Welcome, fellow culinary enthusiasts! If you’ve embraced the wonders of the Instant Pot, you already know it’s more than just a pressure cooker – it’s a versatile kitchen marvel. But to truly unlock its full potential and elevate your cooking experience, the right accessories are indispensable. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot owner looking to expand your repertoire, or searching for the perfect gift for an Instant Pot fanatic in your life, this comprehensive guide to the **best Instant Pot accessories** is precisely what you need.
For many, the journey with an Instant Pot begins with a simple curiosity, quickly transforming into a deep culinary passion. I’ve personally been crafting hundreds of easy Instant Pot recipes for years, and along the way, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of accessories that simplify cooking, expand possibilities, and truly make a difference. From everyday essentials to specialized tools for gourmet creations, these top picks will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and your dishes more spectacular. Get ready to transform your Instant Pot experience! (Please note: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Essential Instant Pot Accessories for Every Cook
When you first unbox your Instant Pot, it comes with a basic trivet, which is great for a start. However, as you delve deeper into the world of pressure cooking, you’ll find that certain tasks, like making Instant Pot casseroles or delightful Instant Pot dessert recipes, often require more specialized tools. Initially, finding reliable information on the **best Instant Pot accessories** was challenging. I experimented extensively with various pots and pans, some explicitly labeled for Instant Pots, others not. This guide distills years of hands-on experience, offering you a clear path to the accessories that truly work and are worth your investment.
Must-Have Instant Pot Additions to Elevate Your Cooking
If you’re looking for that game-changing accessory or the perfect present for an Instant Pot enthusiast, consider these highly recommended items. They promise to simplify your cooking process and broaden your culinary horizons.
The Indispensable Non-Stick Inner Pot
The #1 item you absolutely *must* consider investing in is a non-stick pot. This is, without a doubt, a game-changer! While your Instant Pot comes with a stainless steel inner pot, a non-stick version makes cleanup incredibly easy, especially for dishes prone to sticking like rice, pasta, or certain casseroles. It’s also ideal for delicate foods and prevents scorching, giving you peace of mind and perfectly cooked results every time. Many find it indispensable for everyday use, reserving the stainless steel pot for specific tasks.
A Practical Vegetable Steamer Basket
After the non-stick pot, a high-quality vegetable steamer basket is another essential. Many households might already own one, but if not, it’s a wise investment. Perfect for healthy cooking, it allows you to quickly steam fresh vegetables, seafood, or even dumplings, preserving their nutrients and vibrant colors. Look for one made of stainless steel for durability and ease of cleaning.
Where to Buy Your Instant Pot and Why Size Matters
Modern conveniences often lead us online for purchases, and Instant Pots are no exception. Major retailers and online marketplaces offer a wide array of models. While I appreciate the functionality of all Instant Pot models, the aesthetic variety has certainly expanded. For example, I adore my Pioneer Woman Instant Pot – its charming design allows me to proudly display it on my counter, a lovely change from traditional stainless steel or black units. Remember that accessories often come in sizes compatible with the most common Instant Pot models (3 qt Mini, 6 qt, and 8 qt), so always check compatibility.
Beyond the core unit, a few smaller accessories can significantly enhance your experience:
- An extra sealing ring is incredibly handy. These silicone rings absorb food odors, so having one dedicated to savory dishes and another for sweet treats prevents flavor transfer. Plus, it’s always good to have a spare!
- A silicone lid is perfect for storing leftovers directly in the Instant Pot’s inner pot. It eliminates the need to transfer food to another container, saving you time and dishwashing.
- Instant Pot silicone mitts are invaluable for safely handling hot inner pots and accessories. Unlike bulky oven mitts, their compact design allows for easy maneuvering within the Instant Pot’s confined space, making them a small but mighty investment you’ll use constantly.
Mastering Steamed Vegetables with the Right Basket
For perfectly steamed vegetables every time, a stainless steel Instant Pot vegetable steamer basket is an absolute must-have. We use ours frequently, and it’s a remarkably inexpensive tool given its utility. The model I particularly favor comes with a long hook, allowing you to safely lift the basket out of the hot Instant Pot without burning your hands. This feature is especially crucial, as it provides a secure grip on the center eye hook. These baskets typically fit all Instant Pot models and sizes, making them a universal essential for healthy cooking.
Do You Really Need to Buy Instant Pot Accessories? The Truth.
The honest answer is no, you don’t *have* to buy every accessory on the market. Many delicious dishes can be prepared using only the Instant Pot itself. My recommendation is always to prioritize practicality. There are numerous novelty accessories available that you might use once or twice before they clutter your cupboard. If an accessory doesn’t offer significant value, doesn’t simplify a common task, or won’t be used regularly, it’s probably not worth the precious kitchen space. However, for specific cooking methods like steaming vegetables or baking, a few affordable and specialized tools become invaluable.
Baking in Your Instant Pot: The Magic of the Springform Pan
For anyone serious about baking in their Instant Pot, a 7-inch springform pan is an absolute necessity. This size is perfect for creating delicious cakes and cheesecakes, and it also works wonderfully for savory dishes prepared using the “pot-in-pot” (PIP) method. A 7-inch pan fits comfortably in 6-quart Instant Pots and larger. I also frequently use a 6-inch version for smaller treats like my pressure cooker brownies. While either size works, the 7-inch pan allows for a slightly larger, more impressive cake.
