9 Instant Pot Upgrades You Should Make ASAP, According to a Pro

These upgrades take just an instant.

Amazon

The Instant Pot turned the pressure cooker into one of the most versatile and most popular kitchen appliances. Several versions are now available, and at the touch of a button, each can take on recipes as varied as beef ragù and baba ganoush. And while it can already do a lot on its own, additional accessories can enhance its functionality. But which accessories are worth buying?

“Think about what you regularly use your Instant Pot for, and let that guide you,” says Nisha Vora, author of The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook. “If you never plan on baking a cake in the Instant Pot, it’s safe to skip a 7-inch Bundt pan. If you love steaming big batches of vegetables, a large steamer basket is helpful — the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot can only hold so much.” To help you get more out of your Instant Pot, we found nine clever gadgets and tools on Amazon that are versatile, easy-to-use, and best of all, affordable (seriously, they start at just $12).

Clever Instant Pot Gadgets at Amazon

Sousvide Art Air Fryer Lid

Amazon

$56

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If you already have an Instant Pot, there’s no need to buy a separate air fryer. This attachment replaces the Instant Pot’s lid and works by circulating hot air for even, consistent cooking, allowing it to air fry, bake, and broil various types of foods with seven different presets. What’s more, you can use it on any metal pot with a diameter between 22 and 24 centimeters, so it’s not just limited to the Instant Pot.

This air fryer lid also comes with a handful of accessories, including kitchen tongs, a steam rack, a silicone mat, and an air fryer basket. Cleanup requires a simple wipe down with a damp sponge or a dishcloth, and it can be easily stored away, unlike typical air fryers or toaster ovens.

Styddi Sealing Rings

Amazon

$15

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While an extra ring is typically included with the Instant Pot, you may find that you need to have more than one on hand. “These rings often absorb the aromas of whatever you’re cooking,” says Vora. “I like to keep a red one for savory foods that have pungent aromas, blue for desserts or sweet-adjacent foods, and clear for savory foods with fairly neutral aromas. That way, my chocolate cake doesn’t smell like red curry paste.”

This affordable set includes four rings in different colors, so you can dedicate a color to each flavor profile. They are made from food-grade silicone and come in two size options: one to fit 5- and 6-quart models, and another for 8-quart appliances. They can be easily hand-washed, or popped into the dishwasher — just make sure to put them on the top rack to keep their shape.

Instant Pot Instant Pot Mesh Steamer Baskets

Amazon

$27

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Instant Pot’s official steamer basket set comes with two baskets — a small, shallow size and a large, deeper version — equipped with feet to keep them above boiling water. Each basket features convenient handles, so you can easily lift the baskets out of the appliance. You can use them to steam dumplings, fish, vegetables, and more.

These baskets double as strainers because of their fine mesh construction, making them versatile kitchen tools. Made of rust-resistant stainless steel, they also hold their shape well and can be put into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. You can also purchase the basket sizes separately, but buying them as a set is an excellent value. Although designed to fit 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots, customers say they are slightly too small for 8-quart models.

BiaoGan Stackable Egg Steamer Rack

Amazon

$20

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There are many versions of the egg steamer rack for the Instant Pot, but this stainless steel model is designed to fit both the 6- and 8-quart cookers and features stackable layers that allow you to steam up to 14 eggs at a time. You can also use the rack with just a single layer to steam seven eggs or fewer if you’re preparing something like a Niçoise salad. The handles are coated with heat-resistant silicone, so you can safely lift the rack in and out of the Instant Pot. In addition to steaming eggs, you can use the rack to keep a cake pan or plate elevated in the Instant Pot and as a cooling rack on your kitchen counter. Cleanup is easy by hand or with a run through the dishwasher.

Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid

Amazon

$15

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Made by Instant Pot, this lid lets you braise, slow cook, reheat, and more while visually monitoring what’s in the pot. There are multiple sizes available to suit different Instant Pots, including the mini 3-quart, 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models. Each lid is made with tempered glass and stainless steel and features a steam vent to minimize condensation, and the handle is riveted securely into place. It’s heat resistant up to 425°F and can go into the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.

Hiware Nonstick Springform Pan

Amazon

$15

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This pan is made of an alloy steel base coated with a double-layered nonstick coating that lets baked-on food release easily. The springform buckle holds the base and sides together to prevent leaking and is easy to open and close. Though a springform pan is most associated with baking cheesecake, Vora uses hers for lasagnas, casseroles, and most kinds of cakes, making it a versatile tool to have on hand. It’s safe to use at up to 425°F, which means you can also use it in a conventional oven, and it comes with 50 sheets of pre-cut parchment paper that make it easier to clean the pan. This pan is considered dishwasher safe, but you’ll get better longevity if you clean it by hand.

Instant Pot Sterilization Rack

Amazon

$12

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One of the Instant Pot’s many features includes the ability to make your own yogurt, but in order to do so, you need this handy set. It comes with five six-ounce cups and lids that are leakproof, spill-proof, and airtight, and it fits easily into the 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models. The rack and cups are made of BPA-free, food-grade polypropylene, which makes them durable and lightweight.

How does it work? Insert the rack and cups into the Instant Pot, run the steam program for 10 minutes to sterilize, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make your own plain and flavored yogurts. Then store the yogurt in the fridge and enjoy. For cleanup, place the cups and rack on the top shelf of the dishwasher.

Instant Pot Nonstick Inner Pot

Amazon

$33

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The Instant Pot comes with a stainless steel insert that’s fantastic for most things, but a nonstick option is ideal when working with saucy or sticky foods, such as rice, as it cleans up with minimal effort. “If you’re someone who tries to minimize the amount of oil during cooking, it might be helpful,” Vora says.

Made by Instant Pot, it’s only compatible with the brand’s pressure cookers and comes in multiple sizes for different models. The pot has an aluminum exterior and a durable ceramic nonstick coating and is oven-safe up to 360°F. An additional pot allows you to cook multiple dishes at a time, so it’s a smart investment for those who tend to cook larger quantities. The pot is resistant to odors and stains and can be washed easily by hand to preserve its nonstick quality.

OXO Good Grips Bakeware Sling

Amazon

$19

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A baking sling is a must-have for baking cakes in your Instant Pot. The pan sits on the sling, and the handles allow you to lower and lift it out of the cooking chamber as needed without touching the hot sides. Oxo’s version is made from heavy-duty silicone and is flexible, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much vertical space, unlike more rigid versions. In addition to propping up a cake pan, you can use it as a roasting rack for meats and poultry, a vegetable steamer basket, an egg steaming tray, and a trivet to set down on the counter to keep the hot pan elevated. It’s easy to use and clean — just pop it into the dishwasher.

Read the original article on Food & Wine.

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