What Are The Different Models Of Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer

Combining the functionality of an air fryer with an Instant Pot is the concept behind the Duo Crisp. Available in 6-quart or 8-quart sizes, the Duo Crisp comes with two lids, one for pressure cooking and one for air frying, offering a total of 11 cooking functions.

The pressure cooker lid offers two cooking levels, high and low. Its functions include pressure cook, steam, sauté, slow cooker, sous vide, keep warm. The innovative air fryer lid programs include air fry, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate.

Included with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a stainless steel inner pot, sealing ring, air fryer basket, broil/dehydrate tray, and steam rack with handles.

This appliance is a great idea if you’re short on space and love the idea of combining two unique multi-program appliances into one.

Which Air Fryer To Buy

A standalone air fryer is not too expensive, and youll be happier with both your appliances over having one that cant do either thing very well. This is the air fryer I have and its amazing. I made a mistake and bought a smaller one first. Dont do this- start with a 5-6 quart or youll end up buying a bigger one later.

• KEY FEATURE: has the highest pressure PSI among all Instant Pots, matching traditional stovetop pressure cookers.
• Most high-tech looking display with touchscreen.
• Stainless steel exterior body.
• KEY FEATURE: This is also the only model that can safely pressurecan foods.
• Release the sealing knob with a touch of the touchscreen .

Which Features Are Included On All Models

While some of the models have different and unique features depending on their model type, all pots share these features and functions:

• high pressure cooking
• rice cooker
• stainless steel inner cooking pot

Well talk about the difference between models shortly but these common features are important. These are the features you are going to use frequently, and in some cases you will use these daily.

All of the models: LUX, DUO, ULTRA, and SMART, include these features. Personally, I use the sauté feature and the pressure cooking most often. These features allow the Instant Pot to replace your rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, and even the stovetop and frying pans.

With a little practice you can even use your new pressure cooker to bake. Keep in mind that this is technically steamingbut you can make baked goods this way. Here are some of my favorite healthy dessert recipes:

All models include a manual program so you can adjust features and create cooking times and pressures that work for you and your unique recipes.

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How We Test Instant Pots

We lined up the Instant Pot Lux, Duo, Duo Plus and Ultra for a side-by-side comparison in which we evaluated cooking capabilities, time, temperature, controls and the final cooked results. Although each model is available in multiple sizes, we purchased the 6-quart model of each to eliminate any variables related to volume.

We purposely selected these five cooking methods and their corresponding ingredients, as they represent the most common uses for Instant Pots.

• Soft-boiled eggs: to use the Egg program or Low Pressure setting
• Long-grain rice: to test the Rice program on each pot
• Diced onions: to test the Sauté setting
• Chicken thighs: to evaluate how the High Pressure setting worked
• Whole pork shoulder: to see how each Instant Pot would sear and braise on the Saute and then Slow Cook settings

Different Types Of Instant Pots/pressure Cookers

There are so many different types of Instant Pots out there, so how do you know which one to get? This can be a daunting task and nobody really has a clear cut answer. The best thing you can do is look at the different types and choose which one would work best for you!

Most of them work in the same way, but they have different functions. So, we have broken it down for you so you can figure out what works best.

Related: What is an Instant Pot?

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Which Instant Pot Is Right For You

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The Instant Pot has grown in popularity since the day it was unveiled. They have introduced several new models and styles since then, not to mention they come in several sizes each.

Here is my research about the difference between Instant Pot models, so you can easily choose which is best for your kitchen.

A lot of you have noticed that I LOVE my Instant Pot and I use it regularly to make recipes to share with you here at My Crazy Good Life. Its important to know the difference between the models so you can get one that will work for you and your family.

Hopefully this can help those of you who have written in and asked me which model is right for you. If you are very new to the world of electric pressure cookers, world check out this introductory post about what the heck were talking about.

Types Of Instant Pot Multicookers

Posted by Kate Thomas | Apr 28, 2021

Instant Pots are safe, easy, versatile multicookers that are mostly based around pressure cooking. They make a whole host of complicated cooking tasks a breeze. Unfortunately, with so many Instant Pots on the market, it can be really overwhelming to choose between them. Weve dug through the specs so you dont have to!

In this article, we discuss the different sizes, physical characteristics, cooking capabilities and presets, and even models of Instant Pot on the market today.

Read Also: How To Cook Garbanzo Beans In Instant Pot

But Im Only Cooking For A Couple People Do I Still Need A 6 Quart

If youre cooking for a 1-2 people, you may think that a 6 quart Instant Pot is too big. Dont worry, its not. Its the standard size that almost all recipes youll find are tested on, and youll be able to actually fit everything in the pot.

A three quart Instant Pot doesnt even fit a large frozen chicken breast sometimes. Youll also find it difficult to make or halve recipes for soup, or make something like ribs. I recommend the 3 quart as a second Instant Pot for side dishes or extra small portions.

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:

* 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.

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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.

Best Air Fryer: Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 11

Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions : 15.3 x 14.8 x 13.6 inches | Weight: 22.7 pounds | Programs: 11

Air fryers are here to stay. If youre yearning for an air fryer, but hate the idea of packing yet another piece of kitchen equipment into your already overloaded cabinets, then a device that combines a multi-cooker and an air fryer will save valuable space. Luckily, Instant Pot designed a multi-cooker/air fryer hybrid, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.

