The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Instant Pot obsessed in your life! Includes the best pressure cookers and every cookbook and accessory they'll ever need.
Now that nearly everyone in your life owns an Instant Pot, you're gonna need to get a bit more creative this Christmas.
Have no fear, I've tried all the pressure cookers, accessories, and other appliances that work well with the Instant Pot, and I have THE LIST you need for the Instant Pot Lover in your life.
Many of these recommendations have stayed the same over the years, but I've updated it for 2021 to make sure all my favorites are included.
Let's get started!
1) Instant Pot DUO 60 6 quart: Quite possibly the most common electric pressure cooker you will see in anyone's home. It has all the necessary pressure cook, saute, keep warm, etc buttons we all want, but especially important is that this is the model with the yogurt function. That's essential in my opinion. I also own the Instant Pot DUO 80 8 quart and it comes in handy with large pieces of meat, soup, beans, etc.
2) Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: Hands down the best Instant Pot to come out yet! I love the combination of buttons with the scrollable knob, the automatic sealing lid (so I don't forget to flip the knob to a sealed position), the large screen, and above all else, the handles. I LOVE that I can use the handles to pick it up without burning my fingers and that I can “lift and twist” the pot so the handles sit above the burner at the bottom. If you're in the market for another Instant Pot, THIS IS THE ONE TO GET!
3) Instant Pot Smart WiFi 6 quart: This one is for the techy people, which I'm not, but I love this pot! Right from your phone you can start and stop the IP, adjust the time, change the pressure level, etc. Once you press start on your phone, you can monitor the cooking of your food wherever. It will tell you how close it is to reaching pressure, when it's finished, how long it's been resting, etc. This has come in handy for me several times.
4) Master the Electric Pressure Cooker: This is the cookbook Cami and I created together and I'm beyond grateful at the many kind words I've received from you guys about it. It's loaded with healthy, wholesome recipes (with a few over-the-top, decadent desserts) and I cook from it on a weekly basis.
5) Instantly Sweet: My new cookbook is out just in time for the holidays! Barbara and I worked hard on this book to create truly magical desserts. My kids will be first to tell you that it is their favorite cookbook of all time. Cheesecake, Lave Cake, Pudding Cake, Creme Brulee . . . it's loaded with goodies!
6) The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: This is Barbara's incredible cookbook that will also make a great addition to your pressure cooker cookbook collection!
7) 7 inch Springform Pan: This is my favorite pan for Breakfast Cakes and Cheesecakes. It was the first accessory I bought for the pressure cooker and it has stayed in great condition since 2014. The width of the inside of the pan is more like 6 inches wide, which makes cheesecakes look nice and tall.
8) 7 inch Cake Pan: I bought this pan for Instantly Sweet and have loved having it for various desserts as well as Pot-in-Pot cooking, such as rice, chicken, etc.
9) Instant Pot 7.5 inch Springform Pan: I didn't know I needed that extra inch until I owned this pan, and now I use it all the time. This wider pan means no more overflowing cheesecakes, taller lasagna, deeper tamale pies, etc. The nonstick surface remains in great condition after several uses and it washes incredibly easy.
10) 6 inch square pans: Another great pan that fits perfectly inside a 6 quart pot. I use it for lasagna, Cornbread, reheating food, and so much more.
11) 6 cup bundt pan: Love, love, love this cute little bundt pan! It's a must for Breakfast Cakes and my favorite Zucchini Bread. I'm convinced that the secret to cooking batter bread successfully in the pressure cooker is this bundt pan. It cooks more quickly and evenly. Definitely a must have!
12) 6 oz ramekins: Creme Brulee and Lava Cake. If you want these incredible recipes in your life, these ramekins need to be in your kitchen!
13) Steamer Basket: This was the second accessory I bought for the Instant Pot and possibly my most used accessory for steaming veggies. It has stood the test of time for sure and is so handy with the long handle and foldable legs.
14) Fine Mesh Strainer: In general, these need to be in every kitchen, but in regards to the pressure cooker, I use them weekly for my Crio Bru. I also use them for Infused Honey and Elderberry Syrup.
15) Basket: I don't use this basket as often, but it is a very popular accessory for pressure cookers. I use it regularly for Infused Water and Tamales, but others use it mostly for veggies and hardboiled eggs.
16) Euro Cuisine Yogurt Strainer: I basically couldn't survive without this strainer! I have 2 for making a gallon of Yogurt and I've used it for several years. I'm actually surprised at how well it has held up since I throw it in the dishwasher to wash it. I have yet to need to replace it. I also use it for Mozzarella, Ricotta, and Almond Milk.
17) Silicone Tray AKA Egg Bite Tray: I should have a whole section of my blog dedicated to this accessory. I use it regularly for Oatmeal Muffins/AKA Beebo Bites, Pancake Muffins, Poached Eggs, Corn Dog Muffins, Egg Bites, and so much more.
18) Extra Seals: Color-coded seals so you can have one for your potent, savory smells and another for sweet, more mild foods.
19) Tall Trivet: When you need to stack things in the pot, you'll be so glad to have this tall trivet. This is the tallest I've found and while I don't use it often, I'm so glad to have it when I need it like in these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
20) Mason Jar Jacket: Mason Jar Oats is a regular on-the-go breakfast in my house and these covers are essential for keeping it warm and making it something we can hold on to.
21) Mason Jar Pourable Lids: I use these constantly for Elderberry Syrup, Crio Bru, Vanilla Extract, Creamy Fruit Dip, etc. You'll buy one to try it out and then end up buying 6 more. Trust me, I know.
22) Meat Chopper: I held off getting one of these for years despite so many people praising its existence. I get it now and I can't live without it. Taco Meat, Egg Roll Bowls, Chili, etc.
