How to Use Instant Pot Trivet: Easy Tips for Perfect Results

Many people buy an Instant Pot to make cooking faster and easier, but one small accessory often gets ignored: the Instant Pot trivet. This simple tool can change how you cook with your pressure cooker. Whether you want to steam vegetables, cook eggs, or make a perfect cheesecake, the trivet helps you get better results. But to use it well, you need to understand not just how to place it in the pot, but also when and why to use it. If you have wondered how to use your trivet for more than just keeping food above water, you are in the right place.

In this guide, you will learn all the details about using the Instant Pot trivet. You will discover what it is, how it works, and the many ways it can help you prepare meals. If you are new to the Instant Pot, or even if you have used it for a while, you will find tips here that can make your cooking easier, safer, and more delicious. Get ready to unlock new possibilities in your kitchen with just this one accessory.

What Is An Instant Pot Trivet?

The Instant Pot trivet is a metal rack that sits inside your Instant Pot. It usually comes with the appliance, but you can buy different shapes and sizes if you want more options. Most are made of stainless steel. The trivet has short legs to keep your food above the liquid at the bottom of the pot. Some trivets have handles for easy lifting, while others are simple rings or racks.

You might hear other names for it, like “steam rack” or “pressure cooker rack.” They all mean the same thing: a stand that holds your food above water or broth so it can steam or cook gently. By using a trivet, you avoid burning your food or making it too soggy.

Why Use A Trivet In Your Instant Pot?

The main reason to use a trivet is to keep your food from touching the liquid at the bottom of the pot. Here’s why that matters:

• Even cooking: When food sits above the liquid, steam surrounds it. This cooks food evenly, especially for delicate items like fish or eggs.
• No burning or sticking: Placing food on the trivet prevents it from sticking to the bottom, which can cause burning and make cleaning harder.
• Better texture: Some foods, like dumplings or steamed vegetables, need to be lifted out of the water so they don’t become mushy.
• Layered meals: You can cook several parts of your meal at once. For example, rice on the bottom and chicken on the trivet above.
• Cheesecake and desserts: Many desserts need gentle, moist heat. The trivet holds the pan above the water, making perfect cheesecakes and flans.

Types Of Trivets For Instant Pot

Not all trivets are the same. Your Instant Pot may come with a basic one, but you can buy different styles for special uses. Here are the most common types:

Tip: Stainless steel trivets last longer and are safe for all foods, but silicone trivets are easier to handle when hot.

How To Set Up Your Instant Pot Trivet

Setting up your trivet is simple, but a few key details make a big difference:

• Check the pot size: Make sure your trivet fits flat inside your Instant Pot’s inner pot. It should not touch the sides too tightly, or it can be hard to remove.
• Add liquid: Always pour water or broth into the pot before adding the trivet. Most recipes need at least 1 cup (250 ml) of liquid for pressure cooking.
• Place the trivet: Set the trivet in the pot so it sits flat. The legs should be stable.
• Put food on top: Arrange your food or pan on the trivet. Make sure nothing falls through the gaps.
• Check handles: If your trivet has handles, fold them down or up as needed to fit under the lid.

Non-obvious insight: Make sure the handles don’t get caught under the sealing ring, or the lid may not close properly. This mistake is common for beginners.

Basic Uses Of The Instant Pot Trivet

You can use the trivet in many ways. Here are the most popular:

1. Steaming Vegetables

Place cut vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or beans on the trivet above water. Close the lid, set the timer for 0–2 minutes (depending on the vegetable), and use quick release. The veggies will be crisp and bright.

2. Cooking Eggs

Put eggs directly on the trivet (or use an egg rack). Add water, pressure cook for 5 minutes, and quick release. This makes easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs.

3. Making Cheesecake

Place your cheesecake pan on the trivet above water. This gives gentle, even heat and avoids soggy bottoms. Always cover the pan with foil to prevent water drops.

4. Steaming Fish

Lay fish fillets on the trivet with lemon slices. Add water and pressure cook for 3–5 minutes. The trivet keeps fish tender and easy to remove.

5. Reheating Leftovers

Put leftovers in a heat-safe bowl on the trivet. Add water below, then steam to reheat. This avoids drying out food in the microwave.

Practical example: If you want to steam dumplings, line the trivet with parchment paper. This keeps delicate dough from sticking or breaking.

Advanced Ways To Use The Instant Pot Trivet

The trivet can do more than you might expect. Try these less obvious uses:

1. Pot-in-pot Cooking (pip)

This means placing a smaller dish or bowl on the trivet inside your Instant Pot. You can cook rice, puddings, or side dishes this way, even while cooking something else underneath.

2. Layering Meals

Cook proteins and sides together. Place potatoes or rice in the bottom with water, then add the trivet and put chicken or fish on top. Both will cook at the same time, but stay separate.

