Size Comparison: 6 Qt Vs 3 Qt Instant Pot
Although you can cook smaller portions in a larger Instant Pot, its best to choose the ideal size for your household needs. Keep in mind that a 6 qt Instant Pot is generally more pricey, so be sure to consider your budget when deciding.
How Big Is a 6 Quart Instant Pot?
The 6-quart Instant Pot is 13.2 x 12.2 x 12.5.
This is the original size that the Instant Pot was manufactured in and is the most popular size. Its an excellent option for smaller households of 2-5 people. You can cook most things in a 6 qt, including a small-sized full chicken, spaghetti for 4, a full cake, and 4-quarts of yogurt.
Keep in mind that you cant fill the inner pot full to the top, so while the total capacity is 6 quarts, you can only fit 4 quarts of food inside. There is a max-fill line that you dont want to exceed.
How Big Is a 3 Quart Instant Pot?
The 3-quart Instant Pot is 11.4 x 10 x 11.2.
With a 3 quart Instant Pot, you can make smaller meals or smaller amounts of things like rice or black beans, without all the extra space in the pot. For instance, if youre only cooking 1 cup of rice, its barely enough to cover the bottom of a 6-quart pot, but fits well in the 3-quart.
The benefit to this scenario is that it will take less time for the pot to come up and down from pressure, because there is less space inside. The smaller pot is also easier to store whether on your counter or in the cupboard.
Do You Need Extra Accessories To Use The Instant Pot Duo Mini
Extra accessories to cook with this mini Instant Pot are completely optional. You will notice some recipes that call for pot in pot cooking will ask you to use a pan inside of your Instant Pot. In this case, you will need a pan that fits comfortably inside of your Instant Pot liner with a little room around the edges for the steam to cook the food evenly.
Here are a few different pan options you can use if you are wondering which size to buy:
- Any heat-safe silicone pan that fits comfortably inside
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes For Two
Making up a main dish in the oven? Whether its steak or meatloaf, these mashed potatoes are an undeniably delicious and comforting side dish. We all know they taste the best fresh from the pot anyway, so dont worry about using up leftovers with this recipe for the 3-quart pot. Recipe from Dessert for Two.
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The Instant Pot 3 Quart Models That I Own
The first one I bought was the Instant Pot Mini Duo because I thought it was the right size and price when cooking for one. Its a great model to start with! The second one I bought was the Instant Pot Mini Ultra because I wanted to try a few added features.
In the Ultra I love the auto-seal feature and that the pressure release button is separate from the steam value. I like the dial selector on the Ultra, but have seen other reviews where people prefer the push buttons. I also found my Mini Ultra thanks to an awesome holiday deal.
My suggestion is to buy at least an Instant Pot 3 Quart Duo as it has 2 levels of pressure cooking, the yogurt program , and the lid holder. At the same time, in reading in the groups people also love their Mini Lux. My ultimate advice is to find the one that works best for you!
What Instant Pot Accessories Do I Need
Since each Instant Pot model is a little different, its important to read the manual and learn about the various features and settings your model offers. Generally, every Instant Pot will include an outer body with a display panel and buttons, a lid, a pressure valve, a steam release valve, a plastic collector cup to catch any condensation released during slow-cooking, a stainless-steel or nonstick inner pot, a sealing ring that surrounds the lid and helps absorb odors, and a steam rack or basket to elevate food inside the inner pot.
Any Instant Pot accessories or gadgets you may choose to buy to bulk up your cookers functionality are just a bonus. Depending on what you plan to make with your Instant Pot, extras range from practical and essential to plain old fun. Some people buy extra sealing rings so they can use one for meat and one for baked goods. Some invest in egg trivets if they cook a lot of hard-boiled eggs. Some look into springform pans to make cheesecake and quiche. There are also super useful silicone mitts with a surprisingly strong strong grip.
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Its Still Got All The Functionality Of The Bigger Versions
People assume the smaller Instant Pot does a lot less than the larger ones. Bigger has to be better, right? Nope! The 3-quart Duo Plus is just missing two presets the Cake and Multigrain buttons compared to the larger 6-quart Duo Plus. And I dont even miss them.
Related: Whats the Difference Between All the Instant Pot Models?
