The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, slow cooker and so much more. That versatility is its biggest selling point: The device is an ideal choice for those who don’t want to purchase more than one machine. For the same reason, these types of multicookers are great for anyone who’s short on kitchen space. 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. If you’re more advanced or adventurous in the kitchen, an Instant Pot with a lot of presets can be fun to experiment with, and can also come in handy when cooking for elaborate recipes.
Top Instant Pot Models for 2025
After rigorously testing five of the brand’s top-selling models, I’ve determined that the Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart Smart Multi-Cooker is the best overall option for most buyers: Its general reliability, app-enabled perks and added safety features can’t be beat. If you’re looking for a multicooker that goes the extra mile, consider the Instant Pot Pro Crisp And Air Fryer 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker And Air Fryer, an upgraded pick with air-frying capabilities. Below, we dive into the top picks, their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing scenarios to help you choose the perfect Instant Pot for your kitchen.
1. Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart Smart Multi-Cooker
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is still easily the best overall Instant Pot in my book. There are less expensive models, to be sure, but for those for whom safety is of paramount importance, this purchase should be a no-brainer.
- Features: 10-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saut¨¦ pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide and a new feature called ¡°NutriBoost¡±
- Wattage: 1,200 watts
- Capacity: 6-quart
- Dimensions: 13.2 x 13 x 12.7 inches
Pros
- Silicone handles on the inner pot, which remove the need for dish towels and oven mitts altogether and make the machine far safer (not to mention more convenient) than earlier versions.
- Steam can be released wirelessly via the device’s connected app, users are equipped with greater control from a distance.
- Includes a whopping three settings just for steam release-natural, pulse and quick release.
Cons
- The exterior of the Instant Pot needs to be wiped by hand, which makes it difficult to ensure absolute cleanliness.
Testing Scenarios
In our tests, the Instant Pot Pro Plus scored the best for searing meat, stews were consistently tender, aromatic and flavorsome, and steamed broccoli had the perfect crunch and texture. The only disappointment was the basmati rice’s overcooked, sticky texture. Granted, it’s not the cheapest Instant Pot around, so if you’re only ever going to use a few programs, this may not be cost-effective for you. However, it’s one of the best Instant Pots with premium power and the updated design will make a convenient and attractive addition to your kitchen.
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2. Instant Pot Pro Crisp and Air Fryer 8-Quart
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.
- Features: 11-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, saut¨¦ pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler and dehydrator
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Capacity: 8-quart
- Dimensions: 14.78 x 14.24 x 14.17 inches
Pros
- Has a separate lid that turns into a superconvection air fryer to save space in the kitchen.
- Has a pretty sturdy inner stainless steel cooking pot.
- Air frying is an incredibly versatile cooking method in and of itself, so when you combine that with pressure cooking, slow cooking, saut¨¦ing, steaming, sous vide cooking, warming, baking, broiling, and dehydrating, you have the most capable kitchen tool.
Cons
- Some users found swapping the lid to be fussy.
- It’s pretty expensive-about $150 (at the time of testing).
Testing Scenarios
We love that you can pressure cook and air fry the same dish: Roast chicken on the pressure cook function, for example, then swap the lid and air fry it for a golden brown finish. The cooking pot is dishwasher-safe and, according to our tests on the older machine, any residue or food splatter on the outside was easy to clean with a damp cloth. The older model also had one of the top scores for performance – during our stew tests, it came to pressure in just 25 minutes.
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3. Instant Pot Duo Nova 6-Quart
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is the best Instant Pot for most people. If you’re cooking up a feast or have a large family, this is the only model with a 10-quart option, and has 12 presets.
- Features: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt making, steaming, saut¨¦ing, and food-warming
- Capacity: 6-quart (also available in 10-quart)
- Dimensions: 13.43 x 13.55 x 12.76 inches
Pros
- Comes in two sizes, has a handful of built-in safety features with UL certification, and the inner pot is free of any chemical coatings.
- An intuitive LED display with a cooking progress indicator, as well as built-in safety features.
- Simple to use, it has a well-laid interface, making it easy to use the 13 one-touch programs.
Cons
- Still has fewer cooking features than some other models.
- Took longer than other models to release its pressure naturally.
Testing Scenarios
We were impressed at how well it performed well in our tests, particularly, the pressure cook and saute function. In our tests, it earned high scores in nearly every test, and it was one of the few we tested that made evenly-cooked rice. It also aced our pressure-cooking and slow-cooking beef stew tests.
