Is There A 5 Quart Instant Pot
The 5 quart Instant Pot size was discontinued. It was available as an Instant Pot Lux and Duo. It was replaced by the 6 quart model. You may find them in local second-hand stores and check with the company directly if you have one and need parts for it.
You can now choose from 3 quarts, 6 quarts, and 8 quarts, depending on which fits your need.
Best For Advanced Chefs: Instant Pot Pro 10
Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions : 13 x 12.7 x 12.8 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Programs: 28
Replacing our former “Best for Advanced Chefs” pick is the newer Instant Pot Pro. This model has the more modern matte black Instant Pot look, something that’s a bit easier to keep clean than the previous stainless steel siding. Inside, you’ll find the new silicone-handled inner pot, which is versatile enough to be used on the stove in a pinch. Of course, there are also more than 11 safety features so you don’t have to worry about a disaster in your kitchen.
The front panel packs a lot of information into its display, while also making you feel very “welcome to the future.” Once it turns on, no matter which of the 28 different programs you chose, you easily move to the next field by twisting the knob. And if you mess up, it’s easy to start over.
When we sent this home for testing, we found that you do need to read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with all the options. Our tester, who’s used Instant Pots before but never her own, appreciated that the booklet walks you through a “water test” before using it. Once she started using it for recipes, she found you definitely will need to wait until the “preheat” cycles are done especially when using the sauté function. But as she used the Rice, Sous Vide, and Manual functions, our tester fell more and more in love with it.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3
The updated version of the classic America’s #1 most loved multi-cooker!
Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile, and convenient, the Instant Pot® Duo is the one that started it all. The updated Easy-Release switch makes steam release simple and fast. Redefine cooking and enjoy quick and easy meals anywhere, any time.
- 7-in-1 pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer
- Easy-Release switch for simple, fast steam release
- 11 customizable programs for quick one-touch meals
- Stainless-steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom for perfect sautéing
- Cook up to 3 servings, perfect for students, singles, small families, and sides
- Great in dorms, small apartments, cubicles, on holiday and more
- Up to 70% faster and more energy efficient than other cooking methods
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot for quick and easy clean-up
- 10+ proven safety features, including Overheat Protection and safe locking lid
- Stainless-steel steamer rack included
- 700 watts, 120 V~ 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
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What Can You Cook In A Vortex Mini Air Fryer
With four ways of cooking in one, you can AIR FRY chips, ROAST quarter chicken, BAKE pastries and REHEAT leftovers in the Vortex Mini. Whether fresh or frozen, this new small air fryer is convenience at its best. Our only Air Fryer available in four stylish colours, theres one to match every kitchen.
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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How Is An Instant Pot Different From A Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker can either be an electric device you plug into the wall, or it can be a stovetop cooker that uses your cooktops heat. A pressure cooker builds up steam pressure inside of an airtight pot to quickly cook food. An Instant Pot is a multifunctional pressure cooker, meaning it has additional cooking functions outside of pressure cooking. Instant Pots also are slow cookers, sauté pots, warmers, steamers, and more.
What Size Should I Get
The 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular size by far, and its the one we recommend for most folks. It offers plenty of capacity for weeknight dinners, soups and stews, a pot of beans, or even a whole chicken, yet it doesnt take up a crazy amount of counter or shelf space.
But the choice is entirely up to you, and it depends on your cooking habits and available storage space. The Instant Pot Duo also comes in a 3-quart Mini size and an 8-quart size, whereas the Instant Pot Pro comes only in 6- and 8-quart sizes.
The 3-quart Mini version is a good option for one or two people or for folks with limited kitchen storage. But the appropriately named Mini has a tiny pressure-cooking capacity that tops out at 2 quarts. For foods that expand when they cook, such as beans and grains, the total volume cant exceed 1½ quarts.
If you cook for a lot of people or frequently make stock or broth, consider the 8-quart size. The hulking 8-quart Instant Pot will take up as much space on your countertop as a dish rack , but it can yield almost 1 gallon of stock.
