Test : Searing And Pressure Cooking
The test: To test how well the Instant Pots could sear and pressure cook, we made five batches of this recipe for chunky beef chili. We documented the sear on the beef from each model and timed how long each machine took to pressurize. We tasted each sample to evaluate the tenderness of the meat and overall flavor of each chili. One Instant Pot model, the Duo Pro, has a special inner pot that can be used on the stovetop, so we used this pot directly on the burner over medium-high heat to sear the beef. With the other four models, we used their sauté modes.
Heres what happened: The big reveal isno big reveal. Each chili tasted pretty much identical, which may be more of a testament to the quality of the testing of that recipe than the machines we used to make it. None of the five chili samples had bitter notes or off flavors. All of the meat was tender the meat cooked in the Ultra was almost too tender, losing its cube form and shredding a bit too much. There was, however, a clear winner for pressurizing timethe Duo Pro was remarkably fast, taking just over 5 minutes. The Duo Plus was the next quickest, taking about 6 minutes, and since it has a slightly larger inner pot, there was more surface area available for searing. The Duo 7-in-1, Ultra, and Max each took about 8 minutes.
How Big Is A 3qt Instant Pot Vs A 6qt Instant Pot
Most people would tell you that the first factor to consider is whether a 3 quart Instant Pot is big enough for your needs.
But I am going to go against the grain here.
While you certainly want to be able to cook for the whole family I think that the first thing you should consider is how much storage space you have in or around your kitchen.
If the Instant Pot is constantly getting in your way or if you always have to move it from here to there then you might end up getting frustrated.
The 3 quart Instant Pot definitely has a smaller form factor than the 6 quart model.
If space is limited in your kitchen, I would measure the space where you plan to keep your Instant Pot and compare it to the measurements of the actual Instant Pot itself.
The last thing you want to do is store it in the basement or someplace far away from where you cook, because you will be less inclined to use it.
Some people just keep their Instant Pot right on the countertop. But if your countertop space is limited as well, then this may not make sense for you either.
Personally, I use a lower kitchen cabinet to store both of my Instant Pots.
Course Instant Pot Barbecue
Use large, tough cuts of meat for your Instant Pot. Pork shoulder is a great pick for pulled pork sandwiches.
Add some nutrition to your barbecue with some tender, steamed artichokes.
Side dishes like corn on the cob can be made in the Instant Pot while you man the grill.
For mac and cheese or pasta salad, make the noodles in the Instant Cooker first, then add the cheese.
Whip up a dessert in your Instant Pot the night before, from cheesecake to cobbler.
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Black Friday Instant Pot Deals : Top Early 6 Qt 3 Qt Duo Duo Evo Plus & More Sales Reported By The Consumer Post
A comparison of the top early Instant Pot deals for Black Friday 2020, including all the top offers on Instant Pot Ultra, Duo Evo Plus, Duo Nova and more
Black Friday researchers at The Consumer Post have found all the latest early Instant Pot deals for Black Friday, together with all the best deals on 3 Qt, 6 Qt, 8 Qt and more multi cookers. Links to the top deals are listed below.
Best Instant Pot Deals:
Searching for more deals? We recommend checking Walmarts Black Friday Deals for Days sale and for even more live deals at the moment. The Consumer Post earns commissions from purchases made using the links provided.
Instant Pot found massive success with their innovative programmable pressure cookers, which were some of the best-selling items in recent shopping holidays. Top pressure multi cookers include the Duo, Duo60, and Ultra 10-in-1, and each one comes in either 3 qt, 6 qt, or 8 quart sizes. The brand has expanded to offer even more kitchen appliances, including air fryers, blenders, rice and grain cookers, toaster ovens, and more.
About The Consumer Post: The Consumer Post shares news for online shoppers. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate The Consumer Post earns from qualifying purchases.
Contact: Andy Mathews
Instant Pot Duo Programmable Cooker
Uses: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steam, Sauté/Searing, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer | Built-In programs: 14
Instant Pot’s signature model, the Duo is a great pot for most people. It is a versatile cooker that can be used as either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker depending on what is needed, as well as a yogurt maker and rice cooker. Plus, it comes with 14 pre-programmed cooking modes for specific items like soup and porridge. Better yet, it’s one of the most affordable Instant Pot models. If the extra features of the Duo Plus or the Ultra seem unnecessary, then this is the pot for you.
It’s available in 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart editions.
