Test : User Experience
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
The test: In reading reviews from Instant Pot users, a common user experience complaint is fear about the steam released when venting the pressure cooker. To find the least scary option, we added 3 cups of water to each pot, sealed the lid, and selected the pressure cook option for 5 minutes. Once the cooking ended, we released the pressure and waited for the float valve to drop before opening the lid.
Another common frustration is about how the inner pot spins uncontrollably while sautéing. We took note of this behavior while searing the meat and sautéing the onions for the chili test mentioned above.
Intuitive design is also a heavy hitter in affecting user experience. The control panels on each model vary some use buttons while others have dials for navigating options. Each model gives information about whats happening inside the pot through different status indicators.
Ease of cleaning, of course, is also important.
All of the pots spun while we was searing and sautéing except for one: the Duo Pro. We tested this pot both on the stovetop and in the machine and it was stable in both methods. It had handles that held it put in the cooker’s base.
The Duo Pro was the easiest to navigate, and the steam release felt safe and simple. The upgraded inner pot that doesnt spin when stirring and can be used on the stovetop is a true value-add.
Versatility And Special Features
What sets different models of Instant Pots apart from each other is the different features that they offer. While some Instant Pots just offer basic pressure cooker and saute functionality, others have modes for making specific foods or various cooking options, such as steaming. Other features include delayed cooking, keep warm settings, temperature controls, Alexa compatibility, remote cooking capabilities, high-altitude adjustments, sterilize features, air frying, and sous vide.
Clearly, there is no shortage of special features that this appliance can offer, so definitely prioritize which features are important to you and look for a model that offers them. Theres no need to buy an appliance that offers a laundry list of features if youre only looking to do basic pressure and slow cooking.
What Can I Cook In An Instant Pot
The best Instant Pots offer a range of different cooking methods, which means there are a plethora of different dishes that can be created in Instant Pots and multi-cookers. Slow cooking means you can use cheaper but tougher cuts of meat and cook them low and slow to make casseroles and stews, while pressure cooking speeds up cooking times, making it great for ribs and chicken wings. However, you can even bake cakes – in particular, we found making cheesecake in an Instant Pot was very good, air fry foods like fries, and even hard-boiled eggs. You can find an extensive variety of recipes at instantpot.com.
Read Also: How To Cook Sirloin Tip Roast In Instant Pot
What To Consider When Buying An Instant Pot
With such a wide array of models available when it comes to Instant Pots and multi-cookers, choosing the right one for you can be confusing.
Start by considering the different cooking methods offered by the best Instant Pots and multi-cookers, and the dishes you prepare most. While some offer a handful of cooking modes including pressure cooking and slow cooking, others including the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus have as many as 48 different ways of cooking and can do everything including proving bread and making yogurt.
Next look at the capacity the Instant Pot can hold and whether it’s sufficient for the number of people you have to cook for. Multi-cookers with a 6 quart / 5.7-liter capacity and above are ideal for those with a large family to feed, or those that want to batch-cook, while a smaller Instant Pot can hold around 3.2 quarts / 3 liters should suffice for an individual or couple.
On top of that, look out for Instant Pots and multi-cookers that have inner pots that can be used on the stove, when browning meat before slow cooking and are dishwasher safe to make sure you have as few utensils to wash up as possible.
How We Test Instant Pots
To see how Instant Pots and multi-cookers stack up, weâve spent hundreds of hours whipping up curries and chilies, preparing batches of rice, and even steaming portions of vegetables, comparing the end results. Weâre looking for meat that falls off the bone but is still tender and succulent, rice thatâs fluffy but still with some bite, and crisp vegetables. Weâve also compared how easy they are to use and just how much they speed up cooking.
We evaluate each model on how many different cooking methods it offers, how durable and easy to clean the body and parts are, how loud it is in use and when releasing pressure, and how hot the exterior casing gets. Weâre also assessing how simple each multi-cooker is to use and whether you need to read the instruction manual before cooking, whether recipe inspiration is provided and the useful accessories such as racks and trays it comes with.
Recommended Reading: Instant Pot Pilled Pork
Whats Not Included In This Guide
Given Instant Pots popularity, Instant Brands expansion into other products was inevitable. Since its merger with Corelle in 2019, the brand has continued to improve upon its pressure cooker, but also added additional small appliances to its offerings, including air fryers, toaster ovens, air purifiers, and even a very not-instant precision slow cooker that works more like a Crock-Pot, but with added functionality.
