Introduction
Instant Pot and similar electric pressure cookers can transform weeknight dinners, batch cooking and even baking. But once you have the appliance, the next question is which accessories are actually worth the space in your cupboards. With so many bundles and gadgets available, it is easy to end up with a drawer full of items you rarely use.
This buying guide focuses on the best pressure cooker accessories that are truly compatible with popular Instant Pot sizes, as well as multi‑cookers from brands such as Ninja Foodi. You will find guidance on must‑have pieces like stainless steel steamer baskets, egg bite moulds, springform and bundt pans, and spare silicone sealing rings. We will also cover which sizes suit common 5.7 and 7.6 litre models, how to spot safe materials, and how to avoid clutter while still expanding what your cooker can do.
If you are still exploring the wider accessory landscape, you may also find our pressure cooker accessories guide to types, uses and compatibility or our overview of the best pressure cooker accessory sets for multi‑cookers useful alongside this article.
Key takeaways
- Prioritise a few high‑quality essentials such as a stainless steel steamer basket, trivet and spare sealing rings before buying large accessory bundles.
- Match accessories to the inner pot diameter of your Instant Pot or multi‑cooker; for an 8 quart Ninja Foodi, a compatible stainless steel inner pot like the Goldlion replacement liner can be a smart upgrade.
- Choose food‑safe materials: stainless steel, food‑grade silicone and oven‑safe glass are generally better than unknown non‑stick coatings.
- Focus on accessories that support how you actually cook – for example, egg bite moulds for breakfast prep or springform pans for cheesecakes.
- Do not overlook safety‑critical parts like gaskets and safety valves; replace them when worn to keep your pressure cooker working properly.
Why this category matters
A pressure cooker or multi‑cooker is incredibly versatile out of the box, but the right accessories make it far easier to use that versatility every day. A simple stainless steel steamer basket turns your Instant Pot into a powerful vegetable and dumpling steamer. A robust trivet keeps delicate foods out of cooking liquid, letting you cook rice in the bottom while steaming fish or vegetables on top. Without these pieces, many recipes feel fiddly or impractical, and you end up falling back on the same few dishes.
Accessories also help you tailor one appliance to different cooking styles. Batch cooks often rely on stackable pans and egg bite moulds to prep breakfasts and lunches in advance. Bakers favour springform and bundt pans that fit neatly into the inner pot, giving beautifully moist cheesecakes and sponge puddings. If you like one‑pot meals, glass lids and extra inner pots make it much easier to switch between sautéing, simmering and storing food without constantly washing up.
Another reason this category matters is safety and longevity. Pressure cookers depend on small, inexpensive components like gaskets and safety valves to maintain the right pressure. Over time, these parts can become brittle or lose their shape. Having access to the correct replacement gasket or safety valve for your stovetop cooker, or spare sealing rings for your Instant Pot, helps keep your appliance safe and efficient without the cost of a full replacement.
Finally, the accessory market is crowded with generic sets that promise to fit every cooker and solve every problem. In reality, many pieces do not fit properly, use questionable materials, or simply do not match how people actually cook. Understanding which accessory types are genuinely useful – and which sizes and materials to look for – will save you money, space and frustration.
How to choose
The best starting point is your specific cooker model and size. Instant Pot models are usually labelled by capacity in litres or quarts, and the size of your inner pot dictates what will fit. A 5.7 litre (6 quart) pot typically needs accessories around 20–21 cm in diameter, while 7.6 litre (8 quart) models can take wider baskets and pans. Always check the internal diameter of your inner pot and compare it with the product listing, allowing a little clearance so steam can circulate around the accessory.
Next, decide which materials you are comfortable using under pressure. Stainless steel is the gold standard for steamer baskets, trivets, extra inner pots and stackable pans because it is durable, easy to clean and does not absorb strong odours. Food‑grade silicone is excellent for egg bite moulds, sealing rings and some baking moulds, as it is flexible and heat‑resistant. Glass can work well for lids and oven dishes as long as it is clearly marked as oven‑safe and suitable for the manufacturer’s recommended temperatures. Be cautious with non‑stick coatings from unknown brands; if you choose non‑stick, look for reputable names and avoid scratched or peeling surfaces.
Then, think about your cooking habits. If you mostly use your cooker for simple stews and curries, a basic set of a trivet, steamer basket and spare sealing ring may be all you need. For batch cooks, accessories such as stackable pans, egg bite moulds and extra inner pots make it easier to cook several components in succession. If you like baking, a correctly sized springform pan and, for larger cookers, a bundt pan can open up a world of puddings, loaves and cakes without turning on a full‑size oven.
