Smart: For The Techie
- The Smart WiFi multi-cooker has all the features that other models offer along with the addition of WiFi connectivity, which allows you to set, monitor, and control your cooking from your phone. So you need to have a smartphone or a tablet to be able to remotely connect, and be within 30 feet
- It also comes with more than 1000+ pre-programmed recipes that you can find on the Instant Pot app.
- When your dish is nearly done, youll receive an alert on your smart phone and can even send your recipes and cooking results to your family.
- The keep warm function has 3 different temperature levels normal, less and more.
Instant Pot Comparison Chart
If you are completely new to Instant Pot, let me share what is an Instant Pot – It is the top-selling multi-cooker and the most popular kitchen gadget. It is a device that combines an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and sauté in one handy unit. It can speed up cooking time, especially for meats, grains and lentils. Some instant pot models have additional functions, such as sterilizing baby bottles, making yogurt, or wifi connectivity/app. Instant Pot has also recently launched a multi-cooker + air fryer combination, called Instant Pot DUO Crisp.
Instant Pot website has an awesome comparison chart that maps out all the models, functions, features, and sizes. You will definitely find this resource helpful.
There are 7 main models of Instant Pot: Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, Smart, Max, and Crisp.
Falling somewhere in between are the Nova Plus and Viva models that have a combination of features in the main models, launched exclusively in partnership with Costco and QVC, respectively.
When deciding which instant pot to buy, there are 2 main questions you need to answer:
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.
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Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart
The defining feature of the new Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart is that you can pair it with your iPhone or Android to automatically engage the cooking functions from more than 800 smart recipes on the Instant Brands Connect app. This doesnt mean you can press Start while youre at the office and come home to your Instant Pot braising ribs , but you can control almost everything through the appincluding the steam release! The Pro Plus Smart also features a premium inner pot with easy-grab handles and comes with NutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot to enhance the flavor and texture.
Built-in smart programs: Access 800+ smart recipes via the appFunctions: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt-making, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, baking, sterilizing, NutriBoostSizes available: 6-quart 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 of your Instant Pot. Generally, every model 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.
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Why I Love My Pressure Cooker
Can I just say, I love my pressure cooker. I started out with the Power Pressure cooker XL I bought from QVC about 5 years ago, but updated tho the 8 qt Instant Pot DUO80 7-in-1 Multi-Use Pressure Cooker a few years ago during the prime day sale
I have tried many recipe in my pressure cooker and my favorite foods to cook in it are soups and stews, cuts of meat, eggs, and of course desserts. Ive done a few pasta recipes, but in my opinion, I still prefer some pastas on the stove top.
Which Instant Pot To Buy
November 27, 2021 . By Meeta Arora . | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is the question that I get asked most often – “I want to buy the instant pot, but there are so many choices and I am confused. Can you help me?“. So here I am sharing how you can best decide the right size and model for your instant pot. I will also be sharing my top picks in case you are short on time!
I know it is that time of the year when Instant Pot will once again be the Black Friday best seller on Amazon. It has been since the last 3 years.
First, I am going to share my short and sweet summary of my top picks. Then we will go through the details of why I make these choices.
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Types Of The Best Instant Pot 8 Quart
There are a lot of different types of instant pot 8 quarts on the market these days, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! Here are some of the best instant pot 8 quarts on the market:
1. The stovetop pressure cooker.
The first type of instant pot 8 quart is the stovetop pressure cooker. These cookers are very versatile and can be used for many different types of recipes. They’re also very easy to use, and clean-up is a breeze.
2. The electric pressure cooker.
Another popular type of instant pot 8 quart is the electric pressure cooker. These cookers are more expensive than stovetop models, but they offer many advantages, such as being much easier to use and having a variety of settings that allow you to customize your cooking experience.
3. Microwaveable pressure cookers
Finally, there are also microwaveable pressure cookers. These are great for those who want the convenience of an instant pot but don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of using a stovetop model. They’re also very easy to clean and can be used for a variety of different recipes.
Power Pressure Cooker Xl Digital 8 Qt Pressure Cooker W/ Dual Racks
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- Includes 8-qt pressure cooker with glass lid, two cooking racks, food chopper, measuring cup, ladle, wire canning rack, steaming tray, Power Cooking recipe book, canning guide, 40 recipe cards
- Seven one-touch preset functions: canning, soup, slow cook, rice/risotto, beans/lentils, fish/vegetables/steam, and chicken/meat
- Do not use this unit for pressure canning above an altitude of 2000 feet
- Delay timer and Keep Warm function
- Manual pressure and cooking time adjustments
- Three-way safe-lock system
- Dishwasher-safe removable inner pot
- Stainless steel housing
- Measurements: Cooker 13-1/2″H x 13-3/4″W x 11-1/2″D, weighs 13.4 lbs, Cord 37″L Tall cooking rack 5″H x 7-1/2″Diam Short cooking rack 3″H x 7-1/2″Diam Chopper 9-1/4″H x 3-1/2″D
- ETL listed 60-day Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
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Power Pressure Cooker Xl 8
Parts accessories in keeping with Powerpressurecooker.Accessories assistance your pressure cooker call customer service 9732875159 hours of service.
