Buying guide for Best Instant Pots
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The Instant Pot is a cleverly named culinary tool that can perform an impressive variety of cooking tasks. Whether you want to make yogurt, cook rice, sauté vegetables, slow cook a roast, or even bake, this handy device can do it all. In a home where space is a concern, this may quickly become your favorite appliance.
Expert tip
Some Instant Pots let you sous vide. Try sous vide’ing fingerling potatoes in heavy cream, or chicken in milk. It makes for incredibly tender food.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Which Instant Pot is best?
If you're passionate about cooking, an Instant Pot is likely on your radar (or already in your kitchen). Since these electric multicookers hit the market in 2010, they have topped many home cooks’ must-have appliance lists for their super-fast cooking times, versatility and ease of cleanup. But sorting through all the models to find the best Instant Pot can feel overwhelming.
There are plenty of reasons why the Instant Pot has become so popular. Not only has it made pressure cooking less intimidating for many, but also it allows you to slow-cook, saute, steam, make rice and more. Some newer models even have an air-frying function, allowing them to replace even more appliances on your countertop. The Instant Pot’s ability to reduce hands-on cooking times is probably its main selling point, reducing the time you have to spend on your favorite recipes by up to 70%.
At BestReviews, we researched and tested many of the top Instant Pots to help you choose the right model for your kitchen. We considered factors like overall versatility, size, portability and durability as well as more specific features like how easy a model is to use, how precise its temperature is, how safe and efficient its pressure-cooking mode is and how easy it is to clean. After rigorous study in the BestReviews Testing Lab, we found the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid to be the best Instant Pot. It boasts a single lid for air-frying and pressure-cooking, has a user-friendly operation thanks to its LCD panel and buttons, packs useful smart features and offers 13 functions — making it the most versatile Instant Pot yet.
Our top picks
Best overall Instant Pot
Product Specifications:
Capacity: 6.5 qt] | Cooking Programs: 13 | Pressure Levels: High | Display: LCD | Lid Type: Ultimate Lid
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid stands out among other Instant Pot models as the first to perform all the classic multicooker functions plus air-frying without switching lids. Because it can work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker and air fryer, it can replace several countertop appliances, maximizing space in your kitchen. During testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how well it air-fried — it needed just 11 minutes to get our thick, crinkle-cut frozen french fries crispy and golden and 19 minutes to give our chicken wings a crisp skin and juicy interior, offering similar results and cooking times to standalone air fryers we tested. The only issue we encountered with the air-frying function was the limited cooking space. We only fit slightly more than a half-pound of fries on the air-frying rack and 1.5 pounds of chicken wings, so it wouldn’t be the best choice for large families or entertaining.
Most people opt for an Instant Pot primarily for its pressure-cooking feature, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy and convenient the Duo Crisp was for this purpose. We used the pressure-cooking function to prepare beef stew and macaroni and cheese, and both dishes turned out exceptionally well, matching the quality of our usual stove-based and oven-based recipes despite significantly shorter cooking times.
For instance, once the Duo Crisp reached pressure, the stew only took 30 minutes to cook compared to the 90 minutes our stove-based recipe typically requires. Similarly, the macaroni and cheese required just 10 minutes, significantly faster than the approximately 45 minutes needed for our oven-baked version. Additionally, we appreciated the convenience of the saute function, which allowed us to brown the meat and saute the onions, garlic and vegetables for the stew without having to dirty additional pots and pans.
Compared to other Instant Pots we tested, the Duo Crisp made the steam-release process after pressure-cooking completely hands-off. After selecting our desired steam-release option, we didn't need to press any additional buttons; we simply waited for the display to indicate it was safe to open the lid after cooking.
The Duo Crisp boasts a large, easily readable LCD, ensuring simple operation. The responsive button controls made adjusting settings effortless, requiring minimal pressure to register our selections. Best of all, the cooking pot, air-frying rack and pressure-cooking lid are all dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
Best value Instant Pot
Product Specifications:
Capacity: 6 qt | Cooking Programs: 7 | Pressure Levels: High | Display: Digital | Lid Type: Traditional
An upgraded version of the original Duo, the Instant Pot RIO may not have all the cooking functions and programs of higher-end Instant Pots, but it delivers plenty of value for its sub-$100 price tag. We were impressed by its simple and intuitive control panel and digital display, which made it easy for us to select time and temperature settings for our test recipes.
The RIO is an outstanding pressure cooker for the price. When we cooked pre-soaked kidney beans, it took only 12 minutes to reach pressure. For unsoaked beans, it took 15 minutes. The result for both batches was beans with a creamy consistency and excellent flavor.
Despite providing accurate and consistent temperatures during testing, our tester encountered some difficulty in learning how to release pressure after cooking. Therefore, the RIO may be a better fit for individuals with prior experience in pressure-cooking.
