigid, so it’s better for heavier foods and will last for years. It doesn’t fold, so it takes up more drawer space. Silicone is flexible, often collapsible for easy storage, and typically has very user-friendly handles. However, very heavy items can cause some silicone baskets to sag. It really comes down to your personal preference and what you plan on steaming most often.
How do I prevent my food from tasting like other things I’ve cooked in the basket?
This is a common concern, especially with porous foods like fish. The best way to prevent flavor transfer is to clean your basket thoroughly right after use. For stainless steel baskets, a good soak in hot, soapy water usually does the trick. Silicone can sometimes hold onto smells; I find washing it with a little vinegar or baking soda helps neutralize any lingering odors. Storing it completely dry also prevents smells from setting in.
Is a steamer basket worth it if my Instant Pot came with a trivet?
While the trivet is useful, a dedicated steamer basket is a significant upgrade. A trivet is just a rack, so smaller foods can fall through the gaps. A basket contains all your food, makes it much easier to lift everything out at once, and often provides a more even steaming surface. If you steam vegetables, dumplings, or eggs regularly, a proper basket is absolutely worth the small investment.
Can I cook frozen vegetables directly in a steamer basket?
Yes, you absolutely can! This is one of the handiest uses for an Instant Pot steamer basket. There’s no need to thaw them first. Just place the frozen vegetables in the basket, add one cup of water to the pot, and cook on high pressure for 0-2 minutes (depending on the vegetable) with a quick release. It’s a fast and easy way to get a healthy side dish on the table. When considering the 8 best Instant Pot steamer baskets 2025, look for one with a fine mesh if you often cook frozen peas or mixed vegetables to prevent them from falling into the water below.