Qt Vs 6qt Instant Pot
I find that this is the BIGGEST and HARDEST buying decision when it comes to getting an instant pot pressure cooker. This is because they are similar in size and its hard to know what is best for you.
We originally had a 6 quart instant pot and found that it was perfect for us and never felt like we were missing out.
Then we bought an 8 quart instant pot and found that it was even better for us.
Now when we use the 6 quart we comment on how tiny it feels because of what we have got used to using.
Whats The Difference Between Instant Pot Duo And Instant Pot Duo Nova
The innovative new lid design of the Duo Nova automatically seals the steam release, meaning youll never again forget to seal your cooker. The difference with the Duo Nova is that when you do this, a mechanical trigger also closes the steam release valve and seals your Instant Pot for pressure cooking.
Instant Pot 6 Qt Vs 8 Qt
These pressure cookers are called Instant Pots for a reason they help you cook food almost instantly. Today, you can not only cook food but also make yogurt, steam vegetables, and a lot more with the advanced options.
You dont have to be an expert cook to make your meals right in an Instant Pot. You just need to follow the recipe closely to cook yourself a delicious treat in no time. Not just that, you can also set the timer so that there is a hot dinner ready when you get home every day.
Choosing the right size to meet the purpose for which youre purchasing it in the first place is extremely important. Instant Pot Lets begin with helping you choose the most suitably sized Instant Pot for your kitchen.
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Other Differences Between Models
Displays and Controls â Each model offers slightly different read-outs and various changes in the way you control the Instant Pot . If thats something thats really important to you, just take a quick read through the descriptions of the two or three specific models youre comparing on Instant Pots website, and its pretty easy to figure out the display and control differences between the models youre considering.
Pricing â As you step up from each model to the next, more decked-out model , you can expect to pay roughly $20 $30 more for each step up the ladder. Unless, of course, you hit a great sale, in which case â yay, you! But in general, each bump to the next best model, will cost you around an extra $20 $30, so its worth evaluating how many features youre really and truly going to use. Because, seriously sometimes more isnt better. Its just more.
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The Best Instant Pot For You: A Comprehensive Guide To Every Size And Model
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Youve heard the hype, read the articles, perused the recipes, and come to the conclusion that you absolutely need an Instant Pot . But finding the best Instant Pot model for your unique cooking needs is a more involved task than it may seem. This buying guide for the beloved kitchen appliance has the answer to every anxious Instant Pot question you may have and will help you determine which of the many varieties is right for you.
Though every Instant Pot model has the same basic multi-cooking functionality that made it a household favorite, some are more versatile than others. Most of the models are very similar in terms of pot size, wattage, and voltage where they differ is mostly in the softwarehow many smart programs are built in with preset heat, time, and pressure levels.
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Which Size Is Right For You
When selecting your Instant Pot, you’ll want to consider how much space you have. Instant Pot models come in four different sizes: 3-, 6-, 8- and 10-quart. Depending on what youre going to use it for, the size you choose can make a big difference.
If youre sticking to side dishes and meals for up to three people, Instant Pot recommends the 3-quart size. This is offered in most basic models including the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus, Ultra and Lux. The 6-quart size is the most popular and is available in every model except the Duo Crisp, which is an Instant Pot and air fryer combo. Instant Pot recommends this size for feeding up to six people. The 8-quart model is the next most-popular size. It is offered in all models except the Smart WiFi and Max models, and is recommended for large families or to meal prep food for the week. The Duo Nova is the only model that comes in the 10-quart size, which is designed for larger meals, feeding a crowd or to stock the freezer with family dinners.
Instant Pot: 6 Qt Vs 8 Qt
6 qt Instant Pot
If you have to cook a batch of food for one or two people, this size will be the most suitable one out there. In addition, 6 qt is perfect for cooking up the medium or large spaghetti squash or the whole chicken. The 6 qt Pot is suitable for a family of four that can take care of basic cooking. For instance, it is suitable to make soups, steel-cut the oats, and hard boil the eggs.
Some people have been cooking shredded chicken in this size because it has enough space to fit an entire chicken. However, if you have to cook food more than one whole chicken, you need to upgrade the size!
