Ever finish a fantastic, fall-off-the-bone pressure-cooked meal, feel that warm, satisfied glow, and then turn to the kitchen sink with a sigh? The cleanup. It’s the one part of cooking that can bring us back down to earth. If you’re an Instant Pot owner, you’ve probably asked yourself the golden question: Are Instant Pot Inserts Dishwasher Safe? It’s a query that stands between you and a much easier evening. I’m here to tell you that the answer is a resounding “yes,” but with a few important details you’ll want to know to keep your beloved appliance in tip-top shape for years to come.
Let’s dive into the sudsy details and demystify the cleaning process. After all, the whole point of an electric pressure cooker is to make life easier, and that should include the cleanup!
First Things First: What Parts of an Instant Pot Can Go in the Dishwasher?
The good news is that the designers at Instant Pot had busy home cooks in mind. Most of the components that get messy are, in fact, dishwasher safe. But it’s not a free-for-all. Knowing which part is which is key to avoiding a kitchen catastrophe.
Think of your Instant Pot like a car. You wouldn’t drive the whole thing into a car wash, right? You wash the outside. It’s the same principle here. The electronic base is the engine, and it needs to stay bone dry.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the dishwasher-friendly crew:
- The Stainless Steel Inner Pot: This is the workhorse of your Instant Pot. The shiny, sturdy pot where all the magic happens is made from food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and is 100% dishwasher safe. It can handle the heat and the high-pressure jets without a problem.
- The Sealing Ring: That silicone ring tucked inside the lid is crucial for building pressure. It’s also a magnet for food odors. Popping it in the dishwasher (preferably on the top rack) is one of the best ways to clean and deodorize it.
- The Steam Rack (Trivet): The metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot is also made of stainless steel and can go straight into the dishwasher.
- The Lid: Yes, the entire lid is considered top-rack dishwasher safe. However, for the best clean, you should remove the sealing ring and the anti-block shield before washing.
Expert Tip from Chef Isabella Rossi: “I always tell my students to treat their kitchen appliances like long-term investments. Proper cleaning isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about performance and longevity. A well-cared-for Instant Pot will be a reliable kitchen partner for countless meals.”
The “Do Not Wash” List: Keep These Parts Away from Water!
This is the most critical part of the guide. Making a mistake here can permanently damage your appliance. There is absolutely no ambiguity about these components.
- The Cooker Base: This is the main body of the Instant Pot that houses the heating element, the control panel, and all the electronics. Never, ever submerge the cooker base in water or put it in the dishwasher. If it gets dirty, wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it immediately. Getting water inside the base is the fastest way to a broken Instant Pot.
- The Condensation Collector: While this little plastic cup is technically dishwasher safe, it’s so small and easy to rinse that I usually just hand wash it. This prevents it from getting tossed around or lost in the dishwasher.
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Our Picks for the Best Pressure Cooker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Visit the CUCKOO Store |
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| 2 | DUMOS 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 QT Stainless Steel Multi Cooker Electric for Pressure, Rice, Steamer, Yogurt Maker, Slow Cook,Meat Stew, Cake, Porridge, Multigrain, Sliver |
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| 3 | COSORI Pressure Cooker 6QT, Stainless Steel, 9-in-1 Multi Cooker, 12 Safety Features, Ceramic Inner Pot, Rice, Slow Cook, Sous Vide, Saute, 1100W |
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| 4 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart |
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| 5 | Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker |
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| 6 | Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear & Saute, Keep Warm | Hands-Free Steam Release | Tailored Control Panel | Steam |
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| 7 | CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker with WiFi and Built-in Scale - Easy-to-Use 10-in-1 Multicooker with 500+ Guided Recipes - Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Instant Meals for Foodies - 6 Quart - Family Size |
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| 8 | HealSmart 12-in-1 Multi Electric Pressure Cooker, Non-Stick 6QT Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker for Yogurt Maker, Slow Cooker, Cake, Multigrain, Dishwasher Safe |
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| 9 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart |
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| 10 | Safety Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, 7.4 Qt with Release Valve & Multiple Protective Devices, Cooking Pressure Canner for Steam, Canning, Stewing on All Stovetops |
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Pro Tips for Dishwashing Your Instant Pot Components
So, you know are Instant Pot inserts dishwasher safe, but just tossing them in isn’t the whole story. I’ll never forget the first time I made a hearty beef stew. The flavor was incredible, but I was worried about cleanup. The fact that I could put the pot and lid right in the dishwasher was the moment I truly fell in love with my electric pressure cooker. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to get the best results.
