Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Accessories: Must-Have Tools
Embrace the magic of the Instant Pot with our comprehensive guide to essential accessories and insider tips. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just unboxing your new cooker, this article is your gateway to maximizing culinary convenience and creativity.
Everyone seems to be buzzing about the Instant Pot—the revolutionary electric pressure cooker that promises to transform even the most reluctant home cook into a kitchen hero overnight. Whether you’ve already joined the Instant Pot craze, are considering it, or are just discovering this culinary marvel, diving into the world of Instant Pot cooking is not just educational but downright enjoyable!
Take the latest model, the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1—it’s like having an entire kitchen arsenal in one appliance. From whipping up eggs to sautéing, slow cooking, baking cakes, making yogurt, sterilizing, and more, it does it all. Some might call it overkill, but I haven’t upgraded to this powerhouse yet—I still find my trusty model does the job just fine.
So, you’ve taken the plunge and got yourself an Instant Pot! Smart move—you recognize a game-changer when you see it. Maybe someone on Facebook tantalized you with promises of restaurant-quality Broccoli and Beef in 15 minutes flat, or raved about lip-smacking BBQ ribs and cheesecake—yes, cheesecake!—cooked effortlessly by even the most kitchen-challenged.
You unboxed your new Instant Pot, deciphered the sealing vent, and cautiously boiled your first pot of water. Now what? You’re eager to move beyond perfecting boiled eggs and embark on culinary adventures.
I hear you loud and clear—figuring out the ins and outs of this kitchen wizardry is a journey, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Getting Started with Instant Pot
In the beginning, my Instant Pot was mainly a speedy slow cooker. I experimented with the wonders of perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, Instant Pot style.
However, my journey truly accelerated when I invested in key accessories, took a class, joined an engaging Instant Pot group on Facebook, mastered making a foil sling, and dove into watching instructional Instant Pot videos. These steps unlocked a whole new level of confidence and creativity in my kitchen adventures.
Choosing the Right Size Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric 6-Quart Pressure Cooker
When it comes to picking your Instant Pot, size matters! The model you see pictured is my trusty 6-Qt Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. Here’s my advice for selecting the right size:
- 3-quart Instant Pot: Ideal for couples or small households (like mine!), perfect for everyday meals.
- 6-quart Instant Pot: This is the go-to size for many—it’s versatile and accommodates a variety of recipes, especially with the right accessories.
- 8-quart Instant Pot: Designed for larger families of six or more, ensuring you have plenty of room for those big batch meals.
Instant Pot prices can fluctuate daily, so keep an eye out for deals. Generally, snagging one with the size and features you need for under $100 is a steal!
Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories
These essential accessories will take your Instant Pot cooking to the next level of convenience and creativity:
Cake Pan
Fat Daddio’s Round Cheesecake Pan
This is my favorite accessory because of one thing: Cheesecake! It’s not easy to find a 6-inch springform or removable bottom pan that will not leak cheesecake batter (a big problem when making cheesecake in an Instant Pot.)
This is the perfect pan to make Instant Pot Cheesecake in either the 3-, 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. It will not leak.
Keep in Mind
This cake pan is anodized aluminum, the same material that Kitchenaid accessories are made of (the dough hook, balloon whisk, paddle, etc.)
Never put anodized aluminum pans and accessories—including this pan—in the dishwasher! They will turn black and that residue (it is harmless) will rub off on your hands, counter and kitchen linens in the kitchen. Wash anodized aluminum by hand, please. It’s small and so cute. You want it to stay that way.
Stackable Inserts
3qt Stackable Stainless Steel Steamer Insert Pans
Two-tier stackable stainless steel insert pans allow you to cook a variety of foods simultaneously in your Instant Pot. Excellent choice for steaming vegetables, rice, meat, and fish.
Also this set can double as dessert pan or lasagna pans. These are perfect for cooking Pot-in-Pot meals. Reheat your food without losing its original flavor. Also useful for storing food
Inner Pot
Instant Pot Ceramic Inner Slow Cooking Pot 6-Qt
Every Instant Pot comes with one stainless steel inner pot. However, it’s often very handy to have an additional non-stick inner pot.
For example, you can use one for cooking and the other for storing leftovers with the glass or silicone lid in the fridge. I use my non-stick inner pot every morning for steel-cut oats and other things that tend to stick.
