Instant Pot Springform Pan: Easy Removal Tips

Instant Pots are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently. However, removing the springform pan from an Instant Pot can be tricky. Some pans can be difficult to grip, and you may need a sling or other helper to remove the hot pan. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get your springform pan out of your Instant Pot safely and easily.

One simple way to remove a pan from an Instant Pot is to use hot pads or oven mitts. If you're looking for a more creative solution, consider making a foil sling to help lift the pan out. While foil slings work great, they can discolour and deteriorate over time. As an alternative, you could try a silicone sling, which is long-lasting and won't discolour or deteriorate. Another option is to use Plate Retriever Tongs, which work best with pots that have a rim that you can grip and lift.

When using a springform pan in an Instant Pot, it's important to ensure that it fits properly. The Instant Pot Official Springform Pan is a popular choice, as it's designed to fit 6-quart and 8-quart cookers. It's also non-stick, oven-safe, and easy to clean.

Additionally, when making dishes like lasagna in a springform pan, it's recommended to wrap the bottom of the pan in tin foil to prevent leakage.

Using a sling or helper

One option is to make a sling out of aluminium foil. Start with a folded rectangular strip of heavy-duty aluminium foil and bend the ends upwards to create handles. Place the foil strip under your pan and use the handles to lower the pan into the Instant Pot. When you're ready to remove the pan, simply grab the handles and lift.

You can also buy reusable silicone slings, which are longer-lasting than foil and won't discolour or deteriorate. Some silicone slings have handles that hook together, ensuring they don't interfere with the pressure cooker lid. If you don't want to buy a purpose-made sling, you could cut a silicone pastry mat into strips to create your own.

If you're cooking something heavy, you can use two slings crisscrossed under your dish, giving you four handles to lift with.

Oven mitts or hot pads

Oven mitts and hot pads are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, poly-cotton, silicone, and aramid fibres such as Kevlar. Silicone oven mitts are a popular choice as they are grippy, flexible, heat-resistant, and inexpensive. Silicone oven mitts with a fabric liner are also a good option as the fabric adds extra comfort. Silicone oven mitts are also easy to clean and can be rinsed off or put in the washing machine.

When choosing an oven mitt or hot pad, it is important to consider the heat protection it offers, the comfort and flexibility, and the ease of cleaning. It is also worth looking for oven mitts with a loop for hanging, so they can be kept near the stove.

Some recommended oven mitts and hot pads include:

• Gorilla Grip Silicone Oven Mitts: These are grippy, flexible, heat-resistant, and inexpensive. They also come in a variety of colours.
• Big Red House Oven Mitts: These mitts are comfortable and roomy, and cover the forearm for extra protection. They also have a grippy silicone surface.
• Food52 Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts: These are a good choice if you want to splurge on a good-looking mitt that performs well. They have magnets for hanging and extra-long cuffs.
• Jane Domestic Suede Mitt: This mitt is a good choice if you want something luxurious that will withstand a lot of heat. It has impressive heat resistance and is soft to the touch.
• OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder: This pot holder has a silicone exterior that provides good heat protection. It also has a grippy surface and a loop for hanging.

So, if you are looking to get a springform pan out of an Instant Pot, oven mitts or hot pads are a great option. Silicone oven mitts, in particular, offer good grip and heat protection.

Foil sling

A foil sling is a simple hack to make getting pans out of your instant pot a lot easier. It is also useful if you are baking or cooking with a pan inside your Instant Pot, as it can be difficult to get out again.

To make a foil sling, you will need a long strip of heavy-duty aluminum foil, around 20-24 inches long. Fold the foil in half lengthwise and then fold it in half again, so you are left with a long rectangular strip. You can bend the ends of the foil up to create handles. Test the strip in your Instant Pot to check the sizing. Place the foil strip under your pan and use the handles to lower the pan into the Instant Pot. When you are ready to remove the pan, simply grab the handles and lift it out. The foil will be hot, so be sure to use oven mitts or hot pads. You can reuse the foil sling several times, but eventually, the foil will discolour and deteriorate, so you will need to make a new one.

Silicone pastry mat strips

If you're looking for a simple and cost-effective solution to get your springform pan out of an instant pot, consider purchasing a large silicone pastry mat and cutting it into strips. You can usually get four strips from one mat.

If you're looking for a more versatile option, you could also try colourful silicone rubber bands, which work well with both covered and uncovered pans. For uncovered pans, you can also use plate retriever tongs, which grip the edge of the pan so you can pull it out.

There are also several other kitchen tools that can do double duty, such as a canning jar lifter, which can be used to lift both pans and corn on the cob out of the pressure cooker.

• Mainstays Reusable Silicone 24"x 16" Pastry Mat with Measurements ($5.97)
• Mainstays Reusable Silicone Baking Mat - Measures 16.5" x 11.6" ($4.97)
• Silicone Baking Mats Non-Stick Pastry Mat with Measurement (from $8.33)
• Jergo 20" x 24" Silicone Pastry Mat ($7.50)
• Silicone Pastry Mats with Measurements, Large Silicone Pastry Mats BPA-Free Food-Grade Silicone Rolling Dough Mat Non-Stick Non-Slip 16"x20" FDA-Approved (from $6.98)
• WeGuard 24" x 16" Silicone Pastry Mat ($6.99)
• QIEYUE Silicone Baking Mat Silicone Pastry Mat Non-Stick Pastry Mat with Measurement (from $5.39)

Grifiti Bands Cross Style Silicone Rubber Bands

Step 1: Choosing the Right Size

Firstly, select the appropriate size of Grifiti Band for your springform pan. The bands come in various sizes, including 4, 6, 9, and 12 inches. For a standard springform pan, the 6 or 9-inch bands would be a suitable choice.

Step 2: Preparing the Bands

Before using the Grifiti Bands, it is important to understand their application technique. These bands are designed to be pulled in a specific way to form an "X" shape. Grifiti recommends pulling both bands in one direction and then pulling the opposite strands to create the "X." It is crucial not to overstretch the bands, as the joint or nexus is their weakest point. If you're unsure, opt for a larger size to avoid overstretching.

Step 3: Applying the Bands to the Springform Pan

Now, carefully apply the Grifiti Bands to your springform pan. Place the bands around the pan, ensuring they are securely in place. The bands should be snug but not overly tight, as this may cause them to break or slip.

Step 4: Removing the Springform Pan from the Instant Pot

With the Grifiti Bands securely in place, you can now remove the springform pan from your instant pot. Using the bands as handles, carefully lift the pan out of the instant pot. The bands provide a secure grip and protect your hands from the heat.

Step 5: Cleaning and Maintenance

After each use, clean the Grifiti Bands with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. These bands are designed to be long-lasting and heat-resistant, but proper care will ensure their longevity.

The Grifiti Bands Cross Style Silicone Rubber Bands offer a simple and effective solution for removing a springform pan from an instant pot. With their versatile sizes and durable material, they are a valuable addition to your kitchen tools, making the process of removing pans from pressure cookers safer and more convenient.

Frequently asked questions