How Do You Use A Steam Basket
Steam baskets are a great way to get your clothes clean. You can use them to steam clothes, curtains, upholstery, and even the car. Heres how to use a steam basket: 1) Fill the basket with water and add the desired amount of laundry soap. 2) Put the items you want to steam into the basket and cover them with the lid. 3) Turn on the heat to medium or high and wait until the water begins to boil. 4) Let the steam work its magic for about 10 minutes, or until the items are clean. 5) Remove the items from the steamer and let them cool before putting them in storage.
Collapsible Instant Pot Steamer Basket
The nice thing about a collapsible steamer basket is that it opens and closes to accommodate different sizes of pots.
The downside is that they can be somewhat shallow in depth, reducing their ability to accommodate much food.
This particular model is made with stainless steel and includes a safety hook tool to use when removing the basket from the Instant Pot.
However, in my opinion, thats just one more thing to fumble with when trying to remove hot food, and one more thing to keep up with in a sea of kitchen tools. But, it does help to keep your hand away from the steam.
The manufacturer says the steamer can expand to fit 3-quart, 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models, as the steamer can have a diameter between 5.5 and 9.5, depending on how far it is expanded.
I appreciate that it collapses down, giving it a small footprint for easy storage.
It does have silicone wrapping around the feet of the basket. Silicone feet can sometimes be difficult to keep clean.
But if you want a flexible option that can fit more than one size pot, this collapsible model could be the best steamer basket for you.
How To Use Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
To use the air fryer lid, simply attach it to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and turn it to lock. Select the air fryer option and set a temperature and time. Hit the Start button and let the air fryer warm up! Once its ready, itll prompt you to add food. You can add your food into the air fryer basket, the dehydrating tray, or just add it straight to the stainless steel inner pot .
Put the lid back on the unit and cook! Halfway through, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp will prompt you to turn the food to prevent burning. Remove the lid , turn the food, and put the lid back on. This cooking method in delicious fried and crispy foods!
Tip: This is a quick overview for how the lid works! Be sure to read the instructions and safety tips that come with your unit before cooking anything in it.
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Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot: Which Is Healthier
It all depends on what youre cooking and the ingredients you put inside of them.
Say youre cooking a cheesy bacon casserole in the Instant Pot and chicken or chickpeas in the air fryer, says Maguire. Then the air fryer would win this challenge. On the other hand, if the bacon is going in the air fryer and youre making a veggie soup in the Instant Pot, then the healthy meter goes in the other direction.
How To Use The Steam Rack In An Instant Pot
The instant pot steam rack acts as a platform for the food and prevents your food from coming into contact with the water, which rests below. To use it, first, add water to the instant pot then place the steam rack at the bottom, ensure it doesnt move then set your food in a bowl and position the bowl on the rack.
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This site also appreciates that the legs of this basket are silicone-free, so food doesnt get stuck in the gaps between the silicone and the metal. Keep in mind that this is a smaller basket designed for smaller pots, so it may not fit your larger pot.
This basket is removable and features a retractable handle to make it easier to take it out of the pot and place it on the counter so you can serve vegetables from the steamer basket. The basket does not have legs of its own and is not very large . This stainless steel basket is strong enough and holds its shape well, and the silicone coated handle makes it very easy to remove it from the multicooker. pot and protect your hands from sunburn.
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This basket is great for holding vegetables and preventing them from falling into the pot. The point is to lift the food out of the water and hold it in what looks like a bowl or basket.
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Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
This stainless steel steamer basket is similar to the mesh one I recommend, but in a more solid stainless steel. This makes it particularly sturdy.
Fitting both 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots, it has a fold-down handle thats covered with heat-resistant silicone that makes it easy to remove from the Instant Pot.
Because its 5 tall, it has a greater capacity than many smaller steamer baskets.
The solid construction allows this basket to double as a strainer, so it could be particularly useful for other purposes beyond steaming.
For instance, if you want to make a big batch of broth in your Instant Pot, you can keep the bones and scraps within the basket, then you can easily pull those out of the broth after cooking.
This stainless steel basket is dishwasher safe, too! As with all steamer baskets, rinse shortly after cooking to prevent food from sticking to the holes.
Cheesecakes & Other Baking Needs
Who wants a cheesecake with a soggy crust? Nobody thats who. While the springform pan is the most vital accessory for making the perfect dessert slice, a trivet is necessary for getting the right texture.
