The Best Model If You Want More Precision : Instant Pot Ultra
What It Does: If you use your Instant Pot a lot and are looking for a more sophisticated model, or if youre just the kind of cook who prefers a degree of precision that the Duo series doesnt offer, theres the Ultra. To the functions of the Instant Pot Duo, the Ultra adds a cake-maker, an egg cooker, and a sterilizer, but the real advantage of this model is the upgraded, larger control panel, which allows you to adjust the settings way more precisely. The Ultra has a dial that lets you set an exact temperature for the slow-cooking, sauté, and warm functions, rather than just high or low buttons, and it also has a function that adjusts cooking time according to your altitude, and a display that lets you see where in the cooking process the Pot is, from building pressure to keeping something warm. The ability to hold the pot at an exact temperature also means you can use this model to sous-vide food, and the button-operated steam release is a major bonus if youre afraid of the Duos manually operated steam-release valve. It also comes in three-quart mini and eight-quart versions.
The Deals to Be Had: Like the Duo, the Ultra often gets deeply discounted. The Instant Pot website price for the Ultra 6-Quart is $150, but on Amazon, it often dips under the $100 mark, and the cheapest its gone for on Amazon is $83.
Walmart Drops $70 Off The Instant Pot Ultra 6
Walmart took a huge price cut on one of the most versatile and advanced Instant Pot multi-use programmable pressure cookers. With its ten cooking modes, 16 pre-programmed smart functions, and enhanced customization, the 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Cooker is the right choice for home chefs who want total control when they cook.
We monitor Instant Pot pricing at major retail sites, looking for the best deals on the highest-rated products. The 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra is the right size for four to six people. Whether youre shopping for a gift for Fathers Day, an upcoming wedding, another occasion, or your own kitchen, Walmarts deal for the 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 cooker can help you save $70.
Buy Now
The Instant Pot Ultra series replaces ten small appliances. You can use the Ultra as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, saute/searing, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer. Each of the cooking modes has optionally available adjustable settings. For example, you can select from three temperature in the Keep Warm function or three heat levels for sauteing or thickening.
You select the Instant Pot Ultras functions, programs, and custom settings from a control panel with a large, blue LCD. Choose functions with one-touch buttons then use the large dial on the bottom of the panel for fine-tuning.
Editors’ Recommendations
The Costco Exclusive: Instant Pot Nova Plus
While searching around for Instant Pots, you may have come across mention of the Nova Plus. The Nova Plus was a Costco exclusive that is no longer sold. The Nova Plus had the same functionality and smart programs as the Duo but had the blue LED screen of the Duo Plus. That screen is a small but important detail that provides a superior user experience without the price tag of the Duo Plus. It was originally sold through Costco, but you can find it on Amazon as well.
Instant Pot just got delivered? Put it to use with one of these Instant Pot recipes:
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How Many Different Instant Pots Are There
Good question. If you’re counting all of Instant Pot’s devices including appliances outside pressure cookers, there are a lot. If you’re only counting pressure cookers, it’s still pretty confusing. Instant Pot added a slew of new cookers in 2019 and again in 2020.
Here’s how to compare each Instant Pot model:
- Functions: Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sautéing
- Sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart
- New lid with safe steam valve features: No
Where To Buy Instant Pot
This is the ultimate guide on where to buy the Instant Pot pressure cooker based on what country you live in, including in stores and online resources.
Instant Pot needs no introduction on this site and most of our readers already own one , but many people are still not sure where exactly to buy this magical kitchen appliance. Weve put together a handy reference list for where to buy an Instant Pot in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and more. If you know of an online retailer or a store that sells any of the Instant Pot models in your country, let us know and we can add it to the list.
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp
This standout 11-in-1 pressure cooker does something that none of the other Instant Pots can do: ;air-fry! Talk about a space saver. Instead of having two separate kitchen appliances, you get both products all wrapped up in one. Like all Instant Pot models, this comes with advanced safety features and access to a digital library of more than 1,000 Instant Pot recipes.
Sizes available: 8-quart Instant PotBuilt-in smart programs: 11
Best Instant Pots For 2021
Confused about which Instant Pot model is right for your kitchen? Browse our guide to what makes each model distinct.
Instant Pot;took the kitchen appliances market by storm. If you’re intrigued by its;cult-like following;and its many cooking functions, you might be ready to see what all the fuss is about. And you’ll likely be impressed by the vast amount of free;Instant Pot recipe options;available online, from shredded chicken to crispy potatoes to homemade yogurt.
