Preset Buttons On Instant Pot Multicookers
The functions vary between Instant Pot models, so it can help to consider which functions you expect to use the most when choosing one. This helps ensure you get the model that fits your unique cooking style so you’re able to make your favorite dishes with greater ease. The Instant Pot Lux series comes with six integrated functions, and the Duo series and Ultra series have extra functions for things like making cakes and yogurt. Some of the common Instant Pot functions to look for include:
- Slow cooking for tenderizing tough cuts of meat and for preparing meals ahead of time
- Rice cooking to create side dishes
- Saute function to sear food and lock in flavors
- Pressure cooking to quickly cook meats and vegetables
- Steaming for preparing fresh, nutritious vegetables
- Warming to get leftovers ready without investing a lot of extra time or effort
The Costco Exclusive: Instant Pot Nova Plus
While searching around for Instant Pots, you may have come across mention of the Nova Plus. The Nova Plus was a Costco exclusive that is no longer sold. The Nova Plus had the same functionality and smart programs as the Duo but had the blue LED screen of the Duo Plus. That screen is a small but important detail that provides a superior user experience without the price tag of the Duo Plus. It was originally sold through Costco, but you can find it on Amazon as well.
Instant Pot just got delivered? Put it to use with one of these Instant Pot recipes:
Are Instant Pots Worth It
Yes, instant pots are worth it. The comparatively low price of Instant Pots makes them well worth the relatively tiny stage. Instant Pots handle numerous culinary chores quickly and easily clean up. In addition to sautéing and slow cooking, they can also use pressure cookers, bake, and make yogurt. However, and perhaps most significantly, they save time for the end-user.
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Compare With Similar Items
| This itemInstant Pot Lux 6-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 12 One-Touch Programs | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.6 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Price | |||||
| 13.18 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches | 12.52 x 12.52 x 13.6 inches | 13.38 x 12.2 x 12.48 inches | 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches | 13.4 x 11.6 x 12 inches | 14.76 x 13.58 x 15.28 inches |
| Material | Aluminum, Stainless steel, PP, foam | Stainless steel |
What Size Instant Pot Should I Get
There are four Instant Pot sizes: 3-, 6-, 8-, and 10-quart options. The 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular optionmany recipes call for a 6-quart Instant Pot, and a meal cooked in the 6-quart variety feeds 36 people. The 8-quart and 10-quart sizes, on the other hand, are ideal when youre feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or doing weekly meal prep. Last but not least is the 3-quart Instant Pot , which is perfect for cooking for 12 people.
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What Size Instant Pot Should I Buy
One of the questions I see regularly in my Meal Planning group an on this blog is, what size Instant Pot should I buy? And I totally get it because I asked the same question not too long ago! There are so many Instant Pot size choices it can be overwhelming to know where to begin.
Here for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?? This Instant Pot with Air Fryer option is deeply discounted today this is probably the one I would get if I was shopping for an Instant Pot today. You cant go wrong with an Instant Pot AND Air Fryer in one.
The Instant Pot comes in four different sizes 3 quart, 5 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. Not all sizes are available for all models. The biggest debate I see is between the 6 and 8 quarts. so Im going to focus on thosebut I have a notes on the 3 quart option, too!
Based on our FB group and the main Instant Pot FB group , I feel pretty confident that the most popular Instant Pot is the 6 qt Duo Plus . Heres a quick rundown of the benefits of each sizehopefully, this will help you decide what size Instant Pot you should buy.
So Many Models To Choose From
This is the part of the conversation that sort of makes my head spin. The summary-level version? There are tons of different modelsaka “series”of the multi-cooker, and generally , the more expensive the model, the more functionality it has. In my opinion, the Duo models are amongst the strongest contenders when you take into account price, size, and common usesbut that said, some of the pricier models do have functionalities others might use more than I do. Additionally, the prices have been fluctuating quite a bit as the holidays approach, so you’re likely to see some of the typically more expensive versions priced closer to the classics, over the near-term.
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Find The Right Fit For Your Household’s Needs
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Electric pressure cookers existed long before the Instant Pot was created, but with a catchy name and a clever marketing plan, the Instant Pot took made the appliance almost as common as your mamas slow cooker. Pressure cookers reduce cooking time so tough meats, dried beans, and sturdy vegetables can be part of a weeknight meal in minutes.