Unlike the oven method, you need water to cook anything in the Instant Pot. This is how it comes to pressure. While the pan provides a barrier, a trivet keeps it lifted and fully out of the water allowing for even cooking throughout. Check out these 10 incredible Instant Pot cheesecakes recipes for inspiration.
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Who Should Buy The Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid
The Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is a good choice for someone who uses a multicooker often but also wants to air fry on occasion. I stress often because if you tend to use an air fryer far more than an Instant Pot, pressure cooker or multicooker, this model is far bulkier and heavier than most solo air fryers.
I personally air fry far more than I use a multicooker so Im happy with my small and light 2.6-quart Magic Bullet air fryer and its nonstick basket. I leave it on my counter most times, whereas my multicooker is stored in a closet until Im ready to use it.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is bulkier than most air fryers and it also requires more cleanup after an air frying session than Im used to. It also takes about five minutes to preheat, while most other air fryers dont need preheat time at all. That said, once it was ready to cook, this machine air-fried, broiled and roasted with the best of em.
I liked the new Duo Crisp fine, but the originalDuo Crisp without the built-in air fryer lid can be had for about $130. For my money, thats the better pick if youre looking for a machine that does it all. If you already have a 6-quart Instant Pot you like, grab the air frying lid for $70 or on sale for $55 at Crate & Barrel.
What Is A Steamer Basket
In short, a steamer basket is a standard accessory that fits inside an Instant Pot and allows the steam to penetrate the veggies. It usually has stilts and handles so its easy to use, and it can be made from stainless steel , mesh, silicone, or other food-grade materials.
Luckily, there are lots of different products on the market and everyone can have their pick. For instance, you can get a stacked basket, which allows steaming on different levels and of different foods. There are also sectional steamers, which you can use while cooking other foods.
Still, the main purpose of the steamer basket is to hold the food and make sure the food doesnt touch the water or liquid . This way, the food is exposed to the hot steam and becomes tender and ready to eat.
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Do All Instant Pots Come With A Trivet
Instant pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Pressure Cooker, Stainless Steel is a versatile appliance that can be used for cooking rice, making soups, steams, and more. Some users complained that the Instant Pot didnt come with a trivet an accessory designed to elevate food off the bottom of the pot which made it difficult to pour out cooked food. An online search showed that some Instant Pots do come with trivets, while others do not. Whether or not your Instant Pot comes with a trivet may depend on the model you purchase.
What Is A Trivet
An Instant Pot trivet is a stainless steel rack that holds food or food containers above the liquid in the inner pot.
The instant pot trivet with handles has two metal hinges on the sides. They act as handles for you to lift the trivet with the cooked food or containers out of the Instant Pot.
This tool is particularly useful for steaming, pressure-steaming, and cooking with the Pot-in-Pot method.
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Lack Of Instruction And Smart Programs
While I used the manual function on my old Instant Pot more often than the smart programs, they can be really helpful if you are new to Instant Pot cooking. It is also worth noting that the pot didnt come with a ton of documentation about using the air fryer function, which left me a bit confused since there arent many recipes online yet, either! Luckily, I found that, for the most part, following traditional air fryer recipes and adding more time as needed works just fine!
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Can You Put A Mason Jar In A Pressure Cooker
It seems like a basic question can you put a Mason jar in a pressure cooker? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. In fact, you can use a Mason jar as an improvised pressure cooker if you dont have one available or if you need to save space.
To use a Mason jar as a pressure cooker, fill it with enough water to cover the jars inside and add 1-2 cups of uncooked rice. Put the Mason jars in the pressure cooker and close the lid. Set the timer for 10 minutes and when it goes off, quick release the steam by opening the pressure cooker lid slowly. Serve your cooked rice hot!
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Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Air Fryer Lid turns your existing Instant Pot into an air fryer enabling you to Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat, & Dehydrate food. This air fryer is great if you have a regular Instant Pot already as the lid comes separately along with an air fryer basket that goes inside the pot.
A lot of Instant Pot veterans are excited about the Air Fryer Lid. You can pressure cook in the Instant Pot, then switch the lid to the Air Fryer Lid to broil or crisp up the food. The hassle of transferring dishes to broil in the oven are long gone with this new accessory. Or you can insert the basket and make crispy chicken wings just with the Air Fryer function.
