Thoughts On Other Instant Pot Models
Other Instant Pot models that weve reviewed but arent mentioned here include:
- Instant Pot Pro Plus: This model connects to your phone so that you can read more about whats going on inside the pot. While this is convenient, I dont love the full touch-screen display. But if you are shopping for a tech lover or see it for a great price, it could be a good choice for you.
- Instant Pot Max: This model can go up to 15psi, which can be used for canning under very strict conditions. However, I dont love the pressure release system in this model, especially for cooking pasta.
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: This model has been discontinued and replaced with the Pro. I dont love it because it can be a little buggy and can overheat in saute mode, and we had a problem with the float valve breaking.
- Instant Pot Ultra: This is an older model, and I dont love the all-dial control. The Pro model, which uses a combination dial and button system, is much more user-friendly, in my opinion.
The Best Instant Pots Of 202: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
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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.
Smart Programs Included In The Ultra And Duo Evo Plus
Instant Pot created smart programs to help the home chef be able to cook with the press of a button. The smart programs were created based on extensive testing, control heat intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration.
Not all smart programs are included in each Instant Pot series. And the mini 3 quart models generally dont have all the smart programs included the same series. For example, the 3 quart mini models usually have a few fewer programs than its larger 6- and 8-quart siblings have.
One thing to call out with the Duo Evo Plus is the number of included smart programs is a bit deceiving. The Duo Evo Plus has a large number of presets to further control time and temperature as part of the main smart programs. So while the chili, for example, isnt a smart program, it is a preset option within both the Pressure Cook and Slow Cook functions. You can make chili with and without pressure.
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Ultra |
| Egg | Yes |
* These programs may not be available in the 3-quart versions of this Instant Pot.
** Pasteurize is a program thats included in the Yogurt Smart Program
While the Mini Ultra does not have the Cake Setting, dont worry as you can still make cakes using the pressure cook setting and adjusting the time.
Looking at the model sizes side-by-side, the models larger than the 3 quart have two additional smart programs: multigrain and poultry.
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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
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 10
Make slow-cooked meals fast with the Instant Pot Duo Evo pressure cooker. This versatile all-in-one kitchen essential handles everything from pressure cooking and sautéing to slow cooking and making yogurt, cakes and preserves.
PRODUCT FEATURES
- 10-in-1 design includes: pressure cooker, sous vide, saute pan, slow cooker, rice cooker, food warmer, yogurt maker, cake maker, stock pot & steamer
- Easy-grip inner pot can be used on the stovetop and ensures optimal saute results
- Easy-cook options include 48 customizable preset options for soups, beans, rice, ribs and more
- Easy-seal lid features a steam-diffusing cover that automatically seals for pressure cooking
- Programmable timer delays cooking up to 24-hours for convenience
- Automatic keep-warm function
- Stainless steel pot with handles, steam rack with handles & bonus sealing ring
PRODUCT CARE
- For warranty information please click here
DETAILS
- 14.17″H x 13.9″W x 14.37″D
- Model no. 113-0022-01
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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Bisphenol A, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Due to its contents, this product cannot be shipped via our Priority Service or sent to Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. boxes, and/or APO/FPO military addresses.
Recommended Reading: Basic Pot Roast Instant Pot
Best Instant Pot For 2022
My favorite model is the Instant Pot Pro Pressure Cooker for the second year in a row!
This is the second year where weve placed the Instant Pot Pro at the top of our recommendations. I absolutely love it! I love the button/dial combo and the ease of use.
Unlike the lower-tier Instant Pot models, the Pro offers:
- attached handles on the cooking pot, so you dont need hot pads to remove the inner pot and the inner pot stays in place when sautéing
- cooking pot with a completely flat bottom, so it sautés more evenly than other Instant Pot models
- the large cooking pot can also be used on the stovetop
- a lid that features a steam release cover and a separate pressure release switch
- larger digital display
Instant Pot Duo Plus Whisper Quiet OR the Instant Pot Duo Nova
Both the Duo Plus Whisper Quiet and the Duo Nova hit a sweet spot of offering some of the newer, more convenient features without a high-end price.
