The Best Instant Pot To Buy In 202: Complete Buying Guide
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Cant figure out which Instant Pot to get? Theres SO MANY models and variations, its not surprising! Our 2022 Instant Pot Buying Guide will talk through the available options so you can feel confident choosing the Instant Pot size and model thats right for you.
The first Instant Pot pressure cooker came out in 2012. Since then, it feels like Instant Pot has released a zillion new models , and all with slightly different features.
It can be really hard to keep track, even for me!
Let me take away the guess work and point you towards the best Instant Pot to buy for your situation with this Instant Pot Comparison and Buying Guide, completely updated as of November 2021.
An Overview On Instant Pots Nova
Instant Pots are currently all the rage in the world of home cooking. However, there are many models to choose from, each with a number of unique features, and each model also comes in multiple sizes, so it can be hard to know which model to pick.
These multi-cooking machines are a great way to downsize if you have several different appliances crowding your kitchen. For most people, the Instant Pot can easily replace the pressure cooker and slow cooker because it can do both those jobs. Its also excellent for other things, like steaming, roasting and sautéing.
There are several different Instant Pot models available. One of the most popular is the Instant Pot Duo Nova. This model is ideal for beginners because its simple to use, especially if youre new to the world of Instant Pots. The Duo Nova model combines seven different appliance functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer and yogurt maker.
Plus, it has an easy-seal lid and an LED display panel. It also has a cooking progress indicator so you have an idea of when your meal will be ready. One of the main reasons this model is best for beginners is because it has so many safety features. You can just turn on the setting you need and go about your other tasks without having to constantly check on it or fiddle with it. Plus, cleanup is a breeze because the cooking pot is dishwasher-safe and highly durable.
Instant Pot Smart Wifi
Sizes: 6 quart
Functions: 13 smart programs. The Smart Wifi has all of the functions of the Instant Pot Duo and possibly more.
- You can program your Smart Wifi Instant Pot from your phone. You can also check on the cooking progress of the Smart Wifi using your mobile device. Since you have to be home when cooking with your Instant Pot, I dont see much benefit of this feature. The biggest benefit may be that you can use pre-programmed cooking programs right from your phone using the Instant Pot App.
- The Smart Wifi has an LCD display and 5 cooking status icons: Wifi On/Off, Heat, Pressure Cook, Keep Warm On/Off, Sound On/Off.
- The Instant Pot Smart Wifi may be a good choice for you if you are into technology and gadgets. It replaces the discontinued Smart Bluetooth model.
Recommended Reading: How Long To Boil Potatoes In Instant Pot
Instant Pot 7 In 1 Duo Nova 6 Quart Pressure Cooker
- 14 one-touch smart programs for ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more
- Cooks up to 70% faster
- Dishwasher safe lid and inner pot for quick and easy cleanup
- Over 10 proven safety features including Overheat Protection and safe lockable lid
Product details
- Capacity : 6 pints
- Features: Automatic shutdown Delayed function Keep warm setting Anti adhesive Lockable lid Adjustable temperature settings timer Cool-touch exterior Portable
- Programmable: Yes
- Electric Pressure Cooker Programmable Settings: Soup
- Cooking Container Material: Stainless Steel
- Power: 1000 Watt
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Which Model Is Better For Me
As promised, I will try and define a category of best users for each of these two Instant Pot models . In my opinion, they both do an amazing job, especially since there is no fancy interface to decipher.
Furthermore, the Instant Pot Duo community is quite large and very supportive, so its easy to find help when something doesnt seem right . And, when youre ready to experiment, youll find lots of cool recipes that you wouldnt even dream about cooking in an Instant Pot Duo or Duo Nova!
Still, its important to mention that none of these two Instant Pot models have a sous vide function nor can they make air fries . If sous vide is important for you, its best to choose an Instant Pot Duo Plus or an Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. Also, if you are looking for a heavy-duty air fryer , its best to consider a stand-alone product or an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer .
So, without further ado, here is my opinion on each:
Choose the DUO if…
- You want a tried and tested pressure cooker thats admired by many satisfied customers
- You like a user-friendly interface thats easy to understand
- You want the support of a powerful global community
- You are used to working with an electric multicooker
Choose the DUO Nova if…
- You are just starting your journey with a multicooker
- You dont want an electric pressure cooker with a manual steam release valve
- You like the upgraded lid and find it extremely useful
- The new control panel seems easier to understand and use
Final tip
Read Also: Instant Pot Recalls 2020
Which Size Of Instant Pot Should You Buy
Depending on the model, you can choose from the mini 3 quart Instant Pot, the standard 6 quart or the large 8 quart.
6 Quart Instant Pot
For the average user, I recommend getting a 6 quart Instant Pot. Most recipes that you will find online and in cookbooks are tested in a 6 quart Instant Pot. The six quart is large enough to cook for a family of 4-5. I most often use my 6 quart to cook for my family of 6 .
8 Quart Instant Pot
If you have a large family, have a family of big eaters, or like to meal prep big batches of food, I recommend getting an 8 quart Instant Pot. The 8 quart is also great for cooking for a crowd if you like to entertain.
The 8 quart Instant Pot is bigger than the 6 quart, so you will need to plan for more storage space. Its a little bit taller and a little bit wider. Heres a photo of my 6 quart and 8 quart side by side.