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Should You Buy The Duo Mini
If you’re cooking for just yourself or you and your significant other, the Instant Pot DUO Mini offers all you need in a package that doesn’t take up much space on your counter. The DUO Mini generally sells for slightly less than its full-sized siblings. However, the difference is minor, and with the larger models, you can get double the cooking capacity by spending only about 20% more. Therefore, you pay a slight premium for the DUO Mini’s small stature, but that premium is well worth it if you don’t have much counter space.
If I Already Have A Slow Cooker And A Rice Cooker Do I Really Need Another Appliance
Well, we cant dictate what you need. However, the Instant Pot is more functional than a slow cooker and a rice cooker combined because it can also pressure-cook. The word instant in the name gives it away: You can cook things astonishingly fast in a pressure cookereven notoriously slow-cooking or labor-intensive foods, such as risotto and brisket.
We think rice cooked in the Instant Pot is fine for most people, though the grains dont come out as fluffy and light as they do from a high-end rice cooker like our top pick, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10. Rice aficionados might want to keep their rice cookers, especially for cooking sushi-grade grains.
If youre worried about clutter, you can donate your old appliances to a charity, or hand them off to someone in your life whos just starting out. Were sure theyd appreciate them.
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What Are Your Other Questions About Instant Pot Sizes
When shopping for an Instant Pot you have multiple size options available: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart across different models. As part of deciding which to buy you need to think about your kitchen space, what types of dishes youll cook, and how much you want to spend.
The option available will change over time and youll likely find a need to own multiple sizes. Smaller side dishes can fit nicely into a 3 quart while the 6 and 8 quart models are great for both main dishes and batch cooking.
What other questions do you have? And what are you considering as part of your research?
How Instant Pots Work
Instant Pots and other pressure cookers have unique lids that create an airtight seal. Once the lid is locked in place and the cooker is set, steam gets produced in the pot and can’t escape.
The trapped steam increases the atmospheric pressure inside the cooker, increasing the boiling point of liquids and speeding up the time it takes to boil, braise or steam foods.
An Instant Pot should not be confused with an air fryer. Check out our guide on Instant Pot vs air fryer for more details.
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Instant Pot Smart Unlimited
Just when you thought that these cookers couldnt improve anymore, the IP family appears with the SMART edition that can perform all the features and functions just like the DUO 7 in 1 series but it can function as well via internet and Bluetooth giving you the ability to use your cooker even where you are not at home.
You can program your cooker from your phone using the Smart App that gives you control of the cooker from anywhere.
You can also write, download and upload different recipes. You are able to write a program where the food might pressure cook on high for one hour, then slow cook for 3 hours, and then pressure cook again on low for another 30 minutes.
So this cooker is great for those folks that like to get that level of control and they like the Smart houses.
When it comes to size you can only get the 6 quarts version for now.
In case you want to know more about it you can check
Differences Between Instant Pot 3 Quart And 6 Quart
When it comes to choosing an instant pot, size isnt the only thing that matters! The difference can stem from the design, available features, and overall performance.
So, were going to discuss them to facilitate your decision-making process.
- Difference in Design
While appearance isnt something that affects functionality, its still quite important. Instant pot, in all its glory, is a kitchen appliance. Its going to sit inside your kitchen so you want something that looks appealing and matches the décor.
As instant pots come with varied designs, youd want to pick one that looks the best to you.
Aside from the difference in appearance, the 3-quart version is a mini product. Its small enough to fit any place perfectly as it doesnt occupy much space.
You will find it easy to store inside your kitchen cabinet or leave it safely on a table. However, it offers limited functionality due to the compact design.
Since the 6 quart instant pot is a larger appliance, its going to take up a lot of your kitchen space. Its comparatively harder to store for obvious reasons.
However, its something you will have to sacrifice if you want to prepare a large volume of food.
- Difference in Capacity
As weve mentioned before, the 3 quart instant pot isnt good enough for large families. The limited space makes it suitable for holding a small amount of food. It cant cook meals for more than 2/3 people.
- Difference in Performance
- Difference in Safety
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Is Instant Pot Safe
Weve all heard the horror stories of pressure cookers exploding, and the truth is if you do not use a pressure cooker properly, traditional stove top or electric, they can cause injury. After all, you are dealing with up to 15psi of very hot steam.
