10 Best Pot-in-Pot Accessories for Instant Pot Cooking: Essential Add-Ons for Faster, Cleaner, and More Versatile Meals

Pot-in-pot cooking lets you steam, reheat, and cook multiple foods at once inside an Instant Pot using a second pot or container. It saves space, keeps flavors separate, and turns the pressure cooker into a more flexible multitool for things like rice, custards, and vegetables. Many home cooks pick pot-in-pot accessories to make small-batch meals, fit different portion sizes, or use cookware they already own.

Choosing the right pot-in-pot accessories comes down to size, material, and fit. You want containers that nest in your Instant Pot with room for steam to circulate, are made of food-safe material that won’t leach, and handle the pot’s heat and pressure without warping. We tested a range of inserts, pans, and racks to find the accessories that fit well, cook evenly, and are easy to clean.

Best Pot-in-Pot Accessories for Instant Pot Cooking

Below is our full list of the best pot-in-pot accessories for Instant Pot cooking. We tested options that help stack, steam, and cook multiple items at once to save time and effort. Use this list to pick accessories that match your Instant Pot size and cooking habits.

Aozita Stackable Steamer Pans

We recommend this set if you want sturdy stainless pans for pot-in-pot cooking and baking in a 6–8 qt Instant Pot.

We used these pans for rice, veggies, and a small cornbread. The steel heated evenly and cleanup was simple in the dishwasher. Having two pans let us steam and bake without swapping pots.

Steaming worked well when we used the perforated lid; the airtight lid made baking and reheating straightforward. Be careful with water levels and timing because adding layers can change cook times.

The lifting sling helps pull the set out, though it took a few tries to seat it right in our pot. Measure your cooker depth first since some reviewers and we found fit varies by model.

Overall, this is a useful pot-in-pot tool for people who want durable inserts for steaming, baking, and reheating in 6–8 qt pressure cookers.

LNM Stackable Steamer Pans

We recommend this set if you want a simple, durable pot-in-pot option that fits 6–8 qt Instant Pots and lets you steam or cook multiple items at once.

We used these pans for rice, steamed veggies, and a fish fillet in one cycle and liked how the flavors stayed separate. The pans heated evenly and slid out without sticking. Cleanup went smoothly in the dishwasher.

The lid really helps trap steam and keeps food moist. We noticed a small amount of condensation pooling on the carrier rim, which dripped when removed, so we now lift it carefully over the pot to avoid mess. The fit in our 6-quart Instant Pot was snug and stable.

These pans feel like a long-lasting swap for disposable inserts. They expand what our Instant Pot can do by letting us reheat or finish dishes without dirtying the main pot. Grab them if you want a reliable, no-frills pot-in-pot set that just works.

Instant Pot Cheat Sheet Magnet

We recommend this cheat sheet if you want quick, reliable Instant Pot times and settings without touching a screen.

We used this magnet while testing weeknight dinners. It stayed readable near the stove even when steam and sauce splattered. We liked that we could glance at times and liquid ratios instead of hunting through apps.

The magnet’s size and bold type cut down mistakes. We converted old recipes faster because the chart lists pressure levels and release methods. It helped when we needed to adjust for altitude or different beans.

A few copies we saw had a so-so magnet attachment, so it slid when bumped. We wished it showed metric amounts, but the core info—times, liquid, and pressure—saved us time and kept meals consistent.

Buy it if you want a simple, durable reference that sits on the fridge or cooker and stops you from guessing pressure-cooker times.

OXO Silicone Steamer

We recommend this if you want a flexible, easy-to-clean steamer that works well in Instant Pot pot-in-pot cooking.

We used this OXO steamer in our Instant Pot and liked how it handled fish fillets and veggies. The flat center holds larger pieces so they steam evenly, and the silicone feet kept it steady above the water.

Lifting it out felt safe thanks to the stay-cool handles that fold inward to let the lid close. On a tight fit in a 6‑quart pot, we had to wait a minute for the pressure to drop so we could grab the handles without splashing.

Cleaning was simple — no rust, no trapped crumbs, and it went right in the dishwasher. Keep an eye on water levels; if the pot boils dry the silicone can soften, so we always set timers or add extra liquid when steaming longer items.

Siireemuu 6QT Stainless Inner Pot

We recommend this if you want a durable, non‑toxic extra pot for a 6‑quart Instant Pot to speed up meal prep.

