Why Use An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.
If you dont have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot for more information.
- Dont Have an Instant Pot Yet?This guide can help you choose the right one.
When I First Purchased My Instant Pot Mini Back In December 2017 I Wasnt Sure What Instant Pot Mini Accessories Were Available Or What Would Even Fit The 3 Quart Instant Pot Model Accessories Were Not Something I Was Even Thinking About Here Is A This List Of Accessories To Help You Find What You Want Quickly
Accessories were not something I thought about when I first purchased my Instant Pot Mini. I dont remember owning any for my slow cooker. For the most part, you toss in all the ingredients into the crock and turn it on. The world of electric pressure cooking is a little different.
Accessories are both part of the fun as well as expand the different dishes you can cook in your Instant Pot Mini.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You wont pay any more if you use this link.
Once you decide you want to stock up on accessories, you may also notice finding things that fit a 3 quart Instant Pot is a challenge. Items can be only so wide or tall in order to fit safely in the inner pot. Given more people have the 6 quart model, below is a dedicated list of accessories for the smaller Instant Pot.
Tip:Do you know someone that just purchased their first Instant Pot? Accessories make great gifts, especially for people new to this method of cooking. While this list is specific for the mini models, you can use this as inspiration for the larger models when you go shopping!
Extra Instant Pot Insert
I love having extra Instant Pot stainless steel inserts for my pots! Oftentimes, Im cooking 2-3 things in my pots and I cant keep up!
Especially when Im making Instant Pot yogurt, It is SO nice to be able to put the pot of yogurt in the fridge and still be able to use the Instant Pot with another liner these extra stainless steel inner liners just make life so much easier.
- Pros: You can use your IP when the other liner is dirty or being used .
- Cons: More dishes to wash?
- Uses: See Pros facilitates multitasking
BUY HERE: Instant Pot Insert
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How To Use Your Instant Pot
Not sure where to get started? Ive compiled all of my tips and tricks into a beginners guide. In this new video, Ill be sharing with you EVERYTHING you need to know about your new Instant Pot.
Theres also several analogies to help you understand your Instant Pot. This video is for anyone who needs help understanding Instant Pot terms like QR, NPR, and an explanation of the Instant Pot interface and buttons, how to release the steam in the Instant Pot, etc. Youll love it!
Best Separator: Sensible Needs Steamer Basket With Divider
Dividers are a great way to cook one whole meal all at once in your Instant Pot. The divider sections the stainless steel basket into three different parts, making it easy to make a full course meal. It will also make it easier to take out food when it’s finished while others continue to cook for the allotted time.
The one downside to this basket is the trivets are hard to separate, so hopefully, you have someone strong around. It just takes a bit of muscle power to separate them, but once you do, you’re ready to start cooking.
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Which Accessories Work For Instant Pot Mini 3qt
Raise your hand if you just love your new Instant Pot Mini but find yourself scratching your head about which accessories will fit the Instant Pot Mini 3QT?
Will your other Instant Pot 6QT & 8QT accessories fit in the 3QT too?
This blog post shares a compilation of ALL of the accessories that I have found after scouring amazon, reading hundreds of comments from online Instant Pot users, in addition to my own findings.
How I Started My Instant Pot Family
When I purchased my first Instant Pot, I bought the #1 best selling model, the Instant Pot DUO 6QT, just like everyone else.
Within a week of cooking with it, I quickly realized that I needed a second Instant Pot so I could be even more hands-free in the kitchen! That way I could cook chicken in one and steam veggies in the other.
For my second Instant Pot, I ended up purchasing the Instant Pot DUO 8QT so I could have something large enough to do a big pot of soup AND have leftovers the next day.
I love being efficient, with less cooking and dishes whenever possible.
Also Check: How To Steam In Instant Pot Ultra
Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
This stainless steel steamer basket is similar to the mesh one I recommend, but in a more solid stainless steel. This makes it particularly sturdy.
Fitting both 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots, it has a fold-down handle thats covered with heat-resistant silicone that makes it easy to remove from the Instant Pot.
Because its 5 tall, it has a greater capacity than many smaller steamer baskets.
The solid construction allows this basket to double as a strainer, so it could be particularly useful for other purposes beyond steaming.
For instance, if you want to make a big batch of broth in your Instant Pot, you can keep the bones and scraps within the basket, then you can easily pull those out of the broth after cooking.
This stainless steel basket is dishwasher safe, too! As with all steamer baskets, rinse shortly after cooking to prevent food from sticking to the holes.
Instant Pot Silicone Liner Lid
This silicone cover is essentially like a tupperware lid to the metal Instant Pot liner.