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4. Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart
We’ve tested dozens of multi-cookers since 2016, and the Instant Pot Rio 6-quart is our favorite. It’s sleek, simple to use, and performs basic functions well.
- Features: Pressure cooking, saut¨¦ing, steaming, slow cooking
- Capacity: 6-quart
- Dimensions: Not specified
Pros
- Simple to use and performs all the core functions, including pressure cooking, saut¨¦ing, and steaming, as effectively as (or better than) competitive models.
- Comes with a stainless steel inner pot, which is more durable than the nonstick inserts in cookers we’ve tested from many other brands.
- Includes an auto-sealing lid and an easy steam-release switch, with a progress indicator, anti-spin rubber grips to hold the pot in place, and a sleek black exterior.
Cons
- More basic and lacks advanced features like air frying or sous vide.
Testing Scenarios
The Instant Pot Rio 6-quart, an updated version of our longtime pick, the Instant Pot Duo 6-quart, offers the best performance for its price. 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.
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Comparison Table of Top Instant Pot Models
| Model | Capacity | Functions | Price (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Pro Plus | 6-quart | 10-in-1 (pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, saut¨¦, yogurt, sous vide, canning, NutriBoost) | $150 | Safety-conscious cooks, app users |
| Instant Pot Pro Crisp | 8-quart | 11-in-1 (includes air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydrating) | $150 | Versatile cooks, air fryer enthusiasts |
| Instant Pot Duo Nova | 6-quart, 10-quart | 7-in-1 (pressure cook, rice, slow cook, yogurt, steam, saut¨¦, warm) | $100 | Beginners, large families |
| Instant Pot Rio | 6-quart | Basic (pressure cook, saut¨¦, steam, slow cook) | $100 | Budget-conscious, simple cooking |
Buying Guide: How to Choose 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 decide:
- Determine Your Cooking Needs: If you’re a beginner, you may not need as many functions and can opt for one with fewer bells and whistles. If you’re more advanced or adventurous in the kitchen, an Instant Pot with a lot of presets can be fun to experiment with, and can also come in handy when cooking for elaborate recipes.
- Choose the Right Size: There are three different sizes of Instant Pot: 3-quart, 6-quart and 8-quart. The most popular – and the one favored by our Lab and test kitchen pros – is the 6-quart option. It’s big enough for a decently-sized batch of stew or protein, but it won’t overtake your counter.
- Consider Additional Features: While some Instant Pots just offer basic pressure cooker, slow cooker, and saut¨¦ functionality, others have modes for making specific foods (such as yogurt, rice, porridge, beans, soup, cakes, or eggs) or various cooking methods like steaming and roasting. Other features include delayed cooking, keep-warm settings, temperature controls, Wi-Fi connectivity for cooking remotely, high-altitude adjustments, sterilizing features, air frying, and sous vide cooking.
- Budget: Instant Pots range from under $100 for basic models like the Duo to over $150 for advanced models like the Pro Plus or Pro Crisp. Decide what features are worth the extra cost for your needs.
For more detailed guidance, check out Instant Pot’s official product comparison chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Instant Pot worth it?
Yes, an Instant Pot is worth it, particularly for pressure cooking. It’s one of the most popular kitchen appliances because it significantly reduces cooking time for dishes like dried beans, tough meats, and stews. Its multifunctionality also saves space by replacing multiple appliances.
What can I cook in an Instant Pot?
You can cook a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, chilis, rice, beans, pulled pork, short ribs, desserts, and even yogurt. Some models also support air frying, sous vide, and baking, making them highly versatile.
Which Instant Pot size is best for me?
The 6-quart model is the most popular, ideal for families of 3-6 people. The 3-quart is better for singles or small households, while the 8-quart suits large families or batch cooking.
Can I use an Instant Pot as an air fryer?
Only specific models, like the Instant Pot Pro Crisp or Duo Crisp, include air frying capabilities with a separate lid. These models are great for those who want to combine pressure cooking with air frying.
How do I clean my Instant Pot?
The inner stainless steel pot is typically dishwasher-safe, but the exterior should be wiped with a damp cloth. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your specific model to ensure longevity.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot remains a game-changer in the kitchen, offering unmatched versatility and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple model like the Instant Pot Rio or an advanced cook seeking premium features with the Instant Pot Pro Plus, there’s a model for every need. By considering your cooking style, household size, and budget, you can find the perfect Instant Pot to elevate your culinary experience. For more recipe ideas and tips, explore Serious Eats’ Instant Pot recipe collection.