Cooking family dinners just got easier with the right Instant Pot accessories. These handy tools can turn your pressure cooker into a complete meal-making machine. From steaming vegetables to baking desserts, the right add-ons help you create delicious dinners faster than ever before. Ready to discover which accessories will transform your weeknight cooking routine?
1. Mesh Steamer Basket
Picture perfectly steamed broccoli sitting alongside tender chicken, all cooked at the same time. A quality mesh steamer basket makes this dream dinner scenario totally achievable on busy weeknights.
Stainless steel construction means this accessory will last for years of family meals. The removable handle lets you safely lift hot food without burning your fingers or struggling with awkward tongs.
Cleanup becomes a breeze since most mesh baskets are dishwasher safe. Your kids will actually eat their vegetables when they taste this good!
2. Silicone Steamer Basket
Flexibility meets function in this BPA-free kitchen helper that bends and folds to fit any pot size. Unlike rigid metal baskets, silicone versions adapt to whatever you’re cooking, from tiny Brussels sprouts to large potato chunks.
Heat resistance up to 450 degrees means you can move this basket from your Instant Pot straight into the oven if needed. The soft material won’t scratch your inner pot’s coating either.
Bright colors make cooking more fun for kids who want to help in the kitchen. Easy storage is another bonus since these baskets fold completely flat.
3. Tempered Glass Lid
Watching your food cook without releasing pressure becomes possible with a crystal-clear tempered glass lid. This accessory transforms your Instant Pot into a regular slow cooker when you want to see bubbling stews and simmering sauces.
Steam vents prevent dangerous pressure buildup while still keeping moisture locked inside your pot. The sturdy construction handles temperature changes without cracking or breaking during regular use.
Perfect for keeping food warm during family gatherings or when dinner timing gets tricky. Your curious kids can watch their favorite meals come together right before their eyes.
4. Extra Stainless Steel Inner Pot
Meal prep becomes twice as efficient when you own a backup inner pot for your pressure cooker. Imagine starting rice in one pot while your main dish finishes cooking in the other.
Restaurant-quality stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots that can burn your food. The non-reactive surface means acidic foods like tomato sauce won’t pick up metallic flavors.
Dishwasher-safe cleanup makes weeknight cooking less stressful for busy parents. Having a spare pot also means you can prep tomorrow’s breakfast while tonight’s dinner stays warm and ready to serve.
5. Silicone Baking Pans
Dessert lovers rejoice because your Instant Pot can now bake cakes, bread, and treats with the right silicone pans. Food-grade materials ensure safe baking while flexible sides make removing finished desserts incredibly simple.
Non-stick surfaces mean less butter and oil needed for successful baking results. These pans fit perfectly inside standard Instant Pot models without blocking steam circulation or pressure release.
Springform designs allow you to create layered cakes and cheesecakes that look professionally made. Your family will be amazed when you pull restaurant-quality desserts from your pressure cooker after dinner.
6. Color-Coded Sealing Rings
Smart cooks know that different colored sealing rings prevent flavor transfer between sweet and savory dishes. Nobody wants their chocolate cake tasting like last night’s curry dinner.
High-quality silicone maintains flexibility through hundreds of cooking cycles while creating perfect pressure seals every time. Easy identification means you’ll grab the right ring without thinking twice about it.
Replacement rings extend your Instant Pot’s lifespan since worn seals can cause pressure problems and longer cooking times. Having extras on hand means you’re never stuck with a broken seal during dinner prep time.
7. Silicone Mini-Mitts
Tiny but mighty, these heat-resistant gloves protect your fingers when handling hot accessories inside your Instant Pot. Regular oven mitts are often too bulky for precision work with small pans and baskets.
Textured grips ensure you won’t drop slippery metal accessories even when they’re covered in steam or cooking liquids. The compact size means they store easily in any kitchen drawer.
Waterproof silicone construction makes cleanup simple after messy cooking sessions. Kids learning to cook safely will appreciate having properly sized protection for their smaller hands during supervised cooking activities.
8. Stackable Insert Pans
Cooking complete meals in layers saves time and energy while maximizing your Instant Pot’s capacity. Stackable pans let you prepare proteins, vegetables, and starches simultaneously in separate compartments.
Perforated and solid pan options give you flexibility for different cooking methods within the same batch. Steam circulates properly between layers while keeping flavors distinct and appetizing.
Portion control becomes easier when each family member gets their own individual serving pan. These systems work especially well for meal prep sessions when you’re cooking several days’ worth of lunches at once.
9. Springform Push Pan
Creating individual portions or removing delicate foods becomes effortless with push-bottom pan technology. Simply press the bottom upward and your perfectly shaped food releases without breaking or sticking.
Non-stick coating ensures easy cleanup while maintaining food safety standards for regular family use. The removable bottom design works great for layered dishes like lasagna or breakfast casseroles.
Professional results make your home cooking look restaurant-quality without requiring special skills or techniques. Your family will think you’ve been taking secret cooking classes when you serve beautifully presented meals from this simple but effective accessory.