We grabbed this as a spare for busy weeknights. The metal is thick and the base spreads heat nicely, so we saw fewer scorch and “burn” warnings when testing stews and yogurt. It felt like a proper, workhorse insert rather than a thin pan.

We used it straight from the dishwasher and then rubbed a light oil before cooking to cut sticking. Rice and steamed veggies came out clean enough, but dense sauces needed more stirring or a soak afterward.

We did check fit in a couple of machines. It slid right into our 6‑quart DUO and LUX models with room to spare. A friend tried it in an 8‑quart and said it blocked the lid on her unit, so measure your pot depth first.

Overall, this pot works well as a second insert for batch cooking and keeping flavors separate. Pick it if you want a tough, non‑coated inner pot and don’t mind the extra weight when lifting.

Our Place Cooker Cups

We recommend these if you want to cook multiple items at once in a Perfect Pot without cluttering the kitchen.

We used the Cooker Cups to make a full weeknight meal with pasta, veggies, and potatoes. Each cup holds a good single-serving portion, so plating felt simple and fast.

Handling felt safe thanks to the solid nylon and the built-in hooks. We needed oven mitts to lift them, and the hooks sometimes snagged when food stuck a bit, but overall they stayed put during boiling.

Cleanup was easy; the stackable design saved space in our cabinet. They felt lightweight yet durable, and freezing leftovers in them worked well for meal prep.

Find them on Amazon: Our Place Cooker Cups

OXO Silicone Steamer

We recommend this if you want a safe, flexible steamer that fits larger Instant Pots and cleans up easily.

We used this steamer for vegetables and fish and liked how it handled delicate fillets without sticking. The high walls kept everything away from boiling water, so we avoided soggy bottoms.

The silicone feels sturdy but pliable. The pleats let it expand to fit larger pots, and the folding handles made it easy to lock a lid on. Moving the basket out of the pot felt safe because the handles stayed cool.

Storage is simple since it rolls up, but it did take more room than we expected in the dishwasher. It works best in medium to large Instant Pots; in smaller models it can be bulky and harder to position.

Overall, this steamer made steaming quicker and cleaner in our kitchen, especially when we wanted to cook fish or a batch of veggies without extra cookware.

Alpacasso 73‑Piece Instant Pot Accessory Kit

We recommend this kit if you want a wide set of tools to expand Instant Pot cooking without buying pieces one by one.

We tried the kit for soups, cakes, and egg bites. The steamer baskets and rack held up well and fit our 6‑quart pot without wobble. The egg rack made breakfast simple and the tongs were a handy extra.

Baking a small cheesecake in the springform pan worked, but we cleaned it gently to keep the coating intact. The silicone mitts protected our hands during quick releases, and the magnetic labels helped us remember settings.

Not every item gets daily use, and the 60 paper liner sheets are useful but bulk up the box count. Still, if you want a ready set that covers most Pot‑in‑Pot needs, this kit saved us time and trips to multiple stores.

Ecozoi 2-Tier Steamer Insert

We recommend this if you want a sturdy stainless steel pot-in-pot set that saves time by cooking or reheating two foods at once.

We used the Ecozoi set for weeknight meals and liked how it let us steam veggies while cooking rice below. The metal felt heavy and well made, and food did not pick up odd flavors when stacked.

Stacking small casseroles and a dessert worked well for reheats and one-pot dinners. The steam lid sped up veggies, while the airtight lid kept sauces from splashing. We did notice the top tier moved slightly when lifting, so we handled it with care.

Cleaning was fast by hand. A few spots darkened for us until we scrubbed with a soft paste; that cleared up. If you plan to use it in a 3-quart cooker, check clearance first to avoid crowding taller ingredients.

WUWEOT Stackable Steamer Pans

We recommend this if you want to steam or pot-in-pot cook two items at once and value sturdy stainless steel.

We used these pans for weeknight meals and found them dependable. The metal has a solid weight and the lid seals well. Stacking two tiers saved us time when we cooked rice and vegetables together.

Heat moves differently through the two tiers. The top pan steams quickly while the bottom one heats more slowly, so we adjusted cook times and liquid. For dishes like dal with rice, that trade-off worked fine and cut total time.

Cleanup stayed simple. Handles make removing the pans easy, and the pans fit our 6 qt Instant Pot snugly. Measure your cooker first, because they need an 8.2-inch diameter and about 8.3-inch height to fit comfortably.

Buying Guide

We look for size and fit first. Measure the inner pot and check the accessory dimensions. The accessory should sit evenly and leave room for steam circulation.

