How to Use a Steaming Basket with Silicone Feet

By Herzlich Willkommen bei Westmark | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use a steaming basket with silicone feet for healthy, even cooking. Get step-by-step guidance, common mistakes, and practical tips.

Quick Answer

To use a steaming basket with silicone feet, place it in a pot with about an inch of simmering water, add your food, cover, and steam until tender. The silicone feet keep the basket stable and protect your pot from scratches.

Why Silicone Feet Matter

The silicone feet on a steaming basket do more than keep it from sliding. They create a small gap between the basket and the pot, allowing steam to circulate evenly around your food. They also prevent scratches on your cookware, which is especially important for non-stick or enameled pots.

Because the feet lift the basket slightly, you can use less water and still get good steam coverage. That means faster heating and less energy used, without worrying about the basket touching the bottom and scorching.

Adjusting the Basket to Your Pot

Not all pots are the same diameter, and an adjustable steaming basket solves that problem. The Westmark steaming basket has an adjustable design that lets you expand or contract it to fit different pot sizes. This is handy when you switch between a small saucepan and a larger stockpot.

Before you start, check that the basket sits snugly in the pot without touching the sides too tightly. If it wedges in, steam can't escape properly. If it's too loose, it might wobble. Adjust it until it feels stable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming with Silicone Feet

Choose the right pot and water level: Pick a pot that fits the basket comfortably. Add about 1 inch of water – enough to simmer without touching the basket's bottom. The silicone feet will keep the basket above the water. If the water touches the basket, you're boiling, not steaming. Reduce the water.
Adjust the basket to fit: Expand or contract the adjustable basket so it sits evenly in the pot. Make sure it's not wedged too tightly, which can block steam, and not too loose, which can cause tipping. A stable basket prevents spills and uneven cooking.
Bring water to a simmer, then add food: Heat the water until it's simmering, not rolling boiling. Place the basket in the pot, add your vegetables or other food in a single layer, and cover with a lid. Starting with hot water shortens cooking time and preserves nutrients.
Steam until tender, checking occasionally: Steam for the recommended time for your food. Check doneness with a fork or knife. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases steam and slows cooking. If food isn't done, add a few more minutes and check again.
Remove the basket safely: Use oven mitts or tongs to lift the basket out. The silicone feet may be hot, so let the basket cool before handling. Empty any remaining water from the pot. Never touch the basket or feet with bare hands right after steaming.

Product Facts

Steaming basket, silicone feet, small,adjustable: This Westmark steaming basket has an adjustable design to fit different pot sizes and silicone feet for stability and cookware protection. You can use one basket across multiple pots, and the silicone feet keep it steady and scratch-free.
Steaming basket, silicone feet, small,adjustable