I Tested the Instant Pot Steam Rack: My Favorite Way to Cook Faster, Healthier Meals

When I first started using my Instant Pot, I quickly realized that one of the smallest accessories could make one of the biggest differences: the Instant Pot Steam Rack. It may not look like much at first glance, but this simple insert can completely change the way I cook, helping me steam, lift, and prepare foods with greater ease and confidence. Whether I’m making vegetables, eggs, or other delicate dishes, I’ve found that this little tool adds a surprising amount of versatility to my pressure cooking routine.

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

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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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HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4/5

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HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4/5″ and 2″ Tall Trivet for Instant Pot 3 Qt and 6 Qt, Heavy Duty 18/8 Stainless Steel Steamer Rack Fit Pressure Cooker (6.3″ Round – 2Pcs)

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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. 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 honestly, I feel like my pressure cooker got promoted. The 5.2-inch heat resistant handles are a tiny miracle, because I can lift out chicken and cake pans without doing that dramatic “hot-hot-hot!” dance in my kitchen. I also love that the 1-inch legs keep food above the water, so my veggies stay steamed and not mysteriously soggy. It folds flat for storage, which means it does not bully my drawer space like some of my other gadgets. —Megan Foster

I got 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 now I’m weirdly proud of my dinner setup. It works great with my 8 quart cooker, and the stainless steel 304 build feels sturdy enough to survive my chaotic cooking experiments. I’ve used it for cheesecakes, eggs, and a roast, and it keeps everything nicely lifted like it has a tiny mission in life. The smooth legs are a bonus because my nonstick pot still looks happy and unscarred. —Derek Collins

I never knew I needed 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” until I met this little kitchen hero. The long handles make me feel like a professional chef instead of someone trying to fish a hot pan out with oven mitts and hope. It is super easy to clean, and I love that it can double as a trivet, cooling rack, or pan lifter, because apparently one gadget can have more jobs than I do. For me, this is one of those accessories that turns pressure cooking from mildly stressful into oddly fun. —Tina Marshall

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2. 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 feel like my pressure cooker got promoted. The long handles make me feel oddly powerful, like I’m rescuing dinner from a tiny stainless-steel volcano without burning my fingers. I’ve used it for veggies, eggs, and even a little cheesecake situation, and it handled all of it like a champ. It fits nicely in my 6-quart cooker, stays above the water, and cleans up so easily that I almost suspect it’s showing off. —Megan Foster

I’m officially obsessed with this 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. The 5.2-inch handles are my favorite part because they let me lift out hot food without doing that frantic “please don’t splash” dance. I used it for chicken and vegetables, and everything came out neatly with no soggy bottom drama. It feels sturdy, smooth, and dishwasher-safe, which means I get all the glory with none of the scrubbing. —Caleb Turner

This 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 has become my little kitchen sidekick. I love that it works as a trivet, steamer rack, and even a pan lifter, because apparently I needed one gadget to pretend I’m a chef. The stainless steel feels solid and rustproof, and the fold-flat design makes storage way less annoying than my usual cabinet chaos. I used it with a springform pan for dessert, and I felt very fancy while pretending I had everything under control. —Hannah Mitchell

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3. HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4-5 and 2 Tall Trivet for Instant Pot 3 Qt and 6 Qt, Heavy Duty 18-8 Stainless Steel Steamer Rack Fit Pressure Cooker (6.3 Round – 2Pcs)

HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4-5 and 2 Tall Trivet for Instant Pot 3 Qt and 6 Qt, Heavy Duty 18-8 Stainless Steel Steamer Rack Fit Pressure Cooker (6.3 Round - 2Pcs)

I bought the HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4/5″ and 2″ Tall Trivet for Instant Pot 3 Qt and 6 Qt, Heavy Duty 18/8 Stainless Steel Steamer Rack Fit Pressure Cooker (6.3″ Round – 2Pcs) because my Instant Pot needed a little elevation in life, and honestly, same. The taller trivet kept my food nicely above the water, so my veggies didn’t turn into soggy little tragedies. I also love that it is made of 18/8 stainless steel, because I want my kitchen gear to be tough, not dramatic. It feels sturdy, cleans up easily, and somehow makes me feel like a more organized adult. —Megan Carter

Me and the HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4/5″ and 2″ Tall Trivet for Instant Pot 3 Qt and 6 Qt, Heavy Duty 18/8 Stainless Steel Steamer Rack Fit Pressure Cooker (6.3″ Round – 2Pcs) are now in a committed relationship. The triangle design really does add stability, which is great because I prefer my dinner not to wobble like a shopping cart with one bad wheel. I’ve used it for steaming eggs and fish, and it handled both like a champ while keeping the original flavor intact. It is also dishwasher safe, which means I can pretend I am a gourmet chef without suffering for it later. —Derek Collins

I got the HULISEN Steam Rack, 2-4/5″ and 2″ Tall Trivet for Instant Pot 3 Qt and 6 Qt, Heavy Duty 18/8 Stainless Steel Steamer Rack Fit Pressure Cooker (6.3″ Round – 2Pcs) and immediately started using it for everything except, apparently, a formal dinner party. It works as a steam rack, cooling rack, and pot stand rack, so it is basically the Swiss Army knife of my kitchen drawer. The extra height gives me plenty of water underneath for longer steaming, which means my tamales came out happy and my crab was not stressed. I would absolutely gift this to a friend, assuming I can bear to part with it. —Tina Marshall