8 qt Instant Pot
If you have to feed more than four people, the 8 qt Pot will be a fine option. This Pot is perfect for every working person who has to cook batches of food that lasts the entire week. Instant Pot has a huge footprint, which signals more space. However, this size of Instant Pot will take more time to create pressure. But again, you can cook more food in it.
How To Choose The Right Instant Pot Size
While shopping for the Instant Pot, you need to consider multiple factors because it helps make an informed choice, such as
Family Size
For people who need to cook food for two to four people, using the 6 qt will be suitable. On the other hand, if you have a huge family to feed, 8qt is the ultimate solution. Also, 8qt size is suitable to cook food for parties and gatherings.
Food
- Save
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Which Size Is My Instant Pot
In terms of model, I chose the Duo Evo Plus .
The Duo Evo Plus and the basic Duo’s functions include yogurt and low pressure, which are musts for me. I’m glad I have those .
In terms of the operating functions , the Duo Evo Plus wins. I have no need or desire for smart functionality or the additional features of the Ultra.
Size, though? This was tougher for me!
When I purchased our first Instant Pot, the 8-quart wasn’t even available. So I chose the 6-quart Duo . That was a no-brainer.
Then the 8-quart Duo came out. I knew I wanted to get another Instant Pot, but I hemmed and hawed for months because the 6-quart was working pretty well for me.
My thought process was: Should I get another of the same size so they match? Should I even get another one? Should I get a bigger one?
Anyway, finally, I decided I would get the 8-quart Duo as my second Instant Pot. I don’t regret it in the least! I’m so happy to have the larger one! In spite of them not matching.
If I knew then what I know now, and I was purchasing my first Instant Pot all over again, I would actually choose the 8-quart because the extra room makes a significant difference in batch sizes for batch cooking or large family cooking.
And even with normal size meals, there’s not much extra room in it. Which means it’s not too big.
So bottom line for us I’d pick the 8-quart no matter what.
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You Can Get A Second Insert
Sometimes dinner needs a few different components maybe youre makingkung pao chicken and youre going to serve it with rice. Or maybe dinner is in one pot AND youre serving from it which means you cant use the Instant Pot for dessert until dinner is over AND the insert is washed.
Heres the solution get a second insert! You can buy a second insert and youll be able to make things back to back .
Instant Pot: 8 Quart Vs 6 Quart
First things first, lets go over which versions are available in what size.
- Duo: Available in 3, 6, and 8 quart
- Smart: Available in 3, 6, and 8 quart
- Lux: Available in 3, 6, 8 quart
The Lux is the only model that comes in a 3-quart size.
Ultra: Only available in 6 quart
As you can see, every Instant Pot model except the Ultra, are available both in the 6-quart and also 8-quart sizes.
But what makes
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What Are All Of The Sizes That Instant Pot Offers
Instant Pot offers four sizes at the moment: 3, 5, 6, and 8-quart. However, you have to keep in mind that not every model comes in all sizes.
The 3-quart is available for the LUX, DUO, DUO Plus, and Ultra Series. There used to be a 5-quart DUO a few years ago, but that’s been discontinued. However, the company has made a 5-quart LUX model that’s been available for select retailers like Walmart during Black Friday sales.
The 6-quart comes in every model. This means you can get a 6-quart LUX, DUO, DUO Plus, Smart Bluetooth, Viva , Nova Plus , Ultra, and Max. It’s safe to assume that if Instant Pot comes out with a new product, it’s of the 6-quart capacity unless otherwise stated.
The 8-quart is the largest size offered by Instant Pot and is available for the LUX, DUO, DUO Plus, and Ultra models.
Instant Pot Cooking Differences
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All Instant Pots are the same, right? Not really! There are a few differences in cook times for the 6 and 8 quart Instant Pot, but once you know your pot youll be all set. Some of the Instant Pot cooking differences are time to come to pressure, release time, water needed, and wattage.
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My Favorite Instant Pot Model
Of the 5 options, my favorite is the Duo Evo Plus, pictured just above the machine that’s lit up in front of me.
I regularly use both the yogurt and low pressure . The Duo Evo Plus works better than the Duo for all the reasons stated above, though the Duo’s functions are perfectly adequate for my needs.
