A steamer basket turns a pot you already own into a steamer. You add a little water, set the basket on its feet above the water line, put on the lid and let the steam do the work. Some baskets fold open like petals, while others are fixed inserts with their own lid.
The six baskets below range from a folding 5.6 to 9.25 inch model to a covered insert for 2 to 4 quart saucepans. Sizes, materials and features come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these baskets ourselves, and the makers’ claims are described as theirs.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size range | A folding basket should open wide enough for your pot and close small enough to store |
| Feet | Feet keep food above the water and, when silicone, protect the pot |
| Handle | A removable or extending handle makes lifting out easier |
| Lid | Covered inserts hold steam in, while folding baskets use your own pot lid |
Specs at a Glance
| Basket | Size | Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid Universal | 10 in; 6.4 x 6.4 x 2.8 in | Adjustable handle | Soft-touch feet; hand wash recommended |
| Amazon Basics Extendable | 5.6 in folded; 9.25 in open | Petals open and close on their own | Silicone feet; dishwasher safe |
| Cuisinart CTG-00-SS | 10.5 in | Expandable handle; collapsible | Lifetime warranty per listing |
| Instant Pot Mesh Set | 8.67 in diameter; 2 baskets | Mesh with lift handles | Works as a strainer too; raised feet |
| Anolon Covered Insert | 2.79 qt; 10.98 x 8.22 x 6.2 in | Fixed insert with lid | Fits 2, 3 and 4 qt sauce pots; oven safe to 500 F |
| Chef Craft Classic | 6 in folded; 9.5 in open | Folding, three legs | Silicone feet |
The 6 Best Steamer Baskets
1. KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket, 10-Inch
A round stainless steel basket that sits over boiling water in pots, pressure cookers or multi-cookers. The handle extends and locks for filling and carrying, then retracts to fit under a lid, and soft-touch feet lift the basket above the water.
Suits: a general-purpose basket for several pots. Strengths: a handle that retracts and soft-touch feet. Weaknesses: the listing recommends hand washing. Skip it if you want a basket that folds flat.
View KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket, 10-Inch, Stainless Steel on Amazon
2. Amazon Basics Extendable Steamer Basket
A stainless steel basket whose petals open and close automatically, from 5.6 inches folded to 9.25 inches open. It has heat-safe silicone feet that protect cookware and is dishwasher safe.
Suits: small and mid-size pots. Strengths: a wide folding range and easy cleaning. Weaknesses: tops out at 9.25 inches. Skip it if you cook in a very wide pan.
3. Cuisinart CTG-00-SS 10.5 Inch Stainless Steel Steamer
A 10.5 inch stainless steel steamer with an expandable handle for lifting and a collapsible build for storage. The listing says it is dishwasher safe and backed by a lifetime warranty. The listed weight (0.33 g) is clearly a typo, so we leave weight out.
Suits: larger pots. Strengths: a collapsible design and an expandable handle. Weaknesses: the listing gives few details. Skip it if you want full dimensions before you buy.
View Cuisinart CTG-00-SS 10.5 Inch Stainless Steel Steamer on Amazon
4. Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set
A set of two stainless steel mesh baskets, each 8.67 inches across, with raised feet and easy-lift handles. The maker lists the pair as a steamer and a strainer and describes it as made for the Instant Pot, with a 6 quart capacity listed.
Suits: multi-cooker owners. Strengths: two baskets and a strainer use. Weaknesses: a fixed size. Skip it if you need a basket that expands.
5. Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer Insert
A 2.79 quart stainless steel insert with a lid and dual riveted handles. It fits tulip and straight-sided 2, 3 and 4 quart sauce pots, and the listing says it is oven safe to 500 degrees F and dishwasher safe. Its induction line reads No.
Suits: saucepan steaming with a lid. Strengths: a fitted lid and riveted handles. Weaknesses: bulkier to store. Skip it if you cook on induction or want a folding basket.
View Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer Insert on Amazon
6. Chef Craft Classic Steamer Basket
A stainless steel folding basket, 6 inches across closed and 9.5 inches expanded, with three legs and silicone feet so it does not scratch pots. The listing says it fits an Instant Pot and is dishwasher safe.
Suits: a plain folding basket. Strengths: a wide range and silicone feet. Weaknesses: little detail on the handle. Skip it if you want a lid included.
View Chef Craft Classic Steamer Basket, 6 inch Diameter 9.5 inch Expanded, Stainless Steel on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Measure your pot’s inside width before choosing a size.
- Keep the water level below the basket so food sits in the steam.
- Use oven mitts when lifting out a hot basket.
- Dry the hinges of folding baskets after washing.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting water touch the food.
- Choosing a basket wider than the pot.
- Skipping the lid on a folding basket.
- Assuming every model is dishwasher safe.
Steamer Basket FAQ
Will a folding basket fit my pot?
Check the folded and open sizes against your pot’s inner width.
Do I need a lid?
Yes. Only the Anolon includes one, so the others use your pot lid.
The Short Version
For a retracting handle, the KitchenAid. For a self-opening basket, the Amazon Basics. For larger pots, the Cuisinart. For multi-cookers, the Instant Pot set. For a lidded insert, the Anolon. For a plain folding basket, the Chef Craft.
