Instant Pot- questions

The tongs are super helpful for getting the pot out, especially when it's full.

I like having an additional sealing ring. I can dedicate one to sweet things and one to savory, because they do take on smells.

I'd also love to have a second liner.

If you want to do Pot In Pot cooking, you'll need an oven-safe dish that fits down in there. I already had a pyrex that was the right size-you might too.

If you want to make cheesecake, you'll need a small springform or push pan.

I can't answer your questions about the yogurt. I have seen other peas say that the glass lid is unnecessary but I don't know what they use instead.

I purchased the glass lid when it was on sale the other day. It hasn't arrived yet, but I think I will use it when I saute in the IP and also for anything that doesn't require pressure. I also purchased the snap on silicone lid that is made for it. It has been really handy to just pop that lid on the bowl and put it in the refrigerator when I am too pooped to deal with packaging up whatever I have cooked into individual servings with the FoodSaver machine.  

I also used it when I assembled everything to made a chicken dish the night before I was to cook it.  It is just handy to have.  Although, I suppose I could have just gone with the glass lid.  The benefit of the silicone over the glass lid is that the silicone is a thick flat lid so you can stack things on top of it in your refrigerator if necessary.

I bought a yogurt strainer and I'm liking it so far. Elaine had one that she donated because the liquid in them contains a little bit of the yogurt and isn't totally clear. It you don't use the liquid, or don't mind if it has a bit of yogurt in it, they are really handy to strain the yogurt into Greek yogurt.

yogurt strainer

I bought an extra silicone ring and a cheesecake pan and I've never used either.

I'm have made a vow to declutter so I am thoughtful about what I purchase. I don't have the tongs but I can see where they would be helpful, but my kitchen drawers are already crammed with so many gadgets, I just use thin potholders and they work just fine.

I use extra large coffee filters to strain my yogurt and they work perfectly, plus, I can toss them away when I'm done making yogurt. No washing up after. I like that.

I have a glass lid I use already from my set of pots and pans that fits the IP perfectly, so I don't need a glass lid.

I don't even think buying a cookbook is worth it, I bought two and never even use them. I come here, or Pinterest for all my recipes.


LOl, sorry I'm not very good at enabling.

I use the tongs, extra liner, cheesecake push pan (7" x 3") and steamer mesh basket regularly. I also have extra sealing rings and the silicone lid; haven't needed another sealing ring yet but have used the lid in the fridge - comes in handy. I bought the glass lid too - haven't used it yet but plan to when using the slow cooker function.

Welcome to the IP world!

I use my extra silicone ring all the time. I keep one for savoury foods and one for foods that I don't want to taste like last night's thai curry chicken. I also have an extra pot and a silicone lid that I pop onto anything that I'm placing in the fridge. If you're making yogurt, an instant-read thermometer is a must.

Only occasionally when there is something you don't want sitting in liquid.  I only use mine when I am cooking something in a casserole/pan in the pot. 

I put chicken breasts on it and it was a giant pain to clean after. I think I'll just put the chicken right in the water next time. 

Would a piece of parchment paper work?

I'll share a tip..

I always wash out my entire lid after use (unless I made rice, then I just rinse it).

I pop off the rectangular thing inside the lid and rinse that out. I read somewhere that if you cook something spicy and then try to make a cheesecake after, the steam can cause drip down onto the cheesecake and cause curry tasting cheesecake. I don't make cheesecake, but I do wash that part off just the same.

I also pop off the steam regulator off the top of the lid and wash out while I'm at it.

I pull off the ring and it sits in my sunny kitchen window to air out.

MY IP is 1 1/2 year old, gets used at least 3 -4 times a week including dishes that have strong garlic or cumin odors and I have no problem with a stinky ring.

As I said, I did buy the extra, but I haven't needed it thus far.

Also good for boiled/steamed eggs.