On the plus side, during our tests, the saute function proved reliable across all three heat settings. On low, sauteed onions were translucent and softened without noticeable color, while those cooked on medium developed a distinct golden hue. On high, the onions were on the verge of caramelization, displaying areas of significant browning. The RIO's smaller cooking area allowed it to reach temperatures more quickly than most stovetops, achieving the medium setting in just six minutes.
Additionally, we appreciated that the RIO's cooking pot remained stable during the preparation of heavier recipes like beef stew. Its components exhibited a robust, sturdy feel, instilling confidence in its long-term durability.
The RIO sports a sleek all-black design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It's worth mentioning that it only comes in one size, so if you cook for larger groups, this model might not be the ideal choice. Nevertheless, it's an outstanding performer that boasts a dishwasher-safe pot and lid, ensuring a quick and easy cleanup.
Product Specifications:
Capacity: 6 qt | Cooking Programs: 10 | Pressure Levels: Low, high and custom | Display: Digital | Lid Type: Traditional
The Pro Plus shines among Instant Pots with its app-controlled cooking for tech-savvy home chefs. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows it to use the Instant Brands Connect app and select from more than 1,000 recipes. The app guides users through the cooking process, providing instructions on when to saute ingredients or prepare the pot for pressure cooking. It also allows remote steam-venting after pressure cooking, which is helpful for busy cooks.
If the Pro Plus's Wi-Fi connectivity doesn't simplify your kitchen life, its advanced cooking programs certainly will. Beyond the standard cooking functions like pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sauteing, rice-making, yogurt-making, and warming, the Pro Plus features a sous vide function and a canning smart program. Notably, its pressure-cooking setting stands out as it reaches pressure faster than models like the Duo. The Pro Plus prioritizes safety with silicone handles for easier lifting and three venting options (natural, pulse and quick) compared to the usual two, allowing for balanced steam release between the slow natural option and the sometimes-abrupt quick setting.
The Pro Plus also boasts a simple, user-friendly control panel with a digital touch screen, so you can easily tap the panel to choose your settings. It also displays a cooking progress bar that lets you see at a glance how far along your recipes are. With a flat-bottomed pot, it offers an excellent surface for sauteing and browning, facilitating easy movement of ingredients without any sticking along the edges.
Best user-friendly Instant Pot
Product Specifications:
Capacity: 8 qt | Cooking Programs: 9 | Pressure Levels: Low, high and custom | Display: LCD | Lid Type: Traditional
Multicookers can sometimes be intimidating to operate, but the Instant Pot Duo Plus simplifies the process, especially for beginners. The control panel features dedicated buttons for each function, eliminating the need to scroll through numerous settings. Adjusting time and temperature is straightforward with the -/+ and ^/⌄ buttons. The large and easily readable LCD lets you quickly check the multicooker's settings. Additionally, the EasySeal lid ensures convenience by automatically sealing the steam-release valve when you close and lock the lid, offering reassurance to those new to pressure cooking.
The Duo Plus boasts nine cooking functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sauteing, steaming, rice making, yogurt making, sous vide, cake baking, and warming. Additionally, it offers 15 customizable smart programs with step-by-step instructions for various recipes like soups, ribs and beans.
When pressure cooking, it preheats and reaches pressure quickly, reducing wait times for your food. Its inner pot is large enough to fit an 8-inch pan, allowing you to make larger cakes than the Duo and other previous Instant Pot models. We also appreciate the delayed-start feature, which lets you postpone the start of cooking so you can get your meal on the table at the right time.
With the Duo Plus, you don’t have to spend too much time cleaning up after cooking. Its lid has a tab that fits into a notch in the pot’s handles, so you don’t have to set it down and splatter condensation and mess all over your counter. The pot, lid and other accessories are also dishwasher-safe, further reducing cleanup time.
Best Instant Pot for versatility
Product Specifications:
Capacity: 6 qt | Cooking Programs: 10 | Pressure Levels: None, low and high | Display: LCD | Lid Type: Traditional lid
With 10 cooking options including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sous vide, sauteing, rice-cooking, sterilizing, yogurt making, warming, cake baking, and steaming, along with 28 customizable one-touch programs, it covers a wide range of culinary needs. Additionally, the Pro offers five presets for your favorite recipes, providing convenient one-touch access to frequently made dishes. This array of cooking programs not only saves time in the kitchen but also makes it easy to get meals on the table swiftly. Available in two sizes, 6 quarts and 8 quarts, the Pro is suitable for families of six or more and great for batch-cooking.