Please note that Air Fryer Lid is only compatible with stainless steel inner pots and NOT compatible with ceramic inner pots. Air Fryer Lid is NOT compatible with the following models: Smart WiFi 60, Smart Bluetooth, Duo Evo Plus 60, Duo SV 60 or Max 60 nor is it interchangeable with other pressure cookers brands. Before purchasing check the model you currently own.
Does The Instant Pot Come With A Trivet
Yes! If you have an Instant Pot, you have a trivet. Every Instant Pot model should include a stainless steel trivet rack that fits perfectly inside the liner.
Since I have 8 or 9 Instant Pots, Ive found that the design of the trivet actually changes based on the size and model of your pot. No matter what it looks like, theyll all have the same function!
Even if your electric pressure cooker isnt an Instant Pot brand, it will almost always come with one. If you dont have one or have lost one, you can always purchase a metal or silicone trivet for your Instant Pot separately.
Watch my Instant Pot 101 series for everything you could possibly need to know about how to use your Instant Pot! This video series includes great tips for beginners to ensure you have success using your Instant Pot.
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Silicone Pressure Cooking Sling
This tool is designed specifically for pot-in-pot cooking to help lift things out of the Instant Pot.
- Pros: I love that its FLAT along the bottom and feels sturdy. Its dishwasher safe.
- Cons: The hexes along the bottom are a little too large for vegetables or other small things, so its not a particularly multifunctional accessory.
Best Instant Pot : Our Top 6 Multi
Find the best Instant Pot for your kitchen, with the help of our reviews of the Duo, Pro, Crisp, and even a few alternatives from Ninja
Choosing the best Instant Pot can be overwhelming. After all, its an expansive line, with a range of functions and capacities to choose between. That includes the Duo, Pro, and Crisp lines, all of which have various differences that will make them more suited to some users than others. So, which is the best Instant Pot for you?
Weve been busy reviewing all the best Instant Pots over the past few months to bring you our top picks, and weve also included a few alternatives from Ninja, which have in-built crisper lids as well as pressure cooking functions. A lot of Instant Pots come with crisper lids too, meaning they will double up as the best air fryers, as well as steaming or pressure cooking any food you could hope to make.
One of the major perks of owning an Instant Pot this time of year is the sealed-in, compact design. On a hot day, the last thing you want to do is pour over a hot stove, but the best Instant Pot will do all the cooking for you, and it will prevent your kitchen from overheating while it works. And when your meals are done, you can expect to put all removable parts in the dishwasher to take all the effort out of mealtimes. For our top picks of the six best Instant Pots, keep on reading.
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Cooking Multiple Instant Pot Recipes Together
I frequently cook different foods that have approximately the same cooking time together. This is one of my favorite Instant Pot trivet hacks!
- Add 2 cups of water and place a steam rack on the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Place a bowl containing the first food on top of the trivet.
- Add a second steam rack on the bowl.
- Place the second bowl of food on the top rack.
Tall Trivets Without Handles
Tall trivets come in different heights. These long-legged racks are useful for elevating the foods above the level of a larger quantity of liquid in the Instant Pot.
I use these trivets mainly for pot in pot cooking when I want to cook two foods together and the first food is directly in the inner pot and the second food is in a separate oven safe container on the steam rack. The height of the trivet allows the second food to sit well above the first food.
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Multiple Appliances In One
This was the biggest sell for me, as I live in an apartment and dont have a huge amount of storage space. Im a bit of a kitchen appliance junkie, so Ive had my eye on an air fryer for a long time but couldnt justify the space it would take up, especially since I already own a toaster oven that can produce pretty similar results. The fact that the Duo Crisp combines multiple appliances into one is a huge plus for me!
Reviews: Ultrean Air Fryer
Rating: 4.7 stars
The details: This 4.2-quart air fryer allows you to grill, roast, bake and fry your favourite foods using a fraction of the fat of other appliances. The unit has an auto switch-off timer and an adjustable temperature setting .
Promising review: Its the most used appliance in my kitchen, writes one shopper. I have used it to cook every kind of meat, poultry and fish, they say. love it.
Rating: 4.3 stars
The details: Never suffer through burnt toast again with this innovative see-through toaster from Dash. The device has extra-wide slots for bagels, specialty breads and waffles, and it boasts a see-through window so you can keep an eye on whats cooking inside.
Promising review: The Amazons Choice toaster has racked up thousands of five-star reviews from shoppers who call it surprisingly useful and stylish.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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