Read Also: How To Cook Black Beans In Instant Pot
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.
Compare Small Instant Pots
If youre still having second thoughts on which 3 quart pressure cooker to pick, perhaps this comparison table might help you decide. We made it as clear and concise as possible and easier to read on mobile devices.
Those with asterisks were already discontinued by the brand.
| Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini Upgraded model with more cooking functions Can reach higher pressure Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release 9-in-1 pressure cooker |
| Instant Pot Duo Mini Most affordable option |
| Instant Pot Ultra Mini Programmable + digital interface Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release 10-in-1 pressure cooker |
| BB8 Instant Pot 7-in-1 pressure cooker |
| *Instant Pot Duo Nova Mini 7-in-1 pressure cooker Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release No sous vide function |
| *Instant Pot IP Lux Mini Classic model No sous vide function Discontinued |
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Best 3 Quart Instant Pots Small Yet Functional Pressure Cookers
Are you looking for the best 3 quart Instant Pot for your studio apartment or perhaps your dorm?
For the average household, 6-quart Instant Pots are just the perfect size. It can make 5-6 servings in one go. But, if youre a student, living independently, starting to build a family, or simply if you dont have that much space, a compact Instapot would be good enough.
By the way, the brand also refers to their 3-qt electric pressure cooker line as Instant Pot Minis, or theyll simply append 30 at the end of the product name.
So, when you see an Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini or an Instant Pot Duo Plus 30, youre looking at a 3-quart compact electric pressure cooker.
With that said, here are the best small Instant Pots of 2022.
Thats the condensed version of this buying guide. You can click on any of the links above to read the full review of each Instant Pot. Or, you can carry on and read the brief review of each small electric pressure cooker down below.
Is There A Black Friday Instant Pot Deal
Youll be happy to know that the answer to this question is a resounding yes. In fact, there isnt just one Instant Pot Black Friday deal. Rather, there are several of them at many different retailers.
Youll notice that big names like Best Buy, Kohls, Macys, Target and Walmart are all bringing some Instant Pot bargains to the table in honor of Black Friday. This has become a great tradition for holiday shoppers each year.
Read Also: Instant Pot Chicken Roast
Instant Pot Vs Ninja Foodi
Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are two of the biggest names in the multi-cooker world and are regularly compared to see which is best. Both brands create a wide number of appliances including everything from air fryers to blenders.
As you might expect, the larger and more feature-heavy appliances from Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are more expensive, but generally speaking, Ninja models are normally more expensive.
Itâs also worth comparing how easy these machines are to clean. Ninja Foodi machines feature a cooking pot with a non-stick coating so you shouldnât need to scrub for hours to get rid of any food. Instant Pots have stainless steel pots but both of the brandsâ pots can be placed in a dishwasher.
Weâve compared these brands in detail, to find out which came out on top, read our Ninja Foodi vs Instant Pot feature.
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 Gravy In Instant Pot
When Do Instant Pots Go On Sale
You can find Instant Pots on sale throughout the year, especially when you visit online retailers like . However, just because an Instant Pot is on sale, that doesnt mean its the best bargain youll find.
If you want to get the deepest discount you can on an Instant Pot, youll want to wait until the holiday season. Specifically, you should shop for Instant Pot Black Friday deals. You can also find some great savings on Cyber Monday and during Cyber Week if you miss out on grabbing an Instant Pot on the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year.
Where Do I Find Recipes For The Instant Pot
There are many places to find recipes for the Instant Pot. The best place to start is with the manufacturers website. They usually have a section with recipes specifically for their product.
Another great place to look is on blogs dedicated to cooking with an Instant Pot. These bloggers usually have a wealth of experience and knowledge about Instant Pot cooking and can share their favorite recipes.
Finally, there are many recipe websites that have sections devoted to Instant Pot cooking. These can be a great resource for finding new and interesting recipes to try.
Also Check: Indian Recipes Instant Pot
Thoughts On Other Instant Pot Models
Other Instant Pot models that weve reviewed but arent mentioned here include:
- Instant Pot Pro Plus: This model connects to your phone so that you can read more about whats going on inside the pot. While this is convenient, I dont love the full touch-screen display. But if you are shopping for a tech lover or see it for a great price, it could be a good choice for you.
- Instant Pot Max: This model can go up to 15psi, which can be used for canning under very strict conditions. However, I dont love the pressure release system in this model, especially for cooking pasta.