Like the Pro Plus, the Pro’s stainless steel cooking pot has a flat bottom that makes it easier to mix ingredients because they move more easily across the cooking surface. The pot also locks in place inside the base, so it won’t move around as you stir. Even better? This model is dishwasher-safe to cut down on cleanup time. The Pro’s lid also uses a lever to release pressure after cooking, keeping your hand further away from the steam to prevent accidental burns.
The Pro’s large, bright LCD makes it easy to use. It pairs buttons for the cooking programs and presets with a dial that allows you to manually adjust the time and temperature, if necessary. It also provides a progress bar, so you can see what point the Pro is at each stage of the cooking process. And, if you plan to leave the Pro out on your counter rather than in a cabinet, the sleek black stainless steel design doesn’t hurt, either.
Expert tip
There are loads of accessories perfect for Instant Pots: Steaming baskets, rice cooking inserts, and specialty tools that won’t scratch the nonstick surface of your Instant Pot. Pick out some that suit your style of cooking.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Instant Pot models
You'll find six different models of Instant Pot on the market, each with slight variations in functions and features. All are fairly simple to set up and use, so let's examine all six to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
The Duo is Instant Pot’s original multicooker, featuring classic silver stainless steel and all the basic cooking functions the brand is known for. According to owner reviews, the Duo does everything they need and more. It has 14 smart programs plus the option to manually set the cooking time for pressure cooking. It offers the ability to cook on high pressure and low pressure. While the Duo is still available, this basic model has been updated and replaced by the newer RIO.
The Duo is a 7-in-1 model with the following functions:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Make yogurt
- Cook rice
- Saute
- Steam
- Warm
The Instant Pot RIO is the updated version of the brand’s original multicooker, Duo, but its revamped design makes it easier to use and gives it a sleeker appearance. It offers 13 cooking programs, a guided cooking progress indicator and an anti-spin bowl for improved browning and sauteing. It is available in multiple sizes and even comes in a wide version with a cooking area as large as a 12-inch skillet.
The RIO is a 7-in-1 model with the following functions:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Cook rice
- Make yogurt
- Steam
- Saute
- Warm
The Instant Pot Duo Plus boasts everything the Duo offers plus a bit extra. The added sous vide feature gives you more control over the cooking process for delicate foods like steaks, fish, vegetables and even eggs. It even has a cake function to help you make moist, decadent desserts. It is available in multiple sizes, including an 8-quart model suitable for families and entertaining.
It's a 9-in-1 model with the following functions:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Cook rice
- Steam
- Saute
- Make yogurt
- Sous vide
- Cake
- Warm
The Instant Pot Pro takes convenience and versatility up a notch with 28 smart-cooking programs and five favorite program settings. The Instant Pro Plus makes cooking even more convenient thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity that allows for access to the Instant Brand app and more than 1,000 recipes.
Both the Pro and Pro Plus are 10-in-1 multicookers, though the functions differ.
The Pro’s functions include:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Sous vide
- Saute
- Cook rice
- Sterilize
- Make yogurt
- Warm
- Cake
- Steam
The Pro Plus’s functions include:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Cook rice
- Steam
- Saute
- Make yogurt
- Warm
- Canning
- Sous vide
- NutriBoost
The Pro Crisp combines most of the classic Instant Pot functions with air-frying for even more versatility. It comes with two lids — the traditional lid and a lid that allows for air-frying. Its inner pot features advanced heat protection for quicker cooking. The 8-quart capacity makes it ideal for families, too.
It is an 11-in-1 model with the following functions:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Steam
- Saute
- Warm
- Sous vide
- Air-fry
- Roast
- Mini oven
- Broil
- Dehydrator
Like the Pro Crisp, the Duo Crisp adds air-frying into the mix with all the Instant Pot’s standard cooking functions. The standard Duo Crisp comes with two lids, while the Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid has a single lid that can do it all.
The standard Duo Crisp is an 11-in-1 model with the following functions:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Steam
- Saute
- Warm
- Sous vide
- Air-fry
- Roast
- Mini oven
- Broil
- Dehydrator
The Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is a 13-in-1 model with the following functions:
- Pressure-cook
- Slow-cook
- Steam
- Saute
- Warm
- Sous vide
- Air-fry
- Roast
- Mini oven
- Broil
- Dehydrator
- Make yogurt
- Proof bread
Expert tip
When your cooking is complete, make sure to wipe down the body of the Instant Pot with a warm damp cloth to clean it well. Countertop appliances like these can get splattered by foodstuffs being prepared around them, so it’s best to wash the outside of your Instant Pot down every now and again.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Instant Pot versions
Every Instant Pot model has different versions that feature minor tweaks and improvements. The versions generally aren't available alongside one another; once an old version has sold out, only the newer version will be found on retail shelves.
