The Best Instant Pot – Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs
The best Instant Pots are versatile multi-cookers that combine slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, sautéeing, steaming, and more into one compact appliance. Since its debut, the Instant Pot has gained immense popularity, with newer models introducing advanced features like sous vide and even air frying. These innovations make it easier to replace multiple gadgets in your kitchen.
We’ve rigorously tested the top models available today and organized them for you to find the perfect match for your needs and budget—whether you’re preparing tender stews, cooking dried beans, or crafting a creamy yogurt. We’re also keeping an eye out for the best deals to help you save on your purchase.
If you’re still exploring options, we’ve also rounded up some of the best multi-cookers from brands like Ninja and Sage, offering an excellent alternative to Instant Pots.
Once you’ve chosen your Instant Pot, check out our guides on how to cook hard-boiled eggs in an Instant Pot—a game-changer that makes this appliance worth every penny—and how to clean an Instant Pot, because while they’re easy to clean, the seals can retain strong food odors if not cared for properly.
The best Instant Pots
1. Instant Pot Pro
Best for: Premium cooking experience
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6qt / 6L or 8qt / 8L
- Cooking Modes: 10-in-1 with pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steam, sauté, sous vide, reheat, yogurt maker, sterilizer, cake maker
- Number of Presets: 28
Highlights:
- Five one-touch favorite settings for quick meals
- Stovetop-friendly, oven, and dishwasher-safe inner pot
- Safe, user-friendly steam release switch
Pros:
- 28 preset cooking options for flexibility
- Large capacity options (6qt or 8qt)
- Durable and easy-to-clean inner pot
- User-friendly steam release for safety
Cons:
- No recipe book or cooking charts included
- Steam rack is not ideal for vegetables
- More expensive than other Instant Pots
The Instant Pot Pro stands out as the top-tier choice for most households, offering an incredible range of features that can replace up to 10 kitchen appliances. This model goes beyond the basics of pressure cooking, slow cooking, and steaming—it also functions as a rice cooker, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and more. Its 28 cooking modes allow you to experiment with a wide variety of dishes, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
What we love most is the customization it offers. You can save your favorite settings for up to five recipes, giving you the ease of one-touch cooking for personalized dishes. The inner pot, equipped with handles, doubles as a stovetop searing pan and can be carried straight to the table, making mealtime more convenient.
Additionally, safety and convenience are priorities with the Instant Pot Pro. Its steam release switch is one of the safest and easiest to use, minimizing noise and splashes. However, there are a few drawbacks: the lack of a recipe book means you’ll need to experiment to find the right settings, and its steaming rack has gaps that can cause small vegetables like broccoli florets to fall through.
Despite these minor flaws, the Instant Pot Pro delivers exceptional performance and versatility, earning its place as a top choice for families who want to simplify meal preparation.
2. Instant Pot Duo Plus
Best for: Budget-friendly, all-in-one cooking
Key Features:
- Capacity: 3qt / 3L (US only), 6qt / 5.7L, 8qt / 7.6L
- Cooking Modes: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, sterilizer, food warmer
- Number of Presets: 15
Highlights:
- Affordable and versatile for everyday cooking
- Safer steam release for added convenience
- Multiple size options available to suit different needs
Pros:
- Easy to use with an intuitive interface
- Safer steam release for peace of mind
- Available in multiple sizes (3qt, 6qt, 8qt)
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Fewer recipe presets compared to other Instant Pots
- The top of the lid can become very hot during cooking
- Lacks steam cook function
For those looking for a budget-friendly yet highly functional multi-cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Plus strikes a balance between affordability and versatility. Available in multiple sizes, it’s perfect for households of all sizes. This model offers essential cooking modes, such as pressure cooking, steaming, and sautéing, and comes with customizable presets for easier meal preparation.
What sets the Duo Plus apart is its safety-first design. The steam release is controlled with a simple switch, keeping your hands safely away from hot steam. It’s particularly appealing to beginners or anyone wary of pressure cooking.