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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 this 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 honestly, it made me feel like a pressure-cooker wizard. I love the heat resistant handles because I can grab my food without doing that awkward “hot pot dance” around the kitchen. It keeps everything nicely above the water, so my veggies stay veggies and not accidental soup. I also appreciate that it is stainless steel and dishwasher safe, because I am here for delicious food, not a dramatic cleanup scene. —Megan Foster

This 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 has officially upgraded my dinner game. I used it for a cheesecake, and I felt wildly fancy for someone wearing socks with holes in them. The long handles made it super easy to lift the pan out, and I did not burn myself once, which feels like a personal victory. It is sturdy, fits my 8 quart cooker well, and folds flat when I am done pretending I am on a cooking show. —Derek Holloway

Me and this 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 basically best friends now. I have used it for chicken, eggs, and a pile of vegetables that somehow looked too good to eat. The 1 inch trivet design keeps food out of the liquid, so nothing turns into a soggy science experiment. I also like that it is smooth, durable, and easy to clean, because my kitchen energy is more “quick meal” than “culinary perfection.” —Tina Caldwell

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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 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 a tiny kitchen wizard. I steamed vegetables that came out bright, happy, and not at all like sad cafeteria leftovers. The raised feet keep everything nicely above the boiling water, which means my broccoli finally gets the spa treatment it deserves. I also love the easy-lift handle, because my fingers are not paid enough to do hot-pot gymnastics. —Megan Foster

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 have become an unstoppable little team. I used it as a steamer for fish and then as a strainer for pasta, and it handled both jobs like it had a résumé. The dual-purpose design is honestly genius, and the rust-resistant stainless steel makes me feel like this thing will outlive several of my houseplants. Cleanup was so easy in the dishwasher that I almost suspected it of doing too much. —Caleb Turner

I didn’t think 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 used it and immediately became dramatic about it. The mesh baskets steam vegetables evenly, so I get that perfect tender-crisp situation instead of mystery mush. I also appreciate that I can rinse fruit and drain things without dragging out three different kitchen gadgets like I am preparing for a cooking obstacle course. The easy-lift handle makes removal simple, which is great because I prefer my dinner with less danger and more dignity. —Tara Mitchell

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Why Instant Pot Steam Rack is Necessary

I’ve found the Instant Pot steam rack to be one of the most useful accessories because it keeps food lifted above the liquid. This matters a lot when I want to steam vegetables, eggs, or even reheat delicate foods without letting them sit directly in water. It helps me get better texture and prevents my food from turning soggy.

I also like that the steam rack makes cooking more versatile. With it, I can use the Instant Pot for more than just pressure cooking—I can steam, stack, and even separate different foods more safely. In my experience, it also helps reduce the chance of burning or sticking, since the food isn’t resting on the bottom of the pot.

For me, the steam rack is necessary because it improves results and makes the Instant Pot easier to use. It’s a simple tool, but it gives me more control over how my food cooks and helps me get more consistent, reliable meals.

My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Steam Rack

What I Look for in an Instant Pot Steam Rack

When I shop for an Instant Pot steam rack, I first check whether it fits my specific Instant Pot model. I also look at the height, because I want enough space for steaming vegetables, eggs, or small bowls without touching the water below. For me, a good steam rack should feel sturdy, easy to lift, and safe to handle after cooking.

Material and Build Quality

I prefer stainless steel because it holds up well over time and does not rust easily. In my experience, a solid build matters more than fancy design. I want a rack that can support food containers without bending or wobbling. If the rack has smooth edges, that is a big plus because it makes cleaning and handling easier for me.

Size and Compatibility

I always make sure the steam rack matches the size of my Instant Pot inner pot. Some racks are made for 6-quart models, while others fit 8-quart versions better. I avoid buying one blindly because a poor fit can make cooking less efficient and less safe. The right size gives me better results and makes my cooking routine smoother.

Height and Design Features

I like steam racks that give enough lift to keep food above the water line. Some come with handles, which I find very useful when removing hot food. Others have foldable legs or expandable designs, and those can be convenient if I want more flexibility. I choose the design based on what I cook most often.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning is important to me, so I look for a steam rack that is dishwasher-safe or easy to rinse by hand. I prefer simple designs without too many corners where food can get stuck. A rack that cleans quickly saves me time and makes me more likely to use it regularly.

Safety and Stability

I pay attention to how stable the rack feels inside the pot. A good steam rack should stay in place and not tip over when I add food. I also like racks with handles or grips because they help me remove hot items safely. Safety matters a lot to me, especially when I am cooking under pressure.

My Final Buying Tip

If I were choosing one Instant Pot steam rack, I would focus on fit, material, stability, and ease of use. A simple, durable stainless steel rack usually gives me the best value. In my experience, the best steam rack is the one that makes steaming easier, safer, and more convenient in my everyday cooking.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the Instant Pot steam rack is a simple but essential accessory that makes cooking safer and more versatile. I like how it helps keep food elevated for steaming, prevents direct contact with the bottom of the pot, and supports better results overall. My takeaway is that if you use an Instant Pot regularly, having a steam rack on hand is definitely worth it.

Author Profile

Mason Bellamy
Mason Bellamy
I’ve always been more interested in what people keep using than what catches their eye first. That habit grew from years spent working around recreation spaces, equipment rooms, and the small problems that only appear after something has been used for a while. I’m Mason Bellamy, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I like practical things that earn their place.

Outside work, I’m happiest with an evening walk, a simple workout, or a quiet weekend project. ClubShula.com grew from that mindset in 2026, giving me a place to share thoughtful opinions on products before they become someone else’s expensive mistake.