- Pros: Dishwasher safe. Easily stores the pot straight to the fridge!
- Cons: The lid is not a sealing lid, so you wouldnt be able to turn the pot upside down or anything.
- Uses: Easily store leftovers, marinate meats right in the pot for easy and fast cooking like for Kalua Pig, Yogurt, or storing any Instant Pot Soup.
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Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Basket
As you can tell by the name, this product is an official IP accessory. It is made from high-quality food-safe silicone and it resists to high temperatures .
However, it doesnt have legs of its own and its not very big . On the other hand, you can buy two or three of these and stack them. This way, you can steam different types of foods, on different levels. In terms of circumference, it can be safely used with different pressure cookers .
Lastly, the basket is easy to clean and doesnt retain bits of food.
The verdict: Its a good steamer basket that wont leave a dent in your budget. However, its not as convenient as the first two products Ive discusses since its not very spacious and it doesnt have feet.
Best Steamer Basket For Instant Pot
There are some great accessories you can buy for the Instant Pot, like steamer baskets and other inserts that add functionality and help you to cook food just the way you want it.
Ive taken a look at the best steamer basket for Instant Pot and provided the list here for you on the top ones I found.
I love how quick and easy it is to make steamed vegetables in the Instant Pot once you have a steamer basket. Not all steamer baskets are created equal, though.
Some are definitely better than others and will allow you to cook food easier because of the features they offer. So, Ive narrowed down the list of whats available to give you my top picks.
A steamer basket is not included in the standard Instant Pot purchase. Youll have to buy one separately as an added accessory. Thats why I think its important to go through whats out there on the market and give you the best options.
Also Check: How To Cook Beef Stew In Instant Pot
What Is Most Important When Choosing Your Best Instant Pot Steamer Basket
Investing money in a reputable product is a reasonable investment for your life, and Best Instant Pot Steamer Basket is no exception. They will bring many benefits to you when you choose the right one. It is challenging because there are currently many models and sizes from brands from different countries. You must look for information from a reputable brand.
First, the products used the most will have customers’ specific interests, such as asking related questions about the product. That is also the reason why we are also worried because sometimes there will be information interference, so some of the information we collect is as follows:
Does the product you choose have many outstanding features?Have you fully grasped the advantages and disadvantages of the product?The solution to having helpful information when searching for products?Which brands should users trust to choose?When problems arise, what should we do?
We have followed and listed some of the outstanding features of Best Instant Pot Steamer Basket in the following sections. You will get some information and advice based on genuine user reviews:
Ekovana Stainless Steel Cheesecake Round Push Pan 6 Inches By 3 Inches
If aluminum isnt your thing, ekovana makes a 6 inch stainless steel push pan. This one has a handle to lift out which is extremely useful as opposed to having to create a sling. I used this plan to make the 6-inch cheesecake from This Old Gals blog.
And one thing to note with this pan, while theres enough space around the pan while its in the liner, the handle edges are a slightly tight fit. Be careful while lifting or lowering the pan as it might scratch the liner.
Recommended Reading: Instant Pot Duo 80
Instant Pot Sealing Rings 3 Quart
Extra Instant Pot Sealing Rings are at the top of your must-have Instant Pot Mini accessories list. One thing youll notice is the silicone rings become infused with the flavors of whatever you cook, especially onion and garlic. For cooking both savory and sweet dishes, having a switchable ring will save you headaches and weird tasting results. Honestly, sometimes I thought I could get the smell out of the ring, but it always seems to linger. No one likes an onion-flavored cheesecake!
The 3 quart model sealing rings are available in both clear and colors.
Tip: If you use different colors for different types of cooking, its faster to choose the right one for your next dish.
My Honest Advice About Instant Pot Accessories
This might be weird to hear from someone like me, but DONT go out and buy a million accessories for your Instant Pot right away! Especially if youre a beginner, I want you to get your Instant Pot, and USE it first.
I get a lot of messages that sound a lot like this: Hi Lisa! I just got my Instant Pot and have no idea what Im doing with it! What accessories do you recommend I buy?
I always give the same response: none.
Figure out what youre cooking and how youre cooking! A bunch of accessories arent useful to you if you have no idea how youre using your Instant Pot.
Get that pot out of the box, and use it! Youll quickly find out what accessories you need.
If youre finding yourself making a lot of vegetables or confident enough to make a cheesecake, youll figure out that your cooking process could be a lot easier with a steamer basket or a specific cheesecake pan.
