Introduction
If you’ve just brought home your first Instant Pot, you’re probably excited—and maybe a little overwhelmed—by the possibilities. From pressure-cooked meals to slow-cooked stews, this appliance is incredibly versatile. But to unlock its full potential, you’ll want a few key accessories that can make cooking safer, easier, and more fun.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 must-have Instant Pot accessories for beginners. Each item is beginner-friendly, gets frequent searches online (over 1,000 per month), and can be found easily on Amazon.com.
Why Accessories Matter for Instant Pot Beginners
Top 10 Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories
- Steamer Basket
- Silicone Sealing Rings
- Tempered Glass Lid
- Stackable Insert Pans
- Egg Bite Mold
- Trivet with Handles
- Silicone Mitts
- Springform Pan
- Extra Inner Pot
- Instant Pot Cleaning Supplies
Why Accessories Matter for Instant Pot Beginners
While your Instant Pot comes with a few basic parts like a trivet and an inner pot, adding accessories expands what you can cook. Think of it like upgrading your toolbox: the more you have, the more confidently you can tackle new recipes.
Top 10 Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories
1. Steamer Basket
Why You Need It: A steamer basket allows you to cook vegetables, eggs, and even fish without letting them touch water. It’s perfect for meal prep and healthy cooking.
Example Use: Steam broccoli in 2 minutes or make perfectly hard-boiled eggs in 5 minutes.
2. Silicone Sealing Rings
Why You Need It: Over time, sealing rings can absorb odors. Having extras allows you to swap them out for savory and sweet dishes.
Example Use: One ring for chili, another for cheesecake—no flavor mixing. Get colored ones so you can use one for sweet and one for savory.
3. Tempered Glass Lid
Why You Need It: Ideal for slow cooking, sautéing, or keeping food warm during serving.
Example Use: Simmer a curry or serve pulled pork right from the pot.
4. Stackable Insert Pans
Why You Need It: Lets you cook multiple dishes at once—great for meal prep or small portions.
Example Use: Rice in one pan, chicken in the other.
5. Egg Bite Mold
Why You Need It: Makes Starbucks-style egg bites and mini desserts easily.
Example Use: Fill with eggs, cheese, and spinach for quick breakfasts.
6. Trivet with Handles
Why You Need It: Lifting hot food becomes easy and safe. Some dishes need elevation during cooking, and this trivet does the job.
Example Use: Elevate a bowl of rice over water or lift a cheesecake with ease. Hard boil eggs in just a few minutes.
7. Silicone Mitts
Why You Need It: Small and heat-resistant, they’re made for grabbing the hot inner pot or accessories.
Example Use: Safely remove the hot trivet or inner liner.
8. Springform Pan
Why You Need It: Perfect for cheesecakes, lasagnas, and layered desserts.
Example Use: Make a rich New York-style cheesecake with a cookie crust.
9. Extra Inner Pot
Why You Need It: Allows you to switch between recipes without washing dishes immediately.
Example Use: Cook chili, then swap to make rice without waiting.
10. Instant Pot Cleaning Supplies
Why You Need It: A clean Instant Pot performs better and lasts longer. Having the right brushes, descaling solution, and odor absorbers on hand simplifies regular upkeep.
Example Use: Use a soft bottle brush to clean the steam release valve or apply white vinegar with a microfiber cloth to remove hard water spots.
Final Thoughts
Starting with the right accessories can dramatically improve your Instant Pot experience. These 10 beginner-friendly tools are highly rated, affordably priced, and available on Amazon.com. Whether you’re meal prepping, entertaining, or just trying not to burn dinner, these items will give you confidence and control from the start.
Bonus Tip: Look for bundles that combine several of these accessories—they’re often more affordable and can be a great gift for new Instant Pot owners.