With the popularity of pressure cookers, there are plenty of recipes for them, like cheesecakes, lasagna, easy-peel hard boiled eggs, soup stock, and perfect rice. The standard cooking pots are made from stainless steel, which many users prefer over pots with nonstick coatings. However, there are replacement nonstick-coated pots available for those who prefer them. The Instant Pot product line has evolved from a single pressure cooker to several product families in different sizes. Whether you prefer the ease of pre-programmed functions or you prefer to set your own time and pressure for recipes, theres something for everyone.
Here, the best Instant Pots available.
What If You Can’t Make It
Don’t worry. You can catch the replays or listen to the podcast!
- Come back here to AskWardee.TV all replays will be up within hours of airing live the print notes are always posted at the same time I go live.
- Follow to view the replay.
- Subscribe to the #AskWardee podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, , or the Podcasts app. While you’re there, be sure to leave a rating and review!
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Which Instant Pot Do I Like The Best And My Recommendations
The 3 qt. didnt make my rice cook any quicker, but its so cute and handy I think Ill be using it a lot as an additional helper. Plus itll be perfect to cook sides in or when cooking for 1-2 people. My sister loves to use this size to keep her cheese dips warm during parties. She likes it better than using a slow-cooker as the sides dont get overcooked or hard.
The big 8 qt. will go with my daughter when she gets married, but I have a feeling Im going to miss it. It can hold a lot. Cooking for a family of 5 or more this would be the one to go with.
The 6 qt. will probably always be out on my counter ready to go. Is it just right? Its pretty close, but if I had a growing family I think the 8 qt. would win out. And if my cabinets were just a little higher. Overall, if you are cooking for 2-4 people I think this would be the best size.
Can You Make Bread In An Instant Pot
An Instant Pot doesnt have the hot, dry environment thats typically used for baking standard loaves of bread. However, there are specialty types of baked goods, like steamed buns, that can be cooked in an Instant Pot. Its also possible to bake cakes, but they will have a different exterior and texture since they will be steamed rather than baked. However, for the models of Instant Pot that can hold a precise low temperature of about 90 degrees, the Instant Pot can be used for proofing bread dough.
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No Recipe Is Truly Instant
Pressure has to build inside before the appliance actually starts cooking, and then the pressure has to come back down once the set cooking time has ended.
This means that when a recipe says to cook for 20 minutes, you have to add time before AND after to allow for this. The amount of time depends on how full the Instant Pot is.
What Pans Do Gordon Ramsay Use
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Did You Know We Have A Podcast
We started the Magic With Gadgets podcast in the January of 2021 as a way to offer a different way to enjoy Recipe This. It focuses on cooking with kitchen gadgets. You can find out more about our podcast here.
With twice weekly episodes through September to December. This is episode 12 of the second season and you have the choice between reading this post, listening to the podcast or both.
If you would like to stay in the loop with our podcast, I recommend you subscribe below:
Instant Pot Sizes To Consider
The number of people you plan to cook for is one of the main factors to consider when choosing an Instant Pot. If you’re cooking for a small family of two to three people or you plan to use it for only making side dishes, the 3-quart Instant Pot is an ideal size. If you have four to six people to feed, consider a 6-quart Instant Pot to make sure it can hold the amount of food needed when preparing family dinners. For larger families of six or more, the 8-quart Instant Pot delivers the capacity to cook in larger batches. This largest Instant Pot is also useful when you’re preparing food for gatherings and potluck dinners.
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Back To The Multi Cookeryou Have A Few Brand Options
While the Instant Pot is its own brand, Cuisinart, Gourmia, and Breville all offer pressure cookers and slow-cookers that can do similar things as an Instant Pot, so do your research to see which will best suit your needs before purchasing. For example, the Instant Pot has a slow-cooker function, while the Cuisinart does not. The Gourmia has a non-stick, aluminum pot for easy clean-up, and the Instant Pot has a stainless pot. The Breville is the most costly at $248.
A Summary Of My Instant Pot Review
Clearly, I am still a fan. A huge fan. And a bigger one than when I reviewed it more than three years ago. I love that it really does save me time. It helps me with meal prep. And it makes a few dishes that just taste better than other methods. While I certainly dont use all the functions on this small appliance, the ones I do use make it worth the real estate it takes up in my small kitchen. If you told me three years ago that I was going to be such a huge fan, Im not sure I would have believed you. But now it makes me wonder: How much more will I love it in three more years when I have a toddler?
How long have you had your Instant Pot? Do you love it as much as I love mine?
