I absolutely love my Instant Pot, but I’d be lying if I said the cleanup was always a joy. After making a big batch of sticky risotto or oatmeal, I’d face the dreaded task of scraping and soaking the stainless steel pot. It felt like I was spending almost as much time cleaning as I did cooking, which defeated the purpose of a “convenience” appliance. I knew there had to be a better way to enjoy my favorite meals without the frustrating aftermath.
Upgrading or adding a second inner pot to your Instant Pot setup can be a game-changer. The primary reason people seek out an alternative is to combat the notorious sticking issue of the standard stainless steel pot, especially with starches like rice, pasta, and grains. Having a second pot is also incredibly useful for meal prepping, allowing you to cook one component, set it aside in its pot, and immediately start another without stopping to wash up.
The ideal customer for a non-stick inner pot is the frequent Instant Pot user who regularly cooks meals that tend to leave a stubborn residue. If you make yogurt, oatmeal, or cheesy casseroles, a non-stick surface will feel like a revelation. However, this type of pot may not be for everyone. If you prioritize getting a deep, hard sear on meats above all else, the original stainless steel pot often performs better. Also, those who are rough with their cookware and regularly use metal utensils should stick with the more durable stainless steel, as a non-stick coating requires more delicate handling.
Before you buy, you must consider three key factors:
1. Compatibility: Not all 8-quart inner pots fit all 8-quart Instant Pot models. Check your specific model number (e.g., Duo, Lux, Pro, Crisp) against the pot’s compatibility list. This is the single most important step.
2. Material & Care: Understand the difference between ceramic non-stick and stainless steel. The ceramic option offers easy cleanup but requires non-metal utensils and careful cleaning to preserve the coating.
3. Your Cooking Style: Are you making more stews and grains, or are you searing steaks every night? Your answer will help determine if a non-stick pot is a primary tool or a helpful secondary option for you.
- Compatible with 8QT Instant Pot multicooker.
- NON-STICK INTERIOR: Get to cooking with high quality non-stick coating. Safe for food preparation, this Instant pot inner cooking pot...
Introducing the Instant Pot Ceramic Non-Stick Inner Pot
The Instant Pot Ceramic Inner Cooking Pot 8-Qt is an official accessory from the brand itself, designed to solve the problem of stuck-on food. It’s an 8-quart liner with a gray ceramic non-stick coating that promises effortless food release and super simple cleaning. It’s specifically for home cooks who love their Instant Pot but are tired of the scrubbing that comes with certain recipes. This pot is a direct replacement or a secondary pot for owners of compatible 8-quart Instant Pot models, but it’s crucial to note it is not a universal fit for all 8-quart machines and will not work with other pressure cooker brands.
* Pros:
* Excellent non-stick performance.
* Extremely easy to clean, often just wiping out.
* Official Instant Pot product.
* Coating is free from plastic, PTFE, and PFOA.
* Dishwasher safe for added convenience.
* Cons:
* The non-stick coating can be delicate and prone to scratching.
* Not compatible with all 8-quart models (e.g., Duo Evo Plus, Duo Crisp).
* Doesn’t achieve the same hard sear as stainless steel.
* Some reports of pots arriving slightly misshapen.
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- 𝟭𝟴 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿: Choose from different types of white and brown...
A Deep Dive into Features and Performance
Having used this ceramic inner pot for well over a year, it has become an indispensable part of my kitchen arsenal. It lives inside my Instant Pot 90% of the time, with the original stainless steel pot now serving as a backup or for specific high-heat searing tasks. Here’s a breakdown of how its key features have performed over time.
The Magic of the Ceramic Non-Stick Coating
The single biggest reason to buy this pot is its surface, and I can confirm that it works beautifully. The first dish I made was steel-cut oats, a meal that always left a stubborn, gluey film on my stainless steel pot. With the Instant Pot Ceramic Inner Cooking Pot, the oats slid right out into the serving bowl, leaving behind almost no residue. It was a game-changing moment.
