Recently Discontinued Instant Pots
As its product line has grown and evolved, Instant Brands has retired some of its older models.Instant Pot Viva: Discontinued in the U.S.The Instant Pot Viva began as a QVC exclusive and was later sold through other retailers. The Viva has since been discontinued in the United States but this 6-quart model is still available in Canada.
Duo Nova Instant Pot: 10-quart Size DiscontinuedWhile you can still get a Duo Nova Instant Pot in 3-, 6-, and 8-quart sizes, the 10-quart Instant Pot Duo Nova has been discontinued.
Instant Pot Nova Plus: Discontinued
The Nova Plus was a Costco Instant Pot exclusive that is no longer available. The Nova Plus was similar to the Duo but had the blue LED screen of the Duo Plus.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: Discontinued
The Duo Evo Plus was an upgrade on the standard Duo and has been discontinued by Instant Pot. It had an upgraded blue LED display panel like the Duo Plus and a sleeker interface.
Instant Pot Lux: Discontinued
This early Instant Pot lacked many of the features you can get in even the most basic models available in 2022. The Lux has been discontinued by the brand, though you can sometimes still .
Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi: DiscontinuedThis Wi-Fi-enabled 6-quart Instant Pot has been discontinued and replaced by the Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-quart Smart Multi-Cooker.
Instant Pot just got delivered? Put it to use with one of these Instant Pot recipes:
Instant Pot Duo 7 In 1
This is the most popular model from the Instant Pot family, was the Best Seller for pressure cookers since 2015 when it was released. Features all the same functions as the LUX model but includes the details that are not included in the 6 in 1 model
So just like the lux can Pressure cook, slow cook, work as a steamer, rice maker, saute your veggies and keep warm your meals once they are ready. But it also adds the Yogurt function that makes it even more multifunctional than before.
It also was on top of the lid holders and Low-Pressure option so they were on top of all the details that were lacking in the previous model.
When it comes to sizes just like the LUX the 7 in 1 is available on 3, 6 and 8 quarts as well.
In case you want to know more about it you can check
Or read OurFull Review>
Lets Start With How Tall Are Instant Pots
Starting out lets look at their general size. The little 3 qt. is just adorable and lightweight. It would be easy to find a place on your counter for it.
The 6 qt. is a nice moderate height. I have an old farmhouse and the upper cabinets in my kitchen come down low so not very many appliances actually fit under my cabinets. But this one does! I always pull it out when I cook with it so when I release the steam it doesnt go directly on the cabinets.
The 8 qt. is definitely a big girl. She isnt going to be tucked away anywhere. Shes going to be a show stopper and take up her fair share of the space.
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Instant Pot 6 Quart Models
The 6 Quart Instant Pot is available in the core series models along with a few additional versions. The 6 quarts models include:
- Duo 6 Quart
- Viva
- Duo Gourmet
For Star Wars fans, there are five Duo 6 quart options available: Darth Vadar, Little Bounty , R2-D2, and a stormtrooper.
For Harry Potter fans, Williams-Sonoma sells a Harry Potter-themes 6 quart Duo Plus.
Additional models that were previously sold in 6 quart options include: Instant Pot Smart , Duo Evo Plus, Lux, and Duo Nova
The Instant Pot is generally available in black with stainless steel. And newer models are black stainless steel.
There were a few special color options for the Lux and Viva 6 quart models which you may still be able to find, in addition to a Lux series made with the Pioneer Woman. Instant Pot also started to release the Duo 6 quart in a few colors including white, coral, and teal available through Amazon.
Related: Instant Pot Pro vs Duo Differences Compared
Instant Pot Smart Programs Vs Functions
Instant Pots are beloved because of their ability to cook foods quickly using pressure. But theyre also wildly popular, in part, because theyre true multi-cookers that can be used to braise, sauté, steam, and so much more. But all Instant Pots are not created equaler, not every model can perform every function, and theyre billed accordingly . All Instant Pots can pressure-cook, slow-cook, sauté, and keep warm, and fancier models tack on additional cooking methods like yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, broiling, and air-frying. The functions are customizable, and while you cant air-fry or broil in a model that doesnt have an air-frying lid, people still manage to bake cake in models that dont offer mini oven functionality and make yogurt in models that arent officially marketed for yogurt-making.
The Instant Pot Smart Programs allow you to engage each cookers listed functionality with the touch of a button. Many models also have additional Smart Programs that take the guesswork out of specific items like cake, yogurt, eggs, brown rice, and more. The buying guide below details which and how many functions and Smart Programs are available with each model.
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What Kind Of Liquid Should I Add To My Instant Pot
When we say that you need water or liquid for your pot to come to pressure, know that liquid can also come from the food in your pot. Vegetables usually release a lot of liquid when cookingthink about zucchini.
Also, frozen chicken releases a lot of liquid when its cooking, which is why its great to use when cooking dry beans and rice like in my Instant Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe.
What Size Instant Pot Do You Need
If youve been wondering What Size Instant Pot should I use? this is the guide for you! Read on to learn about the different Instant Pot sizes available, along with useful info and handy tips that will help you make sure youre using the right size for your needs.
Whether youre thinking about adding an Electric Pressure Cooker to your holiday wish list, preparing to score a deal on a new Instant Pot, or are just looking for a quick and easy way to make family meals, you truly cannot go wrong with an Instant Pot.