While it doesn’t include air fryer functionality and has fewer presets compared to some other models, the Duo Plus excels in its core functions. Whether you’re cooking chili, rice, or curry, the results are consistently delicious. If you want solid performance without breaking the bank, the Duo Plus is an excellent choice.
3. Instant Pot Pro Plus
Best for: Smart cooking with app integration
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6qt / 5.7L
- Cooking Modes: 10-in-1 with pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide, and NutriBoost
- Number of Presets: 10
Highlights:
- Smartphone app control for convenience
- Access to step-by-step recipes via the app
- NutriBoost technology for enhanced pressure cooking
- Multiple cooking modes for versatility
Pros:
- App control for easy operation
- 10 cooking modes to suit various needs
- Provides detailed recipes for beginners and pros alike
- Fast and efficient pressure cooking
Cons:
- Basic (but timeless) black design
- No air fry feature
- Higher price point
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the pinnacle of innovation in the Instant Pot lineup, designed for tech-savvy cooks. Priced at $199.95 / £199.99, it’s the most expensive option but comes packed with features that justify its premium price.
The standout feature is its smart app integration, which allows you to control the cooker via your smartphone. The app provides access to a vast library of over 1,400 recipes, making it a game-changer for busy individuals who want inspiration or need help utilizing leftover ingredients. The 10 cooking modes include a unique NutriBoost setting, which enhances flavor and retains nutrients, ideal for health-conscious users.
Our testing revealed that this model is faster than most others when it comes to pressure cooking, and its sleek design looks great on any countertop. The stainless steel cooking pot is dishwasher-safe, adding to its convenience.
While it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers, the Pro Plus is a worthwhile investment for those who value smart features and an extensive recipe library.
4. Instant Pot Duo Nova
Best for: First-time users and ease of use
Key Features:
- Capacity: 3qt / 2.8L, 6qt / 5.7L, 8qt / 7.6L
- Cooking Modes: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steam, sauté, reheat, yogurt maker
- Number of Presets: 15
Highlights:
- Simple interface with easy-to-use buttons
- Lid automatically seals for pressure cooking
- Dishwasher-safe lid and pot for easy cleanup
- Multiple size options for different household needs
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface ideal for beginners
- Dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning
- Multiple preset cooking options for convenience
- Automatic sealing lid ensures safe pressure cooking
Cons:
- Metal exterior and lid can get very hot
- Cooking pot lacks handles, making it harder to lift
- Steam rack isn’t the best for steaming most vegetables
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is a fantastic option for those new to pressure cooking or who value simplicity and safety. It comes with a quick steam release switch that minimizes the risk of burns and ensures a stress-free cooking experience. Additionally, the steam valve automatically closes when the lid is secured, adding an extra layer of safety.
With seven cooking modes and 14 pre-programmed settings, the Duo Nova covers all the basics. It’s not as fast as the Pro models, but it delivers reliable results for everyday meals like soups, stews, and rice. Its stainless steel cooking pot and lid are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
The main downside is that the pot lacks handles, which can make it difficult to lift. Like other models, you’ll need to purchase additional accessories for tasks like steaming vegetables. However, the Duo Nova’s ease of use and focus on safety make it an excellent choice for beginners or families with young cooks.
5. Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer
Best for: Versatile cooking with air frying
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6qt / 5.7L
- Cooking Modes: 10-in-1 with pressure cook, sauté, slow cook, steam, sous vide, keep warm, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate
- Number of Presets: 11
Highlights:
- Built-in air fryer for crisp results
- Multiple cooking functions for versatility
- Air fry, roast, and bake with ease
- Easy to use, especially for busy kitchens
Pros:
- 11 cooking functions for diverse meal prep
- 6-quart capacity, ideal for family meals
- Effective air frying and crisping
- Quick cooking times
Cons:
- Larger size can be bulky to store
- Doesn’t include steaming accessories by default
- Cooking pot isn’t non-stick
For those who want an all-in-one appliance, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer combines the traditional functions of a multi-cooker with the added versatility of air frying, baking, and roasting. Its 8-quart capacity is perfect for larger families or batch cooking, and the additional air fryer lid expands your culinary possibilities.
