6 Best Steamer Inserts for Pots and Pans (November 2026)
The best steamer inserts for pots and pans include the Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling for cooking two foods at once, the Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer for large steaming batches, and the Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer for everyday saucepans.
On this page (5 sections)
The best steamer insert for most pots is the Anolon Classic, a covered stainless steel insert designed for 2-, 3- and 4-quart sauce pots. Choose the Viking if you also want a colander, or a 16-quart set if you need to steam large batches.
A steamer insert turns a compatible pot into a vegetable or food steamer without requiring a dedicated appliance. For a pot with an integrated pasta-draining insert, compare pasta pots with built-in strainers.
Measure your pot's diameter and check its shape, then compare those details with the insert's fit range.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for cooking two foods at onceAozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for large steaming batchesKenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for everyday saucepansAnolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itWUWEOT Stackable Steamer Insert Pans
Best for pressure-cooker flexibility - 5
Check itMartha Stewart Thayer 16-Quart Enamel On Steel
Best for wide, large-batch steaming - 6
Check itViking Steamer Insert and Colander
Best for steaming and straining
Which steamer insert for a pot is best for your kitchen?
The Anolon is the best fit for many everyday saucepans, while the other options cover pressure cookers, colander use and large-batch steaming. The right choice depends on your cookware and how much food you steam at once.
Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling: Best for cooking two foods at once
- Two stackable tiers
- Fits 5, 6 and 8 qt pressure cookers
- Interchangeable steaming and airtight lids
- 304 stainless steel
Two tiers let you steam different foods at once in a pressure cooker. Interchangeable lids also support baking, reheating and storage.
Pros
- Two stackable pans
- Fits several pressure cooker sizes
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Designed for pressure cookers, not standard saucepans
Aozita is a useful choice when you want to cook two foods at once in a pressure cooker. Its stackable pans separate foods such as rice and vegetables, and the interchangeable lids support steaming, baking, reheating and storage.
The pans are made from 304 stainless steel and fit 5-, 6- and 8-quart pressure cookers. A solid handle helps with insertion and removal, and the pans are dishwasher safe.
This set is built around pressure-cooker use, so it is not the straightforward choice for a standard saucepan. For a closer look at that cooker-specific format, see our guide to the best steamer insert for an Instant Pot.
Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer: Best for large steaming batches
- 16 qt enamel-on-steel pot
- Stainless steel steamer insert
- Tempered glass lid
- Oven safe to 400°F
The complete pot and insert set suits large batches of vegetables, seafood or pasta. It is a full cookware set rather than a spare insert for a pot you already own.
Pros
- Large 16 qt pot
- Includes insert and lid
- Large handles
Cons
- Requires more storage space than a standalone insert
Kenmore pairs a 16-quart enamel-on-steel stock pot with a stainless steel steamer insert and a tempered glass lid. That makes it a practical option for large quantities of vegetables, seafood or other foods that need a roomy cooking vessel.
The sturdy handles help when moving the pot, and the set is oven safe to 400°F. Since the pot and insert come together, this pick is for someone who wants a complete steamer setup rather than an accessory for existing cookware.
A large steamer pot can also handle jobs beyond steaming, such as boiling pasta or making soup. If you are deciding between a deep pot and a countertop slow cooker, compare the uses in [Dutch oven vs.
Crock Pot](/dutch-oven-vs-crock-pot/).
Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer: Best for everyday saucepans
- Fits 2, 3 and 4 qt sauce pots
- Stainless steel insert and lid
- Oven safe to 500°F
- Dishwasher safe
This covered insert is made for common 2- to 4-quart sauce pots, with a lid and handles for moving it. Check your pot's shape and fit before choosing it.
Pros
- Fits two common pot shapes
- Includes a snug-fitting lid
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not suitable for induction
Anolon is the clearest match for buyers who already own a 2-, 3- or 4-quart saucepan. The stainless steel insert fits both tulip and straight-sided sauce pots in those sizes, and its lid helps keep heat inside while food steams.
Dual riveted handles make the insert easier to move. It's oven safe to 500°F and dishwasher safe, though it is not suitable for induction.
Measure the pot's diameter and check the shape before ordering. For a broader comparison of pot-and-insert combinations, see our roundup of the best double boiler pots.
WUWEOT Stackable Steamer Insert Pans: Best for pressure-cooker flexibility
- Single or two-tier use
- Stainless steel pans
- Includes sling handle and silicone gloves
- Fits cookers over 8.2 in diameter and 8.3 in high
Use one pan or stack both to cook separate foods in a pressure cooker. Measure the cooker's interior diameter and height before buying.
Pros
- Flexible single- or two-tier use
- Includes sling handle and silicone gloves
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Requires more than 8.2 in of cooker diameter and 8.3 in of height
WUWEOT offers stackable pans for pressure cookers, with a sling handle and silicone gloves included. Use the pans as a single steamer or stack them to cook separate foods in two tiers.
The pans are made from 18/8 stainless steel and measure 7.7 inches across and 8.3 inches high. WUWEOT specifies a cooker with more than 8.2 inches of diameter and 8.3 inches of height, so measure the inside of your cooker carefully.
