The rack that comes with the Instant Pot serves an important purpose. It elevates food off the bottom of the inner pot, allowing steam to circulate underneath for even cooking. The rack has a few key functions:
Keeps Food Out of Liquid
When cooking foods like ribs, whole chickens, roasts, or anything with a sauce or liquid, the rack prevents the food from sitting directly in the liquid. This allows the food to steam and prevents it from boiling in the liquid which can make things soggy.
Elevates Food for Steaming
The rack elevates foods above the liquid in the inner pot so steam can circulate all around the food. Steam comes up from below to cook foods evenly. This gives a nice texture, prevents boiling, and helps foods cook faster than they would submerged in liquid.
Makes Crisping and Browning Possible
The rack can also be used to lift foods closer to the top of the pot so they are exposed to drier heat. This allows foods to brown and crisp up nicely. The rack can be used this way for meats, vegetables, and even baked goods like cakes and breads.
Prevents Scalding and Burn Messages
When cooking dishes with a thinner sauce, the rack prevents the thin layer of liquid from coming into direct contact with the bottom heating element. This prevents scalding and burn error messages.
Allows Liquid to Collect Below
With the rack in place, any juices, drippings, or condensation can collect below the food in the inner pot. This leaves food nice and dry but also allows you to make gravies and pan sauces from the flavorful liquid after cooking.
Can Be Used as a Trivet
The rack can also be used as a trivet to elevate hot inner pots and lids after cooking. Simply remove the hot inner pot after pressure cooking and place the rack inside to provide a place to safely set bowls and serving utensils.
Types of Instant Pot Racks
There are a few varieties of racks that come with different Instant Pot models:
Standard Wire Rack
The basic Instant Pot wire rack sits flat inside the stainless steel inner pot. It has a circular base with a grid pattern and wire legs to elevate foods.
Non-Stick Coated Wire Rack
Some Instant Pot models come with a wire rack that has a non-stick coating. This gives it a dark finish and prevents food from sticking to the rack.
Vented Rack
Vented racks have openings in the base to allow even more steam circulation underneath foods. The vented design helps facilitate airflow and moisture circulation.
Raised Rack
Raised racks sit up higher in the inner pot, elevating foods closer to the top. This improves browning and heat exposure on top of foods.
Tips for Using the Instant Pot Rack
Here are some tips for getting the most out of the Instant Pot steam rack:
- Always place the rack in the pot first before adding any other ingredients.
- Make sure the rack sits flat and stays level in the pot.
- For crisping foods, use a raised rack if you have one or prop up a standard rack on something heatproof.
- For dishes with lots of liquid, use a wire rack with lots of open space for steam flow.
- Brush racks clean after each use to prevent food buildup.
Replacement Racks
Over time, Instant Pot racks can start to warp or bend with repeated use. Luckily, replacement racks are inexpensive and readily available. Make sure to get the right size rack for your pot. Common options include:
| Pot Size | Rack Diameter |
|---|---|
| 3 Quart | 5.75 inches |
| 6 Quart | 7.5 inches |
| 8 Quart | 9.5 inches |
Conclusion
The humble Instant Pot steam rack serves many important purposes. Taking the time to understand its functions allows you to use it effectively for steaming, crisping, browning, and elevating foods. With the right techniques, the steam rack can help take your Instant Pot cooking to the next level.