Which Is The Best Instant Pot To Buy

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How To Choose The Best Instant Pot For You

29 Best Instant Pot Accessories to BUY and AVOID! – 2021 UPDATE!

Here are the key things to consider when choosing an Instant Pot:

Features: Some Instant Pot models come with preprogramed cooking functions and even additional capabilities such as Yogurt Making and Sterilization. However, these preprogrammed functions merely mimic low- and high-pressure cooking, and you can re-create them manually. Additionally, we found that some preprogrammed functions were unreliable .

Evaluate the kind of cooking you typically do before splurging on bells and whistles that you don’t need. You should also realize that you may still need to adapt your cooking times to get the results you want. We frequently found that the more features an Instant Pot had, the more confusing the controls were.

Size/capacity: We tested only 6-quart models, as they’re the most popular size on the market. However, many Instant Pots are available in 3-quart sizes, which are better for individuals or couples, and 9-quart sizes, which are better for larger families.

Price: It’s surprising how widely the prices vary for Instant Pots, given that most of them offer the same basic features, give or take a few specifics. Your personal budget for cooking gear will influence your decision on which price is best.

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.

Alternative Competitive Electric Pressure Cooker Models

There are many competitive models on the market today that offer different features and functionalities. Most of these multi-cookers combine the benefits of an electric pressure cooker, along with other useful features.

The below competitive models are broken down by name and sizes, along with their respective set of features and winning features.

Full Set of Features: Pressure Cook, Air Crisp, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Broil, Steam, Slow Cook, Dehydrate

Something to keep in mind: It’s a bit on the bulkier side

Winning Features: TenderCrisp technology allows the latest model of the Ninja Foodi to double as an Air Fryer, allowing the best of both worlds

Mealthy Multipot 9-in-1 Review: 6QT, 8QT

Full Set of Features: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice Cook, Sauté, Steam, Cake Maker, Egg Maker, Yogurt Maker, Warm.

Winning Feature: LED display that allows you to see the progress of cooking.I have also observed that the pressure build-up time is shorter by a few minutes as compared to an Instant Pot.

Mealthy Multipot 2.0 Review: 6QT

Full Set of Features: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice Cook, Sauté, Steam, Cake Maker, Egg Maker, Yogurt Maker, Warm

Winning Feature: Hands-free & programmable pressure/steam release with the touch of a button. You can now set a Natural, Quick and Auto release

Exclusive $10 saving off the total purchase of $59.95 or greater, when you buy a Mealthy 2.0 Multipot on the Mealthy website. Use promo code: SPICECRAVINGS

Read Also: How To Natural Release Instant Pot

What Is An Instant Pot Or Multi Cooker

According to the internet, the Instant Pot brand was started in 2009 by a Canadian gent called Robert Wang. A radical reworking of the humble hob-top pressure cooker, Wangs invention continues to sell under the same brand name. However its not just the Instant Pot that makes instant pots. Many other manufacturers have since jumped on the bandwagon with their own takes on the product. As a result, the name Instant Pot has almost become a generic term among consumers, especially when searching for said product on the internet. Nevertheless, since Instant Pot owns the rights to the name rather like Hoover did when we called every vacuum cleaner a hoover, most other manufacturers have opted for the term multicooker when advertising their wares.

An Instant Pot-style multicooker is basically an electrically-powered table-top multi-cooker that performs a variety of cooking methods from pressure cooking and steaming to sautéing and slow cooking. Some models can also air fry and steam fry and even bake cakes.

Multicookers are mostly aimed at those who enjoy the health benefits, speed and convenience of pressure cooking and steaming and in many cases theyre also aimed at people who cant cook very well.

For the sake of simplicity, we will mostly use the term multicooker when describing any of these amazing products, whether theyre made by Instant Pot, Ninja, Sage, Tefal or anyone else.

What To Consider When Buying An Instant Pot

Best buy instant pot up to 50% off on all orders.

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.

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Where Can I Find Instant Pot Recipes

Over the past few years, Instant Pots have increased in popularity, and so have Instant Pot recipes. Creative home cooks and chefs all over the place have published countless recipes online. You can find recipes for almost anything, from desserts to appetizers to easy weeknight dinners. The Instant Pot mobile app lets you search a curated selection and beam the settings for the recipe wirelessly to your Instant Pot Pro Plus.