My in-depth Instant Pot Duo Plus Whisper Quiet Review will be posted next week. As a quick preview, the Whisper Quiet is a great mid-range option. My favorite feature is the combination dot-matrix and LCD display, which provides text that indicates whats going on in the pot. The redesigned lid is quieter , and it has a lot of the high-demand buttons.
Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Duo Gourmet, whichever is better priced when youre ready to buy .
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Review or see our video review of the Duo.
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.
Also Check: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Is Instapot Duo Evo Plus Easy To Use
All multicookers have a moderate learning curve, and that doesnt exclude the Instant Pot Evo Plus. Having over 40 cooking functions makes it even more challenging to master.
The good news is, it features a handled pot. If you have a tall counter, it would be more convenient to sauté directly on your stovetop. Its been a major concern for me, so Im thinking of upgrading to a newer model with this feature.
Apart from the Duo Evo, the Instant Pot Pro, Instant Pot Pro Plus, and Instant Pot Pro Crisp offer a more ergonomic inner pot.
Another excellent trait of the Duo Evo Pressure Cooker is the safer vent knob. Its farther away from the exhaust. Now you dont have to use a fork or a spoon to do a manual pressure release.
Technically, the Duo Evo Plus is more user-friendly than classic Instant Pot models.
Now lets check the maintenance part.
The Duo Evo Plus Inner Liners Are Completely Different Than The Other Models
The new Duo Evo Plus has a stovetop-friendly inner liner and has built-in handles for easy lifting. These lines are not compatible with any of the other Instant Pot models, nor can the standard liners be used in the new model.
The liner is easier to lift with the handles, which is a great added feature! Grabbing the regular liner can be a challenge at times.
If you decide to buy a Duo Evo Plus, youll need to buy separate inner pots if you want to have spares.
You can check on Amazon for the availability of these special liners, or buy them directly from Instant Pot.
Also Check: Should Steam Come Out Of Instant Pot When Cooking
What Is The Difference Between The Duo Evo Plus Vs Ultra
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the most innovative electric pressure cooker version theyve released. Heres a look at the key differences between the classic Instant Pot model and one of the models released in 2019.
Also check out the newer model, the Instant Pot Pro, available with a limited time discount.
Initially Scary To Use
The first time I attempted to pressure cook I was pretty nervous and made sure to stay in the kitchen the whole time, leaving a good distance between myself and the pot. The Instant Pot gurgles, whistles and emits steam as it comes up to pressure, then when its finished you can either let the pressure release naturally or flip the switch on the lid to manually release it . Now that Im accustomed to pressure cooking I dont give it a second thought but it took a while to get used to.
Recommended Reading: How To Cook Venison Roast In An Instant Pot
The Ultra Is Available In A 3 Quart Mini Size
The Duo is available in 3 sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart, which gives you a lot of flexibility. If you have a smaller kitchen, or typically cook for one person, the 3 quart model might be a better option for you.
The Duo Evo Plus is available in 6 quart and 8 quart sizes. 6 quarts is the most popular size out of the models, and what most recipes are written for.
Unexplained Error Code And Questionable Customer Service
When I turn off the power to my Instant Pot or unplug the cable, 4 times out of 5, the Instant Pot beeps and shows me a C6H error before it switches off. I contacted customer services as instructed by the manual and received no reply. This was during lockdown so it was understandable and after all, the Instant Pot was still working. A week and a half later I contacted customer services again and heard nothing back. I then contacted them a month and a half later, after receiving a slew of C6H errors, and finally received a reply. I was told that they had replied to my last email and they apologised if it went astray. They said that as long as the Instant Pot wasnt erroring during the cooking process its nothing to worry about and does not affect the function of the cooker. They were asking the US but Ive yet to hear back and don’t expect to.
The Instant Pot customer service is generally raved about but I wonder if its for the US side of things rather than the UK.