This is another pressure-cooker focused option rather than a universal saucepan insert. Its stackable design suits buyers who want to steam more than one food at once or reheat leftovers in the cooker.
Martha Stewart Thayer 16-Quart Enamel On Steel: Best for wide, large-batch steaming
- 16 qt enamel-on-steel pot
- Wide stainless steel insert
- Induction safe
- Tempered glass lid
The wide insert gives room for foods such as tamales, corn and dumplings. This is a complete large pot set for buyers who need the capacity.
Pros
- Wide insert for larger foods
- Works on induction and other common stovetops
- Glass lid helps you watch cooking
Cons
- Hand wash only
Martha Stewart's Thayer set includes a 16-quart enamel-on-steel pot, stainless steel insert and tempered glass lid. The wide insert is suited to foods such as tamales, corn and dumplings, while the pot also has room for large servings of soup or pasta.
The set works on gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and induction stovetops. Its enamel finish is described as stain resistant, and the pot and insert are intended for hand washing.
Choose this set when capacity matters more than compact storage. If your cooking calls for a smaller saucepan insert, the Anolon or Viking is a closer match.
Viking Steamer Insert and Colander: Best for steaming and straining
- Fits most 6.25, 7 and 8 in saucepans
- Also works as a colander
- 3-ply 304 stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
This insert serves as a colander as well as a steamer, and fits many smaller saucepans and casseroles. Match the stated diameter range to your cookware.
Pros
- Two useful kitchen roles
- Riveted handle
- Dishwasher and oven safe
Cons
- Fit depends on the pan's diameter
Viking's stainless steel insert serves two jobs: it steams foods such as vegetables, dumplings and fish, and it can work as a colander for washing or draining food. It fits most 6.25-, 7- and 8-inch saucepans and casseroles.
The 3-ply 304 stainless steel construction is dishwasher safe, and its riveted handle gives you a place to grip when moving it. Check the diameter of your pan, since the fit is based on size rather than a universal attachment.
This option makes sense when you want one insert to help with both steaming and straining. For another way to use a steamer with specialty cookware, compare double boilers with steamers.
What should you check before buying a steamer insert?
Check the pot's inside diameter, shape and lid clearance before buying an insert. A good fit should sit steadily above the water and leave enough space for steam to move around the food.
Start with the pot you plan to use most often. Anolon gives a fit range based on sauce pot capacity and shape, while Viking gives a diameter range for saucepans and casseroles.
Consider the food you steam, too. A shallow insert can suit vegetables and dumplings, while wide foods such as tamales may need a larger insert or a dedicated stock pot.
Is a steamer insert pan different from a steamer pot?
A steamer insert pan fits inside or over a separate pot, while a steamer pot set includes the pot, insert and usually a lid. An insert saves storage space if you already own a compatible pot.
A full set can be a better match for batch cooking or when your current pots are too small. The Kenmore and Martha Stewart options each include a 16-quart pot, insert and lid.
A steamer can also be part of a cookware set. Our guide explains what a steamer insert adds to a cookware set.
Can a steamer insert work with a double boiler?
Some cookware pieces can serve related roles, but a steamer insert and a double boiler insert are made for different cooking methods. A steamer holds food above simmering water, while a double boiler uses gentle heat from the water below to warm food in the upper vessel.
Use the insert designed for the job and check that it fits your pot securely. Our guide explains what a double boiler insert is used for, and our roundup covers the best double boilers for melting chocolate.
How to choose the best steamer insert for a pot
Choose the Anolon Classic if you have a compatible 2-, 3- or 4-quart saucepan and want a covered insert. Pick Viking if a colander function matters, Aozita or WUWEOT for pressure-cooker steaming, and a 16-quart set for large batches.
Measure first, especially if your pot has sloped sides or an unusual diameter. If you are building out cookware for different cooking methods, a best carbon steel pan may also suit high-heat stovetop cooking.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for cooking two foods at once
Aozita Stackable Steamer Insert Pans with Sling
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for large steaming batches
Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for everyday saucepans
Anolon Classic Stainless Steel Universal Covered Steamer
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether a steamer insert fits my pot?
Compare the insert's fit range with your pot's inside diameter and shape. Anolon fits tulip and straight-sided 2-, 3- and 4-quart sauce pots, while Viking fits many 6.25- to 8-inch pans.
Leave enough room for the insert to sit securely above the water without touching it.
Can I use a steamer insert in any saucepan?
No. Inserts vary in diameter, shape and depth, so check the fit range before using one.
The Anolon suits specified sauce pot sizes, and the Viking fits many smaller saucepans and casseroles.
The insert should sit steadily, with the lid able to cover the pot.
Do I need a separate pot with a steamer insert?
A universal insert can use a pot you already own if the sizes match. A complete steamer pot set makes more sense when you need a larger pot or want the insert and lid designed to fit together.
Check cabinet space before choosing a 16-quart set.
Can I use pressure-cooker insert pans in a regular pot?
Pressure-cooker insert pans are designed around cooker dimensions and may not sit securely in a regular pot. Aozita and WUWEOT both describe pressure-cooker use, while Anolon and Viking are made to fit saucepans.
Choose an insert intended for your pot type and check its measurements.
