Oh, friends. Can we talk about how my Instant Pot sat in the corner of my kitchen for six full months looking at me with judgment? Before diving into accessories, if you’re still deciding which Instant Pot model is right for you, I’ve got a complete buyer’s guide that breaks down every option. I bought mine during a Black Friday sale, full of dreams of weeknight dinners and Sunday meal prep magic. But there it sat, gathering dust, which is honestly a shame because it’s one of those small appliances that can transform your kitchen, because honestly? I was only using it for basic chili and the occasional hard-boiled eggs. It wasn’t until a fellow cooking enthusiast introduced me to the world of Instant Pot accessories that everything changed. Now? My Instant Pot is practically running the show, and I’m here to share exactly which accessories are genuinely worth your hard-earned money.
I’ve spent the last two years testing dozens of Instant Pot accessories—some absolutely game-changing, others that are currently gathering dust in my “why did I buy this?” cabinet. As someone who believes in investing in tools that actually make cooking more joyful and less stressful, I want to save you from the same trial-and-error process I went through. These aren’t just products I’ve read about—unlike some of those kitchen gadgets under $50 that look great in theory but disappoint in practice; these are the accessories that have earned permanent residence in my kitchen through rigorous, weeknight-testing in my own home. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Absolute Must-Haves
If you own an Instant Pot and aren’t using these accessories, you’re honestly missing out on half its potential. These are the ones I reach for weekly, the ones that have transformed my pressure cooker from a fancy appliance into a legitimate workhorse. If you’re building your accessory collection from scratch, start here.
Extra Inner Pot (Or Two)
This was my game-changer, and I honestly can’t believe I waited so long to buy one. Having an extra stainless steel inner pot means you can prep multiple components of a meal ahead of time, or cook something new while the previous pot is cooling or in the fridge. I do my Sunday meal prep with both pots going—think chili in one, steamed rice in the other. The efficiency boost is insane. When I’m making yogurt, I’ll let the yogurt chill in the refrigerator in one pot while I use the second pot for actual cooking. It’s like having two Instant Pots without the counter space commitment. Trust me on this one: buy two extras if you cook for a family. Shop for extra inner pots that match your specific model.
Silicone Egg Bite Molds with Lids
I was skeptical of these at first, thinking they were just another gadget trend. But friends, these little silicone molds have become my secret weapon for meal prep, breakfast on the go, and even portion-controlled desserts. I make egg bites loaded with cheese, vegetables, and whatever protein needs using up from my fridge. They freeze beautifully, reheat in 2 minutes, and have saved me from buying those overpriced coffee shop egg bites more times than I can count. What I love most is how versatile they are—yes, they’re perfect for egg bites, but I’ve also made individual cheesecakes, mini crustless quiches, and even frozen yogurt portions. The silicone material pops out effortlessly, and the lids make storage a dream. Find egg bite molds with lids to level up your breakfast game.
Steamer Basket and Rack Set
This basic accessory opened up a whole new world of healthy cooking for me. I’d been steaming vegetables on the stovetop for years, using one of those collapsible metal baskets that inevitably rusted or got lost in a drawer. The Instant Pot steamer basket is a different experience entirely. I can steam a week’s worth of broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans in under 10 minutes, all while keeping the nutrients intact. The rack that comes with most sets is perfect for pot-in-pot cooking—my favorite trick for making perfectly fluffy rice without having to buy a separate rice cooker. I set a heat-safe bowl with rice and water on the rack, add water to the bottom of the pot, and pressure cook away. The rice comes out perfectly every single time, and I’m using only one appliance. If you’re only going to buy one accessory beyond an extra inner pot, make it this one. Shop steamer basket and rack sets that work with your model.
Silicone Sling
This simple little accessory feels like a cheat code. It’s basically a silicone strip with handles that lets you lower and lift pans, molds, or bowls in and out of your Instant Pot safely. Before I discovered this, I was jury-rigging aluminum foil slings (which worked, but felt wasteful and awkward). The silicone version is heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and makes pulling a hot springform pan or cake pan out of the pressure cooker feel completely secure. It’s especially useful when you’re cooking something delicate that you don’t want to splash or spill during removal. Plus, it doubles as a trivet for hot pans coming out of the oven. For under $15, this is one of those accessories that makes you wonder how you lived without it. Get yourself a silicone sling and thank me later.