Over a dozen models exist in the Instant Pot family, and we’re here to help you figure out the best one for your cooking needs. While Instant Pots all look overwhelmingly similar on the outside, they aren’t all created equal. Different models are better for different kinds of cooking, like slow cooking, steaming, yogurt making or sautéing.
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If you’re looking for an Instant Pot that performs specific food functions such as cooking eggs, making yogurt or even canning fruit, you’ll need to know which models can actually do that. Here are our favorite Instant Pot models, updated periodically.;
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Save Over 15% On This 41
After dropping some major Instant Pot deals for Prime Day, Amazon is yet again marking down the popular appliances.
During the brands latest flash sale, you can take up to 39% off Instant Pot Ultra pressure cookers.
The 10-in-1 cooker is praised for its multiple settings and its ability to act as a slow cooker, egg cooker, steamer and more.
Plus, the Instant Pot Ultra comes with a recipe booklet, serving spoons and measuring cups.
And you can cook confidently with its enabled microprocessor that monitors your foods time, temperature and features more than 11 safety features.
Your meal options will be limitless with this highly reviewed cooker on your side.
So scoop one up for yourself and get ready to switch up your cooking game in the best way.
Differences Between Duo & Ultra
Design & Safety Features
In terms of design, the Instant Pot Ultra definitely stands out as the best and modern looking member of all Instant Pot siblings. The large LED display actually shows a lighted blue heating curve which tells the cooking cycle of your food. How cool is that?! I cannot help myself but keep walking back to the kitchen to check on the blue chart to see where my food is at. Its addicting like monitoring your heartbeat.
I also love the new auto-closing pressure valve that is built into the lid, with no handle and no shelf! Compared to Instant Pot Duo and the other older models which come with a weighted pressure valve with a handle, the improved design is so much better.;The system automatically closes the pressure valve when the lid locks, which makes it safer and easier to use than ever.;No more forgetting to check the valve!
Instant Pot Ultra has a new feature, a pressure release button, which acts as a lever to open the valve. Even though the button is located very close to the valve and not far enough that you feel 100% safe, it makes you feel slightly safer compared to the Duo, which the lever to release pressure is located on the valve itself.
Temperature and pressure controls;
Cooking Programs
Ease of Use
Maybe because Ive used the Duo long enough, I personally find the model more intuitive & straight forward. The press button control works incredibly well and I can figure out the settings very quickly.
Price
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What Is An Instant Pot
The short answer: The Instant Pot is a convenient multi-cooking machine that lets you cook fast or slow.
Because the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker and slow cooker wrapped up in one , its designed to help you remove the guesswork of figuring out the ideal amount of heat, pressure, and time your food needs. Its great for beginner cooking and simple meals, like stews and oatmeal. But once you get more comfortable with the machine, its excellent for tougher cuts of meat like baby back ribs or proteins that usually require a long cook time. With a willingness for some trial and error, many recipes can be adapted for the Instant Pot. Generally speaking, when adapting for pressure cooking, the liquid and cook time will be cut and adjusted from a manual pressure cooker. For slow-cooking, there youll need to adjust for less liquid and more time.
United Kingdom & Europe
In the UK and Europe, the only sure retailers to purchase the Instant Pot from are;their official website or . Fortunately, you can get the same benefits from ordering online if you have Amazon Prime as you do in the United States or Canada, so you wont face any unexpected shipping charges. It also comes ready to use at 220~240v, so you wont need an adapter.
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A Quick Overview Of The Instant Pot Models
There are currently five main Instant Pot models: Duo, Lux, Ultra,;Smart, and;Max;. There is also the Duo Plus, which is an enhanced version of the DUO models. And there is the GEM which is more like a slow cooker than a pressure cooker. Most models come in four different sizes 3 Quart, 5 Quart, 6 Quart, and 8 Quart, but not all models come in all sizes.
All Instant Pots are very similar in terms of pot size and;voltage; they also share the fundamental features and functions: high-pressure cooking, sauté/ browning, slow cooker function, steaming, rice cooker, yogurt making, and a warming pot. So what is the main difference between all the Instant Pot models? It all lies in the software. Which translates to how many cooking programs they have.
Based on reviews and the many enthusiastic fans from the main Instant Pot Facebook group, we can safely conclude that the most popular Instant Pot Model so far is the 6QT Duo;. And there is also the latest model Ultra that has been getting a lot of raves. I just received my Ultra and have been doing some testings, so my focus would be the comparison between these two most popular and talk-about Instant Pots.
What Are The Buying Options For The Instant Pot Ultra
If you’ve decided you want to try out the Instant Pot in your own home, you have several purchasing options. First of all, you will need to decide between the 3-, 6- and 8-quart sizes.
