Have you ever wondered about that unassuming metal rack nestled at the bottom of your pressure cooker box? That simple piece of equipment, often overlooked, is a Pressure Cooker Trivet—an indispensable accessory that can revolutionize your cooking experience. As an expert with over a decade in the field, testing and repairing countless models, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-utilized trivet transforms dishes, making them healthier, more flavorful, and preventing common cooking mishaps. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about the pressure cooker trivet, ensuring you harness its full potential for perfect culinary results every time.
What is a Pressure Cooker Trivet and Why Do You Need One?
A pressure cooker trivet is an elevated rack designed to suspend food above the liquid at the bottom of your pressure cooker’s inner pot. Its primary function is to create a crucial barrier, preventing direct contact between your ingredients and the cooking liquid or the heating element. This elevation allows steam to circulate freely around the food, facilitating even cooking and preventing scorching or sticking that can often lead to the dreaded “burn” warning on electric pressure cookers. Without a trivet, many delicate dishes would emerge soggy, while others might stick and burn, compromising both texture and taste. It’s a fundamental tool for achieving restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.
The Unsung Hero: Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker Trivet
The advantages of incorporating a trivet into your pressure cooking routine extend far beyond simply keeping food off the bottom of the pot. This small accessory delivers significant improvements in food quality, cooking efficiency, and overall user experience.
Preventing the Dreaded “Burn” Notice
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Our Picks for the Best Pressure Cooker in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart |
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| 2 | COSORI Pressure Cooker 6QT, Stainless Steel, 9-in-1 Multi Cooker, 12 Safety Features, Ceramic Inner Pot, Rice, Slow Cook, Sous Vide, Saute, 1100W |
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| 3 | 3-In-1 Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker 8 QT: [Save 70% Time] [3 PSI Settings], One-Hand Locking, Induction Compatible, Glass Lid & Steamer Rack Included, Olla de Presion |
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| 4 | Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker |
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| 5 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App with Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart |
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| 6 | Barton Pressure Canner Release Valve Aluminum Canning Pot Cooker Pot Stove Top Instant Fast Cooking Pot Stewing Locking System (8 Quarts) |
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| 7 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart |
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| 8 | Presto 01264 6-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker, Silver |
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| 9 | Fullwill 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker(2025 Upgraded), 12 Presets Instant Multi Cooker, Olla de Presion Nonstick Pot 6 Quarts |
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| 10 | 18/8 Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker 8 Qt, [One-Hand Locking] Pressure Cooker,[3-In-1] Olla de Presion, Induction,Gas Stovetop Compatible, Includes Glass Lid & Steamer Rack |
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One of the most common frustrations for pressure cooker users, especially with electric models like the Instant Pot, is encountering a “burn” warning. This often occurs when thick sauces or food particles settle at the bottom and overheat. A trivet effectively lifts your ingredients away from the intense direct heat of the pot’s base, allowing the liquid to maintain circulation and reach pressure without triggering safety alarms. This simple elevation ensures your culinary creations cook smoothly and safely, eliminating interruptions and spoiled meals.
Optimal Steaming for Health and Flavor
Steaming is a cooking method revered for its ability to preserve nutrients and maintain the natural flavors and vibrant colors of ingredients. When you steam vegetables, fish, or even dumplings on a trivet, they are cooked gently by the circulating hot steam, rather than boiling directly in water. This method is particularly effective for retaining water-soluble vitamins, like Vitamin C, which can be lost when food is submerged. The result is food that is not only healthier but also boasts superior texture and taste, showcasing the ingredient’s natural essence.
Unlocking Pot-in-Pot (PIP) Cooking
The pot-in-pot (PIP) method is a game-changer for versatile pressure cooking, and it relies entirely on the trivet. PIP allows you to cook food in a separate, oven-safe container placed on the trivet inside the main pressure cooker. This method is perfect for:
- Delicate Dishes: Prepare creamy cheesecakes, fluffy quiches, or moist bread without direct contact with the steam, preventing sogginess and cracking.