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: This model has been discontinued and replaced with the Pro. I dont love it because it can be a little buggy and can overheat in saute mode, and we had a problem with the float valve breaking.
- Instant Pot Ultra: This is an older model, and I dont love the all-dial control. The Pro model, which uses a combination dial and button system, is much more user-friendly, in my opinion.
Other Products I Tested
In total, I tested five products, two of which didnt make the cut:
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker With Whisper-Quiet Steam Release, V4: In terms of both price and number of settings, this model falls somewhere in between the Duo and the Pro Plus. Its a slight upgrade from the original Duo, featuring a digital screen and a sleek silver finish. However, the selling point of this model was the whisper-quiet steam function. While I did find it to be a little quieter than the traditional steam release on other models, it wasnt quiet enough to justify spending an extra $30 for this feature alone.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6.5-Quart With Ultimate Lid Multi-Cooker And Air Fryer: The alleged appeal of this model is that its a true two-in-one pressure cooker and air fryer. Unlike the Pro Crisp, you dont need to use a separate lid for crisping food. I was surprised, then, to find the Duo Crisp to be clunky and somewhat inconvenient to use in its own rightits the heaviest model by far, it has a trigger lock that is difficult to figure out and the lid doesnt properly close unless you push down hard. Additionally, theres an inner cover that needs to be removed from the lid before air-frying. It was difficult to figure out exactly how to remove it, and it was nearly impossible to reinstall before pressure-cooking.
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Basic Differences In Instant Pot Sizes
The basic Instant Pot guidelines say that the 3-quart is good for 1 or 2 people, the 6-quart is for up to 6 people, and the 8-quart is for large families or big batches. I think this is a good starting point, but there are exceptions.
Most recipes online are written for 6-quart pressure cookers. You may need to add more liquid for some recipes with 8-quarts and larger. So if you feel really nervous about going off recipe, Id recommend using a 6-quart.
Instant Pot accessories will also be easier to find in a 6-quart or 8-quart size.
What Is The Best Black Friday Deal On The Instant Pot
In past years, we’ve seen amazing Instant Pot Black Friday deals from all our favorite retailers. Last year, we saw tons of amazing Instant Pot Black Friday deals – with some models for as little as $50. This year, Black Friday is likely to yet again be the perfect time to pick up an Instant Pot. If you already have one, then it can also be a good time to consider upgrading considering how great the prices cam be. It is also a great time to snag one or two to give as gifts for the food lovers and cooks in your life.
Recommended Reading: Can You Can With An Instant Pot
Best Instant Pot Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals 2022
Shannon Flynn
Looking for 2022’s hottest Black Friday items? Find Instant Pot deals and get info on this best-selling Black Friday item here.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are all about snagging the best deal on popular products and Instant Pot has remained a popular kitchen staple for years now. Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen appliances out there this little device might not look like much, but it packs a punch in the kitchen. It can cook meals in a fraction of the time and offers a number of functions that allow you to make everything from juicy pulled pork to stew, yogurt and even cakes. Its no wonder everyone who has an Instant Pot says that theyre a kitchen must-have item. But these kitchen wonders can also be pricey – so finding a Black Friday deal on an Instant Pot is definitely exciting.
What Makes The Instant Pot Duo Sv Preferable
The Instant Pot Duo SV is Americas number 1 favorite multicooker that comes with versatile cooking functions.
Besides, this multi-cooker has comparatively tons of Amazon reviews than the other models and most users love this cooker.
In a shorter time and less mess, this multi-cooker allows you to prepare healthier and more delicious meals in the most convenient way.
And even, the price of this instant pot is very reasonable and more worthy compared to its quality and performance.
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The Instant Pot 3 Quart Models That I Own
The first one I bought was the Instant Pot Mini Duo because I thought it was the right size and price when cooking for one. Its a great model to start with! The second one I bought was the Instant Pot Mini Ultra because I wanted to try a few added features.
In the Ultra I love the auto-seal feature and that the pressure release button is separate from the steam value. I like the dial selector on the Ultra, but have seen other reviews where people prefer the push buttons. I also found my Mini Ultra thanks to an awesome holiday deal.
My suggestion is to buy at least an Instant Pot 3 Quart Duo as it has 2 levels of pressure cooking, the yogurt program , and the lid holder. At the same time, in reading in the groups people also love their Mini Lux. My ultimate advice is to find the one that works best for you!
