Your Instant Pot is a powerhouse of convenience, but its true potential is often unlocked with the right add-ons. The correct accessories can dramatically expand your cooking repertoire, making everything from steaming and baking to storing and reheating more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, having the proper tools on hand is the key to maximizing this versatile appliance.
To help you build the ultimate setup, we’ve curated a list of essential accessories. This roundup covers everything from official sets to innovative gadgets that add new functions. These picks are designed to save you time, reduce cleanup, and help you create a wider variety of delicious, healthy meals with ease.
The Ultimate Instant Pot Accessory Kit
- Instant Pot Official 8-Piece Cook/Bake Set
- MIBOTE 98 Pcs Accessories Set for Instant Pot
- OXO Good Grips Pressure Cooker Bakeware Sling
- Mealthy CrispLid for Pressure Cooker
- Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid
- Instant Pot Silicone Lid
- Maxracy Stackable Egg Steamer Rack Trivet
- Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling
- Instant Pot Official Steamer Basket Insert
Instant Pot Official 8-Piece Cook/Bake Set
This comprehensive set from Instant Pot is designed to be a complete solution for cooking, baking, and storing. It includes essential items like wire egg racks, silicone lids, and two types of stainless steel round pans, one with a removable base and divider. This variety allows you to prepare multiple components of a meal simultaneously or create layered dishes like egg bites and cakes.
Constructed from high-quality, BPA-free materials, the set is built to last. The stainless steel and silicone components are heat resistant up to 450°F, making them safe for use in your Instant Pot and for reheating in the oven. The versatility of these pans means you can go from cooking to storing to serving with the same durable set, simplifying your entire meal preparation process.
MIBOTE 98 Pcs Accessories Set for Instant Pot
For the cook who wants everything in one purchase, the MIBOTE set is an incredibly extensive collection. With 98 pieces, it covers nearly every accessory you could think of, including steamer baskets, a springform pan, an egg bites mold, oven mitts, and even a helpful cheat sheet magnet. This all-in-one approach is perfect for new Instant Pot owners looking to stock their kitchen quickly.
Quality and safety are central to this set, which is made from certified silicone and food-grade SS304 stainless steel. These materials are PBA-free, odor-free, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The focus on steaming accessories supports healthier cooking methods that retain nutrients, allowing you to prepare a wide array of foods from vegetables and seafood to cakes and puddings efficiently.
OXO Good Grips Pressure Cooker Bakeware Sling
This simple yet brilliant tool solves one of the most common challenges in pressure cooking: safely removing hot, deep pans. The OXO sling is a durable, reusable strap that you place underneath your bakeware or pans before cooking. When your food is ready, you simply use the handles to lift the entire container out effortlessly.
The design is thoughtfully engineered for the Instant Pot. The handles are designed to interlock, allowing them to fit under the pressure cooker lid while staying above the food and water line. This keeps your bakeware elevated and makes retrieval a safe, burn-free process, which is especially useful for delicate items like cheesecakes or custards.
Mealthy CrispLid for Pressure Cooker
The Mealthy CrispLid is an innovative accessory that adds a major new function to your appliance: air frying. This unique lid replaces your standard pressure cooker lid and uses a heating element and fan to circulate hot air, allowing you to air fry, crisp, and broil food directly in the stainless steel inner pot. It’s a cost-effective way to gain a popular cooking method without buying a separate appliance.
Compatible with 6 and 8-quart models, the kit is very complete. It includes everything you need to start air frying right away, such as a raised trivet, a fryer basket, stainless steel tongs, a silicone mat, and a recipe booklet. This accessory is perfect for adding a crispy finish to fries, wings, or roasted vegetables after pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid
While the pressure cooking lid is essential for its function, a tempered glass lid is a must-have for other cooking modes. This official Instant Pot lid is designed for use when you are slow cooking, sautéing, or keeping food warm. The clear tempered glass allows you to monitor your food’s progress without releasing heat and moisture by lifting the lid.
Featuring a steam vent and a sturdy stainless steel handle and rim, this lid is both practical and durable. It’s also oven-safe up to 428°F, adding to its versatility. For anyone who frequently uses the slow cooker function or likes to simmer sauces, this lid provides the visibility you need for perfect results.
Instant Pot Silicone Lid
This simple silicone lid is a game-changer for food storage and transport. Designed specifically to fit the Instant Pot’s stainless steel inner pot, it creates an airtight and watertight seal. This means you can prepare a meal, remove the inner pot, place the lid on top, and put the entire thing directly into your refrigerator.
It eliminates the need to transfer leftovers to another container, saving you time and reducing cleanup. The lid is also microwave-safe, making it easy to reheat food directly in the pot. As a genuine Instant Pot accessory, you are guaranteed a perfect fit for your 5 or 6-quart inner pot, turning your cooking pot into a versatile storage solution.
Maxracy Stackable Egg Steamer Rack Trivet
If you frequently cook hard-boiled or steamed eggs, this specialized rack is a fantastic tool. Its upgraded design features nine holes, allowing you to cook a larger batch of eggs at one time. The built-in handles, coated in heat-resistant silicone, make it easy and safe to lower the rack into the pot and lift it out once cooking is complete.
Made from food-grade stainless steel, this rack is not only for eggs. You can also use it to steam vegetables, fish, or chicken, providing a healthier cooking method that preserves nutrients. The rack is also foldable for compact storage, making it a convenient and space-saving addition to your accessory collection.
Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling
For maximum mealtime efficiency, the Aozita stackable pans are an excellent choice. This set includes two stackable stainless steel containers, allowing you to cook two different foods simultaneously using the pot-in-pot method. You can steam rice in the bottom pan and vegetables in the top, or prepare an entire meal with separate components without mixing flavors.
The set comes with two interchangeable lids, which greatly increases its functionality. One lid has holes for steaming, while the other is solid and airtight, suitable for baking, cooking, or storing leftovers. Included with the pans is a sling for easy and safe removal, making this a very versatile and well-thought-out system for multi-task cooking.
Instant Pot Official Steamer Basket Insert
A steamer basket is a fundamental accessory for any kitchen, and the official Instant Pot version is designed to fit your cooker perfectly. It keeps food elevated above the water or broth, allowing steam to circulate evenly for consistent cooking. This is ideal for preparing vegetables, dumplings, seafood, and more, using a method that helps retain nutrients and natural flavors.
Its collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use, and the central post allows for easy lifting in and out of the pot. As an official accessory, you can be confident in its compatibility and quality. For simple, healthy, and quick steamed dishes, this basket is a reliable and essential tool.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Instant Pot Accessories
When I first got my Instant Pot, I thought the main pot was all I needed. I was wrong. The right accessories can seriously increase what you can do with it, turning it from a simple pressure cooker into a full kitchen workstation. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s my personal guide on what to look for when picking out the best Instant Pot accessories to get.
First, you need to think about compatibility. Not all Instant Pots are the same size. The most common models are the 6-quart and 8-quart versions. An accessory made for a 6-quart pot might not fit correctly in an 8-quart, and vice versa. Always double-check the product description to ensure the accessory is designed for your specific model. There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for a delivery only to find the new pan doesn’t fit.
Next, consider the material. For anything that goes inside the pot, like a steamer basket or a new inner pot, you want high-quality, food-safe materials. Stainless steel is a fantastic choice for durability and easy cleaning. I always look for 304-grade stainless steel. For non-stick surfaces, make sure the coating is free from PFOA and other harmful chemicals. Ceramic-coated inner pots are another great option for easy release when making things like eggs or cheesecakes, but they can be less durable than stainless steel over the long term.
Finally, think about your cooking habits. What do you make most often? If you’re a fan of yogurt, a dedicated glass lid and a precise temperature control accessory are game-changers. If you use your pot for meal prep, getting a set of stackable stainless steel pans lets you cook an entire meal at once. For baking, a properly fitting springform pan is essential. Don’t just buy accessories because a list says they’re popular; buy the ones that will solve a problem or enable a type of cooking you actually do. Investing in a good steamer basket opened up a world of healthy vegetables and perfectly cooked dumplings for me, while a sturdy trivet is non-negotiable for making pot-in-pot rice. Focus on the tools that will make your kitchen life easier and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful Instant Pot accessory?
In my opinion, a simple stainless steel steamer basket is the single most useful add-on. It’s inexpensive, incredibly versatile, and it keeps food out of the liquid at the bottom of the pot. I use it for steaming vegetables, cooking dumplings, and even for hard-boiling eggs. It’s a foundational tool that expands the basic function of your pot immediately. If I had to recommend just one of the best Instant Pot accessories to get, this would be it for its sheer utility.
Can I use my regular pots and pans inside the Instant Pot?
This is a common question, and the answer requires some caution. You should only use pots and pans that are specifically designed for the “pot-in-pot” (PIP) method. These are typically made from stainless steel, heat-safe glass, or ceramic. The key is that they must fit comfortably inside the inner pot with enough space around the sides for steam to circulate. Never use a pan that sits directly on the bottom; it must be elevated on the included trivet or a steamer basket. Using the wrong kind of cookware can damage your Instant Pot and is a safety risk.
Do I need a special lid for slow cooking or air frying?
It depends on your model and what you’re trying to do. For slow cooking, the standard pressure cooking lid will trap too much moisture. You really need a simple glass lid to allow for the evaporation that traditional slow cooking requires. For air frying, it’s a different story. If you have a model with an air fryer lid, that is a dedicated accessory that replaces the main lid entirely. You cannot air fry with the standard pressure cooking lid or a glass lid. The air fryer lid has a heating element and a fan built into it to circulate hot air.
Are non-stick inner pots better than the stainless steel one that comes with the pot?
This comes down to personal preference and what you cook. The stock stainless steel pot is durable and great for searing and deglazing. The downside is that sticky foods like rice or oatmeal can be a pain to clean. A non-stick or ceramic-coated inner pot makes cleanup for those specific dishes much easier. However, they are generally less durable and can scratch over time, and you shouldn’t use metal utensils with them. I have both and switch between them depending on the recipe.
Is it safe to use third-party accessories, or should I stick to the official brand?
Many third-party accessories are perfectly safe and work very well, often at a lower price. The most important thing is to check reviews and ensure the accessory is made from high-quality, food-safe materials and is the correct size for your model. Look for products made from 304 stainless steel or other certified materials. Official Instant Pot brand accessories are guaranteed to be compatible, but reliable third-party options can be a great way to expand your toolkit without spending a lot of money.
How do I clean the silicone sealing ring?
The sealing ring is famous for holding onto smells. You can wash it with warm, soapy water after each use. For stubborn odors, I let it soak in a mixture of vinegar and water, or I wash it with a little baking soda. Some people even run it through the dishwasher on the top rack. To prevent smells from transferring to delicate foods like yogurt or cheesecake, I followed the common advice and bought a second, colored ring that I use only for those sweet or neutral-smelling dishes.