Should I Get The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is sold separately and is compatible with 6-quart Instant models that dont already have air-frying capability . The Air Fryer Lid comes with a fry basket and other accessories and allows you to air-fry straight from your pressure cooker. In addition to air-frying, the Air Fryer Lid adds broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating functionality to compatible machines.
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Appliances Combined Into Each Instant Pot 3 Quart Model
Each Instant Pot mini model combines multiple appliances into one electric pressure cooker. This is especially great if you have limited kitchen space . While pressure cooking is a top reason to buy an Instant Pot, there are a bunch of other ideas for dishes to try beyond what youre thinking.
For the Duo Nova, the Smart Programs and features are mostly the same. The Duo Nova Mini has a new updated display and a different set of accessories compared to its siblings.
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Instant Pot Duo Mini 3
The updated version of the classic America’s #1 most loved multi-cooker!
Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile, and convenient, the Instant Pot® Duo is the one that started it all. The updated Easy-Release switch makes steam release simple and fast. Redefine cooking and enjoy quick and easy meals anywhere, any time.
- 7-in-1 pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer
- Easy-Release switch for simple, fast steam release
- 11 customizable programs for quick one-touch meals
- Stainless-steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom for perfect sautéing
- Cook up to 3 servings, perfect for students, singles, small families, and sides
- Great in dorms, small apartments, cubicles, on holiday and more
- Up to 70% faster and more energy efficient than other cooking methods
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot for quick and easy clean-up
- 10+ proven safety features, including Overheat Protection and safe locking lid
- Stainless-steel steamer rack included
- 700 watts, 120 V~ 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
Read Also: Instant Pot 8 Quart On Sale
Have You Been Thinking About Buying An Electric Instant Pot 3 Quart Pressure Cooker But Not Sure Which One Heres A Comparison I Put Together To Help You Choose Between The 3 Quart Instant Pot Lux Duo Duo Nova Duo Plus And Ultra Models
When did you start having an interest in the Instant Pot? And now youre starting to wonder if one can work for you and your cooking needs? Is this your first Instant Pot or are you looking for a smaller one for side dishes? I bought the Instant Pot 3 Quart because it works well for cooking for one person as well as kitchens with limited storage.
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.
When I first purchased my Instant Pot 3 Quart Duo I only knew about the Mini Duo and Mini Lux. At the time I probably would have still bought the Mini Duo, because it was the right price to start experimenting with a new-to-me method of cooking. As any Instant Pot owner will tell you, the likelihood of picking at least one more is pretty high!
To help you choose, I put together the comparisons of the 4 Instant Pot Mini model options.
How To Avoid Overheating Or Burn Protection
The Instant Pot Duo SV comes with an overheat/burn protection feature but this is not well enough to prevent overheating. So, you have to follow these precautions to avoid overheating while cooking:
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Instant Pot Mini Spaghetti
A little pasta goes a long way! If youre just looking for a 1-2 person serving or simply leftovers for lunch tomorrow, this recipe is perfect. With meat sauce and optional veggies, its great on its own or paired with a green salad. This is sure to be a weeknight staple, cooking up in only 9-13 minutes. Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
Features Of The Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a must-have for every busy home chef. With a simple press of a button, you can instantly steam vegetables, cook meat, stews, and casseroles, or even treat yourself to homemade yogurt! You can also delay cooking up to 24-hours with the programmable timer for added convenience. With so many features and capabilities, the hardest part is deciding what to make first. Be sure to download the Instant Pot app to access over 1,000 recipes that help solve the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma.
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Instant Pot Mini Recipes
Many people have the 6-quart Instant Pot for batch cooking and for matching up recipes. Most bloggers and cookbook authors are using this version as the standard size. It can be tough to figure out the proper proportions for the Instant Pot Mini, which is the 3-quart version.
Today, were sharing with you some 3-quart Instant Pot recipes designed specifically for 1-2 people in the Mini. With these recipes, you wont have to do the guesswork on your own at all. Plus, you wont be burdened with leftovers because some people simply dont like them!
Eliminate food waste and make dinner easy with some of these featured Instant Pot Mini recipes. If you find any more Instant Pot mini specific recipes, share with us!
Should You Buy The Duo Mini
If you’re cooking for just yourself or you and your significant other, the Instant Pot DUO Mini offers all you need in a package that doesn’t take up much space on your counter. The DUO Mini generally sells for slightly less than its full-sized siblings. However, the difference is minor, and with the larger models, you can get double the cooking capacity by spending only about 20% more. Therefore, you pay a slight premium for the DUO Mini’s small stature, but that premium is well worth it if you don’t have much counter space.
