Are Steamer Baskets Necessary for Instant Pots?
Using instant pot accessories can help you get the most out of this incredible cooking device, enabling you to go beyond traditional recipes. However, a steamer basket is the most versatile accessory for the instant pot because it offers many benefits, such as saving time, simplifying cleaning, and allowing you to cook healthier meals.
It would be wise to get a steamer basket for your instant pot. If you have an instant pot, you can use a trivet or colander instead of a steamer basket, but without one, you won’t steam appropriately. The trivet will not work for small pieces of food that may fall into the water, and the colander may not fit into your instant pot.
Are you wondering whether a metal steam basket can be used in the instant pot? Keep reading to find out. Moreover, you’ll learn whether the instant pot comes with a steamer basket, how to use a steamer basket, and how steamers work. You will also learn about the right size of a steamer basket for an instant pot.
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Does a Steamer Basket Come with Instant Pot?
Steamer baskets are not included with instant pots as standard accessories. The instant pot comes with a trivet (a metal rack that keeps food out of the water) that is used to steam vegetables, but it may not be recommended.
Because lifting a trivet can be challenging, and food can fall off in the water if you are not careful while using it. However, the eggs and potatoes can be cooked quickly using a trivet.
The best way to achieve your desired results is using a steamer basket. The steamer baskets are easy to find, and it is a one-time purchase. The steamer baskets are very affordable and durable and can last long for a long time.
Should You Use a Metal Steamer Basket in an Instant Pot?
Metal steam baskets are the best for instant pots as they provide optimal heat distribution without releasing toxins. Stainless steel is a metal, and stainless steel steamers are the most common among people around the globe.
Further, the metal steamers are heat resistant and durable, and also they resist denting, warping, and damage. In addition, if you have to buy a metal steamer, make sure it is made of a thick layer of metal because the thickness is a good indication for metal steamers as flimsy metal can dent from heavy use.
This oxo metal steamer basket is one of the top-rated stainless steel steamer baskets that come with extendable handles. You can check out the current prices of this metal steamer basket on Amazon here.
Nonetheless, never use a low-quality metal steamer in your instant pot as it may melt due to high pressure and temperature and damage your pressure cooker. The low-quality metal can leach into your food at high temperatures, leaving toxins in the food, making it unhealthy. Therefore, use high-quality metal steamers to avoid any health risks.
How to Use a Steamer Basket in an Instant Pot?
The steamer basket makes steaming vegetables and other food very easy. We explained how you could use the steamer basket to steam food in the following.
- Add food to the steamer basket: First, select a steamer basket that fits your instant pot. Add your food to the steamer basket.
- Put the steamer basket in the cooker: Pour 1-2 cups of water into the instant pot as this water will heat up and create the steam to cook your food. Now, put the steamer basket filled with food in the instant pot, but keep the food out of the water.
- Cook for a set amount of time: Place your instant pot on the stove and cook for time according to your food. It is advisable to cook it for a specific time to avoid overcooking or undercooking. After cooking, remove your instant pan from the stove, release its pressure, and lift the steamer basket carefully. Voila, your steamed food is ready.
How Does a Steamer Basket Work?
If a steamer basket fits into your instant pot without scratching it, you can use it. You have to select a steamer basket according to the circumference of your instant pot. The most commonly used pot sizes are 3 quarts (diameter: 11 inches approx.), 6 quarts (diameter: 13 inches approx.), and 8 quarts (diameter: 15 inches approx.), but most of the regular steamer baskets will not fit a 3-quart pressure cooker.
Therefore, while buying a new steamer basket, keep in mind the size of your instant pot; otherwise, it may not fit in existing vessels.
In addition, different sizes and types of steamer baskets are available, such as stacked and sectional steamer baskets, etc., which allow you to steam a variety of foods simultaneously.
Read Also: Are Kitchen Pot Racks Out of Style?
What Size Steamer Basket Do You Need for an Instant Pot?
If a steamer basket fits into your instant pot without scratching it, you can use it. You have to select a steamer basket according to the circumference of your instant pot. The most commonly used pot sizes are 3 quarts (diameter: 11 inches approx.), 6 quarts (diameter: 13 inches approx.), and 8 quarts (diameter: 15 inches approx.), but most of the regular steamer baskets will not fit a 3-quart pressure cooker.
Therefore, while buying a new steamer basket, keep in mind the size of your instant pot; otherwise, it may not fit in existing vessels.
In addition, different sizes and types of steamer baskets are available, such as stacked and sectional steamer baskets, etc., which allow you to steam a variety of foods simultaneously.
Conclusion
In summary, one can state that the steamer basket is the best tool for people who wish to eat healthily. Although it can revolutionize your instant pot cooking experience, you will have to purchase it separately to use it. As long as it is heat resistant and fits into your pot without scratching it, you can use any steam basket in the instant pot.