Also Check: Why Is My Instant Pot Counting Up
Instant Pot Duo Evo Faq
How is the Duo Evo Plus different from the Duo Plus?
The Duo Evo Plus is a new-and-improved version of the Instant Pot Duo Plus. The cooking functions are the same except for the addition of the sous vide function on the Evo Plus but the build differs slightly. The lid, handles, and inner pot have been redesigned for better ergonomics, and the display is larger. Some functions have also been expanded, such as the bake setting that now allows you to bake without water.
How is the Duo Evo Plus different from the Duo Plus?
The Duo Plus was released as a slightly upgraded version of the Duo. Now, the Duo Evo Plus has been released as a slight upgrade of both.
Whats the difference between the Duo Evo Plus and the Duo Nova?
The Duo Nova is actually the upgraded version of the basic Duo. The Nova still largely mimics the Duo, with a few enhanced features, such as the automatically sealing lid. Heres an easy way to remember the differences:
- Duo Evo Plus = upgraded Duo Plus
- Duo Nova = upgraded Duo
Can I use the same accessories I already have with the Duo Evo Plus?
Yes. Any accessories you bought for a Duo or Duo Plus, including sealing rings, racks, pans, and cups, should work with your Duo Evo Plus. However, note that the inner pots are not interchangeable: The Duo Evo Plus features a flat-bottomed inner pot, while previous Instant Pot models have domed bottoms.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Highlights
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
This pressure cooker has 10 modes of operation pressure cooker, slow cooker, stock pot, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, food warmer, sous vide, saute, and steamer. It also has 48 customizable preset settings, for example, soups, ribs, etc.
This makes this pot a brilliant choice for home cooks who want great-tasting food made simple because it really takes the guesswork out of cooking.
One of the great benefits of the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is that the inner pot is removable and can be used on the stove top, making it even more versatile. This model is available in two different sizes 6 quarts and 8 quarts. The 6 quarts will be big enough to accommodate a medium to large-sized family on a regular basis, but if you frequently entertain guests, then the 8 quarts might be more suitable.
The speed with that this Instant Pot cooks is one of its most impressive advantages. It is the fastest model in the range for its size, with a heating element of 1200w. This is the only 6 quarts Instant Pot with a heating element this powerful, meaning the preheating time is significantly reduced and meals will cook much quicker.
There is also quick-cool technology utilized in this Instant Pot, which means the pressure release time is also quicker.
Recommended Reading: How To Cook Steel Cut Oats In Instant Pot
Ranking The Different Instant Pot Models
While people may rate each of the Instant Pot models differently, this is how I like to think of them.
High-End: Pro , Pro Plus
Specialty: Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp or Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid , Duo Max , Smart Wifi
Upgrade 2: Duo Plus, Duo SV
Upgrade 1: Duo Nova , Duo Viva
Standard Model: Duo
Budget Model: Lux
* * *
At this point, I want to include a brief introduction for new Instant Pot shoppers and a quick guide to the different Instant Pot models:
Can You Air Fry In An Instant Pot
You sure can. Where the Ninja Foodi’s crisping lid once had a leg up is no longer Instant Pot’s blind spot. The fall 2019 collection brought the first Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which opened the door for a collection of other air-frying Instant Pots with Pro, Plus, or both tacked onto the end of the name. There are also multiple dedicated air frying convection ovens by Instant Brands that do not pressure cook.
For folks who already have an Instant Pot and don’t want to replace it just to buy the Duo Crisp, Instant Pot released a standalone air fryer lid that attaches to regular Instant Pots and turns them into an air fryer. This lid works on all existing models with the exception of the Instant Pot Pro Plus, the now- discontinued Duo Evo Plus, Duo SV, Smart WiFi, or Max. This lid is compatible with the Duo Nova, which is also discontinued.
Still confused about what air frying even is? Read our simplified explanation of the crisping craze and check out some of the best air fryers.
Read Also: How Long Natural Release Instant Pot
