The Best Instant Pot: Instant Pot Pro
Also available at Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and Walmart.
What we liked: This model pressurized the quickest and offered the best searing and sautéing experience, with a stable, non-spinning pot. The ability to use the stainless steel inner pot on an electric, induction, or ceramic stovetops was welcome, as it gives the user greater flexibility and control. Releasing the steam feels straightforward and safe because of its separate push-button release and the plastic cover around the steam valve. The control panel is easy to navigate with a mixture of buttons and a dial. We also liked the handles on its cooking pot, which made it easier to lift the pot up and out of the Instant Pot’s base.
What we didn’t like: Its pretty expensive, and while the sous vide function works, although it isn’t nearly as reliable as an immersion circulator.
Price at time of publish: $150
Instant Pot Official 8
Courtesy Walmart
Normally $50, Now $32
One of the beauties of Instant Pot is its versatility, and the wide range of accessories, add ons and conveniences available. This cook and bake set allows you to multi-task, maximize and otherwise further enjoy your device. Features two round pans / pan stackers and two snap-fit silicone lids. $30 is the lowest we’ve seen.
Straight To The Point
The best Instant Pot is the Instant Pot Pro. It performs well and has nice features like a steam release switch and handles on its cooking pot. Our budget-friendly pick is the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1.
Instant Pot has become synonymous with a type of electric appliance more correctly known as a “multi-cooker” . Similar to how Xerox has become the de facto term for copy machines, Instant Pot has become the most well-known electric multi-cooker, even though plenty of other companies make electric multi-cookers, too. While we don’t think Instant Pots should be considered in a vacuum , the fact of the matter is there are so many Instant Pot models that we think it’s worthwhile to sort through them. This review, then, is our look at everything Instant Pot offers to help you weigh those options, but it’s only part of the larger question of what kind of pressure or multi-cooker you should buy, which we answer in a separate review.
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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.
Just Like The Name These Deals Move Quickly
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Chloe Jeong / The Spruce Eats
Instant Pot has done an excellent job of taking the humble pressure cooker and turning it into a worldwide phenomenon. The electric cookers are all about getting more done in the kitchen in less time. With seven or more preset cooking features, you can make everything from rice to yogurt to chilis and stews in this tabletop appliance. Cleanup is quick and painlesssimply remove the metal bowl and place that, plus the lid, in the dishwasher.
Winter is a perfect time time to cook up stews, chilis, soups and large-format meals using Instant Pot. When shopping for an Instant Pot, youll want to consider two main things: which features youll use most often, and what size fits your family, cooking preferences, and, realistically, kitchen counter or storage space. Remember, also, that this simple device may replace two or three other appliances, actually clearing up space on your countertop or in your cabinet.
To help you find the best fit, we rounded up the best deals on Instant Pots right now.
We update these sales weekly, but products go fast! If something is out of stock or not on sale, check back next week for a batch of new deals.
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Best Smart Pressure Cooker
With its hundreds of preset programs and step-by-step interactive recipes, the Chef iQ Smart Cooker is outstandingly precise.
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Inner pot material: Nonstick
- Settings: pressure cook, sear/saute, steam, slow cook, sterilize, keep warm, ferment, plus 300+ preset programs in its menu
- Number of included recipes: 1000+ in the Chef iQ App
- Extras: Extra sealing gasket, steam rack, steam basket, heat-resistant pad for the lid
Pros: WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a helpful app with 1000+ interactive recipes, full-color screen with 300+ present programs, quickest to cook rice and beans, good at searing, easy to set up
Cons: Didn’t do well in our pulled pork tests
The Chef iQ Smart Cooker has the best screen and most precise cooking options of any of the tested units and was easy to set up. Whereas other models have a button for beans, the full-color screen of the Chef iQ cooker offers much more detail. It has specific programs based on bean type, whether they’re soaked, and how much you’re cooking. The customization worked well. The Smart Cooker cooked a pound of beans perfectly 13 minutes faster than any other model.
What Can I Make In An Electric Multicooker Or Instant Pot
Virtually all Instant Pots and off-brand multicookers can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, cook rice, and keep foods warm. Some models can also sous vide, air fry, make yogurt, and much more.