This model impressed us with its ability to handle slow cooking, sautéing, and pressure cooking seamlessly. While it doesn’t come with a non-stick pot, it excels in delivering tender, flavorful dishes like beef chili or roasted chicken. However, its air frying performance left us wanting slightly crisper results, especially for fries.
If you’re looking to consolidate kitchen appliances and save counter space, the Duo Crisp & Air Fryer is a solid choice, though you may need to invest in some elbow grease for cleaning.
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How to choose the best Instant Pot for you
With so many models and features available, selecting the best Instant Pot or multi-cooker can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow it down:
Start by assessing the cooking methods you’ll use most. Some models focus on core functions like pressure cooking and slow cooking, while others, like the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, boast up to 48 cooking modes, including bread proofing and yogurt making.
Next, consider the capacity. If you’re cooking for a large family or batch-cooking meals, a 6-quart (5.7-liter) or larger Instant Pot is ideal. For one or two people, a smaller 3-quart (3-liter) model should suffice, saving energy and space.
Look for added conveniences, such as dishwasher-safe inner pots or pots that can be used on the stove for browning meat before slow cooking. These features enhance usability and reduce cleanup time, making your cooking experience even more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions about Instant Pots
Is an Instant Pot really worth it?
An Instant Pot can be a transformative addition to your kitchen, but it’s important to determine if it fits your cooking style.
While Instant Pots offer versatile cooking methods, they’re not suitable for every dish. For instance, they’re less effective for stir-fries, pasta, or noodles. Even with air fryer lids, making crispy fries in an Instant Pot doesn’t quite match the results of a dedicated air fryer.
Unlike ovens or stovetops, you can’t easily check your dish mid-cook without releasing the pressure and pausing the process. This can feel limiting for some.
That said, Instant Pots excel at reducing cooking time for stews, ribs, and beans while also simplifying complex recipes. If you’re looking to consolidate multiple kitchen gadgets into one or expand your cooking repertoire without mastering new skills, an Instant Pot is well worth the investment.
What’s the best size Instant Pot?
Instant Pots come in various sizes, ranging from 3 quarts (3 liters) to 8 quarts (7.5 liters). Choosing the right size depends on your household needs.
For most, a 6-quart (5.7-liter) Instant Pot is the most practical choice. It’s ideal for feeding 3–6 people or batch-cooking meals. Larger families or those hosting gatherings may prefer the 8-quart (7.5-liter) size for making bigger portions of stews or chili.
Smaller households of 1–2 people will find a 3-quart (3-liter) model energy-efficient and less cumbersome. Note that not all models are available in every size, so double-check compatibility before purchasing.
What can I cook in an Instant Pot?
Instant Pots support a variety of cooking methods, enabling you to prepare countless dishes.
Pressure cooking shortens cooking times, making it great for ribs, chicken wings, and beans, while slow cooking is perfect for hearty stews and casseroles. You can also bake cakes, make cheesecakes, air fry (with specific lids), and even hard-boil eggs effortlessly.
For inspiration, Instant Pot’s website offers a vast library of recipes to explore, from simple weeknight meals to advanced culinary creations.
Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi
Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are two giants in the multi-cooker world, each with unique strengths.
Ninja Foodi appliances often come with non-stick pots, making them easier to clean, while Instant Pots feature stainless steel pots. However, both brands offer dishwasher-safe pots to simplify cleaning.
Price-wise, Ninja Foodi models are generally more expensive, especially their high-end multi-cookers, but they often include additional features, such as built-in air fryer capabilities.
If ease of cleaning and built-in frying are priorities, Ninja Foodi may have an edge. For versatility and value, Instant Pot remains a strong contender. To see how they compare, check out our detailed Ninja Foodi vs Instant Pot guide.