It’s just plain handy to have extra inner pots for my Instant Pots.
Extra Silicone Rings
Instant Pot 2-Pack Sealing Ring
Your Instant Pot came with a silicone sealing ring. Here’s the deal with silicone. It absorbs odors that can remain even after washing well—even in the dishwasher. It’s not a health hazard or problem other than the odor of your last creation (onion, garlic, etc.) can affect the cheesecake or another dessert-type item.
Here’s the secret to clearing that odor. Bake the silicone ring in a 250F degree oven for 1 hour. (A higher temp could damage the ring, so please no higher than 250F, which is a safe temp for this process. For up to an hour.) Once the ring cools, it will be odor-free!
Another idea is to have two distinctly different silicone rings—one for savory items, the other for desserts. Problem solved!
Keep in Mind
Make sure you purchase Instant Pot brand sealing rings, not third-party copycats. The silicone sealing ring is the secret to proper pressure cooking—a powerful seal—so you don’t want to take any shortcuts.
Glass Lid
Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid
An Instant Pot comes with a pressure cooking lid into which the silicone sealing ring is inserted. It’s a heavy, safe lid for the Instant Pot. However, the machine also works as a slow cooker, warmer and a variety of other features*.
This glass lid really makes slow cooking and other non-pressure cooking features so much easier and efficient. You can see what’s going on in there! And you can so easily lift the lid as needed. This is a game-changer. You need a glass lid
*Note: This works with the Slow Cook function on all Instant Pot models purchased after Jan. 2014.
Silicone Lid
Instant Pot Silicone Lid
This silicone lid fits your 6-quart Instant Pot’s Inner Pot. It’s a great way to store leftovers right in the inner pot without dirtying another container, especially if you don’t have a glass lid. Made of silicone, this lid will fit your inner pot tightly, perfect for storing in the refrigerator.
Steamer Basket
Instant Pot Mesh Steamer Basket, Set of 2
A great steamer basket set I use frequently! They fit perfectly in the 6- and 8-quart Instant Pot. The feet keep the veggies and other food out of the liquid for optimal steaming results. Great value, too. For me, these baskets doubles as a colander and a fruit bowl, too.
Get Started with an Accessory Kit
Instant Pot Accessory Kit
Take a look at this bundled set of accessories, all of which fit the 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot. Includes two steamer baskets, an egg rack, a springform pan, egg bites mold, kitchen tongs, two oven mitts, magnetic sheets, and even 60 paper doilies. This is a nice accessory collection and would make a great gift for a new Instant Pot user.
Question: What’s your favorite Instant Pot accessory that’s changed your cooking game? Share your must-haves and let’s swap kitchen secrets.
EverydayCheapskate™ is reader-supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
More from Everyday Cheapskate
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260424-woman-holding-grocery-shopping-list-on-phone-how-to-save-money-on-groceries.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-04-24 16:44:132026-04-24 16:47:0218 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries in 2026
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260421-my-grandmas-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-sweet-white-onions.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-04-21 09:50:362026-04-21 09:50:36Grandma’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Made Easy
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260413-cooking-ground-beef-in-skillet-how-to-stretch-beef-for-recipes-filler.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-04-13 10:49:122026-04-13 10:51:43Smart Ways to Stretch Ground Beef So No One Notices
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260411-onion-soup-mix-recipe-with-onion-dip-in-the-background-in-farmhouse-kitchen.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-04-11 15:00:152026-04-11 15:00:15What’s Really in Onion Soup Mix? Make It Yourself
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20250404-organic-weed-control-woman-wearing-gardening-glove-pulling-weeds-from-yard.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-04-04 14:52:512026-04-04 14:52:52Easy Organic Weed Control for a Healthy, Safe Garden
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260331-how-to-stop-overspending-on-dining-out-friends-enjoying-fancy-sushi-dinner-with-wine.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-03-31 10:11:142026-03-31 10:13:04Is Eating Out Secretly Draining Your Wallet?
