Instant Pot Size Comparison

How Big Is A 6qt Instant Pot

The 6-quart Instant Pot holds 4 quarts of food and is big enough to feed a family of 4 with leftovers. It is the most popular size of Instant Pot.

Because you are only supposed to fill the pot full, the maximum ingredient fill for a 6-quart Instant Pot is 4 quarts.

If you are trying to make sure you have the counter space or cabinet space for one, they are 13.4 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, 12.5 inches tall. It weighs about 13 pounds. So, it takes up a good amount of space and can be pretty heavy.

The 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular size machine sold, and for a good reason. It feeds a family of 4 comfortably, usually with leftovers.

It is the perfect size if you have a lot of hungry family members.

You can make a huge pot of soup, cook a whole chicken, and batch cook bone broth. And most Instant Pot recipes are written for the 6-quart pot. If you buy anything smaller or bigger, youll have to scale the recipe and adjust cooking times. Some even come with Smart WiFi!

But dont buy the smaller machine because you think cooking time will be faster.

All of the models will cook food in the same amount of time using high pressure. But the larger the model, the longer it will take to come to pressure. It will also take longer to release pressure.

Its not a lot of time, but just keep that in mind when you are considering your options.

What Should I Do If I See The Instant Pot Burn Warning

When I see the Instant Pot BURN warning, I consider what is in the pot. If its hard boiled eggs that get the burn warning, I can bet that all of the water has evaporated and I should have added more . If I have something in my Instant Pot with tomato sauce, I can bet its that because tomato products tend to burn in the Instant Pot.

If my pot has just come to pressure and still has some time to cook, Ill release pressure and stir the contents. Ill also add more liquid to the pot to get rid of the burn warning. Ill then start the pot again, after reducing the cooking time .

Sometimes I see the BURN warning towards the end of the cooking cycle. If I see that, Ill release the pressure and stir the contents. Especially if I have noodles in the pot, I can usually put the lid back on and let them finish cooking without adding additional time to the pot.

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>

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Instant Pot 8 Quart Comparison: The Models Side By Side

The Instant Pot 8 Quart is a large electric pressure cooker currently made by Instant Pot. Lets compare the models and features of the eight models available to help you choose which one is right for you.

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.

Instant Pot® designs each of their electric pressure cookers to be convenient, safe, and dependable. The 8 quart is the largest option for most models, except for this one Instant Pot that is available as a 10 quart. There are eight 8 quart models currently available, each with slight variations that might make you choose one version over the other.

Can You Cook Small Amounts In A Large Instant Pot

A concern I have seen raised, is if you can still cook small or even single portion servings in the 6 or 8 Quart Instant Pot.

The answer is yes, you can!

You must add a minimum amount of water to your pot depending on which size you have. As long as you have the correct minimum then you cook any amount of food you prefer within the limits of the pot.

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Instant Pot Duo Crisp

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is Instant Pots combination air fryer and pressure cooker, with a separate lid for each function.

If youre in the market for an 8-quart pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp would be a really great choice. You get all the capabilities of the classic Instant Pot, plus the great air frying capabilities.

Read my full Instant Pot Duo Crisp Review.

How Do Instant Pots Work

Cooking food in the Instant Pot is not instantaneous as the appliances name might suggest although it does speed up the process overall. Instant Pots need time to heat up so their temperature can rise above boiling point, which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit at sea level. As it heats up, food inside the Instant Pot releases steam, and the appliance traps the steam inside. The build-up of steam inside the Instant Pot creates a high-pressure environment when the appliance reaches an optimal pressure point, a pressure valve lifts into place and steam is released through a vent on the appliances lid. Thats when the foods cooking time begins.

Barbone said the most anxiety-inducing part of using an Instant Pot, especially for first-time users, is the steam. The Instant Pot makes a lot of noise as the pressure rises and a lot of steam shoots out of a small vent on the lid at a rapid pace. But rest assured this is supposed to happen, and if anything goes wrong, the Instant Pot will shut down.

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How To Choose The Best Size Instant Pot For You

We would suggest that, as a guide, you should opt for an Instant Pot which is big enough to cook a full one-pot dinner for your whole family, with a bit of extra space if possible.

So, if you think youll only ever use your Instant Pot to cook for yourself and perhaps one other person, then you might consider getting the smallest 3-quart pot.

You would be able to fit a 2-portion casserole or stew in this model, and perhaps a very small cut of meat or a few baby back ribs.

Wed suggest that the 3-quart pot is perfect for places with limited room or storage space. It can be used to cook for 1-2 people but isnt big enough for batch cooking or bulky meals.

If you have more than one Instant Pot, then a smaller one like this would be handy for cooking side dishes.

However, if you look at the external dimensions, the 6-quart pot is twice the cooking volume of the 3-quart model, but only a couple of inches bigger in size.

Wed suggest upgrading to this size if you can, and then you can use your Instant Pot to cook for friends or make larger batches of food to store in the freezer.

The 6-quart Instant Pot is considered to be the perfect size for a family of 4. You can fit a small joint of meat or whole chicken inside this pot, and it will make large batches of soup or casserole as well.

Most people find that they can cook enough food for 6 people in a 6-quart pot.

