Instant Pots have revolutionized home cooking, combining multiple appliances into one versatile device. These electric pressure cookers, or multi-cookers, offer functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, saut¨¦ing, and even air frying in some models. With so many options available, finding the right Instant Pot can be overwhelming. This guide explores top-rated Instant Pot models, their features, pros and cons, real-world testing insights, and a detailed buying guide to help you choose the perfect one for your kitchen needs.
Top Instant Pot Models to Consider
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo is the company’s most popular series and for good reason. It’s super simple to operate and offers seven versatile cooking functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saut¨¦, yogurt maker and warmer. You can buy the Duo in three sizes: 3-quart, 6-quart and 8-quart. It’s also the most affordable model with yogurt and poultry programs, as well as the option to pressure cook on high or low. Programs included: Rice, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Meat/Stew, Multigrain, Porridge, Soup/Broth, Steam, Manual or Pressure Cooking. What it doesn’t have: Cake, Sterilize, Egg and Canning.
- Pros: Affordable, intuitive controls, versatile cooking functions, durable stainless steel pot.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi or air frying, inner pot may spin during saut¨¦ing.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Quart 11-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
Eliminate the need for multiple kitchen appliances with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-quart pressure cooker and air fryer combo. Designed with eleven smart programs, you can add a whole new set of cooking techniques to your culinary collection – all from one, powerful appliance. With an intuitive display and easy-to-use controls, this Instant Pot Duo Crisp supports adjustments as needed, whether you’re cooking, steaming, roasting, baking, boiling, or dehydrating – to ensure your meal is cooked to perfection every time. The big draw for this Instant Pot is that it doubles as an air fryer – and a good one at that. We’ve made several air-fried recipes in this versatile multicooker and the results rival even some of our favorite standalone air fryers. The Duo Crisp has most of the other functions you’d expect of an Instant Pot but a separate lid turns §¬§± into a superconvection air fryer to save space in the kitchen.
- Pros: Combines pressure cooking and air frying, high performance, customizable settings.
- Cons: Requires lid switching for air frying, higher price point, bulkier design.
Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
Experience the next generation of convenience with Instant Pot Pro. It starts with 28 smart cooking programs and adds 5 new Favorite program settings. Spend less time in the kitchen with 20% faster pre-heating and up to 70% faster cooking overall. It replaces 10 kitchen appliances: slow cooker, pressure cooker, sous vide, saut¨¦ pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer. The upgraded gentle steam release is quieter and less messy with the diffusing cover. The Pro is filled with thoughtful extras like Easy Grip handles on the inner pot, a large LCD display that’s easy to read
- Pros: Fast cooking, quiet steam release, versatile with 28 programs, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Larger footprint, sous vide lacks precision compared to dedicated devices.
Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
The Instant Pot Rio 6-quart is simple to use and performs all the core functions, including pressure cooking, saut¨¦ing, and steaming, as effectively as (or better than) competitive models. Like all Instant Pots, it comes with a stainless steel inner pot, which is more durable than the nonstick inserts in cookers we’ve tested from many other brands. The Rio is the latest evolution of the Instant Pot Duo, which has been our top pick since 2016. It includes the same features as the most recent Duo model, such as an auto-sealing lid and an easy steam-release switch, but with the addition of a progress indicator, anti-spin rubber grips to hold the pot in place, and a sleek black exterior.
- Pros: Sleek design, improved stability, reliable performance, easy to clean.
- Cons: Fewer advanced features, no air frying capability.
Comparison Table of Top Instant Pot Models
| Model | Capacity | Functions | Price Range | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo | 3, 6, 8 Qt | 7-in-1 | $80-$120 | Pressure cook, slow cook, yogurt maker, intuitive controls | Budget-conscious beginners |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp | 6, 8 Qt | 11-in-1 | $150-$200 | Air frying, pressure cooking, customizable programs | Versatile cooks wanting air frying |
| Instant Pot Pro | 6, 8 Qt | 10-in-1 | $130-$170 | 28 smart programs, quiet steam release, fast cooking | Advanced users seeking speed |
| Instant Pot Rio | 6 Qt | 7-in-1 | $100-$130 | Sleek design, auto-sealing lid, durable pot | Those prioritizing simplicity and style |
Real-World Testing Insights
Instant Pot Duo Testing
The Duo Plus performed very well and was the second-fastest to pressurize. With a start button and an easy-to-read progress bar, it was straightforward to use. With a price tag under $100, this Instant Pot offers the most functionality for the lowest price. What we didn’t like: The inner pot spins while searing or saut¨¦ing, which can be pretty annoying, but ultimately it wasn’t a deal-breaker since you can stabilize it (albeit awkwardly) with a potholder. Like the Duo Pro, it has sous vide capability, but you’re better off with a more traditional sous vide setup if you need real precision. Its larger footprint also takes up more room on the counter than other models.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Testing
No matter which preset we tested it on, the results were among the best. It cooked food evenly, giving meat a nice sear, browning vegetables well, and leaving rice al dente. To use it as an air fryer, just replace the standard lid with the included spiral lid, which allows for rapid air circulation. We’ll acknowledge that the number of parts and settings might overwhelm someone who hasn’t used an Instant Pot before. But, the parts serve a purpose: A non-stick air fryer basket helps when you’re cleaning up the stuck-on bits of food, for example.
