What Size Instant Pot For Each Recipe Type
Just like the amount of people you plan on feeding helps you decide what size Instant Pot you need, knowing what kind of recipes you want to make can help you solidify that decision as well.
Small Recipes: soups, small side dishes, and meals for 1-2 people are suited for the 3-qt. Try this recipe: Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes.
Pro Tip: Looking to boil eggs fast? The 3-quart Instant Pot is the option for you.
Whole Poultry Birds: Want to make a whole turkey or whole chicken in the Instant Pot? Try a 6 or 8 quart pot. A 5-6 lb chicken will fit inside a 6-quart Instant Pot. If you want to cook a larger bird, or even 2 smaller turkeys, opt for the 8-qt. This is a good option for soups with large amounts of meat as well. Try this recipe:Instant Pot Cornish Hen
Beef or Pot Roast: The 6qt cooks a 4-5 lb roast well. If youre looking to make larger roasts or add vegetables and potatoes, I recommend the 8qt. Try this recipe: Best Ever Instant Pot Pot Roast
Large Quantity Recipes for Meal Prepping: I highly recommend the 8-quart size for meal prepping in big batches. A lot of my recipes, like beans, chili, rice, and more can be doubled or even tripled for meal prep and freezer meal options and theyre made easiest in the larger Instant Pot. Try this recipe: Instant Pot Spiced Pinto Beans.
What Size Pots Does Instant Pot Offer
You will be able to get pots in 3, 5, 7, and 8 quart sizes with Instant Pot. It is important to remember that not every model offers the same size options. You can get a 3 quart pot with the DUO, DUO Plus, Ultra Series and LUX models. If you go to certain stores, you can find the LUX model in a 5 quart pot size.
You can get a 6 quart size pot with any of the models Instant Pot offers, including Viva, Nava Plus, Smart Bluetooth, Max and Ultra. It is likely that any new models this brand releases will be available in this size as well.
Only the Ultra, LUX, DUO and DUO Plus models are available in the 8 quart pot size.
Do I Need To Adjust Recipes For The 8 Quart Instant Pot
Most recipes I have found online are written for the 6 Quart Instant Pot. I was really worried about adjusting this to my 8 Quart pot until I actually tried it.
I have found the one and only adjustment I have had to make to a recipe is making sure I have enough water in my Instant Pot when using it for pressure cooking.
The 8 Quart needs about 1 and a half cups of water in it, and I usually add more to be safe.
The water requirements can be found in the manual that comes with it.
Other than that I have not found a need to adjust recipes based on using an 8 Quart Instant Pot versus 6 Quart.
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Which Size Is Right For You
When selecting your Instant Pot, youll want to consider how much space you have. Instant Pot models come in four different sizes: 3-, 6-, 8- and 10-quart. Depending on what youre going to use it for, the size you choose can make a big difference.
If youre sticking to side dishes and meals for up to three people, Instant Pot recommends the 3-quart size. This is offered in most basic models including the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus, Ultra and Lux. The 6-quart size is the most popular and is available in every model except the Duo Crisp, which is an Instant Pot and air fryer combo. Instant Pot recommends this size for feeding up to six people. The 8-quart model is the next most-popular size. It is offered in all models except the Smart WiFi and Max models, and is recommended for large families or to meal prep food for the week. The Duo Nova is the only model that comes in the 10-quart size, which is designed for larger meals, feeding a crowd or to stock the freezer with family dinners.
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Which Instant Pot Should I Buy
When you go to buy your Instant Pot, youll discover that there are quite a few different models available. They come in different sizes, with different functionality. Let me quickly run you through the most popular models and sizes so you can make an informed decision on what to get.
Sizes
Lets start by talking about size. The size of meals you want to cook, or even the size of your family will determine what Instant Pot is the right size for you. Most come in the following sizes:
- 3-5 quart: works well if you are mainly cooking for 1-3 people. It works great for dorm rooms, and is a must have in a small apartment.
- 6 quart: the most versatile and also the most popular. Some of the models available will only come in this size. Its perfect for the average family and will fit all your pressure cooking needs. If in doubt, go with this size.
- 8 quart: a good fit for larger families, or if you know youll be cooking a lot of large meals for family gatherings, church dinners and such.
There are many versions of each of these sizes. However, they are all fairly close to the same footprint, so if you choose a 6-quart, theres no need to worry about the size of the model you choose. Theyre all very similar.
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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
What Can Fit In A 6 Quart Instant Pot
The maximum ingredient fill for a 6-quart instant pot is 4-quarts.
Almost all recipes ever made serve 4 so whatever recipe you choose for 4 people will fit easily into the 6-quart cooker.
You can fit whole chicken weighing between 5 and 6 pounds, hard-boiled eggs 4 dozen Oats up to 4 cups, soup containing up to 2 pounds of beans
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Best Overall And For Beginners: Instant Pot Duo 7
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is the company’s most popular series and for good reason. It’s super simple to operate and comes with seven versatile cooking functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt making and warmer. You can buy the Duo in three sizes: 3-quart , 6-quart and 8-quart .
It’s also the most affordable model to sport the yogurt and poultry programs as well as the option to pressure cook on high or low.
Programs included: Rice, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Meat/Stew, Multigrain, Porridge, Soup/Broth, Steam, Manual or Pressure Cooking
What it doesn’t have: Cake, Sterilize, Egg and Canning
I’ve Settled On A Size But How Do I Know What Model Series Is Right For Me
The LUX is the base model, and it offers all of the basics. If you don’t plan on making homemade yogurt or need low pressure , then the LUX should be fine.