Pressure cooker xl 8qt with pressure in line with Qvc.Pressure pressure 8qt pressure with previously recorded video playback recipes contain expired exclusivity claims, offers.
Best accessories for pressure cooker in consonance with Thisoldgal.Here pressure users favorite accessories, pressure cooker ppcxl instant ipsmart instant ipduo60 ipduo80 instant, gowise quarter pressure pressure power other models.
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What Size Instant Pot Should I Buy
The instant pot is available in 4 main sizes – 3qt, 6qt, 8qt and 10qt.
When figuring out what size instant pot you need, there are 2 main questions to ask:
In my opinion, the 6-quart Instant Pot is the most practical option because its big enough and does not take too much counter space. It also has good space to allow pot-in-pot cooking. That said, the 8-quart is great for large families or if you like to meal prep.
The number in the model indicates the capacity of the instant pot, for example, DUO 60 means 6-quart capacity and DUO 80 means be 8-quart.
Read Also: How To Cook Artichokes In An Instant Pot
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.
Built-in smart programs: 11Functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, air-frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydratingSizes available: 8-quart Instant Pot
Power Pressure Cooker Xl 8 Qt Digital With Glass Lid
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- Includes 8-qt pressure cooker with glass lid, power chopper, measuring cup, ladle, stainless steel wire canning rack and steamer tray, Power Recipe booklet, Canning Guide booklet, manual, and 20 recipe cards
- One-touch preset button for meat, fish, vegetables, beans, rice, and soup/stew
- Manual pressure and cooking time adjustments
- Slow-cook function
- Nonstick, dishwasher-safe removable inner pot
- Stainless steel housing
- Large digital display panel
- Chopper: great for small but difficult jobs like chopping garlic, shallots, onions, herbs, nuts, chocolate, and hard candies
- Measurements: Cooker 13-1/2″H x 13-3/4″W x 11-1/2″D, weighs 11 lbs, Cord 37″L Chopper 9-1/4″H x 3-1/2″Diam
- ETL listed 60-day Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
Also Check: Instant Pot Ultra Recipes
Which Instant Pot Model Is Right For You
When deciding the model of the instant pot to buy, there are 3 main questions to ask:
Now that we have the basics right, here is the detailed review for each instant pot model available.
- Features: This is your basic 6-in-1 multi-cooker.
- It pressure cooks, slow cooks, makes rice, sautés, steams, and has a “keep warm” setting.
- The key feature this Instant Pot lacks is the ability to pressure cook on low. The Lux is only able to pressure cook on high. Low pressure setting is useful for when cooking delicate foods such as steaming broccoli.
- Does not have yogurt function. This can be an important one for people who want to use the instant pot to make yogurt, sprout beans, proof dough, ferment batter, etc.
Instant Pot Duo Vs Lux Model
- LUX is a 6-in-1 electric pressure cooker and the DUO is a 7-in-1.
- The main difference is that LUX does not have the yogurt mode and low pressure setting.
- LUX has the preset cake and egg mode, however these can be made in the DUO with the pressure cook mode.
- LUX does not have the lid holder, which comes in handy in the DUO model.
- LUX model is a bit cheaper than DUO model.
Read Also: How To Slow Cook Chicken In Instant Pot
Whats Not Included In This Guide
Given Instant Pots popularity, Instant Brands expansion into other products was inevitable. Since its merger with Corelle in 2019, the brand has continued to improve upon its pressure cooker, but also added additional small appliances to its offerings, including air fryers, toaster ovens, air purifiers, and even a very not-instant precision slow cooker that works more like a Crock-Pot, but with added functionality.
For this in-depth Instant Pot buying guide, were covering the brands best-selling product: the pressure/multi-cooker. But as youll see, all of these Instant Pots have a slow-cooking function while a few can even be used as an air fryer or mini oven!
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.
Also Check: How To Cook Ribs In The Instant Pot
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.
Built-in smart programs: 11Functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, air-frying, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydratingSizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
Max: The Most Expensive
- It pressure cooks 10 to 15 percent faster than other models at 15psi, similar to traditional stovetop pressure cookers.
- Similar to the Smart, the Max allows a lot of control for your cooking temperature, pressure level, delay start, altitude and warm settings.
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Why You Need A Pressure Cooker:
- The benefit of the pressure cooker is it can cook your foods in significantly less time. Yes, you do have to wait for the pressure cooker to come to pressure, but that is often faster than low and slow in the oven or slow cooker.
- You dont have to babysit the food! Once you press the button snap, you can do other things and not have to stand around in a hot kitchen waiting for the next step.
- Saves energy in those hot months. Once again not heating up the kitchen and cooking in 2/3rds the time.
- And one of my favorites? You can cook many cuts of meat from frozen! So you can eliminate an entire day of defrosting something in the fridge.