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My Favorite Instant Pot Accessories, Cookbooks and Resources

By: Author Pamela Baker

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Today I’d like to share a round-up of some of my favorite Instant Pot accessories and resources.

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Instant Pot Accessories, Resources and Recipes by The Birch Cottage

Last year, I received an Instant Pot from our children as a Christmas gift. I’ve used it quite a bit since then, although not near as often as I had thought or would like (but, that’s my own fault). One of the things on my Instant Pot bucket list is making homemade yogurt. I’m also going to try making homemade vanilla extract in my Instant Pot.

There’s a whole world of pressure cooker recipes and techniques just waiting to be explored. The Instant Pot seems to be growing and growing in popularity. One of the great features of the Instant Pot is the amount of time it can save you in the kitchen. But, don’t be fooled. It’s not always quite as quick as you may be lead to believe!

I also thought I’d share with you some great sources for Instant Pot recipes and tutorials. Admittedly, the Instant Pot is not intuitive. It can be quite intimidating, especially to someone who’s never used a pressure cooker before. So, let’s take some of the mystery out of this behemoth of a kitchen appliance, shall we?

My Favorite Instant Pot Accessories

Instant Pot Accessories, Resources and Recipes by The Birch Cottage

This list is not all-inclusive, but it is a pretty fair representation of my favorite Instant Pot accessories.

Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid

The Instant Pot tempered glass lid with steam vent and stainless steel rim and handle is designed specifically for use with the Instant Pot Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker. This lid is perfect for slow cook, sauté or keep-warm functions. You may also use the lid in the oven with the inner cooking pot up to 428F (220C). This lid is definitely one of my favorite Instant Pot accessories!

Instant Pot Sealing Ring


You will want to have more than one sealing ring in your stash of Instant Pot accessories, especially if you plan on using it a lot. The ring can absorb odors (here’s how to remove odors from your sealing ring). You really don’t want your yogurt tasting like last night’s stroganoff. Plus, if you use your Instant Pot a lot, the seal will wear and you cannot use your pressure cooker without the seal. It’s easy to remove and easy to install. Takes like 10 seconds.

Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot


If you use your Instant Pot a lot (or plan on using it a lot), you may want to have a second inner pot. Having a second inner pot makes it really convenient when you’re preparing multiple dishes. You can get one dish ready, while the other one is cooking and then simply switch pots.

Instant Pot Silicone Lid


This particular lid is not made by Instant Pot, but has received great reviews by other purchasers. The Instant Pot brand is currently out of stock on Amazon (my preferred vendor), but this appears to be a great alternative. It fits snuggly on the inner pot for food storage. Since it’s made of silicone, it should be easy to clean and durable. (I have not used this particular lid but am recommending it based on the great reviews it has received.)

Vegetable Steamer


This 100% stainless steel vegetable steamer fits perfectly in the Instant Pot and is pretty easy to store. I love that fact that it collapses as it makes it so much more convenient for storing. The only issue is trying to remove the hot steamer basket from the Instant Pot. My steamer basket came with a little stainless steel hook. Otherwise, use caution when removing the hot vegetable steamer basket! A definite must-have for your Instant Pot accessories!

Wilton Springform Pan

Did you know you can make cheesecake in your Instant Pot? How about meatloaf? How about flan? How about cake? This particular springform pan from Wilton fits perfectly in the Instant Pot. It’s one of the few accessories that I recommend that aren’t the Instant Pot brand. I haven’t tried the Instant Pot Springform Pan simply because of some of the reviews I read on Amazon. This springform pan is a little smaller than your typical pan, but it fits perfectly in the Instant Pot.

Nordic Ware Springform Pan

This springform pan from Nordic Ware also received great reviews on Amazon. Just another alternative or option for a nice springform pan for your Instant Pot.

Potato Masher

What does a potato masher have to do with cooking with an Instant Pot? Trust me, once you’ve made mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot, you won’t ever make them on the stove top again! You can use a hand or stand mixer to mash your potatoes, but there’s just something about hand mashed potatoes the good old fashioned way that seems to take mashed potatoes to the next level.