For this in-depth Instant Pot buying guide, were covering the brands best-selling product: the pressure/multi-cooker. But as youll see, all of these Instant Pots have a slow-cooking function while a few can even be used as an air fryer or mini oven!
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle pressure release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything its stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF.
Built-in smart programs: 11Functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, air-frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydratingSizes available: 8-quart Instant Pot
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What To Look For In An Instant Pot
By Sara Tane
Theres no denying that the Instant Pot has definitely brewed up a whole lot of hype since it originally came out in 2010. Since its debut, a variety of models and sizes have been launched that all boast different features. Not only does this appliance save you a bunch of time when it comes to big-batch cooking and cleaning up afterward, but it also saves you a ton of counter space because its an appliance that can do it all .
Older versions of pressure cookers are difficult to maneuver and not super user-friendly for the average home cook. Instant Pots have taken pressure cooking and made it approachable and doable for cooks of all levels.
When it comes to choosing the Instant Pot thats right for you, it can seem a bit overwhelming because of all the different models and sizes. Understanding which models offer different features is crucial to determining which Instant Pot is right for you. How much counter space you have, how frequently youll be using the appliance, and how many people youre typically cooking for all factor into choosing the right model. Newer models offer smartphone and WiFi capabilities, so if youre looking to integrate technology into your home cooking, these models could be a great pick for you.
Instant Pot 6 Quart Models
The 6 Quart Instant Pot is available in the core series models along with a few additional versions. The 6 quarts models include:
For Star Wars fans, there are five Duo 6 quart options available: Darth Vadar, Little Bounty , R2-D2, and a stormtrooper.
For Harry Potter fans, Williams-Sonoma sells a Harry Potter-themes 6 quart Duo Plus.
Additional models that were previously sold in 6 quart options include: Instant Pot Smart , Duo Evo Plus, Lux, and Duo Nova
The Instant Pot is generally available in black with stainless steel. And newer models are black stainless steel.
There were a few special color options for the Lux and Viva 6 quart models which you may still be able to find, in addition to a Lux series made with the Pioneer Woman. Instant Pot also started to release the Duo 6 quart in a few colors including white, coral, and teal available through Amazon.
Related: Instant Pot Pro vs Duo Differences Compared
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Which Instant Pot To Buy
by Shelley · May contain affiliate links
~ There are so many factors to consider in sorting out which Instant Pot to buy â lots of combinations of sizes and functions! I dont know about you, but my head started to spin a little when I was sifting through all the possibilities, trying to figure out the best Instant Pot for my own family. Im sharing what I learned in all my research, with the hopes that itll be a useful Instant Pot buying guide for you and maybe save you a bit of time in making your own decision! ~
⢠Updated November 29, 2018 to include Max, Smart WiFi, Viva, Lux colors and Nova Plus â¢
⢠Originally Published February 16, 2018 â¢
If youve been following along during our Instant Pot Month here at THK, then you know we started at the very, very beginning â holding hands as we journey together, off to Instant Pot bliss!
To begin with, we covered:
For those of you who still havent made the leap into buying one, Ive been promising Id offer some advice â a little Instant Pot buyers guide.
I obsessed and researched for a long, long time before choosing my own Instant Pot , pictured below.
Then I went through it all again about a year later, when I bought my mom one as a birthday gift. After spending all that time weighing the options, I have a few insights that might help you decide which Instant Pot to buy to meet your own needs.
How I Tested The Best Instant Pots
An Instant Pot should make your life easier, not harder. This idea served as the basis of my entire testing process, and it helped me to brainstorm the specific set of testing criteria I used. These criteria included the following: features, cooking performance, general ease of use, cleaning and setup, size and overall appearance.
Read Also: How To Make Chicken And Dumplings In The Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 65
Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, bake and more using one do-it-all ultimate lid!
No more switching lids! The Instant Pot® Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid combines the best of smart pressure cooking with air frying, using a single lid for all cooking! This Duo Crisp is simple to use, with a large LCD display that includes status messages to guide you through cooking programs. The advanced steam release is simple, with a release button on the control panel and status messages letting you know when to open and close the lid. And its whisper quiet, with an advanced steam release design for a simpler venting experience. With 13 different cooking functions, you can pressure cook for fast, healthy meals or slow cook for deep flavor, and then air fry for the perfect crisp. The dishwasher-safe cooking pot makes cleanup simple.
