What To Consider Before Buying An Instant Pot
Size
Do you have a large family or are you cooking solo? Size truly does matter when it comes to choosing the best Instant Pot. The most popular size is the 6-quart option, but some models offer 3-quart, 5-quart and even 8-quart options. Smaller sizes are more budget-friendly and take up less space on the counter, but larger sizes are great for cooking a family meal. We tested out all of our Instant Pot recipes using the 6-quart option and found it to be the perfect medium.
Editors Tip: Remember that the volume size is the absolute maximum capacity for your pot. When youre dealing with piping hot foods you should only fill your Instant Pot 3/4 full. For example, if youre looking to make a 3-quart recipe like our delish Pressure-Cooker Potato Soup, we recommend using a 6-quart Instant Pot. Though you can always learn how to cut down a recipe, here.
Functionality
As previously stated, the Instant Pot offers much more than a traditional pressure cooker. However, some Instant Pots have more settings than others. Regardless of the model, youll be able to pressure cook, saute, slow cook, steam, make ricethe list goes on. Just think of how many gadgets you can replace in your kitchen with a single Instant Pot. Thats a score for all of us who are low on storage space!
Price
Editors Tip: If youre buying an Instant Pot second-hand, make sure youre buying the latest version of that particular model.
Here are a few other smart money-saving ideas to consider.
Where To Buy The Instant Pot Pro
The 6-quart Instant Pot Pro is available from , Williams Sonoma, Target, and Kohls.
The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro is currently available from Williams Sonoma and .
A note if youre buying from Amazon: For some reason, the Pro is currently listed in the same listing as the Duo Plus. Be sure that you have the correct version selected and be aware that a lot of the reviewsespecially the negative onesare for the Duo Plus.
FOR MORE FROM PRESSURE COOKING TODAYBrowse our collection of the best pressure cooker / Instant Pot recipes.Follow Pressure Cooking Today on and for the latest updates. Join our . Our positive community of pressure cooking fans use all brands of electric pressure cookers, so its a great resource if you have questions about your particular brand. If youre interested in more than just Instant Pot recipes, follow us at Barbara Bakes. There we post amazing breakfasts, breads, and the best dessert recipes!
What Size Instant Pot Should You Buy
Instant pots are available in several sizes, ranging from 310 quarts .
Most recipes are designed for a 6-quart instant pot, which can make around 24 servings. This size can also fit larger foods, such as butternut squash.
However, if youre only cooking meals for one or planning to prepare mostly side dishes in your instant pot, a 3-quart model may be enough.
On the other hand, if youre meal prepping or making meals for a large family or household, youll want to opt for a larger size, such as an 8-quart instant pot.
Although it does require more space, the 8-quart instant pot can typically make enough food for at least 6 people.
Recommended Reading: How To Place Trivet In Instant Pot
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.
Best For Singles: Instant Pot Duo Mini 3
Amazon
With the larger sizes, buyers planning to cook primarily for themselves may wind up with more leftovers than theyd prefer. Thats why the Instant Pot 3-quart Duo Miniwhich packs all of the perks of the standard Duo into a compact packageis such a phenomenal choice for solo diners.
Since it’s less than a foot tall and weighs about 8 pounds, the small size makes it simple to store no matter what size kitchen you have. But it doesnt hold back on functions. It has all but two of the same program features as the larger Duos, and its just as easy to clean.
Price at time of publish: $83
Capacity: 3 quarts | Dimensions : 11.8 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Programs: 11
The benefits of smart technology center around convenience. With the push of one app icon or a verbal command to Alexa or Siri, you can accomplish a wide swath of tasks. And, if you decide to purchase a smart multi-cooker like the Instant Pot Smart WiFi model, then you can add cooking a satisfying meal to the list of easy-to-complete necessities.
The Smart WiFi line is fully compatible with Alexa, which allows users to program the pot and receive progress updates via their smartphones. It also gives you access to thousands of recipes and the ability to share cooker commands with friends and family. This Instant Pot can execute all of the classic Duos functions, along with cake-making capabilities.
