How Do I Know What Size Instant Pot I Have

Other Uses For Your Instant Pot

As youve been doing your research while thinking about instant pot sizes to buy, you may have noticed people are using theirs for a lot of things besides cooking dinner.

In fact, many models come with presets specifically for different foods. If you like hot cereal for breakfast and want to cook with truly whole grains, rather than cracked or rolled, consider cooking a large batch overnight.

Think about how many youre cooking for, and how many days in advance youd like to have it prepped.

Be sure to remember that you have to reduce the amount you put in when cooking grains. This useful function alone may help you decide to go with a larger multicooker.

Many people have also started making homemade yogurt using their electric pressure cooker.

Some models even have a button to keep your yogurt at the perfect temperature while it cultures. Yogurt makes a great healthy breakfast or snack, and you can save a lot of money by making it at home.

You can even strain your finished yogurt to make your own homemade Greek style yogurt. If you choose a 6 quart instant pot size, you can make 4-5 quarts of yogurt at a time.

This sounds like a lot until you think about how much yogurt a family with growing kids can go through in a week.

If youre straining out the whey to make a thicker finished product, youll lose quite a bit of volume.

Choosing an 8 quart model that will let you make 6-7 quarts of yogurt at once could be a better choice for you.

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!

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.

Recommended Reading: Burn Warning Instant Pot

What Is An Instant Pot

The short answer: The Instant Pot is a convenient multi-cooking machine that lets you cook fast or slow.

Because the Instant Pot is a 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 be cut and adjusted from a manual pressure cooker. For slow-cooking, there youll need to adjust for less liquid and more time.

Why Do I Get The Burn Message When Making A Recipe And How To Fix It

Okay, I get this so much and honestly it drives me little crazy too at times.

Thats because I have my 6qt DUO for 2 to 3 years and in all these years I must have cooked hundreds of meals in it and I have never got the BURN message ever once!

So when you guys ask me why I got the burn message, sometimes its really hard for me to answer because I have never faced it.

But after doing a lot of research, heres what I have found out about the BURN problem-

the burn issue is more prevalent with the newer models, especially the 8 qt. A lot recipes online are developed using the 6 qt but since the 8 qt has bigger surface area, sometimes the liquid is not enough and hence the burn message.

So if you have a 8 qt, you might consider adding little more water than the recipe calls for especially while cooking rice, pasta etc. And make sure water is underneath the food.

another reason why you get this is when you are using thick sauces like pasta sauce, canned tomatoes. Whenever you are using a thick sauce, add water first to the pot then add sauce at the end and after adding Do NOT stir!

starchy food items like pasta, rice, spaghetti also cause the burn issue. In case you face the problem, simply layer things and add the rice/pasta etc. on top and do not stir after adding them if your model is prone to getting burn messages.

If you dont de-glaze the pot, it will not come to pressure and you will get the burn message.

Also Check: Frozen Venison Instant Pot

Ways To Tell What Size Instant Pot You Have

If its been a while since you purchased your Instant Pot, its easy to forget what size Instant Pot you have. Here are 3 easy ways to tell which one you have.

Maybe your purchased your Instant Pot a while ago, received it as a gift, or picked it up as a garage sale or charity shop. How many quarts your Instant Pot is, isnt really something top of mind, until you realize you have no idea how many quarts it is.

The quarts in your Instant Pot isnt something stamped on the front. Its not readily obvious where to find this information unless you still have the original box or receipt handy.

And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You wont pay any more if you use this link.

The most popular Instant Pot size is 6 quarts. Its also the size most of the Intant Pot models are available in.

Currently, there are 4 Instant Pots sizes available:

And this isnt including a few of the special lines including the Star Wars-themed models exclusively available at Williams Sonoma. Of course, a Chewbacca make sense as an 8 quart Instant Pot. And the little BB8 as an Instant Pot 3 quart mini model.

