Best Instant Pot Accessories: Complete Buying Guide

If you own an Instant Pot, the right accessories expand its functionality, improve safety, and increase cooking efficiency. This guide covers the best Instant Pot accessories, what they do, and which are worth buying.

Whether you use a 3-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart model, these accessories help you steam, bake, store, stack, and cook more effectively.

Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories

1. Steamer Basket

A stainless steel steamer basket is one of the best Instant Pot accessories for vegetables, seafood, and dumplings.

Why it matters:

• Prevents food from sitting in water
• Improves texture
• Easy lifting with handles
• Dishwasher safe (if stainless steel)

Best for: Broccoli, potatoes, fish, tamales.

2. Extra Inner Pot

An additional stainless steel inner pot allows faster meal prep and easier storage.

Benefits:

• Swap between dishes without washing immediately
• Store leftovers directly in the pot
• Essential for batch cooking

If you meal prep regularly, this is not optional.

3. Stackable Racks

Stackable racks allow layered cooking.

Use cases:

• Cook chicken on one level, vegetables on another
• Steam multiple egg trays
• Maximize vertical space

This accessory increases efficiency without increasing cook time.

4. Egg Bite Molds

Silicone egg bite molds are ideal for:

• Breakfast egg bites
• Mini cheesecakes
• Portion-controlled desserts

They’re inexpensive, versatile, and one of the most popular Instant Pot accessories for good reason.

5. Silicone Lid

A reusable silicone lid fits directly on the inner pot.

Why it’s useful:

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator
• Reduce plastic wrap waste
• Keeps odors contained

Simple. Functional. Low cost.

6. Springform Pan

A springform pan transforms your Instant Pot into a pressure-baking device.

Best for:

• Cheesecake
• Lasagna
• Deep-dish style recipes

Choose the correct diameter for your pot size (usually 6–7 inches for 6-quart models).

7. Tempered Glass Lid

A glass lid is ideal for:

• Slow cooking mode
• Sauté mode
• Keeping food warm

It allows visibility without releasing heat constantly.

8. Steamer Sling

A silicone sling makes lifting pans safer and easier.

Benefits:

• Prevents burns
• Stabilizes dishes
• Improves handling of heavy items

It solves one of the most common Instant Pot frustrations: removal.

Nice-to-Have Instant Pot Accessories

These are useful depending on your cooking style:

• Yogurt cups for batch yogurt making
• Silicone mitts for safe handling
• Divider inserts for cooking multiple foods separately
• Air fryer lid (for compatible models)

Not mandatory, but valuable for specific use cases.

Choosing the Best Instant Pot Accessories

When evaluating the best Instant Pot accessories, consider:

1. Pot Size Compatibility

3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models require different accessory diameters.

2. Material Quality

• Stainless steel: durable, dishwasher safe
• Food-grade silicone: flexible and safe
• Avoid cheap coatings that chip

3. Cooking Frequency

If you use your Instant Pot weekly, invest in durable materials.

4. Storage Space

Stackable and collapsible accessories reduce cabinet clutter.

Best Instant Pot Accessories by Cooking Goal

For Meal Prep

• Extra inner pot
• Stackable racks
• Silicone lid

For Baking

• Springform pan
• Egg bite molds
• Steamer sling

For Healthy Cooking

• Steamer basket
• Stainless steel rack

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Instant Pot accessories universal?

Not always. Always check diameter compatibility with your model size.

Are silicone accessories safe?

Food-grade silicone is safe up to high temperatures. Avoid low-quality brands.

Do I need official Instant Pot branded accessories?

No. Many third-party stainless steel accessories perform equally well.

Final Recommendations

If you’re building a starter kit of the best Instant Pot accessories, prioritize:

1. Steamer basket
2. Extra inner pot
3. Stackable rack
4. Egg bite mold

Everything else depends on how often you cook and what you make.

Invest in durable materials, match accessories to your pot size, and focus on function over novelty.