Does The Instant Pot Offer Smart Features

Every Instant Pot features a microprocessor that uses the amount of ingredients in the pot to adjust factors such as temperature automatically. This is a handy tool for novices. Instant Pots also include features such as 24-hour delay start times and, in some cases, LCD. If you have a model that uses Wi-Fi, you can monitor your Instant Pot with your phone. Youll also get alerts about your meal and suggested recipes from the Instant Pot app.

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What Is An Instant Pot

Instant Pot is a brand name for a number of pressure cookers, also known as a “multicooker.” It’s a countertop appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing, steaming, and more. Instant Pots also allow for sautéing and slow cooking right in the same vessel, for true start-to-finish, one-pot cooking of often-complicated or time-consuming dishes. Some Instant Pot models also include programs for specific food preparations, like rice and egg cooking and even yogurt making.

Q: Are Pressure Cookers Dangerous

Instant Pot Duo 3, 6, & 8 qt UNBOXING – WHICH INSTANT POT TO BUY

A: “Pressure cookers can be dangerous,” says Rondeno, “As the pressure is released, it can result in steam burns and liquids releasing if not careful. Modern technology has made it safe for pressure cookers to be used by consumers.” Times have changed, but it’s still key to pay attention to the instructions and use proper care while cooking.

“Our family had one in the 1970s that blew its lid off,” Nguyen says, “By comparison, modern pressure cookers are easy to operate and very safe. You just need to read the instructions manual and follow them when operating the cooker, whether it’s a stovetop model or an electric one.” Powell has similar advice, “Expanding rubber gaskets, locking lids and timers help make this a safe product. Always follow the directions for each pressure cooker that you are using.”

Also Check: How To Make Beef Stew In Instant Pot

What Are The Best Instant Pot Accessories

The best Instant Pot accessories are items that will make your pot perform better and help your recipes come out tastier. But you also want additions that make cooking easier. Overall, when it comes to top-rated accessories, a good steamer basket is extremely important. While the Instant Pot comes with a trivet or steaming rack, its a good idea to get a larger and better one. For many recipes, like steamed veggies, most chicken recipes, eggs, and potatoes, you dont want your ingredients touching the water at the bottom. A larger steam basket allows you to expand your instant cooking repertoire without sacrificing the flavor of the food or making more work for yourself.

A glass lid is another smart accessory for your pot. Standard lids obscure your view of the food thats cooking. With a glass lid, when you slow cook or sauté, you can see inside of the pot without uncovering your food and disrupting the cooking process.

Baking accessories are another must for your Instant Pot, especially if you enjoy sweets. For example, a good springform pan or cupcake liners that fit into your pot make cooking and cleanup simpler. With the right baking accessories, you can easily follow recipes for cheesecake, brownies, lava cakes, and more.

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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Why Use An Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.

If you dont have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot for more information.

Depending on what kind of deal you can find, the average Instant Pot will set you back anywhere from $70 to $180. While this doesnt make it the cheapest kitchen appliance on the market, its also nowhere near the highest and it can do so much.

Let me quickly run you through the most popular models and sizes so you can make an informed decision on what to get.

Available 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:

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.

What Size Of Instant Pot To Buy

Instant Pot Duo: To Buy or Not in 2021

Not sure how to choose an Instant Pot size for your circumstances? It can feel really intimidating!

Here are my recommendations for some common scenarios:

Best for Singles or Couples: If you dont want leftovers, go for the 3-Quart Instant Pot. However, if you like leftovers, cooking pot-in-pot , or two-fer meals , Id recommend the 6-quart.

Best for College Students: Instant Pot Duo 3-Quart Pressure Cooker.

Best for Small Families: If youre cooking for two adults and one or two kids, the 6-quart Instant Pot will have everything you need.

If youre a new parent, the Duo Plus has a sterilize button however, you can sanitize in any Instant Pot with a steam setting.