I stay away from Smart appliances I’m home all the time, I prefer to be hands-on with my appliances, and I just find no need to spend extra money on bells and whistles like this.
So it really comes down to the Duo and the Duo Evo Plus.
Because of the actual functional and design differences of the Duo Evo Plus better browning, the handle on the insert pot, the additional durability of the insert pot, the auto sealing valve, the faster pre-heating and pressure release time, and the way you can SEE what the pot is doing by the progress meter I prefer it over the Duo.
What Is The Instant Pot Burn Warning
The Instant Pot can alert you when the food inside is starting to burn, your screen will show the words BURN. Personally, I notice that I get the BURN error more when using the 8 quart recipes when I know the recipes have worked fine in the 6 quart.
This is a personal note, its something Ive experienced issues with. You might not see this issue but dont be surprised if you do!
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Features Instant Pot Duo60 6 Quart
- Duo, is the number 1 selling multi-cooker, combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, and warmer.
- It comes with 14 smart programs. Select the appropriate button and you will be preparing soup, meat/stews, beans/chili, poultry, sautéing/simmer, rice, multigrain, oats, steaming, slow cooking in no time.
- Healthy, stainless steel inner cooking pot made from food grade 304, no chemical coating, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, fully sealed environment traps the flavors, nutrients, and aromas within the food.
- Built with the latest technology, the microprocessor monitors pressure, temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration to achieve your desired results every time.
- UL and ULC certified with 10 safety mechanisms to provide you with added assurance, designed to eliminate many common errors.
- Easy to clean with soapy water.
- Dimensions of the Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker are 13.4 inches x 12.2 inches x 12.5 inches and weighs 9 pounds.
- Accessories include stainless steel steam rack with handles, rice paddle, soup spoon, measuring cup, condensation collector, and recipe booklet.
All About The Instant Pot 8 Quart From The Manufacturer
- For large families, 6+ people. Item dimensions is 14.88 x 13.90 x 10.39 in inches
- Instant Pot Ultra electric pressure cooker is the next generation in kitchen Appliances. A central dial with a simple turn and press provides added precision in program selection and adjustment
- New features: altitude adjustment, cooking indicator, and a steam release reset button. The Ultra button provides custom programming. The new features include sterilize, cake and egg programs
- Replaces 10 common kitchen Appliances – pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté/searing, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer
- Developed with the latest 3rd generation technology with an embedded microprocessor. The microprocessor monitors the pressure and temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration. Power supply: 120V 60Hz, Power Supply Cord length: 35 inches
- UL certified with 11 safety features to provide peace of mind. New steam release reset button for safer handling. All components in contact with food are food grade 304 stainless steel
The 6 Quart is the size I would have bought if I didn’t know better, and if I had gotten it in time.
But it sold out quickly and then there was a new Prime Day deal on an 8 Quart Instant Pot.
I spent a lot of time vacillating if I wanted an 8 quart or if it was too big?
I seriously did not want another large appliance taking up space on my counter.
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Number Of People Served
Shopping for cooking appliances can be a difficult decision to make as the first-timer. But the number of people in the family will help you make the right options.
If you have a large family then it is advisable to consider large size instant pot and vice versa. This is the prudent way of making informed decisions when shopping for instant pot.
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How To Figure Out Which Instant Pot Size You Have
Not sure which Instant Pot size you have? Heres a quick trick to figure that out.
Check the sticker on the back of your Instant Pot. While the print is a little small, it will tell you the model you currently have along with the volume in terms of quarts: 3, 6, 8, or 10. If you have an older model Instant Pot, its also possible you have a 5 quart version.
With the 6 quart model being the most popular, it wouldnt be surprising if you have that one. But its always a good idea to double-check if you have any questions.
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Bottom Line My Picks My Opinion
You need to choose the best Instant Pot for you, and that’s a very personal choice. Still, you’re here and wanting my opinion, so here it is:
My pick for the small family that does not do batch cooking or cooking of larger whole food items: the 6-Quart Duo Evo Plus Instant Pot. If you want to save $20 , get the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 .
My pick for the small or larger family who does batch cooking or cooking of larger whole food items: the 8-Quart Duo Evo Plus Instant Pot. If you want to save about $40 , get the Instant IP-Pot DUO80 .
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