We check material and build quality next. Choose stainless steel or food-safe silicone for heat resistance and easy cleaning. Thicker materials hold heat better and resist warping.

We consider function and versatility. Pick accessories that stack or nest for multi-layer cooking. Look for items that work for steaming, baking, and separating foods.

We value ease of use and maintenance. Handles, pour spouts, and nonstick coatings matter to us. Dishwasher-safe parts save time.

We compare safety features. Heat-resistant handles, stable feet, and secure lids reduce spills and burns. Avoid anything that feels flimsy or unstable.

We look at compatibility and accessories together. Some accessories require an adapter or trivet to fit correctly. Verify cooking times may change when using pot-in-pot methods.

We balance price and durability. A slightly higher upfront cost often gives longer life and better results. We avoid the cheapest options if they compromise safety or fit.

We read measurements, user notes, and care instructions carefully. That helps us choose accessories that match our Instant Pot model and cooking habits.

Editor’s Choice

We picked a few pot-in-pot accessories that deliver consistent, easy results with the Instant Pot.
Each choice balances build quality, fit, and ease of cleaning.

Best overall: Stainless steel nesting pans.
They stack neatly and fit most 6- and 8-quart models. We like their even heating and dishwasher-safe finish.

Best for baking: Silicone muffin liners and a small cake pan.
Silicone flexes for easy removal and resists sticking. A compact cake pan gives reliable rise and easy slicing.

Best space-saver: Collapsible steamer basket.
It holds veggies and small items securely while taking little room in storage. The adjustable legs fit different pot sizes.

Best value: Aluminum steam rack set with handles.
Lightweight and inexpensive, they lift pans above the water line and are easy to handle. We recommend choosing sets with removable handles for safer lifting.

• Fit tip: Measure your Instant Pot inner pot before purchasing accessories.
• Safety tip: Always use an oven mitt when removing hot pans from the inner pot.

We tested for fit, handling, and cleanup. These picks work well for common pot-in-pot jobs like reheating, steaming, and baking.

Conclusion

We found that pot-in-pot accessories make Instant Pot cooking more flexible and reliable. They let us layer foods, cook different textures at once, and keep dishes moist without extra effort.

Choosing the right accessories depends on what we cook most. Steamer baskets, silicone cups, and small inserts cover most needs. We can add stackable racks or special pans for baking and roasting.

We recommend focusing on fit and material first. Stainless steel and silicone are safe and long-lasting. Measure your Instant Pot before buying anything to avoid returns or poor results.

We suggest trying one or two accessories to start. A steamer basket and a set of silicone cups give the most immediate value. Then we can add more items as our recipes expand.

Use care with cleaning and storage to get the best life from each piece. Most accessories are dishwasher safe, but hand washing can prevent wear. Store small items together so we can find them when we need them.

Below is a quick checklist to help pick accessories:

• Fit: measure pot diameter and height
• Material: stainless steel or food-grade silicone
• Function: steaming, baking, stacking, or egg cooking
• Care: dishwasher-safe or hand-washable

We can experiment confidently once we have the right tools. They simplify meal prep and help us get consistent results every time.

FAQS

Q: What is pot-in-pot (PIP) cooking?
We place a smaller dish inside the Instant Pot over a trivet. This lets us steam or bake foods without direct contact with the inner pot.

Q: What accessories do we need for PIP?
We recommend a heatproof dish, trivet with handles, and silicone sling. These three items make lifting and cooking easier and safer.

Q: Can we use metal, glass, or ceramic dishes?
Yes. Metal heats fast, glass shows doneness, and ceramic holds heat well. Make sure the dish fits with room for steam to circulate.

Q: How much water should we add to the Instant Pot?
We usually add 1 to 1.5 cups of water for standard 6- or 8-quart models. Use enough water to create steam but not touch the PIP dish.

Q: Will cooking times change with PIP?
Yes, times often increase slightly because the PIP dish insulates food. We recommend checking recipes and adding 5–15% time as needed.

Q: How do we lift the PIP dish safely?
Use a trivet with handles or a silicone sling. Let pressure release fully before opening the lid to avoid burns.

Q: Can we bake cakes or custards with PIP?
We do. PIP creates a moist, even heat that works well for custards and small cakes. Use a lid or foil to prevent surface browning.

Q: How do we clean PIP accessories?
Most are dishwasher-safe, but we hand-wash nonstick or wood items. Dry thoroughly before storing.