Measuring Cup

Any measuring cup will do, but you will definitely use your measuring cup a lot. Most dishes require the addition of 1 or 2 cups of water (except chicken). A small measuring cup came with my Instant Pot, but I find I use my 2 cup glass measuring cup instead.

Instant Pot

I would be a little remiss if I didn’t include the actual Instant Pot. I have the Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker. The Instant Pot comes in multiple sizes, but this one seemed to be the best fit for my family and the way I envisioned using my amazing pressure cooker.

Hand Mixer

My mixer died. Very sad story. Actually, it was my mother-in-law’s mixer and it weighed like 8 lbs but it was a major workhorse. My best guess is that the hand mixer was at least 40 years old. This Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer gets great reviews on Amazon and comes in a gorgeous color called “ice”. Definitely adding this to my Christmas wish list! (Plus, it will make mashing ten pounds of potatoes so much easier.)

Euro Cuisine Greek Yogurt Strainer

I haven’t actually made yogurt in my Instant Pot yet, nor have I made Greek yogurt. But, I plan on tackling that this winter (after Christmas). From what I’ve read on making yogurt in the Instant Pot, this strainer is a must-have. Another item I’m adding to my Christmas wish list and you’ll want to have on hand with your Instant Pot accessories.

Thermometer

If you’re going to make yogurt in your Instant Pot, you’ll probably want a thermometer as it will be important for you to know the temperature of your yogurt. You can read all about how to make yogurt in an Instant Pot here. (By the way, we own this thermometer. My husband thinks it’s for monitoring the temperature of the meat he’s smoking.)

Where to Find Instant Pot Recipes and Tips

Instant Pot Accessories, Resources and Recipes by The Birch Cottage

There are several numerous pressure cooker cookbooks available from your library or for purchase from your local bookstore or online. Some of the cookbooks are even available in Kindle reader format (my personal favorite). Of course, as time permits, I plan to share some of my favorite Instant Pot recipes with you right here on The Birch Cottage blog (lucky you)!

Instant Pot Cookbooks

Instant Pot Cookbooks by The Birch Cottage

Are cookbooks an accessory? I definitely consider them an important part of my Instant Pot accessories.

Instant Pot Recipes & Resources

  • Hip Pressure Cooking – Hip Pressure Cooking is a website devoted to all things pressure cooking. Although you’ll find lots of Instant Pot recipes, tips and tutorials, you’ll also find pressure cooking recipes, tips, suggestions and reviews in general. There’s also a cookbook (I haven’t reviewed or purchased it) by the same name.
  • The Prairie Homestead – Jill lives on the wide open Wyoming prairie and shares her love of a simpler life, including Instant Pot recipes. Yep, there’s apparently a place on the prairie for the Instant Pot.
  • Laurel Randolph – As mentioned above, Laurel is an Instant Pot cookbook author and blogger. Her site is full of helpful tips, techniques and recipes!
  • Tidbits – I’ve mentioned Cami and Marci before. They are a pair of sisters. Long before there was the Master the Electric Pressure Cooker cookbook, there was a blogger named Cami. Her sister Marci introduced her to the art of yogurt making in an Instant Pot and the rest has evolved from that. What I like about Tidbits is that you’ll find lots of real recipes (like these pressure cooker mashed potatoes) that real people eat and love.
  • Instant Pot Pinterest Board – I save all sorts of Instant Pot recipes, tips and videos to my Instant Pot Pinterest Board. Plus you can search Pinterest for all sorts of overwhelming delicious recipe ideas.
  • YouTube – Oh my! If you prefer to learn by watching, then YouTube is the place for you. Here are a few of my favorite channels that share Instant Pot recipes and tutorials:

I put together this list of Instant Pot accessories, recipes and resources just for you. Whether you’re trying to decide if an Instant Pot (or an electric pressure cooker) is right for you or you’re looking for great (and real) recipes to try in your Instant Pot, I hope this list helps guide you in the right direction.

Instant Pot Accessories, Resources and Recipes by The Birch Cottage

If you have any questions about the Instant Pot, feel free to ask! I’m sure if I don’t know the answer, we can find someone who does! Of course, if you have a favorite resource, recipe or accessory for the Instant Pot, I’d love to hear about it!

Til next time…

Pam from The Birch Cottage

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