Save Kitchen Space By Combining Multiple Appliances Into One
The Instant Pot combines multiple appliances into one appliance, saving you counter space, storage space, and money. Its one kitchen appliance you can use for multiple cooking needs and methods.
All of the 8 quart Instant Pot models combine a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steam, sauté pan, and warmer into one. The yogurt maker, sterilizer, cake/egg maker, and ultra programs are available in specific models in different combinations.
Here is a comparison of the appliances combined in the different 8 Quart Instant Pot options:
| Lux | |
| Air Fryer | Yes |
* The Bake reference above is a wet-based mode of cooking. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp also includes a baking feature through its air fryer lid.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is very different compared to the other electric pressure cookers as it comes with two lids, enabling both wet and dry cooking methods.
Instant Pot 8 Quart Models
The 8 quart Instant Pots are available in the core series models along with a few versions. The eight Instant Pot 8 Quart models are:
At this time all of the 8 quart models are available in black with stainless steel. For colorful options, check out the 6 quart Instant Pot Models.
Some of the additional models may be exclusive to specific stores. If youre having trouble finding a model on Amazon, you may want to check out the different home stores or the Instant Pot website directly.
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
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Which Instant Pot Should You Buy
If money is tight, buy the Instant Duo in either the 6 or 8 quart depending on the size of your family.
The 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot Duo Plus is the most popular model and it is also a great choice. The Duo Plus adds a new steam valve design that is easier to use.
Honestly, the higher end models just dont make sense in my opinion or experience. The Duo and Duo Plus have everything I need to make meals for my family and for meal prep.
However, if you want the latest and greatest with all the features including Wifi control, get the Instant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi model.
Questions about which Instant Pot is Best for You?
If you have questions, please ask them in the comments below. I love to help!
Once you get your new Instant Pot, read my simple Instant Pot Manual to learn how to do a water test and start using your Instant Pot. Then try one of these Best Instant Pot Recipes.
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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:
Also Check: Duo Nova Instant Pot 8 Quart
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.
Instant Pot Viva Review Instapot Pressure Cooker
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The Instant Pot Viva is based on the best-selling pressure cooker/multi-cooker from the brandInstant Pot Duo. However, its more like the twin sibling of the Instant Pot Duo Plus.
It has the same nine core cooking functions and a newer pressure release switch.
I have to warn you though, that the Instant Viva is an old electric pressure cooker. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is more up-to-date than the IP Viva. Or you could also check the latest Instapots.
If youre still interested in this model, its available in two cooking capacities.
Instant Pot Name
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Page : Product Specifications
Instant Pot Max / Ultra
Sizes: 6 quart
Functions: In addition to the regular Instant Pot functions, the Max has a function for sous vide cooking and pressure canning. However, I have read some worrisome reviews that claim that the Max may not reach temperatures high enough to destroy potentially harmful bacteria during pressure canning.
- The Max is the most expensive Instant Pot.
- The Max is heavier than the Duo and Ultra by 2 pounds.
- It has a sleek design and an LCD display with a touch screen.
- You can control the steam venting using the touch screen, and even program the steam release before you start the cooking cycle.
- The Max has a higher wattage and can therefore achieve higher pressure . This does not mean that it can reach pressure faster, though. The higher pressure may affect the cook times, meaning that you might not be able to use the same cook times given for recipes tested in the most common Instant Pot, the Duo.
- It has a feature called NutriBoost, which is essentially a self-stirring function to help with even cooking when cooking broth, rice and beans.
- The Max has a bigger learning curve, so it may not be ideal for beginners to Instant Pot cooking.
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First What Is An Instant Pot
Before diving into all the models, let us explain how an Instant Pot actually works. The Instant Pot is a multicooker appliance that can perform the functions of a variety of appliances in one tool. Every Instant Pot model can slow cook, pressure cook, keep your food warm and sauté, and all models can effectively cook rice, meat and soups. No matter which model you pick, you’ll get a pressure cooker that will help you prepare dishes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.
Instant Pot Duo Review
The Instant Pot Duo is designed for seven common activities while in the kitchen: high pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sauteing, yogurt making, and maintaining the food warm. This way, even if the pot is a bit bulky, you can make space on the kitchen countertop and save on energy consumption by simply getting rid of old appliances.
It also has a user-friendly interface with one-touch buttons that provide access to 14 smart pre-programmed cooking options and a Manual mode that lets users input customized options.