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260329-baked-beans-with-bacon-recipe.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-03-29 20:02:002026-03-29 20:02:00Best Baked Beans with Bacon for BBQs and Potlucks
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260323-bowl-of-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-03-23 16:34:292026-03-23 16:34:29Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe for a Crowd
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260321-uses-for-pickle-juice.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-03-21 23:57:282026-03-21 23:59:0721 Smart Uses for Pickle Juice You’ll Wish You KnewPlease keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines
Last update on 2026-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Have you tried the air fryer attachment for the IP? I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it. All the rave about air fryers is intriguing but I really don’t want another appliance to find a storage spot for it unless it’s absolutely worth it. Any suggestions/ideas?
I have not, Bonnie. But I’ll bet other readers have and would be willing to weigh in here. Anyone?
Miss Mary; I have one of the very first IP’s on the market, I don’t have all the fancy accessories that everyone is talking about. However, I really do love the IP I have. It is a life saver, though I’ve had it for several + years I still have some difficulties using it as the instructions aren’t very explicit. I’ve learned by trial and error. I like the stainless steel pot because I can wash it in my dishwasher. Thank you for showing all the different accessories I can purchase from Amazon.
I love my Instant Pot! I use the steamer basket for making bone broth. I put all the bones into the basket, fill the pot with water, salt and herbs, and cook it for 6 hours. When it’s done and cooled off a bit, I just lift the basket out and throw away the bones. No picking through the broth to fish them out. That’s especially nice when it’s chicken bones, with all their little pieces. After that, I freeze the broth in ice cube trays, pop them out and keep them in a bag in the freezer. Whenever I need a little broth, I just drop a cube in the pan.
I think it’s very sad that there aren’t additional accessories for the 3 quart IP. I’m a widow and cook only for myself and would love to try more IP recipes,but can’t due to lack of specific accessories. Mary, you have so many readers that I hope you and others push for these! I read your column daily and have found much useful information there.
I have two of the 8 qt IPs. I debated between the smaller sizes since there are only the two of us now. But, in the end I decided to get the 8 qt size with my first one, and also when I purchased a new version. My reasoning was you can always cook smaller recipes in the larger pot, but you can’t cook larger recipes in the smaller pots. When I want to cook, say, a pot roast, I always want to cook a large enough one for leftovers. Adding the carrots and potatoes at the end of the cooking time takes more space, and you just can’t fit all that in a small pot. There have been zero times over the 5 years since I bought my first pot, that I would have wanted the smaller IP. I usually do my pork shoulders on my smoker, but in the winter time I really don’t want to be outside cooking in the cold and rain, so use my IP. I always make a large roast so I can shred and freeze the meat in small dinner-sized packets for later meals. Soups, stews, chili, spaghetti sauce, and similar are also great to freeze for later, so a small version would never work for me. Freezing leftovers in vacuum seal bags means I always have a nice meal ready to go from the freezer when I don’t feel like cooking. The IP is a great invention and I love mine!
Hi Mary,
I’m so glad you’re a pro when it comes to your Instant Pot! I loved the thing when I first got it a couple of years back but it’s now hit ‘n miss when it comes to the pressure cooker feature. When I use the pressure cooker feature, the little valve (next to the steamer button) doesn’t go up like it should in order to retain the pressure. I’ve replaced the little silicone cap that goes inside of the lid, next to the big plastic cap as someone online recommended. So now, sometimes it goes up on its on and works correctly and other times it doesn’t. I’m not sure whether I just need to replace my IP or try changing other parts. Any ideas, Mary?
Thanks for all your clever ideas & help throughout the years!
love,
Maria
It can take 20 minutes or longer for the IP to come to full pressure, which is what pushes that valve completely closed. I have a feeling you’re not giving it enough time. Don’t hover. Set it and walk away. Also make sure the rubber seal is seated fully and correctly.
I agree with Mary about the time needed to allow your IP to come up to pressure. If that doesn’t work, have you replaced the sealing ring? Those need to be replaced from time to time as they do wear out, but make sure to get the IP one as the after-market ones aren’t made by the same company and may not work properly. If your seal is compromised, your IP won’t come to pressure. If that’s not the case, do you clean it as the instructions say after each use? If you don’t take the parts off and clean those, it also may not work properly. If that’s not the case, and replacing the valve didn’t work, it may be time for a new one. Luckily, they’re not very expensive on Amazon, and if you watch for them to go on sale, you can snag one even cheaper.