Using the silicone lid that comes with silicone molds in the instant pot is a common question for those who use both instant pots and silicone molds for baking. There are a few factors to consider when determining if a silicone mold lid can be used in an instant pot.
Silicone’s Heat Resistance
One of the main concerns is whether the silicone lid can withstand the high temperatures of an instant pot. Instant pots cook under pressure and can reach temperatures of around 250°F. Typical silicone molds are generally rated for temperatures up to 428°F before the material starts to break down.
So in terms of pure heat resistance, most standard silicone should be able to withstand instant pot temperatures. However, there are a few caveats.
Thinner Silicone
Silicone mold lids tend to be thinner than the silicone molds themselves. Thinner silicone will be more susceptible to heat damage at lower temperatures. If the lid is thin, it may not hold up well in the instant pot even if the silicone mold itself is thicker and more heat resistant.
Steam Environment
An instant pot cooks via pressurized steam. Even if the silicone can handle the heat, the constant steam environment may impact the lid over time, causing it to erode or deteriorate prematurely.
Tight Seal
The lid also needs to be able to seal tightly and securely on the instant pot. If steam escapes around the edges, it defeats the pressurized environment needed for instant pot cooking. Silicone lids are often a bit soft and may not create a tight seal.
Potential Problems Using a Silicone Mold Lid
Taking the above factors into account, there are a few potential issues that can arise from using a silicone mold lid in an instant pot:
Lid May Not Seal Properly
The lid needs to seal tightly to allow the pot to pressurize properly. A silicone lid that doesn’t fit just right may not seal adequately and prevent the instant pot from coming up to pressure.
Lid Could Deform from Heat
If the lid is particularly thin, the prolonged heat exposure in the instant pot may cause the silicone to deform, warp or even melt.
Steam May Erode Silicone Over Time
While the silicone may withstand the instant pot heat in the short term, the constant steam and high heat may start to break down the material over repeated uses. This could lead to lid deterioration and warped or ill-fitting lids over time.
Food May Absorb Odors
Silicone is porous, so smells and food odors can soak in. If the lid absorbs cooking odors, this could transfer to the food next time the lid is used.
Not Designed for High Pressure
Silicone lids are designed for low-pressure oven or stovetop cooking. They may not be engineered to withstand the much higher pressures inside an instant pot. This increases the risks of lid warping and deterioration.
Benefits of Using a Proper Instant Pot Silicone Lid
To avoid the potential problems above, it’s best to use a lid specifically designed for instant pot pressure cookers. Here are some benefits of using an proper instant pot silicone lid:
Withstands Pressure
An instant pot lid will be made from silicone engineered to withstand pressure cooking environments and temperatures up to around 250°F.
Creates a Tight Seal
The lid will be designed to fit instant pot inner pots properly and create a tight, secure seal for pressurized cooking.
Steam Release
Quality lids have steam release valves to let steam escape after cooking so you can safely remove the lid.
Easy to Clean
A good instant pot lid will be removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
BPA Free
Reputable brands use food-grade silicone free of BPA and other harmful chemicals.
Odor Resistant
The silicone won’t absorb food odors like a silicone mold lid might.
Top Instant Pot Silicone Lid Picks
Here are some top-rated instant pot silicone lid options:
| Lid | Details |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Official Silicone Lid | Made by Instant Pot for their models. Good seal, steam release, durable. Only for 6 & 8 quart models. |
| Cuisinart Silicone Lid | Fits Cuisinart electric pressure cookers. Tight seal, BPA free, easy to clean. |
| Mueller Silicone Lid | Universal fit for most 6 & 8 quart cookers. Heat resistant, good reviews for seal & quality. |
| Genuine Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid | Original glass lid from Instant Pot. Lets you view food cooking. Fits IP Lux models. |
Tips for Using a Silicone Lid
Here are some handy tips for getting the most out of an instant pot silicone lid:
Do a Seal Check
Always do a water test to check that the lid properly seals the inner pot before cooking.
Vent Properly
Let steam release fully before removing lid. Tilt lid away from you to avoid scalding.
Clean Regularly
Clean the lid after each use and inspect it for damage or wear. Replace if cracks, warping, or leaks develop.
Don’t Overfill Pot
Don’t fill the inner pot over the max fill line. Overfilling can prevent the lid from sealing correctly.
Adjust Cooking Time
Adjust cooking time up slightly from recipes not created for use with a silicone lid, as silicone retains a bit less heat.
Conclusion
Silicone mold lids may not be the best choice in an instant pot. While the silicone itself can withstand the heat, the thinner material and ill-fitting seal risks improper pressure cooking. For best results, go with an instant pot silicone lid designed specifically to withstand pressure, seal correctly, and resist odors and deterioration. With a proper lid and some care, a silicone lid can be a handy accessory for instant pot cooking.