Best for Big Families: Honestly? It depends on how you want to use it. If you plan to cook big batches of dump-and-go meals, then Id recommend an 8-quart Instant Pot or even the new Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart.

However, if you typically cook a main dish and a side dish, you may be happier simply buying two 6-quart Instant Pots so you can cook both at the same time. Depending on what youre cooking, the 6-quart will fit a double or triple batch.

Best for Meal Preppers:Seriously, so much food fits in the Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart. But until now meal preppers have been using the 8-quart without any problems.

Best for RVs: Instant Pot 3-quart or 6-quart.

Best for Tech Lovers:Instant Pot Pro Plus Pressure Cooker.

Read Also: When To Quick Release Instant Pot

The Best Electric Pressure Cooker Is An Instant Pot

In 2021, Instant Pot streamlined its offerings. Weve tested the updated Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro models.

The Instant Pot is probably the most well-known electric pressure cookermore accurately called a multi-cooker because it can also slow cook, sauté, and morebut many brands make this handy type of appliance. A good electric pressure cooker can help get dinner on the table quickly and easily even when youre swamped. Of the 18 models weve tested from a variety of brands since 2016, the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is still our favorite. It offers great performance at a reasonable price, and its tried-and-true design makes it easier to use than other multi-cookers or gimmicky smart cookers.

Looking for things to make in your Instant Pot? Try these recipes for bone broth, corned beef and cabbage, salsa verde chicken, and classic beef chili from NYT Cooking.

Our pick

The Duo is a versatile time-saver in the kitchen. Its one of Instant Pots more basic and affordable models, and it does everything you need it to do with ease.

Buying Options

*At the time of publishing, the price was $90.

Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Best Instant Pot Models

If you are looking for a new Instant Pot, then there are some important things to consider before making your final decision. The first thing that you need to do is decide what size pot you want, as they come in different sizes.

Next, it’s time to think about the features that matter most to you and how much money you’re willing to spend on this purchase.

In this blog post, we will discuss 5 important factors that will help guide your decision-making process when purchasing the best model possible!

1. Pot size

The first thing that you need to decide when purchasing an Instant Pot is what size pot you want. They come in different sizes, so it’s important that you pick the one that is right for your needs. ‘

If you have a small family or are only cooking for yourself, then a three-quart model may be best for you. However, if you are cooking for a large family or plan to cook larger portions, then the seven-quart model may be best.

2. Number of features

The next thing that you should consider is the number of features that matter most to you and how much money you’re willing to spend on this purchase.

There are many different functions available with various models, so it’s important to decide which ones are most important to you. Additionally, the price of different models can vary greatly, so it’s important to find one that is within your budget.

4. DUO60 model

Read Also: Pulled Pork Instant Pot

How Do You Clean An Instant Pot

The good news is that most Instant Pots have dishwasher-safe components. At the least, the stainless steel cooking pot and the silicone ring are dishwasher safe. On many models, the entire lid is dishwasher safe. The lid has a few removable parts that should be removed and cleaned, but the process for that is different depending on the model, so its best to check the user manual to see what parts are removable and how to clean them.

Best For Singles: Instant Pot Duo Mini 3

BEST Instant Pot Accessories to Buy AND Avoid! My Weird Advice

Amazon

Capacity: 3 quarts | Dimensions : 11.8 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Programs: 11

With the larger sizes, buyers planning to cook primarily for themselves may wind up with more leftovers than theyd prefer. Thats why the Instant Pot 3-quart Duo Miniwhich packs all of the perks of the standard Duo into a compact packageis such a phenomenal choice for solo diners.

Since it’s less than a foot tall and weighs about 8 pounds, the small size makes it simple to store no matter what size kitchen you have. But it doesnt hold back on functions. It has all but two of the same program features as the larger Duos, and its just as easy to clean.

Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions : 13.2 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Programs: 13

The benefits of smart technology center around convenience. With the push of one app icon or a verbal command to Alexa or Siri, you can accomplish a wide swath of tasks. And, if you decide to purchase a smart multi-cooker like the Instant Pot Smart WiFi model, then you can add cooking a satisfying meal to the list of easy-to-complete necessities.

Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook Pork Loin In Instant Pot

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