MomSkoop
After two years of pressure cooking adventures and countless family meals, we’ve discovered which Instant Pot accessories actually earn their keep in our kitchen. Some gadgets promised the world but delivered disappointment, while others became absolute game-changers for our daily cooking routine. Through trial, error, and plenty of delicious experiments, we’ve narrowed down the must-have accessories that truly make pressure cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the twelve accessories that survived our family’s real-world testing.
1. Tempered Glass Lid
Watching your food cook feels almost magical, and this clear lid makes it possible without releasing precious steam. Our kids love peeking at rice transforming or vegetables steaming to perfection.
Beyond entertainment value, this lid serves practical purposes during slow cooking modes and when keeping food warm. The sturdy construction survived countless dishwasher cycles and accidental drops from curious little hands.
Restaurant-style presentation becomes effortless when you can monitor doneness without guesswork. We use it weekly for meal prep sessions and family gatherings where timing matters most.
2. Silicone Cookware Sling
Hot dishes and burned fingers became history once we started using this flexible lifting tool. The heat-resistant silicone handles make removing steaming bowls and pans completely safe and stress-free.
Cleaning couldn’t be simpler since food rarely sticks to the smooth surface. Our teenagers can now help with dinner preparation without safety concerns about handling hot cookware from the pressure cooker.
Versatility shines when lifting everything from cheesecakes to casserole dishes with equal ease. Storage takes minimal space, and the bright color makes it easy to locate in our crowded kitchen drawer.
3. Silicone Egg Bites Mold
Breakfast prep transformed completely when we discovered these perfectly portioned molds create cafe-quality egg bites at home. Morning routines became smoother with grab-and-go protein options ready in the refrigerator.
Creative combinations keep our family interested, from classic cheese and bacon to adventurous spinach and feta varieties. The non-stick surface releases easily, making cleanup quick even after messy ingredient experiments.
Meal planning benefits extend beyond breakfast since these molds work beautifully for mini quiches, frittatas, and even dessert portions. Freezer storage means we always have healthy options available for busy school mornings.
4. Mesh Strainer Pasta Clip-On
Pasta nights became infinitely easier once this clever strainer eliminated the dangerous dance of draining boiling water. The secure clip attachment means no more wrestling with heavy pots or risking burns from splashing liquid.
Beyond pasta, we use it for blanching vegetables, rinsing grains, and straining homemade broths with professional results. The fine mesh catches even tiny ingredients that would normally slip through standard colanders.
Storage convenience wins points since it nests inside other kitchen tools without taking extra drawer space. Dishwasher-safe construction means cleanup happens automatically with our regular dish loads.
5. Extra Silicone Sealing Rings
Flavor transfer between dishes disappeared once we started rotating different sealing rings for sweet versus savory cooking. Nobody wants chocolate cake that tastes like last night’s curry, and these extras solve that problem completely.
Color coding became our system for keeping flavors separate and organized. Red handles spicy foods, blue manages desserts, and clear works for everything neutral like rice and vegetables.
Replacement convenience matters since sealing rings wear out over time with regular use. Having backups means never missing cooking opportunities while waiting for online orders or store trips to arrive.
6. Springform Cake Pan
Cheesecakes and delicate desserts found their perfect home in this removable-bottom pan designed for pressure cooking success. The adjustable sides release easily, preventing those heartbreaking moments when beautiful desserts stick or crumble during removal.
Water bath protection keeps desserts creamy and prevents cracking that often ruins special occasion treats. Family celebrations became more memorable when we could create restaurant-quality desserts at home with consistent results.
Savory applications surprised us when we discovered how well it works for layered casseroles and molded rice dishes. The professional presentation elevates everyday meals into something special worth photographing.
7. Mini Silicone Mitts
Compact protection fits perfectly in tight spaces where regular oven mitts feel clumsy and oversized. These mini versions provide excellent heat protection while maintaining the dexterity needed for precise movements around hot surfaces.
Kitchen drawer organization improved since these small mitts store easily without monopolizing valuable space. The textured grip surface prevents slipping even when handling smooth or wet cookware straight from the pressure cooker.
Family members with smaller hands finally have heat protection that actually fits properly. Teenagers and adults with petite hands can now safely participate in cooking tasks that previously required assistance from others.
8. Stainless Steel Inner Pot
Backup cooking capacity doubled our meal preparation possibilities, especially during holiday seasons when multiple dishes need simultaneous attention. Having two inner pots means never waiting for one dish to finish before starting another.
Different cooking methods work better in stainless steel compared to the original non-stick coating. Browning meats and building flavor layers happens more effectively with this upgrade, creating restaurant-quality results at home.
Durability exceeds expectations since stainless steel resists scratching and maintains its appearance through years of heavy use. Metal utensils cause no damage, unlike non-stick surfaces that require careful handling to prevent coating deterioration.
9. Stackable Steamer Egg Rack
Vertical cooking space maximizes every inch of the pressure cooker interior, allowing multiple food types to cook simultaneously without flavor mixing. Weekend meal prep became efficient when we could steam vegetables above while cooking grains below.
Perfect hard-boiled eggs happen consistently with this rack’s elevated positioning and proper steam circulation. No more guessing about cooking times or dealing with shells that stick to overcooked whites.
Space-saving design stacks multiple racks when cooking larger quantities for family gatherings or weekly meal preparation. The sturdy construction supports substantial weight without bending or warping under pressure cooking conditions.
10. Silicone Cupcake Liners
Individual portions became effortless once these reusable liners replaced wasteful paper versions that often stick or tear. Morning muffins, mini quiches, and personal-sized desserts emerge perfectly shaped every single time.
Environmental benefits add up quickly since these liners last for years while eliminating hundreds of disposable paper cups. The bright colors make portion control visual and appealing, especially for children who love individual servings.
Freezer storage works beautifully for make-ahead breakfast options and school lunch treats. Pop frozen portions directly into lunch boxes where they thaw perfectly by mealtime, maintaining freshness and flavor throughout the day.
11. Pot-in-Pot Cook and Bake Pan
Simultaneous cooking revolutionized our dinner preparation when we discovered how to make complete meals in one cooking cycle. Rice cooks perfectly in the bottom while proteins and vegetables steam above, creating balanced meals with minimal effort.
Non-stick surface releases food easily without requiring excessive oil or butter for cooking. Healthy meal preparation became more appealing when cleanup involved just one additional pan instead of multiple dirty dishes.
Size compatibility fits perfectly within standard Instant Pot dimensions while maximizing usable cooking surface. The shallow depth promotes even heat distribution, ensuring consistent results whether baking cornbread or cooking casseroles for family dinners.
12. Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
Vegetable preparation reached new heights once this perforated basket allowed perfect steaming without waterlogged results. Crisp-tender vegetables maintain their vibrant colors and essential nutrients while cooking quickly under pressure.
Folding petals adjust to accommodate different food sizes, from tiny Brussels sprouts to large artichokes, making this one tool incredibly versatile. The center post provides stability and easy lifting once cooking completes.
Beyond vegetables, this basket excels at reheating leftovers, steaming dumplings, and cooking delicate fish fillets that would otherwise fall apart. The stainless steel construction cleans easily and resists staining from strongly colored foods like beets or turmeric.