What Size Instant Pot Is Right For You

Best Answer: The most popular size, the 6-quart, is typically big enough for most people. Instant Pot has several different variants of their pressure cookers, but 6-quart is the default size for the LUX, DUO, DUO-Plus, Smart Bluetooth, Ultra, and Max versions. If you’re in doubt of what Instant Pot size to get, the 6-quart is usually the safest bet for the average person, and it can feed up to four people with leftovers.

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Which Instant Pot Is Best For You Which Size Instant Pot Do You Have Are You Happy With It Do You Have More Than One Instant Pot

This post was originally published and written by Wardee Harmon on 10/26/16. It was updated and republished on 12/5/18, then again on 1/8/20.

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Which Model Of Instant Pot Should You Buy

Im just going to give you a quick overview of the models and options. No need to spend a ton of time on that, since right on the Instant Pot website theres a terrific Instant Pot comparison chart that maps out all the models, functions, features, and sizes.

Basically, there are six main models : The Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, Smart, and Max. Falling somewhere in between these main models are the quasi-hybrid Nova Plus and Viva models that are basically a slightly different cocktail of features launched exclusively in partnership with Costco and QVC, respectively.

Each newer or more advanced Instant Pot model is targeted at offering some additional functionality, enhanced levels of control, or changes in the display screens and user interface. Obviously, the main question youve gotta sort out here is whether each of those changes and additions is truly important to you and actually worth the additional money, depending on the type of cooking you plan to do and how much complexity you really need to have to accomplish that.

Recommended Reading: Pressure Cook Venison Roast

What Size Should I Get

The 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular size by far, and the one we recommend for most folks. It offers plenty of capacity for weeknight dinners, soups and stews, a pot of beans, or even a whole chicken, yet doesnt take up a crazy amount of counter space or shelf space.

But the choice is entirely up to you, and dependent on your cooking habits and storage space. Both the Instant Pot Duo and Ultra also come in a 3-quart Mini size and an 8-quart size.

The 3-quart Mini version is a good option for one or two people, or folks with limited kitchen storage. But the appropriately named Mini has a tiny pressure-cooking capacity that tops out at 2 quarts. For foods that expand when they cook, such as beans and grains, the total volume cant exceed 1½ quarts.

If you cook for a lot of people or frequently make stock or broth, consider the 8-quart size. The hulking 8-quart Instant Pot will take up as much space on your countertop as a dish rack, which is why it isnt for everyone, but it can yield almost 1 gallon of stock. If for some reason you want to go even bigger, the Duo Nova model also comes in a 10-quart size.

Which Size Instant Pot Is Best For You

Ok, this part is not as cut-and-dry as the model choices. You’ll have to follow some gut instincts.

I went around and around for many months before buying my second Instant Pot, simply because I didn’t know whether to get another 6-quart or to get a larger 8-quart.

Let’s talk through it.

First of all, keep in mind that as with any pot that’s advertised as holding a certain volume, you cannot use all of it. Advertised 6-quart volume means up to the top of the pot.

Which of us ever fills a pot to the top? No one at least not if we don’t want a mess!

You need room for expansion, boiling, stirring, putting your foods up on a rack, etc.

Once I bought a stainless steel pot for making cheese and I made a mistake. I wanted to make cheese with 3 gallons of milk, so that’s the size of pot I bought.

Then it arrived and I realized my error. I couldn’t use the entire 3-gallon capacity I could use only 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 gallons or so. Oops.

I sent it back and got the 4-gallon stainless steel pot. And now I use it to about the 3-1/2 gallon capacity.

See what I mean? Your pot needs more capacity than you’ll use.

Same thing with the Instant Pot. If you’re pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, you cannot overfill it or you’ll have a problem. The max fill line is a little more than 3/4 full.

when you’re choosing your Instant Pot, choose a higher volume capacity than you think you need. You probably won’t regret bigger , but you certainly will regret too small.

Read Also: Frozen Beef Tenderloin Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo Vs Duo Plus Vs Ultra

August 17, 2021 by Lisa Wells /

If you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, the choices can seem overwhelming. There are so many different models, sizes, and features to choose from. What’s the difference between the Instant Pot models? Which one is the best Instant Pot model for you? Here’s what you need to know before purchasing your Instant Pot Ultra, Duo Plus, Duo or Duo Crisp.