- Multiple Dishes: Cook different foods simultaneously. For example, you can steam vegetables on the trivet while cooking a grain in a pot placed on top.
- Preventing Flavor Mixing: Ideal for dishes like rice or yogurt, where you want to keep them separate from the main cooking liquid.
- Smaller Portions: Easily cook smaller batches of food without it spreading across the entire inner pot.
Protecting Delicate Dishes
Imagine a perfectly baked cheesecake or a tender piece of salmon emerging from your pressure cooker, only to find it waterlogged. The trivet acts as a safeguard, ensuring that delicate items remain elevated above any condensation or liquid, preserving their intended texture and appearance. This is crucial for desserts and certain proteins where moisture control is key to a successful outcome.
Types of Pressure Cooker Trivets: Choosing the Right Material
While the core function of a pressure cooker trivet remains consistent, they come in various designs and materials, each offering distinct advantages. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best trivet for your specific cooking needs.
Stainless Steel Trivets
Stainless steel is the most common material for pressure cooker trivets and is often included with the purchase of your appliance, particularly Instant Pots.
- Durability: Highly robust, resistant to rust, and built to withstand the high temperatures and pressures of regular use.
- Heat Resistance: Excellent at handling intense heat without warping or degrading.
- Ease of Cleaning: Typically dishwasher safe and easy to wipe clean.
- Variations: Some stainless steel trivets feature collapsible silicone handles, making it much easier and safer to lift hot food items, especially from deep pots.
Silicone Trivets & Slings
Silicone has gained popularity for its flexibility and unique properties. While some silicone trivets are standalone, silicone slings are a common and highly practical variation.
- Flexibility & Non-Slip: Silicone is pliable, making it easy to maneuver in and out of pots. Its non-slip properties offer stability for dishes placed on top.
- Heat Resistance: Food-grade silicone is extremely heat resistant, safe for pressure cooking environments.
- Dishwasher Safe: Effortless cleanup, often suitable for dishwashers.
- Silicone Slings: These are particularly useful for pot-in-pot cooking. They cradle an insert (like a cake pan or bowl) and have handles that lock together above the food, allowing you to easily lower and lift items without touching hot surfaces.
Other Materials
While not typically used inside a pressure cooker due to heat limitations or material reactivity, it’s worth noting other trivet materials primarily designed for protecting surfaces outside the pot, such as cork, bamboo, and felted wool. For pressure cooking, stainless steel and silicone are the go-to choices.
How to Effectively Use Your Pressure Cooker Trivet
Using a pressure cooker trivet is straightforward, but a few key steps ensure optimal results and safety.
- Add Liquid: Always start by pouring the required amount of liquid (usually at least 1 cup for most electric pressure cookers) into the inner pot before placing the trivet. This liquid is essential for generating the steam needed for pressure cooking.
- Place the Trivet: Carefully place the trivet into the inner pot. Ensure its feet are stable on the bottom, allowing for adequate space for the liquid underneath.
- Add Your Food:
- For Steaming: Place food items directly on the trivet’s surface. This is ideal for vegetables, corn on the cob, eggs, or larger cuts of meat that you want to keep out of the broth.
- For Pot-in-Pot (PIP): Place your oven-safe container (e.g., a stainless steel bowl, ceramic ramekin, or springform pan) containing your ingredients onto the trivet. If using a silicone sling, load your insert into the sling outside the pot, then lower the entire assembly into the pressure cooker.
- Seal and Cook: Close the pressure cooker lid, set the venting knob to the sealing position, and begin your pressure cooking cycle according to your recipe.
“A trivet isn’t just an accessory; it’s the foundation for diverse and healthier pressure cooking. From perfect cheesecakes to vibrant steamed vegetables, it opens up a world of culinary possibilities.” – Admin, Reviewmylp.com, Pressure Cooker Expert
Maintaining Your Trivet: Cleaning and Care Tips
Keeping your pressure cooker trivet clean ensures its longevity and hygiene.
