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.
Why Is It Becoming So Popular
Plain and simple, the Instant Pot makes life easy. It cuts down the time spent in the kitchen and makes it more efficient to cook healthy, nourishing meals that taste really, really good!
For example, you can cook large roasts, broths, and stews that generally take 3-4+ hours to cook, in a mere 30 to 60 minutes. It also offers a timely way to cook grains, rice, lentils and beans. Its also replacing many peoples crock pots and slow cookers since it has the ability to cook low and slow.
Like we mentioned above, its a multi-purpose kitchen appliance, so its especially handy for people with limited counter space, who want to utilise its multiple cooking abilities.
Plus, once youve done the prep and set the Instant Pot to work, there is plenty of time to relax away from the kitchen. Once the cooking is done, the food will be kept warm for up to 10 hours.
Finally, its a huge money saver! It allows home cooks to easily utilise cheap cuts of meat, save on waste with recipes for stocks and broths, and develop recipes that freeze well and can be used later down the road.
Ranking The Different Instant Pot Models
While people may rate each of the Instant Pot models differently, this is how I like to think of them.
High-End: Pro , Pro Plus
Specialty: Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp , Duo Max , Smart Wifi
Upgrade 2: Duo Plus, Duo SV
Upgrade 1: Duo Nova , Duo Viva
Standard Model: Duo
Budget Model: Lux
* * *
At this point, I want to include a brief introduction for new Instant Pot shoppers and a quick guide to the different Instant Pot models:
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Chicken Wings That Are Finer Licking Good
Chicken wings are always a finger-lickin good choice that is totally worth the mess. For game day, barbecue parties and just preparing a super delicious dinner alongside a few simple sides. No matter what your craving, spice tolerance or sauce versus spice preference is, weve got an Instant Pot chicken wing recipe for you in todays roundup. Break out the napkins!
This vegan and gluten-free friendly Instant Pot chickpea stew is a delicious main meal full of Moroccan-influenced spices and flavors. Serve it over rice, couscous or with some crusty bread.
Learn more about the Instant Pot on their official website.
If you have any additional questions, ask away! If youre ready to purchase your Instant Pot, you can find the recommended model for beginners here.
The Critiera: What We Look For In An Instant Pot
The most useful function of an Instant Pot is its ability to pressure cook, so you want to get a model that quickly comes to pressure. Since many pressure cooker recipes start with a searing or sautéing step, it can help to have an Instant Pot with inner pot stability, so the pot doesnt spin while youre cooking. You want to know whats going on inside your machine while youre cooking, so an easy-to-read progress bar is super helpful. Some additional functions, like being able to use your Instant Pot for not-very-precise sous vide cooking, are sometimes welcome, but others, like the cake-baking function included in some models, we don’t find particularly attractive. However, if the Instant Pot model advertises it can do those functions, it should do them passably well.
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Instant Pot 8 Quart Models
The 8 quart Instant Pot is the largest size currently sold. The seven options available for the 8 quart include:
- Duo 8 Quart
- Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 8 Quart
- Pro Crisp 8 Quart
- Viva 8 Quart
The Instant Pot Pro and Instant Pot Pro Plus were introduced in 2021 and other models were discontinued.
The Duo Evo Plus, Lux, and Duo Nova 8 quart options have been discontinued. You may still be able to find them online or in local stores.
Breville Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker
Brevilles Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker has knobs that allow you to manually adjust the appliances pressure level and cook time, or you can choose from pre-programed cook settings like pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sear, sauté and more. It has a 6-quart capacity and comes with a steamer basket and trivet. The pressure cooker also features an LCD screen that shows cook time, heat time and other updates throughout the cooking process.
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Instant Pot Duo Nova 6
- Lot of recipes available online
- Not intuitive
- Might be hard for users to adapt their own recipes
When people think of an Instant Pot, the Duo is usually the model that comes to mind. The 8-quart Instant Pot Duo stands out for its features and affordable price point. Thats not to say other models arent solid devices, because many other Instant Pots are excellent multifunctional pressure cookers. However, the Duo strikes a perfect balance between affordability and the features it offers.
The Instant Pot Duo combines a rice cooker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and warmer into one convenient package. It boasts a variety of user-friendly features, ranging from a slot on the handle to place the lid to a steaming rack with handles so you can easily remove it from the pot.
The 8-quart Duo can hold a lot of ingredients. You can easily fit a whole chicken into this Instant Pot, brown 3 to 4 pounds of frozen ground beef, or cook a large roast. If you like making stews, this pot can hold enough to feed eight to 12 people. For dessert lovers, the 8-quart Duo can easily fit an 8-inch springform pan and some 9-inch round pans.
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.
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Instant Pot’s New $170 Pro Plus Is Wifi
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The Instant Pot is frequently one of the best-selling kitchen appliances thanks to its multicooking capabilities. It can be a rice cooker, a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, and some models even let you make yogurt. A few years ago, the company released the Instant Pot Smart WiFi, which let you control it remotely from your phone. Now, theres a brand new connected model called the Instant Pot Pro Plus that promises to do that, and more.
Similar to the Smart WiFi, you can connect the Instant Pot Pro Plus to your phone over WiFi. You can then use the Instant Pot app to start or stop cooking, check the timing and monitor the progress from anywhere in the home. But the Pro Plus can do more than that. The app has over 1,500 smart recipes, which have the timing, pressure levels and venting preferences already pre-programmed in, so all you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions to prepare your meal. Plus, you can release the steam valve remotely and enter in a delayed start time. You can also create your own custom recipe with programmable venting methods .
Are Electric Multicookers Safe
For the most part, today’s electric pressure cookers are safe. However, you still need to be careful.