Compatibility is not just about size. Some accessories are designed specifically for certain brands. For example, the Goldlion stainless steel inner pot is made to fit 8 quart Ninja Foodi models rather than Instant Pot. That said, many core accessories like stainless steel steamer baskets and silicone egg bite moulds work across Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi and other multi‑cookers as long as the dimensions line up. If you own more than one cooker, try to choose pieces that can move between them.
Common mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes is buying a large, cheap accessory bundle and assuming everything will fit and be useful. Many sets are designed to look impressive in a product photo but include duplicate pieces, odd‑sized pans and tools you are unlikely to use regularly. A crowded kitchen drawer full of flimsy egg whisks and novelty tongs is a common outcome. Instead, start with a shortlist of needs – perhaps a steamer basket, trivet and cheesecake tin – and buy individual items or smaller curated sets that meet those needs with better quality materials.
Another frequent issue is ignoring the importance of replacement parts. It is easy to get excited about baking pans and egg moulds while forgetting the sealing ring or gasket that keeps pressure inside the pot. Over time, silicone rings can stretch, absorb strong smells or develop small cracks, while traditional pressure cooker gaskets harden and lose their flexibility. Failing to replace these pieces can lead to poor pressure build‑up or, in the case of older stovetop designs, safety concerns if a worn safety valve fails when needed.
Size confusion is another stumbling block. Accessories that technically fit in an 8 quart cooker might not be suitable for a 5.7 litre model, even if the product description claims “universal compatibility”. Overly tight‑fitting pans can block steam circulation, leading to uneven cooking, and can be awkward to lift out safely. If in doubt, measure the interior of your inner pot and check user reviews to see if owners of your exact model mention a good fit.
Finally, many people underestimate how strong food odours can cling to certain materials. Using a single silicone sealing ring for both savoury and sweet dishes is a classic mistake – your vanilla cheesecake may come out lightly scented with last week’s curry. Similarly, low‑quality plastics may retain stains and smells over time. Opting for multiple colour‑coded sealing rings and prioritising stainless steel and high‑quality silicone can keep flavours clean and your cooker more pleasant to use.
A simple rule of thumb: if an accessory does not make your most‑cooked meals easier, faster or tastier, it is probably not worth the cupboard space.
Top Instant Pot compatible accessory options
The following products illustrate the types of accessories and replacement parts that can enhance pressure cookers and multi‑cookers. While some are geared towards specific brands like Ninja Foodi or traditional stovetop cookers, the same principles apply when choosing Instant Pot compatible pieces: check size, material quality and clear compatibility notes before you buy.
Use this section as a starting point for understanding which categories of accessories may be most relevant for you, and then look for equivalent items sized correctly for your own Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker model.
Goldlion Stainless Steel Inner Pot for Ninja Foodi 8 Quart
If you own an 8 quart Ninja Foodi and find yourself wishing for a second inner pot, a dedicated stainless steel liner can be a genuine game‑changer. The Goldlion stainless steel inner pot is designed as a direct replacement for the original non‑stick bowl. Stainless steel stands up better to metal utensils, avoids concerns about scratched coatings and generally lasts longer under heavy use. For anyone who regularly sautés, deglazes or pressure cooks in succession, having a second liner ready to go means you can move from one dish to the next without washing up in between.
This style of accessory also hints at how Instant Pot users can think about compatibility. While this particular pot is tailored to Ninja Foodi dimensions, similar stainless steel inner pots exist for various Instant Pot sizes. Look for a pot that explicitly lists your model and capacity, and make sure it includes clear markings and sturdy side handles. The main downside of switching from a non‑stick bowl to stainless steel is that you may need a little more fat or liquid to prevent sticking, especially for rice and more delicate dishes. However, many cooks find that the ability to properly brown meat and deglaze pan juices inside a stainless steel liner more than compensates.
Because it replaces the main cooking vessel, this type of accessory is not a decorative extra but a core upgrade. If your original liner is scratched or stained, or if you want a second pot for batch cooking, a robust stainless steel option like the Goldlion 8 quart inner pot can extend the life and flexibility of your cooker significantly.
Hawkins Pressure Cooker Safety Valve
While many Instant Pot owners use modern electric models, traditional stovetop pressure cookers remain popular in many households. For these cookers, the safety valve is one of the most critical components: it is designed to release excess pressure if normal regulation fails. The Hawkins pressure cooker safety valve is a dedicated replacement part intended for specific Hawkins models, showing how important it is to choose brand‑specific components for safety‑critical roles.