- Dishwasher Safe: Most stainless steel and silicone trivets are dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless.
- Handwashing: For baked-on food or intricate designs, handwashing with warm, soapy water and a brush can be effective.
- Stubborn Stains: For stainless steel, a paste of baking soda and water can help remove tough stains, followed by rinsing.
- Storage: Store your trivet in a clean, dry place. Its compact size often allows it to be stored inside the pressure cooker’s inner pot.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Pressure Cooker Trivet
Whether you need a replacement or are looking to expand your pressure cooking accessories, consider these factors when purchasing a new trivet.
- Material:
- Stainless Steel: Opt for high-grade stainless steel (e.g., 18/8 or 304) for maximum durability, rust resistance, and safe food contact.
- Silicone: Choose food-grade, BPA-free silicone for flexibility and heat resistance, especially for slings.
- Size and Compatibility: Ensure the trivet fits comfortably within your pressure cooker’s inner pot. Check the diameter and height to match your specific model and size (e.g., 6-quart, 8-quart). Some trivets are designed to be taller to allow more water underneath for longer steaming times.
- Handles: Trivets with integrated silicone or metal handles offer convenience and safety for lifting hot items out of the pot. Ensure the handles are sturdy and heat-resistant.
- Specialized Designs: If you frequently steam eggs, consider an egg steaming rack that securely holds multiple eggs. Stackable trivets can also be useful for multi-level cooking.
- Sets vs. Individual: Sometimes, trivets are sold as part of larger accessory sets, which can offer good value if you need other items like steamer baskets or springform pans. Otherwise, individual trivets are widely available.
- Budget: Trivets are generally affordable, but prices can vary based on material, brand, and features. Invest in a good quality trivet; it’s a small expense for a significant improvement in your cooking.
Conclusion
The pressure cooker trivet, though a humble component, is undeniably a vital tool for any pressure cooking enthusiast. It elevates your ingredients, quite literally, allowing for superior steaming, flawless pot-in-pot creations, and the peace of mind that comes with preventing burn notices. By understanding its purpose, choosing the right type, and using it effectively, you can unlock a new level of efficiency and culinary excellence in your kitchen. This essential accessory ensures that your pressure cooker delivers its promise of quick, healthy, and delicious meals, time after time. So, are you ready to elevate your pressure cooking with the power of the trivet?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of a pressure cooker trivet?
The main purpose of a pressure cooker trivet is to elevate food above the cooking liquid and the heating element at the bottom of the pot. This prevents food from sticking or burning, allows for efficient steaming, and facilitates the pot-in-pot cooking method.
Can I use my pressure cooker without a trivet?
While you can technically use a pressure cooker without a trivet for recipes where food is fully submerged in liquid, using a trivet is highly recommended. It prevents scorching, ensures even cooking, and is essential for steaming or pot-in-pot methods, significantly expanding your cooking possibilities.
What are common foods to cook using a trivet in a pressure cooker?
Common foods cooked using a trivet include eggs, vegetables for steaming, delicate fish, whole chickens, roasts, and desserts like cheesecakes or custards using the pot-in-pot method. It’s also great for keeping main dishes elevated from liquids.
Is a stainless steel or silicone trivet better for a pressure cooker?
Both stainless steel and silicone trivets have their advantages. Stainless steel is durable and often comes with the cooker, while silicone offers flexibility, non-slip properties, and often comes as slings for easier lifting of inserts. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
How do I prevent the “burn” notice when using my Instant Pot with a trivet?
To prevent a “burn” notice, always ensure there is sufficient liquid (at least 1 cup) at the bottom of the pot, underneath the trivet. The trivet keeps food elevated, preventing thick sauces or solid ingredients from directly touching the hot bottom, which is often the cause of the warning.
