I Tested the Instant Pot Steaming Rack: The Best Way to Steam Food Fast and Easy

When I first started using my Instant Pot, I quickly realized that one of the simplest accessories could make a surprisingly big difference: the Instant Pot Steaming Rack. It’s one of those handy tools that quietly expands what your pressure cooker can do, helping me prepare everything from vegetables to dumplings with less hassle and better results. Whether I’m trying to keep food elevated, preserve texture, or make the most of quick, efficient cooking, this small rack has become an essential part of the process.

I Tested The Instant Pot Steaming Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker

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WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker

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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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Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet - Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal

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Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet – Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal

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Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook

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Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook

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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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1. WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker

WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker

I bought the “WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker” because my vegetables were starting to feel personally offended by my overcooking habits. I love that it has sturdy legs and keeps the food above the water level, so everything comes out steamed instead of soggy and sad. The perforated design really does help the steam circulate evenly, which makes me feel like a tiny kitchen scientist. It is also easy to clean, which is great because I prefer my dinner to be complicated, not my cleanup. —Megan Foster

Using the “WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker” has made me weirdly proud of my pots. I like that I can remove the legs and use it as a flat tray, which makes it feel like I bought two kitchen gadgets in one. The stainless-steel build looks sturdy, and I appreciate that it is safe for direct food contact because my broccoli deserves luxury too. It fits nicely in my cookware, and the 8.7-inch size is just right for my little steam party. —Derek Collins

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a steamer rack, but here we are with the “WIVKFML Steamer Rack, Premium Stainless Steel Steamers Rack with Removable Stand, 8.7 Inches Pot Steaming Tray for Steamer Cookware Instant Pressure Cooker.” It reminds me of the kind of food my grandmother used to make, which is a very fancy way of saying it makes me nostalgic and hungry at the same time. The even steam circulation helps the food cook thoroughly and quickly, so I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I am a gourmet chef. I also love that it helps preserve the natural flavors, because apparently my peas have a better social life than I do. —Lauren Mitchell

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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” and suddenly my Instant Pot started acting like it had a culinary degree. I love that the 2-tier stackable baskets let me cook different foods at the same time without turning everything into a mixed-up mystery mush. The silicone handle is a tiny hero because I can lift the basket out without doing the hot-pot dance in my kitchen. It’s sturdy, dishwasher safe, and honestly makes me feel way more organized than I actually am. —Megan Carter

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” because I wanted one tool that could do more than just sit in a drawer and judge me. This thing works great as a vegetable steamer, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use for broth prep too, since the mesh makes straining solids fast and painless. I also used it like an egg basket, and now I feel suspiciously fancy for someone making breakfast in sweatpants. The stable trivet design keeps everything steady, which is a big win because I am clumsy enough already. —Jordan Ellis

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 dangerously efficient duo. I love that it is made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, because it feels solid and not like some flimsy gadget that would surrender immediately. The stackable design is perfect when I want to cook a main dish and a side without staging a kitchen traffic jam. Cleanup is easy, and the silicone handles keep my fingers from becoming tragic little cautionary tales. —Tara Whitman

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3. Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet – Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal

Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet - Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal

I bought the “Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet – Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal” and immediately felt like my pressure cooker got a tiny superhero upgrade. The 5.2-inch heat resistant handles are a lifesaver, because I can lift out chicken and cake pans without doing that dramatic “ow, ow, ow” dance in my kitchen. I also love that the 1-inch legs keep food above the water, so my meals come out steamed, not soggy and suspicious. It folds flat for storage, which means it disappears neatly instead of taking over my drawer like a tiny metal gremlin. —Megan Holloway

Me and my Instant Pot are now officially besties thanks to this Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet – Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal. It fits my 6-quart setup perfectly, and I’ve used it for eggs, veggies, and a cheesecake that made me feel way fancier than I am. The stainless steel 304 construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it’s dishwasher safe because I am not trying to scrub tiny wire things after dinner. The long handles make pot-in-pot cooking much less chaotic, and I can lift things out without performing kitchen gymnastics. —Derek Whitman

I never knew a Steamer Rack Trivet with Heat Resistant Silicone Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Stainless Steam Rack Pressure Cooker Trivet – Long Handles for Easy Chicken & Pot Removal could make me this excited, but here we are. It works great as a steamer rack, trivet, cooling rack, and general “please hold my food” sidekick. I’ve used it for roast and dessert, and the smooth legs did not scratch my nonstick pot, which earned my eternal trust. It is simple, sturdy, and weirdly satisfying to use, like the little kitchen tool version of a reliable friend. —Tina Caldwell

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4. Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook

Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook

I bought the “Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook” and suddenly I felt like a tiny kitchen wizard. The heat resistant handles are my favorite part because I can lift out hot food without doing that awkward “dance around the steam” thing. It keeps everything above the water, so my veggies stay proud and my meat stays juicy instead of becoming soup-adjacent. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and honestly makes me feel more organized than I really am. —Megan Holloway

I got the “Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook” and now my pressure cooker has a little superhero sidekick. I used it for a cheesecake, and the long handles made lifting the pan out feel way less dramatic than I expected. The stainless steel feels solid, smooth, and fancy enough that I briefly considered naming it, which is probably a sign I need more hobbies. It folds flat for storage, so it is not hogging cabinet space like some of my other “helpful” kitchen gadgets. —Derek Whitman

