How to Use Instant Pot Trivet the Right Way
If you have ever opened your Instant Pot box and wondered what that little metal rack is for, you are not alone. I remember looking at mine and thinking, “Do I really need this?” The answer is yes. Learning how to use Instant Pot trivet properly can make eggs, potatoes, vegetables, meat, and pot-in-pot meals much easier.
I’m Daniel Brooks, and in my home kitchen, the trivet is one of the Instant Pot tools I use the most. It keeps food lifted above the water, helps steam cook evenly, and makes it easier to remove pans or larger foods from the pot.
In this guide, I’ll show you what the trivet does, how to place it, when to use it, what foods work best, and which mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
To use an Instant Pot trivet, place it inside the stainless steel inner pot with the legs down and the rack surface facing up. Add the required liquid to the bottom of the pot, then place food or an oven-safe dish on top of the trivet. Close the lid, set the valve as your model requires, and cook using the correct Instant Pot setting. The trivet keeps food above the liquid so it steams instead of boiling.
What Is an Instant Pot Trivet?
An Instant Pot trivet is a small metal steam rack that sits inside the inner pot. Most Instant Pot models include one in the box. Some have handles, some are flat, and some are taller than others.
The main job of the trivet is simple: it lifts food above the water or broth. That small gap matters. It lets steam move around the food, which helps cook it without soaking it in liquid.
I use the trivet when I want food to stay firmer, cleaner, or easier to lift out. Think of it like a little platform inside the pot.
- It keeps eggs above the water.
- It helps potatoes steam instead of sit in liquid.
- It holds a cake pan or bowl for pot-in-pot cooking.
- It keeps meatloaf or fish from getting soggy.
- It makes some foods easier to remove after cooking.
If you are unsure about your exact model, it is smart to check the official Instant Pot product manuals. Different models may have small differences in buttons, liquid amounts, and steam release controls.
How to Use Instant Pot Trivet Step by Step
The good news is that the trivet is easy once you understand the order. The part that trips up many new users is the liquid. The Instant Pot needs liquid to build steam pressure. The trivet does not replace the liquid. It only lifts the food above it.
- Place the inner pot inside the Instant Pot base. Always cook with the stainless steel inner pot in place.
- Add liquid. Most recipes call for water, broth, or another thin cooking liquid.
- Put the trivet in the pot. Place it with the legs down so the rack sits above the liquid.
- Add the food. Place food directly on the trivet or put an oven-safe dish on top.
- Close the lid. Make sure the lid is locked and the sealing ring is fitted correctly.
- Choose the cooking setting. Use Pressure Cook, Steam, or another setting based on your recipe.
- Release pressure safely. Use natural release or quick release as the recipe says.
| Food | How to Use the Trivet | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Place eggs on the rack above water. | Helps them steam evenly and makes removal easier. |
| Potatoes | Set whole potatoes directly on the trivet. | Keeps them from getting waterlogged. |
| Vegetables | Use a steamer basket on top of the trivet. | Keeps vegetables tender but not mushy. |
| Cheesecake | Place a springform pan on the trivet. | Lifts the pan above the water for gentle steam cooking. |
| Meatloaf | Set a pan or foil packet on the trivet. | Keeps the loaf away from excess liquid. |
Best Uses for an Instant Pot Trivet
The trivet is best when you want steam, not boiling. It is also useful when you need to cook one food in a separate dish inside the pot. This is called pot-in-pot cooking.
Pot-in-pot cooking is one of my favorite uses because it keeps food separate from the liquid below. You can cook rice in a bowl, reheat leftovers, make oatmeal, or cook a small dessert without the food touching the bottom of the pot.
Use It for Steaming
Steaming is the most common trivet job. Eggs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and fish can all work well. For small vegetables, I suggest using a steamer basket on top of the trivet so pieces do not fall through.
Use It for Pot-in-Pot Cooking
For pot-in-pot meals, place water in the inner pot, set the trivet inside, then place an oven-safe bowl or pan on top. Stainless steel bowls, oven-safe glass bowls, and silicone pans are common choices. Always make sure the dish fits without blocking the lid.
Use It for Foods You Want to Lift Out
The handles on many trivets help lift food out of the pot. I use the handles for cheesecakes, egg bite molds, small pans, and foil packets. Use oven mitts because the trivet gets very hot.
How Much Water Do You Need With a Trivet?
The amount of water depends on your Instant Pot model and the recipe. Many 6-quart recipes use about 1 cup of water, while larger models may need more. The key is that you need enough thin liquid for the pot to build steam.