Instant Pot Pro Testing
The Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker scored the highest in our tests. The pressure cooker setting turned out tender pork and chicken in our tests. It also has a special ¡°Nutriboost¡± setting that mimics boiling and helps to move food around, creating creamy risottos and ensuring rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. It has a stainless steel pot that was also very easy to clean.
Instant Pot Rio Testing
The Rio’s control panel is more intuitive than the Duo’s, with the addition of a start button, time and temperature controls, and a progress bar. It executes basic cooking functions just as well as costlier Instant Pot models, and it does even better than cookers from other brands. The control panel is intuitive, and it’s one of the easier cookers to clean. The durable stainless steel pot will last longer than nonstick inserts, and replacement parts are readily available.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Right Instant Pot
Before investing in an Instant Pot, consider how you’ll use it – specifically, your cooking style, culinary preferences and budget. Some models offer air frying and sous vide capabilities, while others include Wi-Fi connectivity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Determine Your Household Size: Instant Pots come in three basic sizes: 3, 6 and 8 quarts. Most people with a household of three to five people will do fine with a 6-quart – the most popular size. If you’re cooking for one or two, you might consider the three-quart model. If you have a small army of mouths to feed or tend to host large gatherings, the bigger 8-quart multicooker will be a better fit.
- Identify Must-Have Functions: As a multicooker, every Instant Pot model has a handful of standard functions, including pressure cook, slow cook, steam, saut¨¦, and warm. Depending on the model you choose, you may also have the ability to cook multigrain porridge, make yogurt, sous vide, and even bake cakes. If you’re a beginner, you may not need as many functions and can opt for one with fewer bells and whistles.
- Consider Space Constraints: If you have a small kitchen or limited cupboard space, it’s worth noting that Instant Pots do take up a bit of space so consider how much you think you’ll use it before settling on one. There are compact 3-quart Instant Pots but, as you might imagine, they don’t have as much cooking capacity.
- Evaluate Budget: Instant Pots are affordable and easy to use and clean, so there aren’t too many downsides to buying one. Models range from $80 to $200, with higher-end options offering features like air frying or Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Check for Safety Features: All Instant Pots are made with at least 10 important safety features that aren’t always found on other types of cooking appliances. Several of the safety features are focused on maintaining safe pressure levels when using the pressure cooker setting. These multicookers detect if the lid is properly closed before pressurized cooking will begin.
Where to Find the Best Instant Pot Deals
Instant Pots tend to be reduced throughout the year, but during holiday sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, these pressure cookers tend to get a hefty price reduction. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart frequently offer discounts. For example, the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is often available for around $99, while the Duo Crisp can drop to $150 during sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Instant Pot should I buy?
The best size depends on your household. A 6-quart model is ideal for families of 3-5, while a 3-quart suits 1-2 people, and an 8-quart is great for larger families or batch cooking.
Can Instant Pots replace other kitchen appliances?
Yes, many models combine functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, and more, reducing the need for separate devices. The Duo Crisp, for instance, doubles as an air fryer.
Are Instant Pots safe to use?
Instant Pots include multiple safety features, such as lid-locking mechanisms and pressure regulation, making them safer than traditional stovetop pressure cookers.
How do I clean an Instant Pot?
Most Instant Pot inner pots and lids are dishwasher-safe. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, and ensure the sealing ring is cleaned regularly to prevent odors.
Where can I find recipes for my Instant Pot?
The Instant Brands Connect app offers over 800 recipes. You can also explore community resources like the Instant Pot Facebook group for tips and ideas.
Conclusion
Instant Pots are a game-changer for busy home cooks, offering versatility, speed, and convenience. Whether you’re eyeing the budget-friendly Instant Pot Duo, the multifunctional Duo Crisp, the advanced Pro, or the sleek Rio, there’s a model to suit every kitchen. By considering your household size, cooking needs, and budget, you can find the perfect Instant Pot to elevate your culinary game. Keep an eye on major retailers for deals, and don’t forget to explore recipes to make the most of your new appliance.