Trivet for Instant Pot: Types and Uses
Wondering what's the deal about that metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot? Read on to discover the different Instant Pot trivet types and how to put them to use!
If you’re a new Instant Pot owner, you might come across recipes in your Instant Pot cookbook that might ask you to use something called a trivet, and if you’re confused and wondering what it actually is, here’s a quick guide to help you make sense of it.
Read on to discover the different Instant Pot trivet types and how to put each of them to use.
So What’s a Trivet?
A trivet is basically a fancy word for a slightly raised steaming rack that can sit inside the inner pot of your Instant Pot. What it actually does is that it allows you to place foods above the water or liquid level in the pot, which is great if you’re planning to steam foods in the pot.
Regardless of which Instant Pot model you own, you’ll most definitely have this accessory already- it comes as a part of the package. Some people also refer to it as a steam rack, which is true, because that’s actually what it does.
How Can I Use it?
The Instant Pot trivet is actually a super versatile accessory. You can use it to whip up so many different meals and use it to-
- Boil eggs
- Steam delicate foods like fish
- Make a cheesecake
- Steam veggies like asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, beet and carrots.
- Steam meats such as chicken, ribs and roasts
- Make lasagna and casserole
- Make perfectly steamed rice
- Avoid the burn message on your Instant Pot
- Make a loaf of bread
- Pressure cook potatoes quickly
- Cook two different dishes at the same time by double stacking!
- Steam larger chunks of meat and poultry
- Cook meats separately from the sauce
- Make creme brulee...or a creme brulee cheesecake
Different Instant Pot Trivets
Different Instant Pot Trivets
While most Instant Pot models pack in a trivet too, some of them have handles, while others do not- it all depends on the model you pick.
If you’re planning to purchase an additional trivet for your Instant Pot, here I will explain the small differences between some of them so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Trivet, Fits 5, 6 or 8Qt Models.
This is the first option you can consider due to the ease of use. If you want a trivet that makes cooking easier for you consider opting for an option with handles since they help you lift the trivet out of the inner pot easily. Pick a good quality, sturdy trivet, preferably one that’s crafted out of stainless steel.
Compatible with Instant Pot 6 & 8 qt Accessories, Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Trivet Stand for Pressure Cooker.
You’ll also find a silicone trivet that’s launched by the brand itself and is great if you’re looking for an easy to clean and dishwasher-safe variant.
What’s best is that this trivet won’t scratch the inner surface of the pot as well. This trivet may be one of the accessories that you use the most with your Instant Pot. Thanks to its long handles you can easily remove the food from the inner pot.
Compatible with 6-quart and 8-quart cookers.
There are also some tall-legged trivets that come in different heights- they help elevate the food above the liquid, and are perfect when the amount of liquid in the inner pot is high.
These types of trivets are very useful for pot-in-pot recipes.
For example, when two recipes have the same cooking time, you just add the trivet with a stackable pan and that's it. You will have one meal directly in the pot and the other meal on top.
Set of 2, Compatible with 6-quart & 8-quart cookers and Official Silicone Egg Bites Pan with Lid.
And of course, there’s also a super convenient egg steamer rack, which can serve its purpose and also double up a regular trivet.
This tool makes hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs easier to cook and handle. You can choose between 7 and 14 eggs to cook at the same time. And with this rack, it will be very easy to transport and peel them once cooked.
Other Instant Pot Accessories
- Instant Pot Accessories that Make Pressure Cooking Easier
- Exploring the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and Air Fryer Accessories
- Instant Pot Duo Plus Pressure Cooker Review and Accessories
- Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Review and Accessories
In the end...
If you’re wondering which one you should pick, well, it all depends on what you personally prefer. Ideally, the basic trivet with handles or the silicone trivet should work just fine for you if you have been using the Instant Pot to cook simple recipes and don’t want anything too complicated or fancy.
