Instant Pot Inner Pot: Which Replacement to Buy

On this page (7 sections)

1. Which Instant Pot inner pot should you buy?
2. How do you check compatibility before ordering?
3. What should you look for in a replacement inner pot?
4. Which 6-quart Instant Pot inner pot is right for you?
5. When does an 8-quart or 3-quart pot make sense?
6. How do you care for an Instant Pot inner pot?
7. How do you choose the right Instant Pot inner pot?

Choose an Instant Pot inner pot that matches your cooker’s capacity and model family. A standard 6-quart pot for a Duo may not fit a 6-quart Pro, so check the model name before buying.

The options below are stainless steel pots in 3-, 6-, and 8-quart sizes. The key difference is compatibility: some fit select Duo models, while the handled 6-quart version is designed for Pro and Duo Evo Plus cookers.

Which Instant Pot inner pot should you buy?

Buy the replacement that names your exact Instant Pot model and quart size. If your cooker is a compatible 6-quart Duo, the standard 6-quart pot is the match; for a Pro or Duo Evo Plus, choose the handled 6-quart version.

Don’t choose by capacity alone. The standard 6-quart pot doesn’t fit the Pro series or Duo Evo Plus, and the handled pot is designed for those model families.

If you’re unsure of your cooker’s size, compare it with our guide to pressure cooker sizes. For a broader overview of electric and stovetop types, see pressure cookers explained.

How do you check compatibility before ordering?

Find the cooker’s model name and capacity first. Look on the cooker’s label, packaging, or manual, then compare that information with the replacement pot’s compatible models.

The standard 6-quart pot is compatible with the Duo Plus 60, Duo 60, Duo Viva 60, Duo Nova 60, and Duo Crisp AF. It isn’t compatible with the Duo Evo Plus or Pro series.

The handled 6-quart pot fits the Pro 60, Pro Plus, Pro Max, and Duo Evo Plus 60. Its handles are a useful way to identify this model family’s replacement, but the model match still matters.

The 8-quart pot is designed for Instant Pot 8-quart multicookers, including IPLUX80 and IP-DUO80. It isn’t compatible with Duo Evo Plus, Pro, or other electric pressure cooker brands.

The Mini pot is designed for the Instant Pot Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker Mini 3 Quart.

Use each pot only with its compatible Instant Pot models. The standard 6-quart and 8-quart pots aren’t designed for other pressure cooker brands.

Does a 6-quart pot fit every 6-quart Instant Pot?

No, the capacity alone doesn’t confirm compatibility. The standard 6-quart pot and handled 6-quart pot are for different Instant Pot model families.

Read the model name from your cooker before you buy. If it is a Pro, Pro Plus, Pro Max, or Duo Evo Plus 60, use the handled pot; if it is one of the listed Duo models, the standard pot may be the right option.

For cooker-specific comparisons, our Instant Pot Pro vs Duo guide can help you identify which family you own. If you’re deciding between cooker sizes, see Instant Pot 6 qt vs 8 qt.

What should you look for in a replacement inner pot?

Check the fit first, then choose the features that matter for your cooking and cleanup. The pots here are stainless steel, with polished surfaces and bases designed for even heat distribution.

The standard 6-quart pot, 8-quart pot, and 3-quart Mini pot are made of food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel and have a 3-ply bottom. Each has interior markings at half and two-thirds full for pressure-cooking safety.

The handled 6-quart pot is also stainless steel, but has a flat base rather than a 3-ply bottom. It has handles for lifting the pot from the cooker.

These pots have no chemical coating. Instant Pot describes their polished surfaces as easier to clean, with food sticking less; all four are dishwasher safe.

A second inner pot can make it easier to prepare another dish while the first pot is in use. If your cooker’s sealing ring also needs care, read when to replace a pressure cooker gasket.

Which 6-quart Instant Pot inner pot is right for you?

Choose the standard pot for a compatible Duo-family cooker, and the handled pot for a compatible Pro or Duo Evo Plus. Both are 6-quart stainless steel options, but they don’t share the same model compatibility.

The standard pot has a mirror-polished surface, rolled edges, a tri-ply bottom, and maximum fill line markings. It holds up to 6 portions.

Choose it only if your cooker model appears in its compatibility list. It doesn’t fit the Pro series or Duo Evo Plus.

The handled option is designed for the Pro 60, Pro Plus, Pro Max, and Duo Evo Plus 60. Its flat base distributes heat, and the handles make it easier to lift the pot.

Use the model name as the deciding factor, not a preference for handles. The standard and handled versions aren’t interchangeable just because both hold 6 quarts.

When does an 8-quart or 3-quart pot make sense?

Choose an 8-quart or 3-quart replacement only if your cooker uses that capacity. These pots are made for different Instant Pot sizes and won’t replace a 6-quart inner pot.

The 8-quart pot has a polished surface, 3-ply bottom, and half and two-thirds fill markings. It isn’t compatible with the Duo Evo Plus, Pro, or other electric pressure cooker brands.

The Mini pot is designed for the Instant Pot Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker Mini 3 Quart. It is the right size for a Mini, not a smaller alternative for a 6-quart cooker.

If you want to use your cooker for more than pressure cooking, our guide to what a multi-cooker can do explains the common functions.

How do you care for an Instant Pot inner pot?

Wash the inner pot after cooking and follow the care directions for your cooker. These stainless steel pots are dishwasher safe.

Let the pot cool before cleaning. The polished surface is described as easier to clean, but use care with utensils and cleaning tools to keep it in good condition.

Check the interior markings and rim during routine cleaning. If food or residue is caught around the rim, remove it before placing the pot back in the cooker.

For safe operation, follow the steps in how to use a pressure cooker. Don’t use a pot that doesn’t sit correctly or that is meant for another model.

How do you choose the right Instant Pot inner pot?

Match the cooker’s model family and capacity before choosing any other feature. For select Duo models, choose the standard 6-quart pot; for the listed Pro and Duo Evo Plus models, choose the handled 6-quart pot.

Pick the 8-quart pot for a compatible 8-quart cooker and the Mini pot for the 3-quart Instant Pot Mini. If your cooker’s model number isn’t clear, confirm compatibility with Instant Pot before using a replacement.

If you’re also comparing cookers, start with which pressure cooker to buy and choose a size that suits your household.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which Instant Pot inner pot fits?

Match the pot’s capacity and compatible model names to the label or manual for your cooker. Instant Pot inner pots are not universal, and a pot that has the right quart size may still be made for a different model family.

If you can’t confirm the model, check with Instant Pot before ordering.

Can I use a 6-quart Instant Pot inner pot in an 8-quart cooker?

No. Choose an inner pot made for your cooker’s capacity and model.

The 6-quart and 8-quart pots have different dimensions, and a smaller pot may not seat or work as intended in a larger cooker.

Check the model name and capacity before you buy.

Are Instant Pot inner pots dishwasher safe?

The stainless steel replacement pots covered here are dishwasher safe. Follow your cooker’s manual for care instructions.

The inner pot is separate from the cooker base, which should not be immersed or put in a dishwasher.

Can I use an Instant Pot inner pot in another pressure cooker brand?

Use an inner pot only with the compatible cooker models named for it. Instant Pot says its standard 6-quart pot and 8-quart pot are not compatible with other brands, and the 6-quart handled pot is designed for select Instant Pot models.

Check the exact compatibility before use.