10 Must-Have Accessories for the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has grown tremendously in popularity and nearly everyone owns one now. I am so in love with my instant pot I find I use it all the time. Having some fun accessories to use with it, will make your instant pot experience all the more fun. Check out my list of 10 must-have accessories for the instant pot.
While the Instant Pot is an incredible kitchen tool, accessories can make it even more versatile. I have put together a list of my favorite Instant Pot accessories.
Seals – It may seem odd to have more than one seal for your Instant Pot, but this should be your first purchase if you plan to use your Instant Pot for a variety of different foods. If there is a downside to the Instant Pot, it is that the silicone sealing ring absorbs the smells of what you cook. As the Instant Pot heats the next batch of food, those smells from the sealing ring may filter into the new food. If you have never tasted pinto-bean flavored yogurt, well, there’s a reason. At the least, you will want a sweet seal and a savory seal. Some people also have separate seals for fish or other strongly flavored foods such as chili.
Stackable Steamer Rack – A stackable steamer rack efficiently doubles the amount of food you can put into your Instant Pot, in some cases. While you can do eggs by simply stacking them on the trivet, you can cool them quicker if you use a steamer rack. With the addition of a steamer rack, you could cook two different types of food at the same time. Using the steamer rack also cuts down on food sticking to the insert.
Springform Pan – Cheesecake recipes for the Instant Pot abound. For perfect cheesecake, a springform pan is essential. However, this pan is also great for other kinds of pies, lasagna, and meatloaf.
Tempered Glass Lid – The great thing about the Instant Pot is that while the pressure cooking options rock, you can also brown, simmer, and slow cook in it. For these types of meals, you do not need the heavier lid that comes with the unit. A tempered glass lid is easier for clean-up, and is a necessity if you plan to stir whatever you are cooking in your Instant Pot today!
Egg Bite Mold – Egg bites are a great way to fix breakfast on the go in the Instant Pot. When cooled, egg bites can be put into containers making them easily portable. This mold makes preparation a snap!
Silicone Baking Cups – Useful for cakes, muffins, and smaller portions of just about any recipe you can cook in the IP, silicone baking cups are something that no kitchen should be without!
Steamer Basket – The key to cooking great veggies in the Instant Pot is to steam them above the water rather than cooking them in the water. A steamer basket helps you do make perfect vegetables every time!
Vinyl Stickers – Because the outside of the IP does not get hot, they can be personalized! Vinyl stickers are a great way to add humor, rep your fandom, or show off a design that complements your kitchen décor.
Meal Prep Containers – One of the most popular ways to use an Instant Pot is to meal prep. You can put the Instant Pot to work all weekend and have meals for the next few weeks. Lunches on the go, snacks, even dinners to keep in the freezer for emergencies! Meal prep containers are a must.
Stick Blender – One of my favorite things to make in my IP is refried beans. Before I got an Instant Pot, I made them on the stove in a pressure cooker. When I started using the IP, the first recipe I cooked was refried beans. I make a batch at least monthly, and sometimes more often. A stick blender helps turn whole cooked beans into delicious pureed beans. It is also useful for making spaghetti sauce, applesauce, and whipped cream.
As you can see, there are a number of tools that can help you make your Instant Pot a powerhouse in your kitchen. It is not just a time saver; it is a way to experience new recipes and flavors while still serving food that tastes incredible.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!