Instant Pot Sizes: The Quart Sizes Available By Models
If you are thinking about buying an electric pressure cooker, knowing which Instant Pot sizes are currently available will help you with your research. Here is a review of the sizes available by model.
In 2021, there are 3 Instant Pot sizes across the different model lines: 3 quarts, 6 quarts, and 8 quarts. Not all quart sizes are available in all series. Previously there were also two Instant Pots available as a 5 quart option and a 10 quart Duo Nova.
The most popular and most common size is the 6 quart model. Currently, the largest Instant Pot available is 8 quarts. The largest Instant Pot model ever available was the 10 quart Duo Nova, a series now discontinued.
Below is a listing of all the current Instant Pots by size to help you understand which is available for purchase. You may still be able to find discontinued sizes available online and in local stores.
The 5 quart model was an earlier size that the Instant Pot Duo and Lux models were available in.
And if you want to know what size Instant Pot you have, here are 3 ways to figure that out.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You wont pay any more if you use this link.
Also Check: How To Make Potatoes In Instant Pot
Is An Instant Pot Really Worth It
Thereâs no denying an Instant Pot is a great kitchen appliance but you may be wondering if itâs really worth it? Or will it simply end up as another kitchen gadget that languishes on your countertop gathering dust?
Itâs important to remember that while Instant Pots offer a multitude of cooking methods, many of which means you no longer need to use an oven or a hob, they canât cook everything. For example, theyâre not an option if you regularly prepare pasta, noodles, or stir frys. And while some do come with lids that can air fry, we found making fries in an Instant Pot wasnât as good as using one of the best air fryers.
At the same time, you canât just pop the lid off and check the dish youâre cooking, as you would when using the hob, the oven, or a slow cooker. Youâll need to release the pressure, effectively stop cooking, and detach the lid. Then if the dish isnât ready, youâll need to start cooking again.
Similarly, an Instant Pot can certainly shave a few hours off cooking stews, ribs and other dishes that usually take the best part of a day to cook, however with dishes like rice or steaming vegetables the time saving is minimal, which may mean an Instant Pot isnât worth the investment.
Average Price For An Instant Pot
The price of an Instant Pot depends mainly on the model. Since all Instant Pots come in 6-quart sizes , we’ll use this size for comparison.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Lux costs around $80.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Duo costs around $100.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Duo Plus costs around $120.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Ultra costs around $150.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Smart costs around $160.
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How To Choose A Pressure Cooker
Simple stovetop cookers use the heat source of your stove and need a bit of attention as youll need to adjust your burner to maintain proper pressure, while newer electric versions do the job automatically .
While folk wisdom holds that pressure cookers are dangerous, accidents are in reality rare . All the pressure cookers we tested come with multiple safety features and lids that lock into place, and are designed so that all pressure must be released before the lid can be removed . Some models spit out a bit of moisture as steam condenses, but many of the electric versions include condensation collectors that catch any water before it drips onto your counter.
For extra versatility, many of the models come with trivets and steamer baskets, and some of the electric models even offer air fry lids, and ship with extra sealing rings for use in different types of recipes. Some featured nonstick inner pots, which can be great for easy cleanup, but stainless pots will likely be more durable over time. The electric versions were all intuitive to use, even given the multiple functions they offered, although some did require a few extra referrals to the user manual. All allow you to manually adjust the cooking time, but our favorites were models that included cooking progress bars and auto steam release. Sometimes we worried whether those without progress indicators had actually started pressurizing.
Choose The Instant Pot Size And Model That Works For You
Fortunately, there are multiple sizes and models for you to choose from, depending on how many people you usually cook for, how you plan to use it, how much space you have available, and how much you want to spend.
The 6 quart model is the most commonly recommended size to choose as it gives a greater range of flexibility, most recipes are written for the 6 quart, and has a wider range of accessories available.
I personally went with a 3 quart model to start because I have limited kitchen storage space , and I am generally only cooking for 1.
One thing to note about the smaller 3 quart models, they dont usually have all of the smart programs available in the larger 6 quart sizes. For example, if you want the Cake Smart Program, youll need a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot.
Choose the best size that works for you. Dont worry, many people expand their collection of Instant Pots over time. And you usually can cook using more than 1 Instant Pot at the same time.
Read Also: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-qt