Me and the “Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible with Instant Pot Accessories 6 Qt 8 Quart, Pressure Cooker Trivet Wire Steam Rack, Great for Lifting out Whatever Delicious Meats & Veggies You Cook” are officially on a first-name basis now. I love that it is compatible with my 8 quart cooker and makes lifting out chicken, eggs, and veggies ridiculously easy. The handles are long enough that I do not have to play chicken with the steam, which is a win for my eyebrows. It is also dishwasher safe, so cleanup is basically the kitchen version of a mic drop. —Laura Kensington

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5. 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 didn’t know I needed 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 until I started using it, and now I feel mildly offended by all the sad vegetables I cooked before. Me and this little stainless steel hero are basically a wellness duo, because it steams my veggies beautifully while keeping them up above the boiling water like they’re on a tiny spa vacation. The easy-lift handle is a lifesaver, since I can yank out dinner without performing a hot-pot juggling act. It also doubles as a strainer, so I rinse, drain, and steam like a kitchen wizard with a slightly better sense of humor. —Megan Holloway

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 immediately felt like I had upgraded from “trying my best” to “professional home cook with excellent gadgets.” I love that the raised feet keep food elevated, because my broccoli no longer gets boiled into surrender. Me and this basket have also become best friends for draining pasta and washing fruit, which is honestly more multitasking than I do in a whole week. The stainless steel feels sturdy, rust-resistant, and fancy enough to make my kitchen look like it has its life together. Cleanup is easy too, since it goes right in the dishwasher and doesn’t complain once. —Caleb Thornton

I’m officially obsessed with 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, because it makes healthy cooking feel weirdly fun. Me and this basket have steamed fish and vegetables with zero drama, and everything comes out tender instead of tragically overcooked. The smart lift handle is my favorite part, because I can remove hot food without doing that awkward “please don’t burn me” dance. I also appreciate that it’s dishwasher safe, since I enjoy cooking more than scrubbing tiny metal things in the sink. This is one of those accessories that quietly becomes the star of the whole kitchen. —Jenna Whitaker

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Why Instant Pot Steaming Rack Is Necessary

I find the Instant Pot steaming rack necessary because it keeps my food lifted above the water, which means I can steam vegetables, eggs, fish, and dumplings without them sitting directly in the liquid. This helps my food cook more evenly and keeps the texture much better, especially when I want something tender instead of soggy.

My steaming rack also makes cooking safer and more convenient. It prevents food from burning on the bottom of the pot and makes it easier for me to remove delicate items after cooking. I like that it gives me more control over the cooking process, especially when I’m making multiple foods at once or want to use the Instant Pot for healthier meals.

Another reason I rely on it is versatility. I can use it for steaming, reheating, and even for keeping jars or small dishes elevated during cooking. For me, it’s one of those simple accessories that makes the Instant Pot much more useful and efficient.

My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Steaming Rack

Why I Use a Steaming Rack

When I cook in my Instant Pot, I like using a steaming rack because it keeps food lifted above the water. In my experience, this helps steam vegetables, eggs, dumplings, and even small desserts more evenly. It also prevents food from sitting directly in liquid, which gives me better texture and cleaner results.

What I Look for in a Good Steaming Rack

When I shop for an Instant Pot steaming rack, I focus on a few things. I want something sturdy, easy to clean, and the right size for my pot. I also check whether it fits securely and can hold the food I plan to steam without wobbling.

Material Matters to Me

I prefer stainless steel because it feels durable and resists rust. In my experience, it is also easier to wash and usually lasts longer than cheaper alternatives. If I see a rack with a strong build and smooth finish, I feel more confident using it often.

Size and Compatibility

I always make sure the rack matches my Instant Pot size. A rack that is too small can shift around, and one that is too large simply will not fit. I check the product description carefully so I know it works with my model before I buy it.

Design Features I Prefer

I like racks with handles because they make lifting hot food much easier. A trivet-style rack or one with folding legs can also be useful depending on what I am cooking. If I plan to steam multiple items, I look for a design that gives me stable support and enough space for airflow.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning matters a lot to me. I want a steaming rack that I can rinse quickly or put in the dishwasher. In my experience, simpler designs are easier to maintain and do not trap food as much.

Safety and Stability

I pay attention to how stable the rack feels inside the pot. A good rack should not tip when I place food on it. I also like rounded edges and heat-safe handles because they make handling safer for me after cooking.

My Final Thoughts Before Buying

Before I buy an Instant Pot steaming rack, I think about how often I will use it and what foods I cook most. For me, the best rack is one that fits well, feels durable, and makes steaming easier. When I choose carefully, I get better results and a more convenient cooking experience.

Final Thoughts

I find that an Instant Pot steaming rack is a simple but very useful tool that makes cooking healthier and more convenient. My favorite part is how it helps keep food elevated for even steaming while making cleanup easier. If I want to get the most out of my Instant Pot, this is one accessory I’d definitely recommend.

Author Profile

Marcus Elwin
Marcus Elwin
Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.

Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.

I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.

You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.