Instant Pots and other electric pressure cookers have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a fast, convenient way to cook foods that would normally take much longer with traditional cooking methods. With different brands and models on the market, there is some confusion around whether accessories designed for one brand will be compatible with others. One common question is whether Insignia pots and lids can be used with Instant Pot pressure cookers.
Insignia is Best Buy’s own brand of small kitchen appliances and accessories. They market their own 6-quart and 8-quart stainless steel pressure cooker pots that are often cheaper alternatives to the Instant Pot branded accessories. But are they interchangeable?
In this article, we’ll go over the similarities and differences between Insignia and Instant Pot, look at feedback from users who have tried cross-using them, and provide some general guidance on mixing and matching pressure cooker components.
Insignia vs. Instant Pot: How do they compare?
Though they are different brands, Insignia and Instant Pot pressure cookers share some notable similarities:
Cooking Capacity
Both brands offer standard 6-quart and 8-quart cooker sizes. These are the two most common capacities among major electric pressure cooker brands.
Stainless Steel Inner Pots
The inner cooking pots are both made from food-grade stainless steel in a cylindrical shape with a flat bottom. The stainless steel construction allows for high-pressure cooking and is durable.
Compatible Lid Design
The lids are designed to fit and lock into the rims of the inner pot. They have similar steam release valves and locking mechanisms.
Same Cooking Functions
Both brands advertise similar functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, etc. The electronic controls are programmed with presets for common dishes like rice, beans, poultry, etc.
However, there are some differences:
Brand Reputation and Support
Instant Pot is much more well-known and has an excellent reputation. Insignia is a lesser-known brand with less customer support.
Minor Design Differences
The Insignia pots have slightly more rounded corners compared to Instant Pot’s squarer shaping. Handles and lid knobs also look a bit different.
Quality and Durability Differences
The Instant Pot inner pots tend to be higher quality and more durable, especially over repeated use. Insignia pots have thinner metal that is more prone to warping.
So in summary, while not identical, the core design, sizing, and functionality are similar between the two brands. But Instant Pot maintains an edge in terms of material quality and durability.
Does Insignia Work with Instant Pot?
With their similarities in sizing and design, it is reasonable to expect that Insignia and Instant Pot components could be interchangeable. But do they actually work together?
User experiences mixing and matching the two brands have been hit or miss:
Insignia Inner Pots in Instant Pot
The 6-qt and 8-qt Insignia inner pots generally fit into Instant Pot outer housings of the same size. The lid locks into place and the cooker functions normally.
However, the poorer metal quality of Insignia pots can lead to overheating occurrences in the Instant Pot, resulting in burn or overheating error messages.
Instant Pot Inner Pots in Insignia
Instant Pot inner pots also fit into Insignia housings with the lids locking into place. Functionally there are no issues.
Lids
Swapping lids between the brands is not recommended. While they may seem to fit and lock at first, the steam release valves and anti-block shields are different enough that lids should not be mixed between brands. Users report instances where the lid fails to seal properly, steam leaks out, or dangerous pressure buildup occurs from blocked valves.
User Recommendations
Based on customer experiences, the consensus seems to be:
– Insignia inner pots generally work in Instant Pot bases, but run a higher risk of uneven cooking. Stick to official Instant Pot pots for best results.
– Instant Pot pots work in Insignia housings, but Insignia quality is inferior.
– Do NOT swap lids between brands due to safety concerns.
Insignia Pot and Lid Dimensions
To provide more specific detail, here are the dimensions for Insignia’s 6-quart and 8-quart inner pots and lids:
| Insignia Model | Pot Dimensions (inches) | Lid Dimensions (inches) |
| 6-quart | 9.5 diameter x 7 height | 11.5 diameter x 3.75 height |
| 8-quart | 10.5 diameter x 8.5 height | 12.5 diameter x 4.5 height |
For comparison, here are the dimensions for Instant Pot’s inner pots:
| Instant Pot Model | Pot Dimensions (inches) | Lid Dimensions (inches) |
| 6-quart | 9.1 diameter x 7.6 height | 11.3 diameter x 3.5 height |
| 8-quart | 10.2 diameter x 8.3 height | 12.3 diameter x 4.2 height |
As you can see, the dimensions are very close between the two brands, especially on the pot capacities. This allows for the inner pots to be interchanged between brands. However, slight differences in the lids mean they are not cross-compatible.
Is it Safe to Use Insignia with Instant Pot?
Much of the concern around mixing Insignia and Instant Pot components stems from potential safety issues. So is it actually dangerous?
There are a few safety considerations:
Faulty Lid Seal
As mentioned, switching lids between brands can lead to a poor seal and steam leaks. This poses a burn hazard and allows pressure to escape instead of building up properly.
Overheating and Burn Warnings
Thinner Insignia pots used in Instant Pot have resulted in overheating warnings and burns in some cases. The Instant Pot seems to have trouble regulating temperature with incompatible pots.
Instant Pot Safety Features
One safety advantage of the Instant Pot is that its smart programming will detect issues and prevent coming to pressure if it senses something wrong with the seal or internal conditions. This provides a level of safety that the generic Insignia may lack.
Manufacturer Instructions
Both Instant Pot and Insignia instruction manuals warn against using lids or accessories not designed for that specific make and model. Mixing components goes against manufacturer guidelines.
So ultimately, while convenient, mixing Instant Pot and Insignia does involve some safety trade-offs. The Instant Pot’s smart technology and high quality materials give it an advantage. For maximum safety, it’s advisable to avoid mixing brands and use all Instant Pot accessories designed for your specific model.
Best Practices for Using Insignia with Instant Pot
If you do wish to use Insignia pots with your Instant Pot, here are some tips:
– Only use Insignia inner pots, not lids. Lids should always be brand-specific.
– Inspect the Insignia pot for any warping, corrosion, or damage first. Do not use if compromised.
– Use thicker, better quality Insignia pots when possible. Thin metals lead to hot spots.
– Don’t overfill Insignia pots, follow max fill lines. Overflow can damage IP.
– Use a trivet or steamer basket to elevate food off the Insignia pot bottom.
– Adjust cooking times and pressure as needed if noticing uneven cooking.
– Monitor the first few uses closely for any error codes or safety issues.
– Stop using if any overheating, burn warnings, or steam leaks occur.
Following precautions like these can minimize risks. But for consistent, reliable results, dedicated Instant Pot accessories are still the best bet.
Conclusion
While the inner pots are similar enough in dimensions to allow interchangeability between Insignia and Instant Pot, mixing and matching the two brands is not actually recommended for optimal function and safety. There are high risks of steam leaks, overheating failures, and other errors that could lead to dangerous conditions or poorly cooked food. Your safest option is to use Instant Pot’s own pots and lids designed specifically for your model. But if substituting with Insignia, take precautions and don’t use their lids. With proper care, Insignia inner pots can work in a pinch, but should be phased out in favor of genuine Instant Pot accessories for the best experience.