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 9 In 1
This model appears to the market as the upgraded version of the Best Seller DUO, so if you think that they could go any better than the 7 n 1 model you were wrong!
This model includes all the same features that the DUO series but it comes with important additions that can make the DUO Plus 9 in 1 the best companion on any kitchen period!
So just like the 7 in 1 version this one can function as a Pressure Cooker, Saute, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Warmer, Yogurt Maker, but it also adds 2 extra functions the Egg/Cake function that can not only make perfect eggs but also can cook cakes!. But thats not all this model can also Sterilize your utensils or baby bottles as well!
This series is also available in 3, 6 and 8 quarts.
In case you want to know more about it you can check
Or read OurFull Review>
What Does A 5 Qt Pan Look Like
A pressure cooker is a great tool for making soups, stews, chilis, sauces, and other dishes that take longer to cook. It is important to choose the right size pressure cooker for your needs. A larger pressure cooker will allow you to cook more food at once, but if you only need a smaller one, you wont get as many uses from it. Also, check the maximum weight capacity of your pressure cooker. This will help you determine how big of a meal you can cook in it. For example, if youre cooking a whole turkey, youll probably need a bigger pressure cooker than if you were cooking a single serving of soup.
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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.
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.
Read Also: How To Make Bone Broth In Instant Pot
Qt Vs 8 Qt Instant Pot: Here Are Differences
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Whether you live alone, are a working parent who needs to cook food for your family, or are a member of a large family, an Instant Pot is a must-have. After all, it can cook any meal 70% faster than the conventional method. When buying one for your kitchen, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is the size 6 qt or 8 qt?
Anything smaller will not be practical as you do not want to stuff food in there, and a pot that is too big for the food youre making will cook the food less efficiently. In this article we will discuss the 6 qt Vs 8 qt Instant Pot. Let me begin by saying that there are a lot of differences between the two other than just the size.
Even though the Instant Pot craze started in 2010, it has come a long way from its humble beginning. Today, you can find Instant Pots of various sizes with a wide variety of features. We will discuss some of the other models and features further down in this article, however, the first thing we will look at is how to choose the ideal size for your needs. Instant Pot
Instant Pot Sizes 8 Quart Vs 6 Quart
Two of the most popular sizes of instant pot are the 6 and 8 quart.
6 quarts is often considered the average, and is available in virtually every model. Its a great size for cooking for a small to medium family, and certainly large enough to do some batch cooking in.
The inner pot fits easily in most dishwashers, and the cooker doesnt take up a huge amount of space on your counter.
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What Is The Instant Pot
I like to refer to my Instant Pot as the miracle machine. While pressure cooking is what it does best, there are many more ways to use this magical gadget. The Instant Pot is a brand of multicooker that can function as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and slow cooker, to name a few.
Its sometimes referred to as the Instapot, even though thats not really its name. And since its now so popular, electric pressure cookers in general are being referred to as Instant Pots even though thats actually a brand name. Its like what Kleenex is to tissues.
The thing most home cooks need to know about the Instant Pot is that it cooks food under pressure, which allows it to cook quickly and lock in more flavor. Pasta is done in 4 minutes. A whole pot roast is done in 60 minutes.
How To Use Your Instant Pot For Air Frying Cooking
Some Instant Pot models like the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and Air Fryer come equipped with air frying capabilities. However, there are Instant Pot lids available for purchase to add this function to your Instant Pot.
Unfortunately these lids are only for use with the 6 quart size.
But there are third party air fryer lids you can obtain for the 8 quart size that will also allow your Instant Pot to air fry.
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Wow That’s A Lot Of Sizes How Many Does Each One Feed
In all honesty, the true answer depends on how hungry the people you feed are. But here are some good estimates.
The 3-quart is best for side dishes or if you live alone and don’t plan on cooking for anyone except yourself. If it’s the latter, you may or may not have leftovers, depending on how much you can eat.
For most, the 6-quart is a good and dependable option. It’s enough for at least two people, but it can feed up to four. Again, depending on how hungry everyone is, there may or may not be leftovers. I know I use a 6-quart for my fiancé and me, and we usually end up with leftovers for at least two days.
The 8-quart is best for families of four or more, but you can still use it if you’re feeding less than that and want a lot of leftovers for the week. It’s also great if you tend to invite a lot of people over for dinner or cook more for potlucks and other social events.
Do Different Sizes Of Instant Pots Cook Differently
Im sticking by my statement that each Instant Pot is different. This is so true when you hear people talk about how long they cook their hard boiled eggs.
In addition to each pot being different, everyone has preferences about their hard boiled eggs, and how old your eggs are makes a difference too. There are a lot of cooking variables to consider.
With regard to noodles, I have realized that I like my noodles overcooked a little rather than undercooked. After making a few recipes in my IP, I know that if I am cooking a dish with noodles Ill always add a minute.
You can make changes to recipes you find online to get the best possible results when you make them at home. Like I said, every Instant Pot is different. It is always going to take some trial and error to figure out how your own pot differs from others, and understand what your cooking preferences are.
These tips and tricks will show you some common Instant Pot cooking differences and how to adjust your timing, pressures, and liquid in order to avoid a flop!
Read Also: What Is The Biggest Instant Pot
Should I Get The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is sold 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.
What Can I Cook In A 6 Quart Instant Pot
Here are some of the things you can cook in a 6 Quart model:
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