Read Also: How Long To Cook Black Eyed Peas In Instant Pot
Choosing An Instant Pot
Choosing an instant pot can be daunting, so you need to start by deciding what youre going to use it for. Are you only going to use it for special occasions or are you going to use it daily? Are you going to be cooking large meals or a number of smaller meals throughout the day? Will you be cooking more complicated recipes?
Chances are, you wont be using all of the preset programs very often. If price point is your concern, you can always opt for a basic model with fewer cooking options. If you want that extra bit of convenience, you can go for an instant pot that can connect to your smartphone.
Take your time when comparing different instant pot models. You may find that some of these are more useful to you than others.
Which Instant Pot Is The Best
The best Instant Pot is the one that has all of the features you need. The brand currently manufactures five different models with varying features and functionality, from basic models to advanced models with built-in air frying capabilities. In general, the Instant Pot Duo seems to be the most popular, because it offers excellent value its the most affordable model but still cooks seven ways and has basic, intuitive controls. There are two new additions to the lineup: the Instant Pot Duo Plus, a model thats very similar to the Duo but has quiet release technology and an upgraded digital control panel, and the Instant Pot Crisp, which doubles as an air fryer.
Recommended Reading: 9 Qt Instant Pot
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.
Confused By The Different Electric Pressure Cooker Models We Break It Down To Help You Find The Best Instant Pot For Your Kitchen
I distinctly remember the rappity-pop-pop, rappity-pop of my grandmothers old pressure cooker rattling away on the stove in her kitchen. While I associated the sound with her soon-to-be delectable homemade rice pudding, I steered clear until that final hissing of steam trailed off. Shed be tickled to discover todays craze for pressure-cooking and the safety and convenience of electric pressure cookers.
Although there are several different manufacturers of multi-functional electric pressure cookers, the Instant Pot brand has cornered the market on popularity so far. But the number of models, functions, bells and whistles can be overwhelming. How do you know which model is right for you? Take a look at some of the basic differences to determine which is the best Instant Pot for you.
Also Check: Does Instant Pot Turn Off Automatically
What To Air Fry
I use it for cooking frozen sausage patties for my kids every morning- they come out AMAZINGLY delicious in it! Have you tried reheating pizza in the air fryer? Oh my gosh, its like its fresh out of the oven. No more soggy or rock hard crust!
I use it to warm up tortilla chips before we eat them- squeeze a little lime on those babies and OH MY. They taste freshly fried! Make an easy snack of Cream cheese wontons or Cookie dough wontons and youll gain 5 pounds but be super happy!
My point is, I use it ALL the time. I even have a special shelf in my pantry with an outlet so I can have it plugged in at all times.
What Are The Types Of Instant Pot
There are several types of instant pots, varying in design, configurations, and capabilities.
The brand Instant Pot has several models that vary primarily on the number of cooking programs theyre equipped with. Its Lux series has 12 programs, its Duo has 14, and its Ultra model has up to 16 programs. It also has a Smart version that supports smart speakers.
Meanwhile, the Yedi Houseware Pressure Cooker, another one of our top picks, has a user-friendly interface that can make cooking easier for anyone. Another favorite, the Ninja Food Insta Pot, has a stylish, unique look and houses numerous safety features.
Vastly different from the first and second generation pressure cookers and from stove-top pressure cookers, we can consider instant pots to belong to the third generation of pressure cookers or electric pressure cookers. These types of instant pots are designed for safety, having multiple pressure settings and release safety systems. They also offer users with a wealth of program options that can easily be adjusted at the touch of a button.
Read Also: Can The Instant Pot Go On The Stove
Why Are Instant Pots So Popular
For the unenlightened, heres what makes Instant Pots so spectacular: This multi-cooker does it all . Really. Instant Potswhich wont command too much of your precious counter spacecan steam and sauté vegetables, make oatmeal and grains, sous vide meat, dehydrate fruits, bake a cake , broil veggies, and can even take the place of a sterilizer.
This handy kitchen appliance also acts as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, and air fryer. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can use an Instant Pot to pressure cook your favorite foods or use its air fryer function to make tasty treats in minutes. But the best part? Instant Pots take the guesswork out of slow cooker comfort dishesthink beef stew, bolognese sauce, homemade chicken stock, and other dinner ideas.