3. Baking

You can bake cakes, bread, or brownies in a pan on the trivet. The moist heat keeps desserts soft and prevents burning.

4. Canning Small Jars

Some people use the trivet to process small jars of jam or pickles. The trivet keeps jars from touching the bottom, which can prevent cracking.

5. Making Yogurt

When fermenting yogurt, you can use the trivet to keep jars above the warm water. This gives even, gentle heat for thick, creamy yogurt.

Non-obvious insight: Using the trivet for pot-in-pot cooking lets you make allergy-friendly recipes (like gluten-free cakes) without cross-contamination from the main pot.

Step-by-step Guide: Using The Trivet For Different Foods

Let’s look at step-by-step examples for the most common foods.

Steaming Vegetables

• Add 1 cup water to the inner pot.
• Place the trivet inside.
• Arrange cut vegetables on the trivet.
• Close lid, set to “Pressure Cook” for 1 minute.
• Quick release and open lid.
• Remove vegetables with tongs or a spoon.

Cooking Hard-boiled Eggs

• Pour 1 cup water into the pot.
• Set the trivet in place.
• Arrange eggs on the trivet (they can touch).
• Close lid, set to “Pressure Cook” for 5 minutes.
• Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
• Place eggs in ice water to cool.

Pot-in-pot Rice

• Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot.
• Place trivet inside.
• Put rice and water (as per recipe) in a heat-safe bowl.
• Set bowl on the trivet.
• Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Natural release for 10 minutes, then open.

Baking Cheesecake

• Add 1.5 cups water to inner pot.
• Place trivet inside.
• Set covered cheesecake pan on trivet.
• Pressure cook for 30–35 minutes.
• Natural release for 10 minutes.
• Remove pan carefully using trivet handles.

Pro tip: Always check that your baking pan fits in the pot before cooking. There should be space around the sides for steam to move.

Safety Tips When Using The Trivet

Safety is important when working with pressure and hot steam. Here are key tips:

• Check trivet stability: Make sure the trivet sits flat and does not wobble.
• Use enough liquid: Never pressure cook without at least 1 cup of water.
• Lift carefully: Use tongs, silicone gloves, or the trivet handles. The rack will be very hot.
• Avoid overfilling: Do not pile food so high that it touches the Instant Pot lid.
• Watch for steam burns: Always release pressure before opening the lid.
• Clean after each use: Food can stick to the trivet. Wash it well to avoid odors or rust.

Common mistake: Some people forget the water, which leads to a “burn” warning on the Instant Pot. Always check liquid before starting.

Credit: www.pressurecookrecipes.com

When Not To Use The Trivet

While the trivet is useful, it is not needed for every recipe. Do not use it for:

• Soups and stews: These are meant to cook in the liquid at the bottom.
• One-pot pasta: Noodles and sauce should be mixed together.
• Searing meats: Sauté directly in the pot, then add the trivet if steaming or pressure cooking is needed later.

Tip: If a recipe says “place directly in the pot,” skip the trivet.

Choosing The Right Trivet For Your Needs

Picking the best trivet depends on what you cook most. Here are some things to consider:

• Size: Make sure it fits your Instant Pot model (3, 6, or 8-quart).
• Handles: Handles make it safer to lift heavy dishes like cheesecake.
• Material: Stainless steel is strong and dishwasher-safe. Silicone is easy to store and non-stick.
• Shape: Round trivets fit better, but some square or multi-level racks are good for stacking.
• Special features: Egg racks or stackable layers are useful if you often cook eggs or multi-part meals.

Here’s a quick comparison of trivet types for different needs:

Credit: www.theloveofspice.com

Cleaning And Maintenance

A clean trivet works better and lasts longer. Here’s how to care for yours:

• Wash after each use: Use warm, soapy water or put it in the dishwasher (if safe).
• Scrub stuck food: Use a brush or sponge, not steel wool, to avoid scratching.
• Dry fully: Prevent rust by drying the trivet before storing.
• Check for rust or damage: Replace if the trivet shows signs of rust, bending, or broken welds.
• Store safely: Keep it with your Instant Pot accessories, or hang it on a kitchen hook for easy access.

Non-obvious tip: If food sticks, soak the trivet in hot water and baking soda for 15 minutes before scrubbing.

Troubleshooting Common Trivet Problems

Even with the right steps, things can go wrong. Here are quick fixes:

• Trivet moves around: Check that it is the correct size for your pot.
• Food falls through: Use foil or parchment paper as a liner. Don’t block all holes; leave space for steam.
• Handles are too hot: Use silicone gloves or tongs for safe lifting.
• Trivet rusts: Switch to a higher-quality stainless steel or silicone model.
• Lid won’t close: Rearrange food or fold handles so nothing blocks the seal.