When you purchase a new Instant Pot, unless stated otherwise, you’ll receive the newest version. This should be the best iteration available. However, if you're buying a second-hand model, you should check the version and make sure there aren't any significant flaws with the version you're buying.
For example, earlier versions of the Instant Pot Duo Plus didn’t have a sous vide function. Updated Duo Plus models not only added the cooking feature but also revamped the control panel for easier, more straightforward operation.
What size Instant Pot is best for you?
Instant Pots can be found with 3-quart, 6-quart and 8-quart capacities, but not every model comes in every size.
- A 3-quart Instant Pot is suited to cooking meals for one or two people as long as you aren't interested in batch-cooking. The Duo and Duo Plus come in 3-quart sizes.
- A 6-quart Instant Pot cooks for smaller households of up to four people or for one or two people who like to batch-cook. Most Instant Pot models, including the Duo, RIO, Duo Plus, Pro and Pro Plus come in a 6-quart size.
- A 6.5-quart Instant Pot provides slightly more cooking space than 6-quart models, but you likely won’t notice much difference. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid comes in a 6.5-quart size.
- An 8-quart Instant Pot is large enough for individual meals for a family of five or more or smaller families who want to batch-cook. The Duo, Duo Plus, Duo Crisp, Pro and Pro Crisp come in an 8-quart size.
Instant Pot Tips
These tips will help you get started with your new appliance in an instant.
- When using your Instant Pot as a pressure cooker, you need at least 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid in your recipe. Otherwise, the unit won't fully pressurize.
- Increase or decrease the temperature when slow-cooking or sauteing by pressing the "adjust" button.
- There's no need to defrost first when using frozen ingredients in your Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
- You can pop popcorn in an Instant Pot using the sauté function.
- When cooking in pressure-cooker mode, there's no need to soak or pre-cook dried beans. Just throw them in with the other ingredients.
Instant Pot prices
Instant Pot prices vary based on the size of the model and the number of functions.
The most affordable Instant Pots are usually entry-level models with 7 cooking functions in 3-quart or 6-quart sizes like the Duo and RIO. These Instant Pots typically cost between $79.95 and $99.95.
Mid-range Instant Pots are usually 6-quart and 8-quart models with at least nine cooking functions, like the Duo Plus and Pro. These models generally range from $129.99 to $179.99.
The most expensive Instant Pots are 6-quart and 8-quart models with at least 10 cooking functions. Many include an air-frying function, such as the Duo Crisp and Pro Crisp. Some are also Wi-Fi-enabled, like the Pro Plus, so they have access to the Instant Brand app. These models usually cost between $179.99 and $229.95.
How we analyzed
To determine the best Instant Pots, we conducted extensive research and testing. In addition to consulting customer reviews and feedback for more than 15 models, we tested several models to see how well they performed. We paid special attention to pressure-cooking abilities since that’s usually the Instant Pot’s most-used setting, but we also tested its other cooking functions, including sauteing, rice cooking, air-frying and more.
In addition to each Instant Pot’s cooking performance, we considered factors like size and capacity to see how well they can work in various kitchens. We also evaluated features that affect user performance, such as the control panel’s layout, the bowl design and safety measures, to determine which Instant Pot models stand out above the rest.
FAQ
Q. Why choose an Instant Pot over another multicooker?
A. One of the common reasons people choose the Instant Pot is that the cooking pot is 100% stainless steel. This is rare among multicookers — most have aluminum or nonstick pots — and is an attractive feature. Stainless steel is long-lasting. There's no controversy over potential health danger as there is with aluminum and nonstick coatings. Additionally, Instant Pots are known to be quality multicookers that produce good results and are durable and easy to use.
Q. At what pressure does an Instant Pot cook?
A. When on the high-pressure setting, an Instant Pot cooks at roughly 11 psi. An average stovetop pressure cooker cooks at 15 psi. When using a regular pressure-cooker recipe, you'll need to increase the cooking time by 7% to 15% to accommodate the pressure difference.
Q. Is an Instant Pot easy to clean?
A. The Instant Pot’s stainless steel cooking pot is fully removable and dishwasher-safe, meaning it's a breeze to clean.
Q. What are the downsides of using an Instant Pot?
A. Some people are surprised by the amount of time that cooking in an Instant Pot actually takes. It’s certainly true that they can significantly reduce hands-on cooking time. However, for pressure-cooking, they still need time to preheat and pressurize before they actually start cooking your food. So, while an Instant Pot recipe may only list 15 minutes of cooking time for macaroni and cheese, the total cooking time may actually be closer to 40 minutes.
Additionally, you can’t check on your food’s progress while cooking, and if you forget to include an ingredient, you’ll need to depressurize your Instant Pot and start over. Finally, the limited capacity of an Instant Pot may not be the best fit for some families.