Instant Pots also require minimal cleanup, since so many Instant Pot recipes can all be made directly in the cookerno additional pots and pans are needed. Plus, this model has fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and comes with a dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot, so theres no need to waste time scrubbing at the kitchen sink. With an array of different versions that come in all different sizes and functionalities, you’re sure to find a model that best fits your needs.
Instant Pot Lux Or Duo
The main two Instant Pots that most people decide between are the Lux and Duo as they are the most affordable and popular options. Most people will start thinking about getting an Instant Pot because they see the Lux version on sale.
Let me tell you this: I do not recommend that you purchase the Instant Pot Lux. It is the base model Instant Pot that does not have a yogurt setting, low pressure setting, or a place to set the lid.
You may think that these arent that big of a deal, but I promise that the lid alone should convince you to spend the additional couple dollars. Even if you dont think youll need the yogurt function, I promise youll use it eventually! You can use the yogurt setting for proofing bread dough in half the time!
Read Also: Crock Pot Instant Pot Bobber Valve
What To Consider When Shopping For An Instant Pot
Control panel: All Instant Pots currently on the market have relatively large control panels. It makes sense, given how multi-functional these kitchen gadgets are. But while theyre all rather comprehensive, the more sophisticated models offer sleeker, more digital control panels, including features like a dial to click through varying cooking functions and added guidance like OK to open lid.
Cooking pot: Though all Instant Pots have a stainless-steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom for sauteing, more advanced models have additional benefits. The Instant Pot Pro comes with an added layer of extra-thick 3.5mm aluminum for faster, more efficient heating, while the Instant Pot Pro Plus has an inner pot thats stovetop-safe and induction compatible.
Pressure levels: On some models, there is only one pressure option: high. On others, you can choose from high or low pressure levels. And still others, you can even choose a max pressure level. High is perfectly suitable for most recipes, while low is good for slower cooking or things that you want to make more tender over a longer period of time, like beef stew, as well as foods that are delicate like rice, fish and even cakes. Machines with the extra-high pressure level will yield the fastest results and also make a really good and concentrated bone broth.
How We Test Instant Pots
When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab assess multi-cookers, including Instant Pots, we put each to the test in a variety of ways. We check overall functionality by filling the device with water to capacity, then activate the high setting and set a timer. We watch and listen once the cooker comes to pressure, we note the time. Then, we maintain pressure for 15 minutes and release the pressure, timing how long it takes for the pressure to drop. Next, our pros get cooking. We mix all of the ingredients for beef stew in the pressure cooker, cover, record how long the pot takes to come to pressure, cook for 20 minutes and record how long the pot takes to release pressure. Then, we evaluate the final product: Is the beef tender? How were the veggies cooked? Whats the overall flavor like? Finally, our pros cook a batch of rice in each device, combining all of the ingredients in the multicooker and cooking according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We then evaluate the rice: Whats the texture like? Is any rice stuck to the bottom of the cooker?
Our testers also consider ease of use, evaluating each product for how intuitive and clear the controls are, how many settings are offered, how simple cleaning is and the clarity of the owner’s manual.
Read Also: Instant Pot Recipe Beef Roast
How To Choose The Best Instant Pot For You
Here are the key things to consider when choosing an Instant Pot:
Features: Some Instant Pot models come with preprogramed cooking functions and even additional capabilities such as Yogurt Making and Sterilization. However, these preprogrammed functions merely mimic low- and high-pressure cooking, and you can re-create them manually. Additionally, we found that some preprogrammed functions were unreliable .
Evaluate the kind of cooking you typically do before splurging on bells and whistles that you don’t need. You should also realize that you may still need to adapt your cooking times to get the results you want. We frequently found that the more features an Instant Pot had, the more confusing the controls were.
Size/capacity: We tested only 6-quart models, as they’re the most popular size on the market. However, many Instant Pots are available in 3-quart sizes, which are better for individuals or couples, and 9-quart sizes, which are better for larger families.
Price: It’s surprising how widely the prices vary for Instant Pots, given that most of them offer the same basic features, give or take a few specifics. Your personal budget for cooking gear will influence your decision on which price is best.