Do not use thick sauces as your only liquid unless the recipe is made for that. Tomato sauce, cream sauce, gravy, and thick marinades can scorch on the bottom. Water or broth is safer for pressure cooking.
| Instant Pot Size | Common Starting Liquid Amount | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3 quart | About 1/2 to 1 cup | Small meals, eggs, small potatoes, leftovers |
| 6 quart | About 1 cup | Most everyday home recipes |
| 8 quart | About 1 1/2 to 2 cups | Larger batches and bigger foods |
Here’s the thing: more water is not always better. Too much water can make delicate food wetter than you want. Too little water can cause a burn warning or stop the pot from reaching pressure. Follow the recipe first, then adjust with experience.
- Use water for plain steaming.
- Use broth for more flavor under meat or vegetables.
- Use a thin liquid, not a thick sauce.
- Keep food above the liquid when steaming.
- Check your model manual if you are unsure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the liquid: The Instant Pot needs liquid to create steam and pressure.
- Putting the trivet upside down: Most standard trivets sit with the legs down and handles up.
- Overfilling the pot: Food needs space, and pressure cookers have fill limits.
- Using the wrong dish for pot-in-pot cooking: Use only oven-safe, pressure-safe containers that fit well.
- Grabbing the trivet with bare hands: It gets very hot after cooking.
- Skipping food safety checks: Pressure cooking is fast, but safe temperature still matters.
Expert Tips from Daniel Brooks
Cleaning and Safety Notes
After cooking, remove the food first, then let the trivet cool enough to handle safely. Wash it with warm soapy water or place it in the dishwasher if your manual says it is dishwasher-safe.
Pay attention to the small spaces in the rack. Bits of egg, potato skin, rice starch, or meat juices can hide there. A small brush helps if food is stuck.
I also like to follow the basic food safety habits from FoodSafety.gov’s clean, separate, cook, and chill guidance, especially when I use the trivet for meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
- Wash the trivet after each use.
- Keep raw meat juices away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Use oven mitts when removing hot racks or pans.
- Dry the trivet before storing it.
Key Takeaways
- The Instant Pot trivet lifts food above liquid so steam can cook it.
- Always add the needed liquid before pressure cooking.
- Use the trivet for eggs, potatoes, vegetables, fish, desserts, and pot-in-pot meals.
- Use oven-safe dishes for pot-in-pot cooking.
- Clean the trivet well after each use and handle it carefully when hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the trivet in an Instant Pot?
No, you do not have to use the trivet for every recipe. Use it when you want food lifted above the liquid, such as eggs, potatoes, vegetables, fish, cheesecakes, or pot-in-pot meals. For soups, stews, beans, and saucy meals, you usually do not need it.
Which way does the Instant Pot trivet go?
Most Instant Pot trivets go in with the legs down and the rack surface facing up. If your trivet has folding handles, the handles usually point upward so you can lift food out more easily. Check your model manual if the shape looks different.
Can food touch the water when using the trivet?
For steaming, it is best if the food stays above the water. A little contact is not always a disaster, but food may turn softer or wetter. If you want a true steamed texture, keep the water below the rack.
Can I use foil instead of an Instant Pot trivet?
You can use a tight foil coil or foil balls in a pinch, but a real trivet is more stable. Foil can shift when you add food or remove a pan. For regular use, a stainless steel trivet is safer and easier.
Can I cook meat on the Instant Pot trivet?
Yes, you can cook some meats on the trivet, especially if you want them above the cooking liquid. This works well for meatloaf, chicken pieces, fish, and some roasts. Always check doneness with a food thermometer when needed.
Can I put a glass bowl on the Instant Pot trivet?
You can use a glass bowl only if it is oven-safe and fits inside the pot without touching the lid. Avoid thin glass or anything not made for heat. Stainless steel bowls are often my first choice because they are sturdy and heat-friendly.
Why did my Instant Pot say burn when I used the trivet?
A burn warning usually means the pot is not building steam correctly or something is scorching on the bottom. You may not have enough thin liquid, or thick sauce may be sitting under the trivet. Turn the pot off, release pressure safely, check the bottom, and add proper liquid before trying again.
Conclusion
Once you understand it, the Instant Pot trivet is not confusing at all. It is just a simple rack that helps steam move around food and keeps food lifted above the liquid.
Start with easy foods like eggs, potatoes, or vegetables. Then try pot-in-pot rice, oatmeal, cheesecakes, or leftovers. After a few uses, you will see why I keep my trivet close every time I pull out the Instant Pot.
My best advice is simple: add the right liquid, place the trivet the right way, use safe containers, and handle everything carefully when hot. That small metal rack can make your Instant Pot much more useful.