Even if you primarily use an Instant Pot, this kind of accessory is a useful reminder that not all “pressure cooker accessories” are optional extras. For older stovetop designs and some multi‑cookers, valves, gaskets and other small parts need occasional replacement to maintain safe operation. Before buying a generic part, check your manual or the manufacturer’s information to confirm the exact model and capacity you own. A valve that is even slightly incorrect can lead to poor pressure performance or compromise safety.
The main advantage of a branded replacement like the Hawkins safety valve is peace of mind: it is designed to work with the cooker’s existing pressure regulation system and materials. The potential downside is that it may not be interchangeable across different ranges or capacities, so you will need to match it carefully. For electric multi‑cookers, the equivalent focus should be on the correct sealing rings and any official spares offered by the manufacturer.
Prestige Aluminium Gasket (Black)
Another key replacement part for traditional stovetop pressure cookers is the lid gasket. This flexible ring creates an airtight seal between the lid and body, allowing pressure to build safely. The Prestige aluminium gasket in black is an example of a brand‑specific spare designed to restore a secure seal in compatible aluminium cookers. Over time, gaskets can harden, crack or compress, leading to steam leaks, slow pressure build‑up and noisy operation.
Instant Pot and other electric multi‑cookers use silicone sealing rings instead of rubber gaskets, but the principle is the same: once the ring loses its shape or becomes damaged, performance drops noticeably. Choosing the correct gasket or sealing ring for your cooker is not glamorous, but it is one of the most important “accessories” you will ever buy for it. With products like the Prestige replacement gasket, always confirm the diameter and compatible models listed by the manufacturer.
The benefit of replacing a worn gasket is immediate: pressure builds more quickly, cooking times become more consistent, and you reduce the chance of steam escaping around the lid. The only real drawback is that gaskets are not universal; you may need to keep track of your exact model and purchase from a compatible range. For Instant Pot users, it often makes sense to buy a set of two or three silicone sealing rings in different colours – one for savoury dishes, one for sweet and perhaps a spare – and replace them once they show signs of wear or strong odours.
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Conclusion
Choosing the best Instant Pot compatible pressure cooker accessories is less about collecting every gadget, and more about matching a few well‑chosen pieces to how you actually cook. A sturdy stainless steel steamer basket, a reliable trivet and correctly sized baking tins will get far more use than a drawer of novelty tools. For multi‑cooker owners, upgrades such as a stainless steel replacement inner pot like the Goldlion Ninja Foodi liner can make everyday cooking more robust and enjoyable.
Do not overlook essential safety and performance parts either. Whether you have a modern electric cooker or a classic stovetop model, keeping gaskets, sealing rings and safety valves in good condition is crucial. Brand‑specific spares such as the Hawkins safety valve or the Prestige black gasket are small purchases that have a large impact on safe, efficient operation. By combining these essentials with a few carefully selected convenience accessories, you can get far more from your Instant Pot or multi‑cooker while keeping your kitchen uncluttered and your cooking enjoyable.
FAQ
Which Instant Pot accessories do people actually use most?
For most home cooks, the most‑used accessories are a stainless steel steamer basket, a sturdy trivet, silicone egg bite moulds and a correctly sized springform pan for cheesecakes and puddings. Spare sealing rings are also heavily used, even if they do not feel like an “accessory” in the traditional sense.
Are pressure cooker accessories universal across brands?
Not entirely. Many items like steamer baskets, trivets and egg bite moulds are cross‑compatible as long as the dimensions fit inside your inner pot. However, replacement parts such as gaskets, sealing rings and safety valves are almost always brand‑ and sometimes model‑specific. A Hawkins safety valve, for example, is not designed to fit other brands.
What size accessories fit a 5.7 litre (6 quart) Instant Pot?
Most 5.7 litre Instant Pots have an inner pot diameter of around 20–21 cm. When buying steamer baskets, springform pans or stackable inserts, look for products slightly smaller than this – often in the 18–20 cm range – so steam can circulate and you can lift them out safely. Always measure your inner pot and compare with the seller’s measurements.
How often should I replace my pressure cooker gasket or sealing ring?
As a general guide, replace the gasket or silicone sealing ring if you notice cracks, stiffness, deformation, strong lingering odours or difficulty building pressure. Heavy users may prefer to replace sealing rings more frequently, while occasional cooks can stretch them further. For stovetop cookers, choosing the correct branded gasket such as the Prestige aluminium gasket or equivalent for your model is essential for a good seal.