I improvised with what I had for a year, and I did just fine! I dont want anyone wasting their hard earned money on stuff they dont need! A huge pet peeve of mine is to waste money by buying without a clear purpose in mind.
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Instant Pot Egg Bite Mold
I recently purchased an Instant Pot egg bite mold and I actually really like it! This is a silicone mold that you can use to cook in your Instant Pot.
- Pros: Incredibly sturdy, thick, nonstick, and the holes are much larger than I anticipated. It also comes with a lid.
- Cons: Youll need to buy a couple if youre cooking for a crowd.
- Uses:Instant Pot Cheddar Bacon Egg Bites, Pumpkin Pie bites and Mini Cheesecake bites , freezing single portions of baby food or bone broth.
BUY HERE:Instant Pot Egg Bites Mold
Styddi Steamer Basket With The Perfect Size For 3 Quart Instant Pot
- Multi-purpose Steamer Basket for Vegetables, Hard cooked eggs and etc. You can also use it for fast straining when you are making bone broth & stocks. Or as a food strainer or fruit container.
- Wide and holey Baskets allow more ways for steam to penetrate the basket, easy to steam food evenly. 1 inch trivet are high enough to keep above the water.
- Food-grade Silicone wrapped handle for you to lift out the basket easily and safely.
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Piece 3 Qt Accessories Set For Instant Pot
This pressure cooker accessory kit has everything you need as a beginner Instant Pot chef. The set includes a springform buckle pan, steam basket, silicone egg bite molds, and egg steam trivet rack.
These are great for making quick breakfast, dinner, and desserts without much hassle. The tongs, dish clips, silicone rings, and mitts will help you not burn yourself while handling the hot dishes.
If youre feeling uninspired, the added pressure cooker recipe book will help you with ideas. The magnetic cooking time guides will also help you avoid overcooking the meals and create the most delicious feasts.
Is There A Steamer Basket For A 3
Most Instant Pot steamer baskets wont fit in the smaller 3-quart Instant Pot mini pressure cooker.
However, there are some steamer baskets that have been specifically designed to fit in the 3-quart Instant Pot, such as this stainless steel basket and this silicone basket.
Be sure to double-check sizes before purchasing to ensure the selected steamer basket will fit within the circumference of your model!
Recommended Reading: Instant Pot Duo Sv 6 Quart
Stackable Instant Pot Steamer Baskets
Stackable steamer baskets allow you to steam more than one thing at a time, each in its own separate compartment.
This food-grade silicone basket made by Instant Pot can fit inside a 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart Instant Pot, and its essentially the silicone counterpart of a traditional bamboo steamer.
Because it doesnt have feet of its own, youll have to place this one on top of a trivet to keep it up out of the water.
And while you can just use one of these if desired, you can also stack two of these on top of the trivet in order to cook more than one food at a time. This can be useful if youre cooking different foods that you dont want touching each other.
One steamer basket isnt very deep on its own, but it will accommodate a small amount of food. Stacking one steam rack on top of the other increases your cooking capacity.
This silicone model is dishwasher safe, too!
Instant Pot Glass Lid
Some people like to get a lid for their pots for popcorn, slow cooking, or yogurt. I personally dont find it necessary as I can just use a glass lid from one of my other pots, but many people love having a glass lid just for their Instant Pot so Ive included it on this list.
- Pros: Can be used for recipes that do not require pressure cooking as you can see inside the pot at a glance.
- Cons: Its a glass pot lid that is branded Instant Pot, so it costs $15
- Uses:Instant Pot Yogurt , popcorn, slow cooking
BUY HERE:Instant Pot Glass Lid
Read Also: How To Cook Rice With Instant Pot
Mesh Instant Pot Steamer Basket
- Instant Pot Compatible – The 717 Steamer Basket is compatible with 6 and 8 quart Instant Pots, as well as many other Pots and Pressure Cookers. The 717 Steamer Basket is perfect for Eggs, Meats, and Veggies
As I mentioned, this mesh steamer basket is the one I own and use in my Instant Pot. Ive had it for a long time now, and its held up really well.
This particular model is quite durable and keeps its shape well, and the silicone covered handle makes it really easy to remove from the Instant Pot. Its also a large basket with a large capacity.
I also appreciate that the feet of this basket arent coated with silicone, so food wont get stuck in the crevices between silicone and metal.
I know some people have qualms with mesh material, finding it difficult to clean.
However, Ive found that if you rinse the steamer basket immediately after using, it is actually very easy to keep clean. But if you allow it to become caked with dry food, it wont be such an easy job.
Plus, its dishwasher safe, which is always a benefit, in my book!