While the model is available in three sizes , the 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular design . Also, the fact that you can use high pressure for preparing various dishes reduces the cooking time and makes it a lot easier to make time-consuming and complex foods like bean chili, meat stew, poultry, or soup broth. Furthermore, there are lots of easy to make recipes , specially designed for the Duo Instant Pot, which makes it easy for beginners. In addition, users get free access to the Instant Pot app where millions of users everywhere provide you with cool recipe ideas!
I also enjoy the Keep Warm function that kicks in automatically at the end of each meal. This way, you can leave the pot unsupervised and go about your house chores, and the food will still be ready to eat when everyone comes to the table.
Pros
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Best Instant Pots: Which Instant Pot To Buy
See my guide on how to use an Instant Pot.
Are you wondering which Instant Pot to buy? There are so many options, from different sizes to different models, that it can be overwhelming. In this Instant Pot comparison I simplify the options to help you decide on the best Instant Pot for you and your family.
As a mom of five with real-life experience using different sizes and models of Instant Pots, I can help you decide what size and features you really need. So which is the best Instant Pot? Its the one that meets your cooking needs and has the functions that you need, without extras that you dont. Extra features sound nice, and they are if you actually use them. But if youll just be using the basics theres no need to pay more for a more complicated Instant Pot model.
I have purchased two Instant Pots for myself and one for my mom. Ive also helped my mother-in-law decide which Instant Pot to buy. Ive helped friends with different Instant Pot models learn how to use an Instant Pot.
Ive done lots of research and Ive had lots of experience cooking with different Instant Pots. Im ready to share what Ive learned to help you decide which Instant Pot to buy. Youre going to love your new Instant Pot! Also see my favorite picks for the best Instant Pot accessories.
Is The Viva Instant Poteasy To Use
All multi-cookers have learning curves, especially pressure cooking when youre new. Luckily, the Instapot Viva boasts straightforward controls .
Heres why:
The 14 buttons on the sides are one-touch programs. Essentially, they have a pre-programmed duration and pressure, taking away the guesswork out of the equation. On top of that, this also helps you achieve consistent results.
Naturally, you can also customize the said functions as recipes arent all the same.
Better yet? The setting youll use gets saved. In other words, the next time you use the same program and recipe, simply press the said function. No need to adjust or whatnot.
On the other hand, theres a catch:
The progress indicator is limited to its cook time. Thus, you wont know how long the preheating will be or how long its been. Regardless, its just a minor caveat compared to the breathtaking functionalities the Instant Pot Viva offers.
The rest of the indication will be illumination on top of the program you selected, the pressure , and temperature .
Heres more:
Since multi-cooking can be intimidating, Instant Pot highlights an in-depth manual to get you started. For instance, it has a pressure cooking timetable and grain-to-water ratios. In short, you wont be a complete stranger the first time you use the machine.
As if thats not enough:
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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.
Page : Important Safeguards
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Which Model Is Better For Me
So, in the battle Viva vs Duo , which one should you buy? Should you stick with the classic and well-tested Duo or should you invest a bit more in an Instant Pot with fancier features and an automated steam valve?
Heres my answer:
- You want to stay below the $100 threshold
- You are happy with the classic model
- You are a beginner in using an electric pressure cooker
- You dont need a cake baking or Sous Vide function
- You can work with a manual steam valve
Choose the Viva if
- You like the idea of more pre-set dishes
- You want to try more advanced Instant Pots
- Youre not bothered by the slightly higher price
- You feel safer with a button for the steam valve
In closing, both products have their merits. As such, it is up to you to decide which will earn your trust. My advice is to start with Instant Pot models from the Duo series and decide from there. If you like and get used to the classic , it will become easier to use an Instant Pot with more advanced functions .
The Classic Duo Model
If you are looking for a model that has all the great functions of an Instant Pot without any extra bells and whistles, opt for the best-selling Duo. It comes in the 3-, 6- and 8-quart sizes and has 13 one-touch programs including soup/broth, meat/stew, bean/chili, slow cook, sauté, rice, porridge, steam, yogurt, keep warm and pressure cook.
If the yogurt button doesnt appeal to you, the Lux is the most basic Instant Pot model, offering all the functionality of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer and warmer without the yogurt-making feature. We do not recommend making yogurt in the Lux model.
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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.