Many people are afraid to use electric pressure cookers because they have heard stories of them exploding on the stove. That was a problem with the old stovetop models, but several safety mechanisms minimize the chance of this happening with modern electric cookers.
“I was never concerned about a multicooker exploding on the countertops,” said chef and chocolatier Anne Wolf.
Jeffrey Eisner, the author of “The Step-by-Step Instant Pot Cookbook,” agreed. “If you’re going to compare pressure cookers from back in the day when they were on stovetops to today’s that are electric and lock in place, a big difference is today’s lids will stay securely on top,” said Eisner. “I feel comfortable using them, and I’ve never been afraid. I’ve never had any issues personally.”
However, today’s electric pressure cookers are not without their risks. “I did find that it’s easy to burn yourself on the steam when you’re doing a quick release,” said Wolf. “So, there’s some burn risk.”
The best way to minimize the burn risk when releasing the pressure is to use a wooden spoon or another long utensil to engage the steam release valve. The steam always comes from the top, so make sure you are not standing over the cooker when releasing the steam.
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Oxo Silicone Pressure Cooker Lifter
Barbone said a silicone rack with handles is helpful when cooking anything youll need to lift out of the Instant Pot, like a small chicken, meatloaf or cheesecake. Instant Pots come with a metal steam rack, but she said the silicone one is easier to maneuver. This dishwasher-safe option from OXO fits 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots, the brand says. It has two large loop handles that connect to fit under the appliances lid while youre cooking, and you can detach them while moving it in and out of the pot. The lifters flat base allows you to pile food directly on top, or you can place it under a pan.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 10 Quart Air Fryer Oven
This is a 7 in 1 air fryer oven that sits on the counter top. The Instant Pot Vortex boasts one stop crispy technology that allows you to bake, air fry, roast, toast, broil, rotisserie, and dehydrate foods all without the oil and mess of traditional frying methods.
You can do multiple meals at once in the large 10 quart air fryer oven. The system is designed to circulate super hot air around the food you place in the oven to give it the look, feel, and taste of trying without actually submerging the foods in hot oil.
Theres almost no preheating time involved with the Instant Pot Vortex so you dont have to add time to your plans for meal prep and cooking. Designed to be easily cleaned, theres much less mess than with other cooking methods and the Vortex doesnt heat up the house like cooking with the oven or stove would!
Instant Pot Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer
There is also a 6 quart air fryer with the same name, Vortex, but its more of a traditional air fryer than the Oven version. It has 4 preset modes so you can air fry all of your favorites for healthy, quick, delicious meals!
When comparing the difference between Instant Pot models you should consider what you need it to do! This air fryer can do a lot but for the price you might be better off with the duo crisp or the air fryer lid!
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What Is An Instant Pot And Why Is Everyone Obsessed With It
Imagine having a slow cooker that also functions as a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a steamer, and a yogurt maker. Thats the Instant Pot. Its simply an electric pot that lets you cook fast or slow. People love it because its a convenient, time-saving device that lets them quickly cook dinner without having to keep an eye on the stove.
Back To School And Instant Pots For Students
Summer will be over before you know it so its time to start thinking about back to school sales. The best Instant Pots for students are always in high demand in the lead to schools returning, so it pays to start shopping as early as possible. For those heading off to college, youll want a convenient, multi-cooker that is suitable for your cooking needs. Right now many of our favorite picks are currently on sale making now the ideal time to buy one of the best microwaves. Be sure to follow our back to school guide for all of your shopping needs this season.
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What Do The Different Names And Numbers Mean
If names like the IP-LUX60 V3 and IP-DUO Plus 9-in-1 have you scratching your head, youre not alone. The naming conventions for different Instant Pot models can be confusing, particularly if youre browsing onlinewhere every models looks almost identical and Amazon bombards you with three-line titles.
To help you interpret these names, lets look at the example of the IP-LUX60 6-in-1 V3. IP stands for Instant Pot , LUX is the series name, 60 refers to its volume , 6-in-1 lists the number of functions, and V3 means version 3.
If youre new to multi-cookers or just dont want to get into the nitty-gritty details of each product, focus on the volume and the the number of functions when you shop. If you live alone but like to experiment with different recipes, get a 3- or 6-quart model with lots of functionsor if you tend to cook the same few things for a whole family, get an 8-quart model with fewer functions.
Some listings will just say the series name and only list the number of functions in the description, and most listings will leave out the version name, which is when you can assume its the latest version. While most series now come in 3-quart , 6-quart, and 8-quart sizes, some are only sold in one volume.
The name of each series wont mean much to you until you know what they all do, so weve outlined them to help you make the right choice.
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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Different Models Of Instant Pot
When it was first launched, there was just one classic model called Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1. It came with an outer pot with button controls and a display screen on the front, the 6-quart stainless steel inner pot and the special lid with steam release handle and the pressure valve.
In the last few years, the Instant Pot company has released multiple new versions and sizes. We have Duo Plus, Nova, Viva, Ultra, and Max to name a few and most of them come in 3 popular sizes 6-quart , 3-quart and 8-quart . There is even a 10-quart version for extra-large batches of cooking. You can see the full range of Instant Pot multicookers on the official website here.
Each new model came with more functions and buttons, more sophisticated display screens and finer adjustment possibilities. The makers have also made some improvements to the lid, so the steam-release handle changed to a simple knob button on later versions.
However, as confusing as all these new models may seem, they all do exactly the same thing cook food under pressure in a controlled, safe environment. In our opinion, the newer models like Ultra and Max seem much more intimidating and overwhelming with bright digits and hi-fi buttons, so we prefer to stick with the classic models. All our website recipes are cooked in a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo or Instant Pot Duo Nova.