However, Instant Pots are manufactured with 10 or more safety mechanisms, depending on the model. Instant Pots are all UL/ULC certified safe for residential use. In many cases you can even leave your Instant Pot unattended.
Just make sure you are reading the User Manual and doing the initial test run before the first use.
For more info, check out this post: Is Instant Pot safe?
Is A 6 Quart Instant Pot Too Big For My Family
It is a common question and I understand the concern.
But remember this when cooking in an Instant Pot or any pressure cooker, for that matter, you only really fill it about 2/3 of the way full.
You need to leave space for the pressure to build up and the boiling of the liquid or whatever else you might be making.
So, 2/3 of 6 quarts is 4 quarts which is equivalent to one gallon.
If you are worried that a 6 quart Instant Pot will be too big, then remember that you can always make less food in a larger size Instant Pot you don’t have to fill it up.
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Check The Model As Some Are Only Available In 1 Size
Certain special Instant Pot models are only available in a single quart size.
For example, if you have an Instant Pot Max, Instant Pot Duo SV, or Instant Pot Smart WiFi, you own a 6 quart model. These models are exclusively offered in the 6 quart size.
The Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is an 8 quart model. And this is the only Instant Pot to be offered as only at the 8 quart size.
Check the front control panel of your Instant Pot to confirm which model you own. The name should be on the upper right of the control panel on the front of your Instant Pot.
How Many People Does Each Pot Size Feed
A 3 quart pot is ideal for making side dishes as opposed to full meals. It is also a good choice if you are just cooking for yourself. Buying a 6 quart pot is a good choice if you are going for anywhere from 2 to 4 people. An 8 quart pot can accommodate large families and will be useful if you have a few guests over for dinner. If you are planning to have a big get together, this is a great option to consider.
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What Can You Cook In The Star Wars Instant Pot
Like R2-D2, the Instant Pot is an invaluable machine with many cooking skill sets. Of course, R2D2 is still astronomically better than any Earthling droid .
Anyway, I digress.
It features 7 core functionspressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sautéing pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. As a result, you can literally make hundreds or thousands of recipes with the R2D2 Instant Pot. For instance, there are already 1,000+ FREE recipes waiting for you from the websites directory alone.
Here are all its major cooking functions:
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
- 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
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Can You Cook Frozen Chicken In An Instant Pot
Yes. There are a number of recipes devoted to cooking all kinds of foods from their frozen state in an Instant Pot. For some recipes, a little extra time is required to fully cook the meat, but in other cases the extra time required to come up to pressure is enough extra time to completely cook the food.
How To Clean The Star Wars Instapot
Fortunately, Instant Pots cleans easily. Heres a video demo.
Ultimately, you only need to worry about the inner pot and lid . The base, on the other hand, solely needs a simple wiping with a damp cloth.
Heres more:
Compared to traditional cooking, maintaining an Instapot is also easier. Think about it, you can sauté then pressure or slow cook in ONE pot. As a result, youll have fewer pans/pots to wash.
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Consider The Dishes Youll Be Cooking
Although instant pots are great for pressure cooking, their functions arent limited to that. There are so many things that you can do with the right instant pot.
You will be able to do a lot of different cooking with it, effectively replacing many of your kitchen alliances.
In addition to allowing you to cook rice, many models even allow you to make yogurt. They come with the ability to pasteurize and ferment milk without any trouble. You can make the perfect yogurt with them.
Fortunately for you, the high-quality ones are fitted with plenty of presets for allowing you to take on various types of cooking like steaming, sauteing, slow cooking, and more. You can even rely on them for warming your food as well!
For streamlining your cooking experience, some of the models boast a set and forget feature. With instant pots, you will get to cook oatmeal, meat, beans, grains, soups, chilis, eggs, cakes, and countless other recipes. Cooking wont feel like a chore anymore!
The Smart Sterilize Program found in many top-grade instant pots will keep the utensils and bottles germ-free for your babies.
As you can see, instant pots offer a lot of versatility. You wont have to limit yourself to a specific type of cooking. Now, certain recipes require larger pots while others can be prepared in a smaller pot.
So, think about the recipes youll be cooking with your pot before buying.
What is the Best Instant Pot: Recommendations
