Is it safe to use an Instant Pot with stainless steel insert?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studieskitchen
Verdict: Safer
Yes. Stainless steel inserts don't shed plastic or leach lead.
What's actually in it
Stainless steel Instant Pot inserts are 18/8 food-grade steel. They don't leach lead, cadmium, or microplastics. The silicone seal releases trace siloxanes but at small amounts compared to long cook times.
What the research says
A 2025 study found quality stainless leaches very little. A 2025 study measured trace siloxane release from silicone.
The Instant Pot is one of the cleaner multi-cookers. Replace the silicone seal every year (they pick up food smells).
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy metal transitions from cooking utensils. | Int J Environ Health Res | 2025 |
| Silicone bakeware as a source of human exposure to cyclic siloxanes. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
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