23) Immersion Blender: I loathe transferring big pots of soup to the blender. A good immersion blender is a perfect gift for an Instant Pot owner! Magic Sunshine Soup, Potato Soup, Enchilada Soup . . . It definitely gets a workout during the cold weather seasons!
24) Food Thermometer: My absolute favorite thermometer ever! It has a high and low range so it will beep when my yogurt hits 180 and again once it cools to 110. Again, for the Homemade Yogurt obsessed, this is essential!
25) Mealthy CrispLid: This lid will turn your pressure cooker pot into an air fryer/broiler. I use it mostly for the broiling feature. I much prefer my tabletop Air Fryer, but this is a great alternative if counter space is an issue. Read more about it in my CrispLid Review.
26) OXO Bakeware Sling: This is an essential for transferring cheesecake pans, but I use it for a lot more than that. Eggs, potatoes, etc, it is extremely handy!
27) Jokari Baggy Holder: I'm not exaggerating when I say, EVERYONE NEEDS THIS IN THEIR HOME! It's cheap, doesn't take up a lot of drawer space, and is a lifesaver when you need an extra set of hands to hold a bag open. This would be great for neighbor gifts or for people who are hard to buy for.
There you have it! After owning my Instant Pot and using it daily since 2015, these are my must-have accessories. I have plenty of others collecting dust in my basement that didn't make the cut!
In this Instant Pot obsessed world, you're guaranteed to be a rockstar giving any one of these gifts! Think of the cute combinations you could put together:
- Cake Pan with Instantly Sweet
- Basket of spices and an Immersion Blender
- Fine Mesh Strainer with a bag of Crio Bru
- Yogurt Strainer and a Thermometer
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake gifted inside a Springform pan
The possibilities are endless!
If I've missed one of your favorite Instant Pot accessories, let me know in the comments below! Heaven knows I love a good accessory!
Happy Shopping!
Mary Deatherage says
Thanks for a great list, Marci – I’ve got a bunch of these goodies already (probably due to you posting about using them to begin with!!). Yoghurt – we make two batches every couple of weeks! Have you tried No Boil Yoghurt?? 52oz Fairlife Milk (I use non-fat); 2 cups Bliss Natural Creamer (because it’s all dairy) (or half-and-half for “plain” yoghurt); a dollop of live-culture yoghurt. Mix it in the IP. Yoghurt button for…8 – 9 hours. Then into the strainer to get to whatever Greek Yoghurt consistency you like! So much tastier than store-bought but…totally set-it-and-forget it! Thank you for all the work you put into coming up with amazing recipes and tips and tricks! You’re the blogger I send all my new IP-ites to for help/recipes/etc! 🙂
Marci says
Mary, you know, I’ve only tried it once and liked it, but I’m so stuck in my current routine, I never tried it again. But now you have me curious about the creamer addition!
Mary says
I tried to find the link to the original recipe – I did NOT make up the addition of the half-n-half/Natural Bliss, I PROMISE! – but I couldn’t. The flavor of the Bliss isn’t all that critical – it just very lightly sweetens the yoghurt but not to the point that you’d think “Oh – this is Pumpkin Spice yoghurt” or whatever. The half-n-half version is great when you want “Plain” Greek yoghurt for whatever reason! I put the batch in the IP at night and it’s ready to put in the strainer in the morning. We like it thick so it typically stays there for 24 hours but…is “ready” before that. All of which is WAAY too much info but… 🤷♀️🤷♀️😂
Julie says
I think I’d like to treat myself with an air fryer lid for my instant pot. Could you comment on the merits of the Mealthy lid versus the one that instant pot sells? Thanks!
Marci says
Julie, I used the Mealthy lid exclusively for about 3 months. I loved it at first, but I felt like I just wasn’t getting the crisp on food that I did with my air fryer. In the end, the lid went to my basement and is there when I need it, but my Instant Pot air fryer stays in my pantry. I love it so so much.
Carol says
To people that bought a 3 qt IP pot, I’d recommend selling it, and purchasing the 6 qt pot. We are back to just the 2 of us, and we don’t eat that much, I use our pot daily. Lots of accessories for the larger pot. I have all but a few, and use them all. Marci, you missed the pot n pot accessory.
Marci says
Carol, oh! Do tell, what is the pot n pot accessory?
Rebecca says
I have a 6qt and after a year added the 3qt…and I LOVE my 3 qt! (it’s just the 2 of us too) Use both 6 & 3 all the time!
Benita says
I have the 12 quart pot and haven’t seen accessories for it.
Marci says
Benita, wow! I’ve never seen a 12 quart pot before. Is it an electric pressure cooker? What brand is it?
Sally says
Love this silicone sling!!!!
OXO Good Grips Pressure Cooker Bakeware Sling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G418RSL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UUX7BbJ3PTQ11
Marci says
Sally, Oh! How do I not have this! It’s in my cart now 🙂
Michael says
My wife and I love our 3 quart Instant Pot…did I miss the accessories for this size pot?
Marci says
Michael, These accessories are actually for the more common 6 and 8 Quart pots. I don’t actually own a 3 quart so I don’t have experience on what the best accessories are for that. My family eats too much to own a 3 quart!
Rita Schuldt says
I also have the 3 quart Instant Pot. Not everyone has a big family to feed. I would actually like to see a cook book for this size.
Marci says
Rita, I do think we’ll see a 3-quart book sometime soon. There’s definitely a need for it.
Emily says
I have a 6qt and 3qt for the 2 of us. I use the 3qt for rice and pasta while the 6qt is making the main dish. Also 3qt is perfect for yogurt.