My Instant Pot sat mostly unused for the first few months I owned it, until I realized I was only using maybe 20% of what it could actually do. A few genuinely useful accessories later, it’s become the appliance I reach for multiple times a week instead of an occasional pot roast machine.

Amazon’s own data shows “instant pot accessories” is a consistently high-demand search, with the top-selling accessory getting 40,000+ orders in a single month. Here’s what’s actually worth adding to your setup, not just what shows up in generic bundle listings.

Quick Comparison Table:

1. Genuine Instant Pot Sealing Ring (2-Pack) — Essential

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This is the one accessory that isn’t optional long-term — your sealing ring is a core safety component, and Instant Pot’s own guidance recommends replacing it every 12-18 months, or sooner if it starts smelling or losing flexibility. Getting a genuine two-pack means you can also dedicate one ring to savory cooking and one to sweet, so your yogurt doesn’t taste like last week’s curry.

Instant Pot’s own safety documentation is clear that they don’t recommend untested third-party rings for this specific part, since it’s directly tied to the pressure-sealing mechanism. This is one accessory where sticking with the genuine brand version is worth the small price difference over a generic alternative.

2. 18-Piece Accessories Set — Best All-Around Starter Kit

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If you’re just starting to explore what your Instant Pot can actually do beyond basic soups and stews, this bundle covers the essentials in one purchase — a stainless steel steamer basket, a non-stick springform pan, an egg steaming rack, a silicone egg bites mold, extra sealing rings, magnetic cheat sheets, and a cleaning brush set.

It’s a smart way to test several accessory categories at once without committing to five separate purchases, then figure out which ones you actually reach for regularly before buying higher-quality individual replacements.

3. Silicone Egg Bites Molds — Best for Meal Prep

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This is the Instant Pot accessories pick that turned my pressure cooker into a weekday breakfast tool. Silicone egg bite molds let you batch-cook Starbucks-style egg bites at home, and the food-grade silicone handles both the pressure cooking environment and repeated washing without degrading.

They’re genuinely more versatile than just eggs too — the same molds work for portioned desserts, ice cubes, or baby food, which is a nice bonus if you weren’t expecting it going in.

4. 7″ Non-Stick Springform Pan — Best for Baking

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If someone told me a year ago I’d be making cheesecake in a pressure cooker, I wouldn’t have believed them, but this pan makes it genuinely simple. The removable bottom and buckle release mean your cheesecake comes out intact instead of stuck to the pan, and the double-layer non-stick coating handles repeated use well.

It fits both 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot models, so it’s a safe purchase regardless of which size you own, as long as you’re not running the smaller 3-quart Mini.

5. Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid — Good Addition

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This isn’t essential, but it’s a genuinely convenient upgrade once you have one. Swap it in when you’re sautéing (so you can actually see what’s happening without lifting a lid repeatedly) or when you want to serve directly from the pot at the table without it looking like a piece of cooking equipment.

It also works well for storing leftovers directly in the inner pot in the fridge, skipping the step of transferring food to a separate container.

Instant Pot Accessories: What Actually Matters Before You Buy

When choosing Instant Pot accessories, size compatibility matters more than most people expect going in — accessories are typically sized for 3-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart models specifically, and a “universal” claim doesn’t always hold up in practice. Double-check your exact Instant Pot size before ordering anything beyond the genuine sealing ring (which is sold by size already).

For the sealing ring specifically, stick with genuine Instant Pot parts rather than third-party alternatives — this is explicitly called out in Instant Pot’s own safety documentation as a component where using untested replacements carries real risk, unlike lower-stakes accessories like egg molds or steamer baskets.

For official safety guidance directly from the manufacturer, check Instant Pot’s own recommendations on sealing ring replacement and maintenance to keep your pressure cooker operating safely.

FAQ

What’s the most important Instant Pot accessory for safety?

Instant Pot recommends replacing it every 12-18 months under normal use, or sooner if you notice a lingering odor, discoloration, or the silicone losing its flexibility.

Can I use third-party accessories with my Instant Pot?

For most accessories (steamer baskets, egg molds, springform pans), yes — third-party options work fine as long as the size matches your model. The sealing ring is the one notable exception, where Instant Pot specifically recommends genuine parts due to its role in the pressure-sealing safety mechanism.

What are the single most useful Instant Pot accessories for a beginner?

A basic accessories set covering a steamer basket, egg rack, and extra sealing ring gives you the most functional range for the lowest cost, letting you figure out what you’ll actually use before investing in higher-quality individual pieces.

Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary. Always check current Amazon pricing before purchasing. Some links on this page may be affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Also read: Best Instant Pot Pressure Cookers in 2026, Instant Pot vs Slow Cooker in 2026, and our full range of air fryer guide. Best Air Fryers Under $50. Best Air Fryers Under $100. Best Smart WiFi Air Fryers with Alexa.