The DUO is the standard model that most people have, including me. It has everything the LUX has but adds low pressure and Yogurt. DUO Plus is a step up from the standard DUO and includes sterilization, egg, and cake settings.
SMART is the model that includes Bluetooth connectivity. So you can get an overview of what’s going on with your smartphone. You can even write and program scripts for it with your phone to control the cooking process. It’s a bit more technical, but there’s a lot of possibilities with this version.
ULTRA takes everything from lower versions and puts it into a fancy package with a backlit display and some unique features. The ULTRA allows users to cook at any temperature, sterilize, and has a self-closing pressure valve, so you don’t have to worry about it.
The MAX, which is the newest release, includes everything that the ULTRA has, but it adds the ability to do true Sous Vide and Pressure Canning.
The DUO series should be good enough for the average person who just wants a kitchen appliance that helps them cook meals easier. There are plenty of features that make this one worth the buy.
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Is Black Friday Or Cyber Monday Better
Every year, the difference between Cyber Monday and Black Friday gets harder to distinguish. Black Friday is always three days before Cyber Monday. But, the sales have merged in many instances, and the event has been extended up to the end of the holiday shopping season. Every retailer’s deals will vary, and different products are on sale each day.
Order right away if you’re concerned a deal today might get beat by a future deal. You can always return your products, but you can’t take advantage of a discount after the sale is over.
How Many Different Size Instant Pots Are There
With such a variety of different brands and sizes, youre likely asking yourself, what size Instant Pot do I need? You want to make sure you have an Instant Pot that fits your needs and your familys needs.
Luckily, these tips and suggestions should answer those burning questions and youll feel confident knowing which Instant Pot size is right for you.
If youre buying the Instant Pot Brand of Pressure Cooker, they offer these Instapot sizes:
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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.
Why Youll The Instant Pot
- Cooks sooooo much faster than recipes traditionally cooked in the oven or on the stove.
- Offer multiple functionsand automatic programs for easier and more efficient cooking.
- Ideal for using to cookall meal categories, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, and beverages.
- They are available in various sizesand different models, so theres truly something for everyone.
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Pros To Buying An Instant Pot
Which Instant Pot To Buy
~ There are so many factors to consider in sorting out which Instant Pot to buy â lots of combinations of sizes and functions! I dont know about you, but my head started to spin a little when I was sifting through all the possibilities, trying to figure out the best Instant Pot for my own family. Im sharing what I learned in all my research, with the hopes that itll be a useful Instant Pot buying guide for you and maybe save you a bit of time in making your own decision! ~
⢠Updated November 29, 2018 to include Max, Smart WiFi, Viva, Lux colors and Nova Plus â¢
If youve been following along during our Instant Pot Month here at THK, then you know we started at the very, very beginning â holding hands as we journey together, off to Instant Pot bliss!
To begin with, we covered:
For those of you who still havent made the leap into buying one, Ive been promising Id offer some advice â a little Instant Pot buyers guide.
I obsessed and researched for a long, long time before choosing my own Instant Pot , pictured below.
Then I went through it all again about a year later, when I bought my mom one as a birthday gift. After spending all that time weighing the options, I have a few insights that might help you decide which Instant Pot to buy to meet your own needs.
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Qt Vs 8qt Instant Pot
Let’s draw out some of these criteria and help you apply them to your family and needs:
What are you cooking?
No matter what your family size is if you batch cook or cook larger sized whole foods, get the 8-quart.
How big is your family?
If your family is larger , get the 8-quart Duo or Duo Evo Plus. If your family size is 1 to 2 and you also do batch cooking, get the 8-quart.
Or, if your family size is 1 to 2 but you rarely do batch cooking nor cooking of larger whole foods , get the 6-quart Duo or Duo Evo Plus.
Can You Cook Small Meals In 8qt Instant Pot
Yes, you can. You can cook as much or as little in the instant pot. Though note, as you cook you will need more liquid to go to pressure on a larger model compared to a smaller one.
But that is the only main difference, and you can use a larger 8 quart instant pot to achieve bulk cooking and then make small meals in it for every day dinners.
Read Also: Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Brussel Sprouts
How To Know What Size Instant Pot To Buy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Have you been considering buying an Instant Pot? The fact that you can put the food in, close the lid, push a couple of buttons, and then walk away, even out of the kitchen makes this a must-have appliance in todays kitchen. Its just so easy to use. But what size Instant Pot should you get?
Maybe you already own one and youre thinking of buying another one and youre not sure which size you should get. Well, I took the three main sizes of Instant Pots 8 qt., 6 qt., and 3 qt. and compared them to help you have a better idea of which one is right for you?
Comparing The Instant Pot Duo Plus To The Instant Pot Lux
The Lux was the original Instant Pot, and the Pot that won my heart. But, the Instant Pot line has improved over the years, and the Lux is missing some of the design elements added to later models:
- No integrated lid holder in the handles
- A minimalist digital display
- No low pressure
The Lux was my daily driver for years. But I moved on to the Duo when it came out, and I never looked back. The Duo has a bunch of features that make it more convenient to use.
Buy the Lux if money is tight
The Lux costs about 60% of a Duo Plus – if money is tight, and you can live without some of the convenience, it is a great deal as an inexpensive pressure cooker.
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