For more ideas of what is possible with an electric pressure cooker, check out these articles:
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What Is An Instant Pot
The short answer: The Instant Pot is a convenient multi-cooking machine that lets you cook fast or slow.
The longer answer: Because the Instant Pot is a countertop electric pressure cooker and slow cooker wrapped up in one , its designed to help you remove the guesswork of figuring out the ideal amount of heat, pressure, and time your food needs. Its great for beginner cooking and simple meals, like stews and oatmeal. But once you get more comfortable with the machine, its excellent for tougher cuts of meat like baby back ribs or proteins that usually require a long cook time. With a willingness for some trial and error, many recipes can be adapted for the Instant Pot. Generally speaking, when adapting for pressure cooking, the liquid and cook time will need to be cut and adjusted from those of a manual pressure cooker. For slow-cooking, youll need to adjust for less liquid and more time.
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!
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Instant Pot Duo 6 Quart Multi
Courtesy Walmart
Normally $99, Now $89
If your Instant Pot stays on the countertop, its okay to want it pop just a bit. Featuring all the functionality of 7-in-1s – pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan and more, the regal red stainless steel finish is easy to clean and provides a modern look in any kitchen. Thirteen customizable programs accommodate a variety of one-touch meal options.
The lowest price we’ve seen is $87.
The Best Instant Pot Cyber Monday Deals 202: Amazon Best Buy Walmart Sur La Table
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best Instant Pot Cyber Monday deals are here, which means if youve upped the ante on your home cooking game theres never been a better time to invest in a new gadget, thanks to the best Instant Pot deals youll find for months. As part of Cyber Monday 2022 deals, buyers can save over 50%a rare, rare dealoff this popular pressure cooker at retailers like , Target, Best Buy, Sur La Table, and Walmart. For other kitchen sales take a look at our top Cyber Monday kitchen 2022 deals.
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Instant Pot Cyber Monday Deals
If we havent sold you yet, just know that Instant Pot sales dont come around often or at such steep discounts. The best Cyber Monday Instant Pot deals are largely set to expire at the end of the day and are known to sell out, so youll want to move fast on getting your Instant Pot, along with these other Cyber Week kitchen and home steals. With hibernation season on the horizon, the ability to whip up hearty meals in a flash is more appealing than ever. You’ll be happy you scooped up an Instant Pot pressure cooker this Cyber Mondayits sale prices are that good.
Why You Should Trust Us
Serious Eats has long promoted the benefits of stovetop and electric multi-cookers, but we are not Instant Pot evangelists. I personally have now been living with these five machines for over a monththey have taken up residence in my life, and we are currently in an intimate and complicated relationship, sprawling across every inch of my kitchen counter.
I am a seasoned cook and pretty darn familiar with following a recipe. I went to both culinary and pastry school and developed and tested recipes at Americas Test Kitchen for five years . I’m able to use my trained culinary background to recognize good outcomes and know what matters in the kitchen, and my Instant Pot agnosticism makes it easy to assess the usability of these machines.
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Recently Discontinued Instant Pots
As its product line has grown and evolved, Instant Brands has retired some of its older models.Instant Pot Viva: Discontinued in the U.S.The Instant Pot Viva began as a QVC exclusive and was later sold through other retailers. The Viva has since been discontinued in the United States but this 6-quart model is still available in Canada.
Duo Nova Instant Pot: 10-quart Size DiscontinuedWhile you can still get a Duo Nova Instant Pot in 3-, 6-, and 8-quart sizes, the 10-quart Instant Pot Duo Nova has been discontinued.
Instant Pot Nova Plus: Discontinued
The Nova Plus was a Costco Instant Pot exclusive that is no longer available. The Nova Plus was similar to the Duo but had the blue LED screen of the Duo Plus.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: Discontinued
The Duo Evo Plus was an upgrade on the standard Duo and has been discontinued by Instant Pot. It had an upgraded blue LED display panel like the Duo Plus and a sleeker interface.