- Rinse First: Give the inner pot a quick rinse to remove any large food particles before placing it in the dishwasher. This prevents that food from getting baked on during the drying cycle.
- Top-Rack Priority: Place the lid, sealing ring, and any other smaller plastic or silicone parts on the top rack of your dishwasher. The heating element is usually at the bottom, and the top rack provides a gentler wash.
- Mind the Blue Haze: Sometimes, you might notice a bluish or rainbow-like discoloration on your stainless steel inner pot after washing. Don’t panic! This is a harmless mineral deposit from water or food. To remove it, simply pour a little white vinegar into the pot, let it sit for five minutes, and then rinse it out. It will look brand new.
- Tackle Stubborn Stains: For tough, stuck-on food, a little pre-treatment goes a long way. A paste of baking soda and water, or a soak with warm, soapy water can loosen it up before the dishwasher takes over.
- Air Dry Completely: Make sure all components are completely dry before you reassemble your Instant Pot. Trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant smells. I often leave the parts out on a drying rack overnight.
How Does This Compare to Other Pressure Cooker Inserts?
While the Instant Pot is arguably the most popular electric pressure cooker, the same general rules apply to many other brands. However, it’s a different story when we talk about stovetop models or inserts made from different materials.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Pots
Most modern stovetop pressure cookers are made from high-quality stainless steel, and their pots are almost always dishwasher safe. Their lids, however, can be more complex, sometimes containing intricate valve mechanisms. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions on cleaning the lid and its components.
Non-Stick and Ceramic Inserts
Some electric pressure cookers come with non-stick or ceramic-coated inner pots. While these are often advertised as dishwasher safe, I personally recommend hand washing them. The harsh detergents and high heat of a dishwasher can degrade the non-stick coating over time. A gentle wash with a soft sponge and dish soap is the best way to preserve the surface and extend its life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common questions I get about cleaning and maintenance.
Q1: Can the Instant Pot lid really go in the dishwasher?
Yes, the Instant Pot lid is designed to be top-rack dishwasher safe. For the most effective clean, it’s recommended to remove the silicone sealing ring and the small, metal anti-block shield (it just pops off) before placing the lid in the dishwasher.
Q2: My sealing ring still smells after going through the dishwasher. What can I do?
This is very common, especially after cooking potent foods like curries or chili. If a dishwasher cycle doesn’t do the trick, you can try soaking the ring in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. Another great trick is to “steam clean” it by running a steam cycle in your Instant Pot with a cup of water and some lemon peels. Many serious users keep two rings: one for savory dishes and one for sweet ones.
Q3: Will the dishwasher cause my stainless steel pot to rust?
No, the inner pot is made of high-quality, food-grade stainless steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion. Any discoloration you see is typically mineral deposits, not rust, and can be easily removed with vinegar.
Q4: Is it better to hand wash the Instant Pot insert?
While the insert is perfectly safe in the dishwasher, hand washing can sometimes be more effective for heavily burnt-on food. It’s a matter of personal preference. The key takeaway is that you have the convenient option of using the dishwasher when you need it.
Q5: What happens if I accidentally get the cooker base wet?
First, unplug it immediately. Do not plug it back in. Turn the base upside down and let it air dry completely for at least 72 hours in a well-ventilated area. There is no guarantee it will work again, as water can fry the internal electronics, but thorough drying is its only chance.
Your Ticket to Effortless Cooking and Cleaning
The convenience of a pressure cooker isn’t just about saving time on cooking; it’s about simplifying the entire meal process from start to finish. Knowing that are instant pot inserts dishwasher safe is a game-changer, removing one of the biggest hurdles to daily use.
By following these simple guidelines—keeping the base dry, placing the right parts in the dishwasher, and giving a little extra care when needed—you can ensure your Instant Pot remains a trusty, efficient, and easy-to-clean hero in your kitchen. So go ahead, cook up a storm, and let your dishwasher handle the dirty work.