3 Quart Instant Pot
I dont recommend getting the 3 quart Instant Pot, unless you are very comfortable adapting recipes and are always cooking for just one or two. Since most recipes that you will find are designed for the 6 quart, you would need to scale them down to fit in the 3 quart mini 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
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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:
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Research And Buying Tips
What is an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is a countertop appliance that plugs into a wall outlet. Instant Pots are pressure cookers, but they can also slow cook, steam, sauté, warm, and more . They have presets for certain food items like poultry, rice, and stew, so you can simply press a button to cook your meal.
Which Instant Pot size is right for me?
Before you purchase an Instant Pot, consider your specific needs and the average serving sizes youll be cooking. Families of four require at least a 6-quart pot, while larger families will probably prefer 8 quarts. Additionally, 3-quart pots are usually the best option for one or two people or for preparing side dishes.
How is an Instant Pot different from a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a device that cooks food under pressure. Its either an electric device you plug into the wall or a stovetop device that uses the heat of your cooktop. An Instant Pot is a multifunctional pressure cooker, meaning it has additional cooking functions outside of pressure cooking.
What can you cook in an Instant Pot?
Can you can food in an Instant Pot?
If youre someone who loves to pressure can and you do it regularly, we advise purchasing the Instant Pot Max. This particular Instant Pot includes a unique canning feature thats bound to make all your canning dreams come true.
Are Instant Pots safe?
Editors’ Recommendations
Instant Pot Duo Versus Duo Plus
Theres a pretty big difference in functions between the Instant Pot Duo and the Duo Plus. The Duo Plus has sous vide and sterilizer functions, and an additional two cooking programs. This alone may be enough to seal the deal for the Duo Plus. A handful of smaller features can also be found on the Duo Plus, such as quiet steam release, an anti-spin cooking pot design, and a cooking status bar on the LED display.
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Instant Pot Duo Nova 7
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is available in three sizes: the 3-quart model is $69, the 6-quart model costs $89, the 8-quart model is $99, and the 10-quart model costs $221. Its widely available at online retailers and often on sale below the list price, though the 10-quart model is generally harder to find.
Overall, this model is considered the cheapest Instant Pot on the market for those on a budget or who simply need the basic requirements.
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp, plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle pressure release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything its stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF.
Year released: 2020Built-in smart programs: 11Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, air-frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydratingSizes available: 8-quart Instant Pot
Also Check: How To Cook Chicken Drumsticks In Instant Pot
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.
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.
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
This standout 11-in-1 pressure cooker was the first Instant Pot model to offer an air-frying function by way of a second air fryer lid. When youre done frying, you can simply switch back to the standard lid for pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. Like all Instant Pot models, this one comes with advanced safety features and access to a digital library of more than 1,000 Instant Pot recipes. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp even lets you broil, and until the Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer came along, this model was the Ninja Foodis fiercest competitor.
Year released: 2019Built-in smart programs: 11Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, air-frying, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydratingSizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
Instant Pot Max Versus Pro Plus
The major differentiator of the Instant Pot Pro Plus is its access to your home Wi-Fi network. This lets you schedule cooking, remotely control it, and beam recipes directly to the Instant Pot. The two are available in the same capacities and are otherwise highly comparable in their features. All-in-all, roll with the Pro Plus if you want smartphone control.
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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.
The Best Holiday Deals On Instant Pot
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We’ve found the best holiday deals on Instant Pot that you can shop right now. The versatile kitchen gadget is a must-have for prepping Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah feasts. Plus, an Instant Pot makes an excellent gift for friends and family, no matter their level of cooking expertise.
Keep reading to discover the best holiday deals you can shop on Instant Pots.
Top products in this article:
Instant Pots are a relatively hands-off way to throw together snacks and meals in minutes. The kitchen appliance is versatile enough to make soups, stews and yogurt, roast meats, air fryer frozen items and even bake delicious desserts and breads.
If you’ve been waiting for a deal on an Instant Pot model, now is a great time to buy one. We’ve found the best Instant Pot deals that you can shop right now. Browse our wide variety of on-sale Instant Pot models, including traditional Instant Pots, Instant Pot air fryers and even an Instant Pot coffee and espresso maker.
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An Overview On Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers have come a long way in recent years. Although pressure cooking is certainly nothing new, traditional cookware could be dangerous. Todays pressure cookers use a sealing system that keeps contents safely inside, then release steam gradually. Theyre so easy to operate, even a novice can handle them safely.
There are two major types of pressure cookers, though. The electric pressure cookers designed for making meals have become the most popular type. These units operate as slow cookers, pressure cookers and rice cookers in one handy device. You can even make yogurt and cheesecake in this type of cooker.
Another type of pressure cooking is geared specifically toward canning. Although you can cook meals in these units, they arent quite as user-friendly as all-in-one units. They also tend to have a much higher capacity, as theyre designed to hold multiple jars of foods.
If you participate in canning, a pressure cooker is the best way to go. The USDA says pressure canning is the only safe method for canning meat, fish, poultry and all vegetables. Traditional water bath canners can only reach temperatures of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which isnt hot enough to kill off bacteria that grows in foods with low acid levels. Pressure canning takes care of that, keeping you and your loved ones safe.