Instant Pot Lux: Discontinued
This early Instant Pot lacked many of the features you can get in even the most basic models available in 2022. The Lux has been discontinued by the brand, though you can sometimes still .
Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi: DiscontinuedThis Wi-Fi-enabled 6-quart Instant Pot has been discontinued and replaced by the Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-quart Smart Multi-Cooker.
Instant Pot just got delivered? Put it to use with one of these Instant Pot recipes:
Best Budget Pressure Cooker
If you’re looking for a basic, affordable multicooker from the top name in the industry, the Instant Pot Duo Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker is your best bet.
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Inner pot material: Nonstick
- Settings: pressure cook, sear/saute, steam, slow cook, sterilize, keep warm, ferment, plus 300+ preset programs in its menu
- Number of included recipes: 100s in the Instant Brands Connect App
- Extras: Extra sealing gasket, steam rack, steam basket, heat-resistant pad for the lid
Pros: Produced tender and juicy slow-cooked pork, builds pressure quickly, good browning, dishwasher-safe and metal utensil-safe stainless steel inner pot, Instant Pot app features 100s of recipes
Cons: Takes experimentation to get cooking times right, controls take some getting used to
The Instant Pot Duo Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker comes in three, six, and eight-quart sizes and features a stainless steel inner pot, which most Instant Pots have. The Duo did okay in each test but excelled in our slow cooker test. The slow cooker pulled pork shredded effortlessly and had an excellent, juicy flavor. The pressure build was quick for the pressure-cooked pulled pork, but the pork was hard to shred. It seemed like it could have used 10 more minutes of pressure cooking.
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 6
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This product is not eligible for coupons. However, you are able to earn and redeem Kohls Cash® and Kohl’s Rewards® on this product.
Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile and convenient, the Instant Pot Duo electric pressure cooker is America’s most-loved multicooker. Slow cook, steam, sauté and more to make quick and easy meals anywhere, any time.
Gift Givers: This item ships in its original packaging. If intended as a gift, the packaging may reveal the contents.
PRODUCT FEATURES
- Quick and easy cleanup with finger-print resistant stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot and accessories
- 7 appliances in one: pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer
- Quick one-touch cooking with 13 Smart Touch customizable programs for cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more on autopilot
- Smart-design inner pot uses food-grade 18/8 stainless-steel, a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking, perfect for sautéing
- 10+ proven safety features including overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- 6-quart large capacity cooks for up to 6 people, perfect for families and also great for meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller households
- Cook fast or cook slow with pressure cooking – up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cooking
- Hundreds of recipes in the free Instant Pot app so you can discover new favorites and prepare delicious meals right from the start
Other Instant Pots And Pressure Cookers We Tested
We tested 11 electric pressure cookers for this guide. These are the ones that missed the cut.
What else we recommend and why:
Zavor LUX LCD: This model has more than 30 programmable settings, including sous vide, and an easy-to-read LCD. In our tests, it was easy to set up and use. It was quick to build pressure and made juicy, easy-to-shred pulled pork. However, we weren’t as impressed with its bean cooking and meat searing.
Ninja Foodi XL Pressure Cooker: The Ninja Foodi air fries and pressure cooks. And, in our tests, it did a great job of searing, slow cooking, and pressure cooking delicious meals but took longer than most units to build pressure. Read our comparison of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp vs. the Ninja Foodi.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 80: The Duo Evo Plus’s stay-cool handles set it apart from other multicookers since you usually need to grab potholders to lift a multicooker’s pot out. The pot also stays in place when you stir the contents. The screen is packed full of info, including several preset programs. It didn’t make our guide because it didn’t do better than average at any cooking task and was one of the worst at rice and slow-cooker pork.
What we don’t recommend and why:
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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
Instant Pot Duo Nova 8
Courtesy of Macys
Normally $125, Now $100 at Amazon
Six quarts just not cutting it for you? Upgrade to the 8-quart version of the popular Instant Pot Duo Nova for all the same great features but with a larger capacity. It fits enough food to feed the whole family, and youll probably end up with some leftovers to save for lunch the next day.
The lowest price we’ve seen for this item is $81.
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