Kelli is the Food Editor for Plan & Prep content for Kitchn. She’s a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
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What’s The Best Instant Pot To Buy For You And Your Family
Everyone’s talking about the Instant Pot and you’re fairly certain you need one, too. Right?!
Only what model and what size do you get?
Deanna is asking this as well: Everyone I know has an Instant Pot! I know I want one, too, but the trouble is when I go to order one, I get overwhelmed by which model to choose and whether I should get a 6 or 8 quart? Can you help?
I understand this is a big choice. You’ll see if you keep reading that it wasn’t easy for me, either.
Yet now I’ve been around the block with our Instant Pot. And we have 2 different sizes in our home, so I’m happy to share my advice and from my experience to help you choose the model and size for you and your family.
That’s what’s on tap for today’s #AskWardee!
Both the podcast and video replay of this week’s show are below. Enjoy!
Why Trust The Spruce Eats
Donna Currie is a cookbook author and writer for The Spruce Eats. Having tested both the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker and the Instant Pot Lux Mini 6-in-1 Pressure Cooker, she knows what to look for in an Instant Pot model: versatility, an intuitive design, and consistent results.
National Center for Home Food Preservation | UGA Publications, n.d. Online. Internet. 18 Aug. 2021. . Available: https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uga/using_press_canners.html.
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How Do I Choose The Right Model
If you know the size you need, you will also have to determine which model you should get.
The LUX model just offers the basics with no frills. As long you dont require low pressure, you should be fine.
The DUO model is a great choice if you want to make your own yogurt at home, as it has a button specifically for this purpose.
The SMART model has built-in Bluetooth technology, allowing you to control everything from your smartphone or tablet.
The ULTRA model gives you a few extra features like a backlit display. It is good for those who want the ability to cook food at any temperature.
Finally, the MAX model is also worth considering because of its pressure canning capabilities. You also have a Sous Vide option, which can really come in handy.
Check The Model As Some Are Only Available In 1 Size
Certain special Instant Pot models are only available in a single quart size.
For example, if you have an Instant Pot Max, Instant Pot Duo SV, or Instant Pot Smart WiFi, you own a 6 quart model. These models are exclusively offered in the 6 quart size.
The Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is an 8 quart model. And this is the only Instant Pot to be offered as only at the 8 quart size.
Check the front control panel of your Instant Pot to confirm which model you own. The name should be on the upper right of the control panel on the front of your Instant Pot.
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Instant Pot Duo60 6 Qt 7
If there are two of you living in a home, its always a good choice to try and save some money on electricity when cooking meals.
The six-quart 7-in-1 Instant Pot makes this easy because its up to six times faster than regular methods of cooking and also saves up to seventy percent on electricity. This makes it the ideal choice for the eco-conscious couple at home who are working and on the go every single week.
It has a 24-hour delay time so that you can have a meal ready exactly when you want to. It also includes 14 separate cooking programs so that its easy to cook anything from yogurt to stews.
The DUO 6-Qt model is the best selling Instant Pot ever, so you will be getting a cooking appliance that has been tried and used by thousands of customers.
What Size Instant Pot Do I Need
This Post Contains Affiliate Links..
What Size Instant Pot Do I Need? Today we are talking all about the instant pot pressure cooker, what are the sizes of instant pot and exactly which instant pot we recommend and why.
This recommended instant pot size guide is also featured in the Magic With Gadgets Podcast. Simply search for Magic With Gadgets on your preferred podcast player, then scroll to episode 12 of season 2 to access this awesome episode.
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About The Instant Pot Duo60 6 Quart
This multi-cooker the Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 is an electric pressure cooker that was designed in Canada. The main aims of the design process were to present a Convenient and Dependable cooker that must be safe as well.
Appliances that this multi-cooker replaces in your kitchen are:
This 6 quart Instant Pot replaces 7 Common Kitchen Appliances in one pot
- Pressure Cooker
- Fry Pan
- Yogurt Maker
The result when using the different functions of the multi-cooker is the same as your traditional appliances, just in one place.
Easy one-touch controls select your dish and press the button to get started.
This cooker using 70% less energy than traditional cookers and your food is prepared 2 to 6 times faster.
The exterior body of this instant pot comprises a brushed stainless steel exterior which is also fingerprint-resistant. There are also lid holders for left and right-handed chefs. The Instant Pot traps all the goodness inside the appliance without heating up your kitchen. It does not leak steam or make any noises while in operation.
To maximize the performance of this multi-cooker the manufacturer advises that you should only use genuine Instant Pot accessories. These also assist you in protecting your multi-cooker from damage.