The 8-quart instant pot will easily hold a medium to large joint of meat, or a larger whole chicken.

What Is The Instant Pot Anyway

Its a multi-purpose electrical appliance. Think like a Crock Pot or slow cooker, except it can also do other things its a pressure cooker, a yogurt maker, and more. What features you get depends on what model you choose.

In other words its a plug-n-play machine that can replace a bunch of your kitchen appliances! And its amazing!

We have 2 Instant Pots and use them both multiple times each day. In fact, I love it so much that we have an entire class on pressure cooking featuring the Instant Pot.

For more info, check out the Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package or our Pressure Cooking eCourse .

Yet I use the Instant for much more besides like its my favorite way to reheat leftovers which you can learn about here. Or if you want to see 11 creative uses for an Instant Pot, go here. Theyre fun!

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What Happens If You Open An Instant Pot Under Pressure

This is an experiment that we definitely do not want you to try at home! When in the closed-vent pressure cooking mode, steam builds up under enormous pressure inside your Instant Pot.

If you were to open the lid at this point, then your foodand boiling hot steam and liquidwould explode upwards into the air!

This would not only end up with your dinner splattered everywhere but potentially also cause serious burns and scalds.

This is why many Instant Pots have a locking system, which means it is impossible to open it whilst under pressure. The vent must be opened and steam allowed to escape before the lid is opened.

To Our Valued Customers

We regret that due to technical challenges caused by new regulations in Europe, we can for the time being no longer accept orders from the European Union. If you reside in the UK you can continue to order from our UK websites or shop from our locations and partners. Visit West Elm at www.westelm.co.uk and Pottery Barn Kids at www.potterybarnkids.co.uk.

Matters of consumer privacy and rights are paramount to our brands and we will continue to work diligently to make our products available to you. The pace of global regulations is hard to predict, but we have the ultimate goal of being able to offer our products everywhere.

We share your disappointment and greatly appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your patronage.

Also Check: Instant Pot Different Sizes

Instant Pot Size Comparison: 3 6 8 Or 10

If youve been eyeing an Instant Pot, youve probably noticed that it comes in many different sizes. So not only do you have to decide between the many different functions available on each model, you also have to choose which size fits you best. Thats why weve put together this Instant Pot Size Comparison guide.

» Check out these Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: Which To Buy and Is the Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe?

What is the best Instant Pot size for your needs? They range from small to very large, so it can be difficult for a first-timer to decide what size would suit their needs.

Weve tried them all and have some tips and information to help you choose the right one. Consider the factors listed below to discover the perfect Instant Pot size for you.

Costs: Can You Save With A Larger Pot

Price is certainly a variable youll notice when you look at an instant pot sizes comparison.

Generally, the larger the cooker, the more expensive it will be. However, you do have to consider the longer term costs as well.

If you buy a smaller cooker, you might end up using it twice as often to cook the same amount of food you could have fit into a larger model.

In the long term, between the increased electricity use and your time in the kitchen, you may well save money by buying a larger cooker up front.

You can find more information on prices and features in our instapot review of the best selling models.

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What Sizes Do Instant Pots Come In

Instant Pots come in four different sizes. These range from a mini 3-quart pot, up to a giant 10-quart pot.

If you are struggling to visualize how big these might be, here is a handy guide:

It is important to remember that the actual dimensions do vary according to the type of Instant Pot you buy, so check these carefully if the overall size is a big priority for you.

The last thing you want is an Instant Pot which takes up most of your worktop space!

Also, if you pick an air fryer model it will come with a separate lid for frying, which is much taller. You will also need a place to store the air fryer lid and any other accessories.

Can You Make Bread In An Instant Pot

An Instant Pot doesnt have the hot, dry environment thats typically used for baking standard loaves of bread. However, there are specialty types of baked goods, like steamed buns, that can be cooked in an Instant Pot. Its also possible to bake cakes, but they will have a different exterior and texture since they will be steamed rather than baked. However, for the models of Instant Pot that can hold a precise low temperature of about 90 degrees, the Instant Pot can be used for proofing bread dough.

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What Size Instant Pot Should I Get

The Instant Pot comes in three sizes: 3 quarts, 6 quarts, and 8 quarts, making it a versatile countertop appliance for small kitchens and large families alike. The 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular option for home cooks, as most recipes are written for that size. Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people. The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal when youre feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or doing weekly meal prep. Last but not least is the 3-quart Instant Pot , which is perfect for cooking for one or two people or keeping in a small kitchen. While every model is available in the 6-quart size, not all models are available in the 3- and 8-quart sizes.

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

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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.

Instant Pot Duo Nova Dimensions

The Instant Pot Duo Nova is the newest model released in August 2019. The dimensions for this model are comparable to its electric pressure cooker siblings. The weights are as noted on Amazon, but will likely be updated as I think they include the shipping materials, not just the appliance itself.

Lets take a closer look at the Instant Pot Duo Nova dimensions for each quart size. The 3 quarts, 6 quarts, 8 quarts, and 10 quarts are available models.

* The Instant Pot Nova Plus, not to be confused with the Duo Nova Plus, was previously a Costco exclusive model thats no longer available.

** The height of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer comes with two lids to accommodate both cooking methods. The Air Fryer lid adds about 1 inch of the overall height of this model.

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