Understanding the Springform Pan: A Baker’s Best Friend
If you’re new to baking, you might wonder, “What exactly is a springform pan?” It’s a specialized baking pan featuring a removable bottom and sides that are held together by a clasp. When you release the clasp, the outer ring expands and detaches, leaving your delicate creation, like a cheesecake or layer cake, perfectly intact on the base. This design is crucial for easily removing fragile desserts without risking damage. For an even cleaner release, especially with cheesecakes, using parchment paper inserts on the bottom of the pan is highly recommended. It ensures your baked goods slide off effortlessly, preserving their beautiful presentation.
Consider a comprehensive pan set to maximize your Instant Pot’s baking and cooking capabilities:
- Many Instant Pot insert pans and pan sets come with various sizes and accessories, like trivets. I use one particular set that includes a shallow pan, ideal for making our popular Instant Pot pizza, and a larger pot for “pot-in-pot” recipes such as our delightful Instant Pot apple crisp. These sets often represent excellent value, providing multiple tools for diverse recipes.
The Instant Pot Glass Lid: When Is It Useful?
A tempered glass lid for your Instant Pot serves a different purpose than the pressure cooking lid. It’s essential for specific non-pressure cooking tasks. For instance, if you want to make Instant Pot popcorn, this lid is a requirement. Beyond that, it’s incredibly useful when using the sauté function (to prevent splatters), for slow cooking mode (allowing you to monitor food without releasing heat), or simply for keeping food warm after pressure cooking. However, if these specific applications don’t align with your cooking habits, you can certainly skip this accessory.
Many accessories designed for air fryers or other small appliances can also be used effectively in your Instant Pot. The key is to ensure they are oven-safe and fit comfortably within the inner pot. Often, these versatile sets offer great value, providing a range of tools for various cooking methods across multiple appliances.
Specialized Accessories for Unique Instant Pot Creations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, specialized accessories can open up a whole new world of Instant Pot cooking:
- Oven-safe bowls are incredibly versatile. As long as they fit on your Instant Pot trivet, they’re excellent for “pot-in-pot” dishes like small casseroles, mac and cheese, or anything that needs to be contained during cooking.
- For perfectly hard-boiled eggs, a two-tier Instant Pot egg rack is a fantastic addition. While you can stack eggs on a trivet, an egg rack helps prevent cracking and ensures even cooking, making it worth the small investment if you prepare eggs frequently.
- If you love the popular Starbucks egg bites, an Instant Pot egg mold is a must-have. These silicone molds are also fantastic for making pancake bites using Bisquick and blueberries, offering a quick and easy breakfast option.
- Dedicated Instant Pot insert pans are superb for cooking two different items simultaneously using the “pot-in-pot” method. This is perfect for a complete meal like Instant Pot fish and vegetables, keeping flavors separate and streamlining your cooking.
- Dreaming of cooking angel food cake in an Instant Pot? You’ll need a specific Instant Pot angel food cake pan. This specialized pan, combined with the Instant Pot’s moist cooking environment, yields an incredibly light and fluffy cake without needing to turn on your oven.
Add Personality and Convenience with Instant Pot Covers and Wraps
Beyond the functional, there’s a world of accessories designed to add personality and a touch of flair to your Instant Pot, making it even more enjoyable to have on your counter:
- **Decorative Instant Pot Covers:** These adorable covers, like the unicorn or monkey designs, not only protect your Instant Pot from dust but also add a playful touch to your kitchen decor. They’re a fantastic way to personalize your appliance.
- **Custom Wraps:** If you love your current Instant Pot but want to update its look from the traditional silver and black, an Instant Pot wrap is a brilliant solution. These decorative decals easily adhere to your pot, giving it a fresh, customized appearance without buying a whole new unit. Etsy is a great place to find unique, handmade options.
- **Magnetic Instant Pot Cool Time Chart:** This handy magnetic chart adheres directly to your refrigerator or Instant Pot, providing quick access to common cooking times for various ingredients. It’s a small accessory that offers huge convenience, especially for new users or busy cooks.
These accessories aren’t just for show; they can inspire new culinary adventures. For example, a bundt pan isn’t just for cakes – it’s perfect for our amazing Instant Pot monkey bread! And an egg rack isn’t only for boiling eggs; we’ve even used it to show you how to dye eggs with Kool Aid. The egg mold transforms into a breakfast star with our Instant Pot pancake bites, while the springform pan, as discussed, is the secret behind our delicious Instant Pot breakfast casserole.
The beauty of the Instant Pot, especially with the right accessories, lies in its ability to simplify complex recipes and allow for unique cooking methods. Our angel food cake pan, for example, delivers a perfectly fluffy cake, removed effortlessly thanks to its design, all without the need to turn on a hot oven. While we appreciate slow cooking, for those busy days when efficiency is key, the Instant Pot, complemented by these fantastic accessories, is truly unbeatable!
