8 Must Have Accessories For Your Pressure Cooker

Using a pressure cooker is a great way to make quick meals, but you need the right tools to get the most out of your machine. In this post, I share 8 essential pressure cooker accessories for your kitchen that will help you cook better and faster. These items make prep work much easier and help you handle even the most complicated recipes without any stress.

1. Silicone Slings for Easy Lifting

Trying to fish a hot bowl out of your pressure cooker is a recipe for a burnt hand or a spilled dinner. A silicone sling solves this problem by acting as a sturdy handle for your cookware.

You just place your pan or dish onto the sling before lowering it into the inner pot. When your pressure cooker meals are finished, you can safely lift the entire container out without using bulky oven mitts.

These slings are heat-resistant and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup pretty painless. Using this bit of cooking equipment saves you from struggling with precarious makeshift foil handles that often tear when you need them most.

It makes following those easy pressure cooker recipes much less stressful since you aren’t worried about dropping your food. It is one of those simple tools that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

2. Stackable Stainless Steel Insert Pans

Imagine you want to cook a pot of rice and a spicy curry at the same time, but you don’t want the flavors to mix. These stainless steel pans stack perfectly inside your pot, letting you prepare two dishes at once.

Most pressure cooker meals are much faster when you can cook your main course and a side dish simultaneously. Using these pans saves you from cleaning multiple pots on the stovetop after dinner.

You can use the bottom pan for a hearty roast and the top one for steamed vegetables or even a cheesecake. It is definitely one of the most practical pieces of cooking equipment you can add to your collection.

3. Glass Lids for Slow Cooking

You really need a glass lid if you ever plan on using your pressure cooker for slow cooking recipes. The standard metal pressure lid is too heavy and opaque, which makes it impossible to check on your food without releasing all that trapped heat.

A tempered glass version lets you peek at your stew or pot roast without interrupting the cooking process. It fits snugly over the pot and keeps the moisture inside, so your meal stays perfectly tender while you keep a close eye on the progress.

4. Steamer Baskets for Fresh Vegetables

A stainless steel steamer basket is honestly the most practical tool you can own for your pressure cooker. It keeps your veggies out of the cooking liquid, so they stay crisp and vibrant instead of turning into mush.

You can easily pull the basket out once the timer goes off, which stops the cooking process immediately. It makes serving dinner so much faster when you don’t have to fish individual broccoli florets out of a pot of hot water.

• Choose a basket with sturdy feet to keep your food at least an inch above the base.
• Look for a model with a silicone-coated handle to prevent burned fingers when lifting it out.
• Make sure the basket is dishwasher safe for an easy cleanup after your meal.
• Pick one that fits your specific cooker size to ensure the lid seals properly every time.

This simple addition will change how you view quick weeknight side dishes for the better.

5. Silicone Egg Bite Molds

You really need to grab a set of silicone egg bite molds if you want to recreate those fancy coffee shop breakfast snacks at home. They fit perfectly inside your pressure cooker and turn out consistent, fluffy results every single time.

The best part is that these molds aren’t just for eggs. You can use them to make bite-sized brownies, mini cheesecakes, or even little portions of mac and cheese for the kids.

I suggest picking up a set that comes with a silicone lid. It keeps water from dripping onto your food while it steams, which makes a huge difference in the final texture.

Cleaning them is pretty simple since they are dishwasher safe and naturally non-stick. Just give them a quick spray of oil before you pour in your batter, and your food will pop right out without any struggle.

6. Springform Pans for Cheesecake and Bread

You might think a pressure cooker is only for stews, but it actually makes the best cheesecake you’ll ever taste. A springform pan is the secret because the removable sides let you release delicate desserts without making a mess.

Make sure you pick one that fits the diameter of your inner pot comfortably. You need enough room to easily grab the pan after the pressure releases.

1. Check the size carefully to ensure the pan leaves at least an inch of space around the edges for steam circulation.
2. Look for a pan with a high-quality leak-proof seal so your batter doesn’t seep out during the cooking process.
3. Always wrap the bottom of the pan in a layer of foil to keep extra moisture away from your crust.
4. Consider a pan with a non-stick coating to save yourself a headache when it comes time to clean up.

I find that stainless steel pans last longer than cheap coated ones. They hold heat better and won’t rust after dozens of cycles in the pot.

7. Steam Diverters for Cabinet Protection

Some people try to solve the steam problem by dragging their heavy pressure cooker across the counter every time they use it. This constant shuffling often leads to scratched countertops or accidents when you’re rushing to clear the area.

A steam diverter is a much smarter move for your kitchen setup. These silicone attachments fit right over your pressure release valve to redirect hot vapor away from your delicate upper cabinets. You can keep your appliance exactly where it is without worrying about moisture warping your wood finishes or peeling the paint.

I highly recommend grabbing one of these gadgets if you have limited counter space under your cabinets. It saves your kitchen cabinets from long-term damage and makes the entire cooking process feel much safer. You’ll save yourself from the hassle of constantly moving a hot appliance just to vent the steam.

8. Replacement Silicone Sealing Rings

If your pressure cooker starts leaking steam or won’t come up to pressure, the silicone sealing ring is usually the culprit. These rings naturally absorb odors from your food, like garlic or onions, which can eventually ruin the taste of your desserts or morning oatmeal.

I recommend keeping a couple of spares on hand so you can dedicate one ring to savory dishes and another to sweet ones. This simple habit keeps your flavors separate and ensures your cooker keeps a tight, safe seal every time you use it.

When you need to swap one out, just pull the old ring from the lid rim and press the new one firmly into the groove. Make sure it sits perfectly flat all the way around before you start cooking, as a pinched ring will prevent the pot from building pressure properly.

Wrapping Up

Having these tools makes preparing pressure cooker meals much faster and more enjoyable. You will spend less time cleaning up and more time eating great food with your family. Now that you have the right equipment, pick a new recipe to try tonight and see how much easier your time in the kitchen becomes. Go ahead and get cooking with confidence today.