When I decided to buy an Instant Pot, I started by searching Amazon and found 154 results for Instant Pot. And there are even more this yearsome of the results are for Instant Pot accessories, but there are so many pressure cooker models! It took a lot of research to figure out the differences in features, and which ones were important. I wished someone would just tell me the best Instant Pot to buy.

So to save you the research, here’s the condensed version of the top Instant Pot modelsDuo vs. Duo Plus vs. Ultraincluding which one I recommend and why. Plus a few other models with unique features you may want to consider.

What is an Instant Pot?

Did you know the Instant Pot is more than just an electric pressure cooker? It replaces several common kitchen appliances including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more! Depending on the model, you can use your Instant pot for cooking eggs, making yogurt, sterilizing, steaming, warming, searing, and sautéingsome even have a sous vide function. Saving space, time, and money while making cooking faster and easier? Thats a win in our house!

Which Instant Pot Is Best For A Family Of Four

Both the 6 quart and 8 quart sizes will accommodate a smaller family, but the 6 quart may be better for you if you will regularly be using your Instant Pot for four people or less.

The 6 quart costs less, is slightly easier to store, and most recipes are created with the 6 quart size in mind, although these recipes can be used for the 8 quart Instant Pot.

If you want to have the capability of cooking larger portions, the 8 quart model is also viable even if you have a smaller family.

Recommended Reading: Instant Pot Slow Cook Settings

What Size Instant Pot Do I Need The Bottom Line

Summing up everything weve talked about above, there are a few questions to keep in mind when deciding upon a size. These are:

• What will I be cooking with the Instant Pot? A few eggs? Or a few pounds of meat? For bigger ingredients, youll want to go with the 8 qt models
• What functions will I be using? Will I need to cook my foods on a high or low temperature setting? Do I want to make yogurt? Remember, the Lux model is not capable of making yogurt
• Will I be doing batch cooking? If so, youll want to make more food with the 8 qt
• How many people will I be cooking for with the Instant Pot? Am I just preparing food for myself? Or four others?
• Am I interested in having smart capabilities? That is, do I want to connect my Instant pot to my smart phone/tablet? If so, youll want to choose the Smart model, which is only available in the 6 qt size
• How much counter space do I have? Do I have enough room to fit an 8 qt cooker in the kitchen? If space is an issue, you may wish to look into getting a smaller model, such as the 3 qt

Brooke

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!

Read Also: Converting Crock Pot Recipes To Instant Pot

How To Adjust The Elevation Settings On Some Instant Pots:

Its a pretty simple process:

Quart Instant Pot Vs 6 Quart Instant Pot

In your quest to decide which Instant Pot to buy, if you are comparing the 5 Quart Instant Pot to the 6 Quart Instant Pot, in my opinion, the 6 quart is the way to go.

Not a Big Size Difference

First, there is only one quart of a difference in size between the two.

The footprint of each Instant Pot is pretty much the same, as far as how much counter space it will use.

More Flexibility

Given that the size difference is minimal, the 6 Quart Instant Pot offers you more flexibility.

You can certainly cook less food in a larger Instant Pot. But if the Instant Pot is too small, you certainly cannot make more.

Remember the Cushion

When you cook food in a pressure cooker, you should never fill it more than 2/3 full.

You need space at the top for the food to boil.

So, even with a 6 quart Instant Pot, you will not be filling it up all the way when you cook.

More Accessories

Because the 6 Quart model seems to be the most popular option, there are more accessories available for that size.

The Cost is about the Same

Cost could be your deciding factor. Right now, on Amazon, the cost of the 6 Quart Instant Pot IP-DUO60 is $99.99 and the cost of the 5 Quart IP-DUO50 is $97.30.

For less than 3 dollars more, you get the bigger size.

More Recipes

I enjoy finding Instant Pot recipes to try online. Many of these use the 6 Quart Instant Pot.

Also Check: Sirloin Roast Instant Pot