Epicurious explains that the 6-quart size is the most versatile, the 3-quart works well for one to two people and the 8-quart works nicely when cooking for big crowds. Keep in mind that the capacity will affect other specifications, with smaller ones weighing around 9 pounds, and bigger ones weighing almost 16.
The Instant Pot is available at all sorts of stores, ranging from traditional department stores to the manufacturer’s website. This lets you shop around and pick the best price. The pot sizes range from about $90 to $200, depending on where you buy it. Keep in mind that if you want an exclusive edition, such as the Star Warsthemed Instant Pot sold by Williams-Sonoma, you may need to buy it from a specific store.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Instant Pot Ultra
There are a lot of great things people love about the Instant Pot 10-in-1, such as:
- The ultra setting lets you fine-tune your cooking
- The computerized pot handles all the cooking for you
- It comes with Instant Pot’s 11 standard safety features for worry-free cooking
- You can pick from a wide variety of settings for cooking all sorts of meals
- You can clean the pot quickly with the sterilizing options
- There’s an adjustment for high-altitude cooking
- Adjustable temperature for sous-vide cooking
Although it is mostly beloved, you should keep in mind that it has its downsides just like every other appliance, including:
- Theres no automatic canning setting for jellies or preserves
- Its a little pricier than the base Instant Pot pressure cookers
- It lacks the Wi-Fi connectivity of later models
- Large size requires more storage space
- Quick-release button not intuitive
-
Start button must be pressed
Is The Instant Pot Ultra Better Than Comparable Pressure Cookers
The Ultra is essentially right in the middle of the Instant Pot range, as neither the most expensive nor the cheapest pot. It does have significantly more features than the DUO, but not quite as many features as the Max. This makes it a good compromise for people who want a convenient and versatile cooker without having to pay the big bucks for a professional-grade appliance.
When comparing the Instant Pot Ultra to other pressure cooker brands, it is even more appealing. Instant Pot is a fan favorite that out-competes most other brands. With its compact size, ease of use and convenient cooking modes, the Instant Pot models are way more user-friendly, especially if you’re new to pressure cooking.
Recommended Reading: How To Cook Frozen Hamburger Meat In The Instant Pot
The Cheapest Instant Pot Sales And Deals
Instant Pot’s signature model, the Duo is a great pot for most people. It is a versatile cooker that can be used as either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker depending on what is needed, as well as a yogurt maker and rice cooker. Plus, it comes with 14 pre-programmed cooking modes for specific items like soup and porridge. Better yet, it’s one of the most affordable Instant Pot models. If the extra features of the Duo Plus or the Ultra seem unnecessary, then this is the pot for you.
It’s available in 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart editions.
How Do You Use The Instant Pot Ultra
This cooker is called the Instant Pot 10-in-1 because it claims it can replace 10 of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. It can work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté/searing, steamer, warmer and sterilizer. The Instant Pot really is as versatile as it promises!
You can use it to cook a variety of stews, roasts, soups, braises and other savory dishes, and you can also use it for sweet treats like cakes and yogurts. The high pressure of the Instant Pot lets you quickly cook sides like rice, beans and bread in just a short amount of time, too. Another perk is that you can use the Instant Pot to keep meals warm while you serve them.
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The Best Model For Smart
What It Does: Whether an Instant Pot with built-in Wi-Fi appeals to you or not has everything to do with how you cook. If youre fine just pushing buttons, then this model is not for you. If youre a smart-home obsessive, or someone who wishes that more of their household appliances could be controlled from your couch, then the Instant Pot Smart Wifi might be for you. This model does everything that the Duo does, plus the cake-making setting of the Ultra, but the real appeal is that you can pair it with your phone to create custom cooking settings, and you can plug into the Instant Pot app that has more than 750 preprogrammed recipes, plus itll give you a phone alert when your food is done. Itll also work with your Amazon Alexa or Google Home via voice commands.
The Deals to Be Had: Officially, the Instant Pot Smart Wifi is $150, but at its lowest price, you could grab it for as little as $90.
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
After seeing the success of the Duo Crisp, Instant Pot came out with another model that air fries. The Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is an 11-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator. It comes with two lids one for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and functions that use liquid, and another lid for drying functions like air frying and dehydrating.
Available in 8 quarts, the Pot is large enough to fit plenty of ingredients. You can make French fries, chicken tenders, and even baked goods. The inner pot is stovetop friendly, while the upgraded lid helps prevent burns. The Pro Crisp looks great, too, with a sleek design and a clean-looking display.
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