Also Check: How To Cook Chuck Roast In Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Plus With Whisper
The Instant Pot Duo gets a major upgrade in this latest iteration. Not only do you get a sleek, stainless steel finish, you get 25 smart programs. One significant difference between this version and the original is that the Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper Quiet Steam Release trades sous vide cooking capability for a cake making feature.
Now let’s get into the obvious difference between this model and the regular Duo Plus: the steam release. Instant Pot’s latest technology and design allow the machine to diffuse steam more quietly than ever. It also gives you the option to use a remote button so you can open the cooking pot at a distance for extra safety. But is it worth buying this one over the original Duo Plus? There’s actually just a $20 difference between the two models, so we’d say the advanced steam release technology and aesthetics of this version make it worth itbut if you’re really into sous vide-cooking, we’d stick with the original Duo Plus.
Year released: 2021Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt-making, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, cake making and sterilizingSizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
Is The Instant Pot 3 Quart Safe To Use
Instant Pot has built-in at least 10 safety features to ensure a safe cooking experience. As with any cooking method you should still take care to ensure you dont burn yourself with the steam release or any hidden pockets of steam in your dish.
If youre scared of using your new Instant Pot, start off with the water test that both ensures your Instant Pot Mini is working correctly along with giving you a feel for how the pressure builds and releases.
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Why Use An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.
If you dont have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot for more information.
- Dont Have an Instant Pot Yet?This guide can help you choose the right one.
- find more recipes to make in your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Orzo
This delicious cheesy side made with the Instant Pot Mini actually makes 4-6 servings which the Mini can totally accommodate, but you can easily halve this recipe to make a 2-3 serving side dish with ridiculously cheesy goodness in every bite. Orzo is the perfect pasta for soaking it all up! Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
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Instant Pot 3 Quart 7 In 1 Pressure Cooker Reviews 202: Everything You Need To Know
Want to save your cooking time and space in your kitchen? Then you may shift to an instant pot, thats a in one cooking gadget. An instant pot replaces multiple kitchen appliances like a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, egg cooker, steamer, and even a yogurt maker.
So, if you use an instant pot, you dont have to separately use other cooking appliances which will definitely save you money and time. However, there are many models of Instant Pot in the market and they all are not the same in quality and performance.
After doing lots of research and considering the best instant pot consumer reports, I have found an instant pot thats highly recommended by most of the users. And thats nothing but the instant pot duo SV 6qt multi-use pressure cooker and you can definitely put this multicooker in your buggy!!
Instant Pot Mini Pot Roast
A pot roast is often a big meal made for a big pot. If you just want a special dinner for two, this is your go-to recipe. Simply choose a smaller cut of meat to make it work, and the rest will fall into place. This should help you figure out similar meat and veggie recipes, too. Recipe from Home Pressure Cooking.
Recommended Reading: How To Cook Tri Tip In The Instant Pot
Other Instant Pot Essentials
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to cook your favorite recipes, choose Instant Pot appliances and accessories to get the job done right. From pressure cookers and air fryers to blenders and toaster ovens, there’s no end to the great selection of Instant Pot small appliances at Kohl’s!
Instant Pot Mini Cake
Most cakes for the Instant Pot arent made in the Mini and we all know baking by intuition or guessing can be dangerously disappointing. This recipe will curb your sweet tooth with a small cake perfect for dessert lovers and people who dont necessarily want the temptation of a full-size cake hanging out around the house! Recipe from Home Pressure Cooking.
Read Also: How To Use The Instant Pot Air Fryer
The Best Instant Pots Of 202: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Youve heard the hype, read the articles, perused the recipes, and have 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.
Though every Instant Pot 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.
Ahead, we’ll take a close look at all of the Instant Pot models and break down the built-in smart programs, cooking functions, and more. You can read about all of Instant Pots or jump straight to a specific model if you have one in mind:
But first things first: For those new to Instant Pot, let’s break down exactly what an Instant Pot is and what it can do.
is
The short answer: The Instant Pot is a convenient multi-cooking machine that lets you cook fast or slow.
Now, let’s get into each of the Instant Pot models.