The “Worth the Investment” Upgrades
These accessories aren’t strictly necessary, but if you cook frequently and want to expand your Instant Pot repertoire, they’re absolutely worth the splurge. I’ve tested each of these extensively, and they’ve all earned their keep in my kitchen through consistent, reliable performance.
Springform Pan (6-Inch or 7-Inch)
I’ll be honest—I was skeptical about baking in a pressure cooker. Cake? Cheesecake? In the same appliance I use for chili? But after one perfect, evenly-cooked cheesecake that didn’t crack, didn’t overcook, and had the silkiest texture I’ve ever achieved at home, I was converted. The Instant Pot creates a consistent, moist environment that’s ideal for cheesecakes, cakes, and even bread pudding. I’ve made everything from classic New York cheesecake to chocolate lava cakes, and the results have been consistently better than what I achieve in my oven. The key is using the right size springform pan—6-inch or 7-inch is perfect for most Instant Pot models. Look for one with a tight seal and a removable bottom for easy release. Find a springform pan that fits your model.
Stackable Stainless Steel Insert Pans
If you’re feeding a family or love meal prep efficiency, these are about to become your new best friend. They’re essentially shallow, stackable stainless steel pans that let you cook multiple dishes simultaneously. I’ll make chicken and vegetables in one pan, rice in another, and cook them at the same time. It’s like having a double-decker cooking system. The time savings are incredible, and the cleanup is minimal since everything cooks in the same appliance. I especially love using these for pot-in-pot cooking—imagine making a complete meal with protein, starch, and vegetables all cooking together but staying separate. No more having to cook everything in separate pans on the stove. Shop for stackable insert pans to maximize your Instant Pot’s efficiency.
Glass Lid
When you’re using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker, sautéing, or keeping food warm, that metal pressure lid can be inconvenient. A clear glass lid lets you see what’s happening without releasing pressure or removing the heavy lid. I use mine constantly when I’m using the sauté function to brown meat before pressure cooking, or when I’m keeping dishes warm for a party. It’s also perfect for the slow cooker function—I can check on a pot roast or chili without losing heat or moisture. The glass lid doesn’t replace your pressure lid, but it’s a wonderful addition for when you don’t need pressure cooking. Find a glass lid compatible with your Instant Pot model.
The Nice-to-Have (But Not Essential) Accessories
These accessories are fun to have and can enhance specific cooking tasks, but they’re not absolute necessities. I recommend them only if you have a specific use case in mind or if you’ve already invested in the must-haves and want to expand your collection further.
Mini Silicone Mitts
These little heat-resistant mitts are designed to fit over your fingers and make removing hot pans, racks, or the inner pot much safer. I’ll admit, I used regular oven mitts for months and got along fine. But these mini mitts are specifically designed for the Instant Pot’s inner pot handles and rack, and they provide much more dexterity than bulky oven mitts. They’re especially useful if you have large hands that find the inner pot handles awkward to grip with standard mitts. They’re inexpensive, take up almost no drawer space, and provide peace of mind when you’re handling hot components. Shop for mini silicone mitts if you want extra safety.
Yogurt Cups with Lids
If you’re planning to make yogurt in your Instant Pot (and you should—it’s incredibly easy and cost-effective), these little cups are designed to fit perfectly in the inner pot. They come in sets of 5-7 cups with lids, making portion control and storage effortless. I make a batch of Greek yogurt every Sunday, portion it into these cups, add different mix-ins to each—honey, berries, granola—and have grab-and-go breakfasts for the week. The cups are dishwasher-safe, stack for easy storage, and eliminate the need to transfer yogurt to separate containers. That said, you could absolutely use small glass jars you already own, so this accessory falls firmly into the “nice-to-have” category. Find yogurt cups with lids if you’ll make yogurt regularly.
Accessories I Don’t Recommend
In the spirit of saving you money and drawer space, here are the accessories that didn’t make the cut in my kitchen. These aren’t necessarily bad products—they just didn’t earn their keep through regular, useful performance.
