Most collapsible steamer baskets are cheap stamped metal that wobbles the second you load it with broccoli. The OXO Good Grips Steamer Basket takes a different approach: it’s a solid 8-inch stainless steel basket with a removable, extendable handle instead of a flimsy folding ring.
The handle telescopes up and locks in place for lowering the basket into a hot pot or lifting it back out, then retracts down so a lid can still close over the top while everything steams. There’s even a small hole built into the handle so you can hook a fork through it if you need extra reach without touching hot metal.
What actually stops the tipping problem is the feet. They extend to 1 3/4 inches, which is taller than most basket feet, so there’s room for enough water underneath without the basket sitting so low that it touches the water itself. The feet fold flat again when you’re done, so it stores in a drawer instead of taking up cupboard space standing upright.
It’s built to fit pots 8 inches in diameter and up, and at 7 x 3 x 7 inches folded, it’s not going to be the right shape for a tiny saucepan, but for a standard stockpot or Dutch oven it sits securely instead of sliding around. The whole thing is dishwasher safe, and since it’s just stainless steel with no coating to wear off, it doesn’t develop the pitting or discoloration some of the thinner steamer baskets get after a year of use.
If you steam vegetables, dumplings, or fish more than occasionally, the difference between this and a wobbly bargain-bin folding basket is mostly about not having to babysit it while it’s over the heat. You can find it on Amazon.