This model truly takes the Duo to the next level. The Duo Crisp performs 11 functions including sous vide, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating. It comes with two lids, the regular cooking lid with auto seal, and the air fryer lid. The 8-quart size provides enough space for air-fried foods to fully crisp up, and the included air-frying basket is specially designed to optimize airflow.

Recommended Reading: How To Make Khichdi In Instant Pot

What To Consider When Buying An Instant Pot

With such a wide array of models available when it comes to Instant Pots and multi-cookers, choosing the right one for you can be confusing.

Start by considering the different cooking methods offered by the best Instant Pots and multi-cookers, and the dishes you prepare most. While some offer a handful of cooking modes including pressure cooking and slow cooking, others including the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus have as many as 48 different ways of cooking and can do everything including proving bread and making yogurt.

Next look at the capacity the Instant Pot can hold and whether it’s sufficient for the number of people you have to cook for. Multi-cookers with a 6 quart / 5.7-liter capacity and above are ideal for those with a large family to feed, or those that want to batch-cook, while a smaller Instant Pot can hold around 3.2 quarts / 3 liters should suffice for an individual or couple.

On top of that, look out for Instant Pots and multi-cookers that have inner pots that can be used on the stove, when browning meat before slow cooking and are dishwasher safe to make sure you have as few utensils to wash up as possible.

The Best Instant Pot: Instant Pot Pro

What we liked: This model pressurized the quickest and offered the best searing and sautéing experience, with a stable, non-spinning pot. The ability to use the stainless steel inner pot on an electric, induction, or ceramic stovetops was welcome, as it gives the user greater flexibility and control. Releasing the steam feels straightforward and safe because of its separate push-button release and the plastic cover around the steam valve. The control panel is easy to navigate with a mixture of buttons and a dial. We also liked the handles on its cooking pot, which made it easier to lift the pot up and out of the Instant Pot’s base.

What we didn’t like: Its pretty expensive at about $130 . The sous vide function works, although it isn’t nearly as reliable as an immersion circulator.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Recommended Reading: How To Make Beans In The Instant Pot

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.

Instant Pot Lux Or Duo

The main two Instant Pots that most people decide between are the Lux and Duo as they are the most affordable and popular options. Most people will start thinking about getting an Instant Pot because they see the Lux version on sale.

Let me tell you this: I do not recommend that you purchase the Instant Pot Lux. It is the base model Instant Pot that does not have a yogurt setting, low pressure setting, or a place to set the lid.

You may think that these arent that big of a deal, but I promise that the lid alone should convince you to spend the additional couple dollars. Even if you dont think youll need the yogurt function, I promise youll use it eventually! You can use the yogurt setting for proofing bread dough in half the time!

Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook Red Beans In Instant Pot

Final Thoughts On The Air Fryer Lid

If you cant already tell, Im not a huge fan of the air fryer lid on top of the pressure cooker. A lot of people hear about it and get super excited because they think theyll get the best of both worlds. In reality, youre probably getting a little less of both worlds and you may be unhappy with your purchase.

I use my air fryer probably more than my Instant Pot.

You read that right- I use it multiple times a day, for almost everything that needs to be reheated. In some ways, it has replaced my microwave because I get a much better result when reheating my food.

What To Look For In An Instant Pot

By Sara Tane

Theres no denying that the Instant Pot has definitely brewed up a whole lot of hype since it originally came out in 2010. Since its debut, a variety of models and sizes have been launched that all boast different features. Not only does this appliance save you a bunch of time when it comes to big-batch cooking and cleaning up afterward, but it also saves you a ton of counter space because its an appliance that can do it all .

Older versions of pressure cookers are difficult to maneuver and not super user-friendly for the average home cook. Instant Pots have taken pressure cooking and made it approachable and doable for cooks of all levels.

When it comes to choosing the Instant Pot thats right for you, it can seem a bit overwhelming because of all the different models and sizes. Understanding which models offer different features is crucial to determining which Instant Pot is right for you. How much counter space you have, how frequently youll be using the appliance, and how many people youre typically cooking for all factor into choosing the right model. Newer models offer smartphone and WiFi capabilities, so if youre looking to integrate technology into your home cooking, these models could be a great pick for you.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Benefits Of An Instant Pot

Instant Vortex Mini Air Fryer

If you’re looking for just an air fryer without all the bells and whistles, but that will still give you that super crispy texture that you can only get from air frying, then the Instant Vortex Mini Air Fryer might be for you.

This 2-quart air fryer is perfect for when you’re cooking for just one or two people. But don’t let the size fool you! It still offers 4 cooking modes that allow you to air fry, bake, roast and reheat.

The top digital touchscreen panel is easy to see and use while the lower section of the appliance houses the pull-out cooking section. A dishwasher safe, non-stick removable inner tray is included.

The Instant Vortex Mini Air Fryer can easily cook up to two servings of food, making it perfect for teens to use to make their own snacks. It’s also great for college students who need small appliances for their dorm rooms.

Its compact size makes it easy to leave on the countertop without taking up too much room, and at 7 lbs. it’s also light enough to move and stash away when not in use.

These basket air fryers are available in black, white, red and aqua. This mini appliance is an affordable entry into the world of air frying.

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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