This performance has held true for countless other “sticky” foods. Rice is a perfect example. Whether I’m making a small batch of plain white rice or a complex biryani, it releases cleanly without breaking the grains or leaving that dreaded crusty layer at the bottom. The same goes for mac and cheese, thick chili, and scalloped potatoes. The food cooks perfectly, and I no longer lose that bottom layer that used to be welded to the pot. A significant benefit is that the coating is PFOA and PTFE-free, which provides peace of mind for anyone concerned about the chemicals used in traditional non-stick pans. This cooking pot truly delivers on its promise of easy food release.
Effortless Cleaning That Saves Time and Sanity
The direct benefit of a great non-stick surface is, of course, the cleanup. This is where this ceramic coated interior pot really shines and has saved me countless hours. In most cases, a simple rinse and a gentle wipe with a soapy sponge is all it takes to get it perfectly clean. There’s no soaking, no hard scrubbing, and no chiseling away at burnt-on bits. Even after cooking something like a sugary barbecue pulled pork, which would normally require a significant amount of elbow grease, this pot cleans up in seconds.
While it is listed as dishwasher safe, I have chosen to handwash it exclusively. Based on my experience with other non-stick cookware and after reading some user experiences, the harsh detergents and high heat of a dishwasher can degrade non-stick coatings over time. Given how easy it is to clean by hand, I feel it’s a worthwhile trade-off to prolong its life. This ease of cleaning has genuinely encouraged me to use my Instant Pot more frequently, as the mental barrier of a difficult cleanup has been completely removed.
Design, Markings, and the Crucial Compatibility Caveat
In terms of design, the pot is a near-identical twin to the original stainless steel version, aside from the gray interior coating. It features the same internal measurement markings, which are vital for accuracy. The “PC MAX” line is clearly visible, ensuring you don’t overfill the pot when pressure cooking, which is a critical safety feature. It feels sturdy and well-made, fitting snugly into the base of my IP-DUO80.
However, the most important aspect to discuss here is compatibility. This is not a one-size-fits-all 8-quart pot. It is specifically designed for models like the Instant Pot DUO80 and LUX80. I have seen numerous reports from users who unfortunately purchased it for their 8-quart Duo Evo Plus or Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, only to find it doesn’t fit properly. It might be too tight to insert or too loose to allow the machine to pressurize correctly. It is absolutely essential that you check your Instant Pot’s model number and verify it on the product page before you purchase this rice cooker pot. This is the product’s main disadvantage, but it’s an avoidable one with a little research.
Long-Term Durability and Care
After extensive use, the question of durability is a fair one. The ceramic coating, while effective, is not invincible. It is more susceptible to scratches than bare stainless steel. I learned this early on and have been militant about using only silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils. A metal spoon or whisk would undoubtedly cause permanent damage. I’ve managed to keep my pot in excellent condition with this rule, but I did get one small scratch when a family member accidentally used a metal fork. The pot still works, but it’s a reminder of its fragility.
Furthermore, while my pot was perfectly round and well-packaged, a few online reviewers have mentioned receiving pots that were slightly bent or out-of-round, likely from shipping damage. This can prevent the Instant Pot from sealing and coming to pressure. My advice is to inspect the pot carefully upon arrival and place the original Instant Pot lid on it to check for a perfect fit before you use it.
What Other Users Are Saying
I wasn’t alone in my initial struggles, so I browsed the internet to see what other long-time users thought. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive. People consistently praise the Instant Pot Ceramic Inner Cooking Pot for revolutionizing how they make yogurt, rice, and oatmeal, citing the non-stick surface as a “must-have.” However, the two pieces of advice that appear most often are to be very careful about checking your Instant Pot model’s compatibility before buying and to treat the non-stick surface with care to prevent scratches.
The Final Verdict
The core problem this product solves is simple yet significant: it eliminates the frustrating and time-consuming task of scrubbing stuck-on food from your Instant Pot. This single improvement makes the entire cooking process more enjoyable and efficient. The Instant Pot Ceramic Inner Cooking Pot 8-Qt is a fantastic accessory because its non-stick surface is incredibly effective and the pot itself is a high-quality, official product designed for safety and performance. If you’re an avid Instant Pot user who is tired of scraping and soaking, this pot is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Click here to check it out and say goodbye to scrubbing for good!
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API