Accessories To Use With Your Trivet

You can combine your trivet with other Instant Pot accessories for more options:

• Steamer basket: Place on top of the trivet for small vegetables or dumplings.
• Springform pan: For cheesecakes and cakes.
• Heat-proof bowls: For pot-in-pot cooking.
• Foil sling: Makes lifting hot pans easier, especially if your trivet has no handles.
• Egg rack: For cooking up to 14 eggs at once.

Practical example: To lift a heavy cake pan, make a sling from aluminum foil and place it under the pan on the trivet. The sling acts like handles for safe lifting.

How The Trivet Affects Cooking Times

Using a trivet can change how quickly food cooks. Food above water heats up with steam, which may be slightly slower than food in direct contact with liquid. Here are some guidelines:

• Vegetables: Usually need 1–2 minutes at high pressure (on trivet).
• Eggs: 5 minutes for hard-boiled (on trivet).
• Cakes: 30–40 minutes (in pan, on trivet).
• Fish: 3–5 minutes (on trivet).
• Pot-in-pot rice: 5–7 minutes (in bowl, on trivet).

Non-obvious insight: If you use a thick pan or a tall bowl, add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time because steam takes longer to reach the center.

Credit: www.bibliotecaoscura.com

Real-life Examples: What People Cook With The Trivet

People use the trivet for many meals. Here are examples from home cooks:

• Meal prep eggs: Make 12 eggs at once for breakfasts all week.
• Steamed veggies for kids: Easy way to make healthy snacks.
• One-pot chicken and rice: Rice in bottom, chicken on trivet.
• Holiday cheesecakes: Moist, crack-free desserts.
• Leftover reheating: No microwave needed, keeps food moist.

Case study: A busy parent uses the trivet every Sunday to cook a week’s worth of eggs and steamed broccoli. It saves time and makes healthy eating easy.

Mistakes To Avoid When Using The Instant Pot Trivet

Even experienced cooks make mistakes. Watch out for these:

• Forgetting the water: No liquid means no steam, no pressure.
• Blocking steam holes: Lining the trivet is fine, but always leave holes open.
• Overfilling the pot: Food should not touch the lid.
• Using wrong trivet size: Makes removal hard and can scratch the pot.
• Lifting with bare hands: Always use oven mitts or tongs.

Non-obvious mistake: Using a glass bowl for pot-in-pot can lead to cracking if the bowl is not labeled “oven-safe.” Always check first.

Comparing Instant Pot Trivets To Other Brands

You might see trivets made by other brands or for other cookers. Are they different?

• Material: Most are stainless steel or silicone.
• Shape: Some are round, others are oval or square.
• Handles: Not all have handles; some are only rings.
• Quality: Brand-name trivets are usually tested for safety.

It’s best to buy trivets made for your Instant Pot model to ensure a good fit.

Where To Buy Instant Pot Trivets

You can find trivets in these places:

• Online: Amazon, Instant Pot’s website, kitchen supply stores.
• In stores: Big-box retailers, specialty kitchen shops.
• Included: Some Instant Pots come with a basic trivet.

Tip: Always check reviews and size before buying. Look for dishwasher-safe and food-grade materials.

For more details on official Instant Pot accessories, see the Instant Pot official accessories page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Main Purpose Of The Instant Pot Trivet?

The main purpose of the trivet is to keep food or pans above the water or broth at the bottom of the Instant Pot. This allows steam to circulate, cooks food evenly, and prevents burning or sticking.

Can I Use A Trivet For Every Instant Pot Recipe?

No, you do not need the trivet for all recipes. Use it for steaming, baking, and reheating, but not for soups, stews, or recipes where food should be in direct contact with the liquid.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Trivet?

If you do not have a trivet, you can use a heat-proof metal rack, a few balls of aluminum foil, or a silicone steamer basket as a temporary solution. However, it’s best to use a trivet made for the Instant Pot for safety and best results.

How Do I Clean A Trivet With Burnt Food On It?

Soak the trivet in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes. Use a non-scratch brush or sponge to scrub off the food. For stubborn spots, add a little baking soda before scrubbing. Most stainless steel trivets are dishwasher safe.

Is It Safe To Use A Silicone Trivet In The Instant Pot?

Yes, a silicone trivet is safe if labeled as “food-grade” and “heat-safe.” Silicone trivets are flexible, easy to clean, and won’t scratch your pot. Just make sure it fits well and does not block the steam release.

Cooking with an Instant Pot can be easy and fun when you use the trivet correctly. This simple accessory helps you cook healthier, tastier meals with less mess. Try new recipes, experiment with layered cooking, and don’t be afraid to use your trivet for more than just steaming vegetables.

With these tips and ideas, you will get the most out of your Instant Pot and enjoy cooking even more.