Original Salbree Steamer Basket for Instant Pot Review: Perfect Fit at $19.99

The Verdict

If you own an Instant Pot and you’re still boiling vegetables in a separate pot, you’re doing it wrong. The Salbree Steamer Basket is the $20 fix that turns your pressure cooker into a legit vegetable steamer, egg cooker, and seafood poacher. With 7,808 ratings holding a 4.7-star average, it’s clearly earned its place in the Instant Pot accessory hall of fame. But is it right for your kitchen? Let’s dig in.

What You Actually Get

The package contains one steamer basket, nothing more — no trivet, no silicone sling, no bonus accessories. That’s fine, because the basket itself does the heavy lifting. It’s constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, which is the food-grade standard you want. The basket expands to a full 8 inches in diameter and stands 4.75 inches tall, designed specifically to sit inside 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot liners.

The standout feature is the silicone-coated handles. They fold down flat when you need the lid to seal properly, then pop up for easy lifting. Unlike bare metal handles that scorch your fingers, these stay cool enough to grab even right after the pressure releases. The basket also collapses flat for storage — a genuine space-saver if your cabinets are as crowded as mine.

Real-World Performance

Here’s where the Salbree earns its keep. The perforation pattern is aggressive enough to allow maximum steam circulation, which means even cooking throughout. I’ve run broccoli, cauliflower, baby potatoes, and frozen dumplings through it, and everything came out evenly cooked without the dreaded soggy-bottom problem you get from overcrowded steamers.

It’s also become my go-to for hard-boiled eggs. The basket holds a dozen eggs comfortably, and the steam circulation means they peel cleanly every time. The 18/8 steel doesn’t react with acidic foods either — I’ve steamed lemon-herb fish fillets directly in the basket with zero metallic aftertaste.

The collapse mechanism is genuinely useful. Push down on the center, and it flattens to about an inch thick for drawer storage. It takes a bit of force to snap it back into shape, but that’s a sign of a secure lock-up, not a defect.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The 7,800+ ratings tell a consistent story. One reviewer sums it up: “Fits my 6-quart Instant Pot perfectly. The silicone handles are a game-changer — I can lift the whole basket out without needing a separate tool.” Another notes, “I’ve had mine for two years and it still looks brand new. No rust, no warping, even after running it through the dishwasher.”

The handle design gets repeated shout-outs. Unlike other steamer baskets that require a separate silicone sling or tongs to retrieve, the Salbree’s built-in handles eliminate the fumbling. Multiple reviewers mention that the handles fold down flush, so the Instant Pot lid seals properly — a detail that cheaper knockoffs overlook.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the limitations. This basket does not fit the 3-quart Mini Instant Pot. The 8-inch diameter is simply too wide. If you own a Mini, look for Salbree’s smaller version instead.

The perforations are roughly 1/8 inch wide, which means small items — peas, corn kernels, quinoa — will escape into the liquid below. You’ll need a mesh liner or parchment paper for those, which adds an extra step.

A few users report the handles feel stiff when unfolding initially. It’s a minor gripe — they loosen up with use — but if you have arthritis or limited hand strength, this might be frustrating.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You own a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot and want a dedicated steaming basket that does double duty as an egg cooker. It’s also ideal for meal-preppers who batch-cook vegetables — the basket holds a full pound of broccoli florets without crowding.

Skip it if: You have a 3-quart Mini, you only steam tiny grains, or you already own a collapsible silicone steamer you’re happy with. The Salbree is better than silicone options, but it’s not a necessity if your current setup works.

FAQ

Q: Does this work in an air fryer lid? A: Yes, the basket fits under the Instant Pot air fryer lid, but the handles need to be folded down. It works well for crisping vegetables, though the basket takes up significant vertical space.

Q: Can I use it in a regular stockpot? A: Absolutely. The 8-inch diameter fits most standard 6-quart and larger stockpots. The handles fold down, so it works even with a lid on.

Q: Is it dishwasher safe? A: Yes, the stainless steel and silicone handles are both top-rack dishwasher safe. Hand washing is gentler, but the dishwasher won’t damage it.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

The Salbree Steamer Basket is one of those rare accessories that genuinely improves how you use your Instant Pot. It’s well-constructed, thoughtfully designed, and priced fairly at $19.99. The only real reasons to pass are size compatibility issues or a preference for smaller-grain steaming.

Buy it if you want perfectly steamed vegetables, easy-peel eggs, and a basket that doesn’t require fumbling with tongs. Skip it if you own a Mini or you’re already satisfied with a silicone alternative. For everyone else, this is the steamer basket your Instant Pot has been waiting for.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.