Expensive Accessory Kits
You’ll see massive accessory kits on Amazon that promise to include everything you need for your Instant Pot—egg bite molds, steam racks, ladles, tongs, cake pans, and more. Here’s the thing: most of these kits include a lot of stuff you’ll never use, plus the quality tends to be mediocre across the board. I’d rather invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that I’ll actually reach for regularly. Instead of a 50-piece kit that costs $80, I’d recommend buying the individual accessories you need in better quality versions. Your wallet and your drawers will thank you.
Bulky Air Fryer Lids
The air fryer lid trend was huge a couple of years ago, and while it’s a clever concept, I’ve found that most dedicated air fryers outperform these add-on lids. The Instant Pot simply isn’t designed for air frying’s high heat and rapid air circulation, so you end up with longer cooking times and less crispy results. If you’re serious about air frying, I’d recommend investing in a dedicated air fryer rather than buying a conversion lid for your Instant Pot. Your food will turn out better, and you won’t be adding bulk to your pressure cooker.
Complicated Recipe Books
There are hundreds of Instant Pot cookbooks on the market, but honestly? Most recipes you’ll find online from reputable sources are just as good, and they’re free. If you’re a complete beginner to pressure cooking, a basic guide to understanding timing and liquid ratios might be helpful. But for most home cooks, you’ll get more value from watching YouTube tutorials and following trusted food blogs. The Instant Pot community is incredibly active and generous with knowledge—take advantage of those free resources before investing in cookbooks you might not use.
How to Choose Quality Accessories
After testing dozens of accessories, I’ve learned that quality matters. Cheap silicone that tears after a few uses, thin stainless steel that warps, or springform pans that leak are all frustrating and ultimately more expensive than investing in quality from the start. Here’s what to look for:
Material Quality
For silicone accessories, look for food-grade, BPA-free silicone that feels substantial and has a good grip. Cheap silicone feels thin, flimsy, and tends to develop odors over time. For stainless steel accessories, check that the metal is thick enough not to warp under pressure—thin, flimsy pans won’t cook evenly and can be dangerous to handle when hot. Springform pans should have a tight seal and a sturdy latch mechanism that won’t fail during cooking.
Compatibility
Not all accessories fit all Instant Pot models. The 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models have different dimensions, and some accessories are model-specific. Always check the product description to confirm compatibility with your specific Instant Pot model. When in doubt, reach out to the manufacturer or check customer reviews from people with your same model.
Dishwasher Safety
Let’s be real—if it’s not dishwasher-safe, you’re less likely to use it regularly. Look for accessories that are easy to clean, preferably dishwasher-safe. Some springform pans and cake pans have non-stick coatings that require hand washing, which is fine if you don’t mind the extra step. But for everyday items like steam racks, egg bite molds, and inner pots, dishwasher safety is a huge plus.
My Instant Pot Accessory Shopping List
If you’re just starting out and don’t know where to begin, here’s my recommended shopping order. Start with the essentials and build from there based on how you actually cook. Everyone’s needs are different—someone who bakes weekly will prioritize different accessories than someone who mostly does meal prep for a family.
Priority 1 (Immediate Purchase):
- Extra inner pot (ideally two)
- Silicone egg bite molds with lids
- Steamer basket and rack set
- Silicone sling
Priority 2 (Within 3 Months):
- 6-inch or 7-inch springform pan
- Stackable stainless steel insert pans
- Glass lid
Priority 3 (As Needed Based on Cooking Style):
- Mini silicone mitts
- Yogurt cups with lids (if you’ll make yogurt regularly)
- Additional specialty pans based on your favorite recipes
The Bottom Line
Here’s the truth about Instant Pot accessories: most are unnecessary, but a select few will completely transform how you use your appliance. The key is investing in quality pieces that serve multiple purposes and genuinely make your cooking life easier, not just more complicated. I’ve tested dozens of accessories, and the ones I’ve recommended here are the ones that have proven their worth over months and years of regular use in my kitchen.
Start with the essentials, see how you actually cook, and build from there. There’s no point in buying a yogurt-making setup if you never make yogurt, or specialty cake pans if you rarely bake. Focus on accessories that solve real problems you encounter in your daily cooking routine. And remember—your Instant Pot is already an incredibly versatile appliance on its own. Accessories are meant to enhance its functionality, not fix fundamental flaws.
The right accessories have turned my Instant Pot from an occasional-use appliance into the hardest-working tool in my kitchen. I hope they do the same for you. Happy cooking, friends, and may your Instant Pot never gather dust again.
