You’ve seen the advertisements, read the articles, looked through the recipes, and now you’ve decided that you need an Instant Pot more than anything else (true!). Finding the ideal Instant Pot model for your particular cooking requirements is a more difficult challenge than it first appears.
All Instant Pots have the same fundamental multi-cooking capabilities that have made them a household favorite, but some are more adaptable than others. In terms of pot size, wattage, and voltage, the majority of the models are relatively similar. Where they diverge, however, is in the software—specifically, how many “smart programs” with pre-set heat, time, and pressure levels are included.
We’ll examine each Instant Pot model in detail and analyze its internal smart features, cooking capabilities, and more in the sections that follow. If you already have a favorite model in mind, you may either read about them all or go straight to that one:
But first things first: For those new to Instant Pot, let’s break down exactly what an Instant Pot is and what it can do.
What is an Instant Pot?
The short answer is that you can cook quickly or slowly with the Instant Pot, which is a practical multi-cooking appliance.
The lengthier answer: The Instant Pot is made to make it easier for you to determine the right amount of heat, pressure, and time your meal requires because it’s a countertop electric pressure cooker and slow cooker combined (with a bonus sauté option, no less). It’s fantastic for novice cooks and straightforward dishes like stews and porridge. However, if you become more accustomed to the appliance, it’s fantastic for tougher meat portions like baby back ribs or proteins that often require a lengthy cooking period. Many recipes may be modified for the Instant Pot with a little trial and error. Generally speaking, while being modified for pressure cooking, the liquid and cook time will need to be decreased and adjusted from those of a manual pressure cooker. You must adapt for less liquid and more time while slow-cooking.
What size Instant Pot should I get?
The Instant Pot comes in three sizes: 3 quarts, 6 quarts, and 8 quarts, making it a multipurpose countertop appliance for both small kitchens and large families. Since most recipes require a 6-quart model, it is the most common Instant Pot among home cooks. A 6-quart-sized dish normally serves three to six people. The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal for bulk cooking when preparing meals for a big family, a party, or your weekly meal prep. The 3-quart Instant Pot, also known as the Mini, is the best appliance for cooking for one or two people or in a tiny kitchen. While not every model is available in the 3- and 8-quart sizes, every model is, however, available in the 6-quart size.
Instant Pot Smart Programs vs. Functions
Because they use pressure to swiftly cook food, Instant Pots are well-liked. The fact that they are actual multi-cookers with the ability to braise, sauté, steam, and do so much more also contributes to their enormous popularity. However, not every model of an Instant Pot can carry out every function, and those that do are priced as such (7-in-1, 9-in-1, etc.). All Instant Pots can cook food under pressure, slowly, sauté, and keep it warm. More expensive models additionally have yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, broiling, and air frying capabilities. Although you can’t air-fry or broil in a model without an air-frying lid, people nevertheless manage to make cake in models without “mini oven” capabilities and make yogurt in models that aren’t specifically designed for producing yogurt. The functions are also fully adjustable.
With the push of a button, you may activate each cooker’s mentioned capabilities using the Instant Pot Smart Programs. Additionally, many models offer Smart Programs that eliminate guesswork when it comes to particular foods like cake, yogurt, eggs, brown rice, and more. The purchase guide below outlines each model’s function and Smart Program availability, including how many of each there are.
Now, let’s get into each of the Instant Pot models.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- 13-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fryer, Pressure Cooker, Sauté, Slow Cook, Steam, Warm, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Yogurt, Sous Vide and Bread Proofing
- THE INSTANT POT THAT AIR FRIES: From the makers of the best-selling Duo series comes a pressure cooker and air fryer combo, with removable air fryer cover.
- Best for beginners: An upgrade to the all-time bestseller Instant Pot Duo series, the Duo Nova combines 7 appliances in 1: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker. The 6Qt model is the most popular size, with a capacity to cook for up to 6 people – if you’re on the fence about which size is right for you, you can’t go wrong with the 6Qt
- Healthy & consistently delicious: Duo Nova is powered by a sophisticated micro-processor that monitors and adjusts pressure, temperature, time, and heat to cook food up to 70% faster than other methods and deliver consistent, delicious results every time. Automatic keep-warm for up to 10 hours
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer.
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch makes releasing steam easier than ever, and it automatically resets when the lid is closed.
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer.
- STAINLESS STEEL GREY : Matches with any kitchen décor and looks beautiful on your counter!
- 11-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, rotisserie, toast, warm, convection oven.
- 2 INTERCHANGEABLE LIDS: Transform the Instant Pot from pressure cooker to air fryer.
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, rice, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer.
- THE MOST VERSITILE: The ONLY Multi-Cooker with a Premium Cookware Grade Inner Pot with Stay-Cool Silicone Handles. - Meaning you can take it from your Insta Pot to your stove top!
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide, and NutriBoost
- STAYING CONNECTED: Wirelessly operate and program the Instant Pot Pro Plus over Wi-Fi using the Instant Brands Connect app on your mobile device and access over 1900+ highly rated Smart Recipes
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer.
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch makes releasing steam easier than ever, and it automatically resets when the lid is closed.
- Sustained 15psi, not only cooks food faster, you can now do home pressure canning;
- Large touch screen makes programming seamless, you can set time, temperature, pressure level, delay start and Warm;
The Classic: Instant Pot Duo
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
The Duo is the cheapest Instant Pot, despite the fact that there isn’t a basic model available. It makes the perfect starter Instant Pot because it’s neither too big (though you can buy this model with an 8-quart capacity) nor too small (though the 3-quart is great for dorm rooms), nor quite as complicated as some of the more expensive models. Along with steaming and sautéing, the Duo boasts extra cooking features like a rice cooker and a yogurt maker. If you wish to cook under pressure and using The Force,(the 6-quart Duo is available in a couple Star Wars designs.)
Date of release: in 2015
Integrated smart programs: 11 for the 3-quart size, 13 for the 6- and 8-quart sizes.
Functions of cooking: Cooking under pressure, slowly, cooking grains and rice, warming meals, creating yogurt, sous vide cooking, and sterilizing
Sizes offered:3-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pots
The Latest: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid
- 13-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fryer, Pressure Cooker, Sauté, Slow Cook, Steam, Warm, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Yogurt, Sous Vide and Bread Proofing
- THE INSTANT POT THAT AIR FRIES: From the makers of the best-selling Duo series comes a pressure cooker and air fryer combo, with removable air fryer cover.
The newest Instant Pot model boasts more features than any other Instant Pot available on the market, including the new Ultimate Lid and air-frying capabilities. It is considered regarded as “the ultimate” lid because, unlike other lids found in other Instant Pot models, it can be used for both pressure cooking and air frying. There is no requirement to switch between lids for various cooking methods. It is an enhancement that saves space and is useful.
Date of release: in 2022
Integrated smart programs: 13
Functions of cooking: yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, slow cooking, air frying, steaming, sautéing, warming food, roasting, a tiny oven, broiling, dehydrating, and bread proofing
Sizes offered: 6.5-quart Instant Pots
The Beginner-Friendly Workhorse: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Nova
- Best for beginners: An upgrade to the all-time bestseller Instant Pot Duo series, the Duo Nova combines 7 appliances in 1: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker. The 6Qt model is the most popular size, with a capacity to cook for up to 6 people – if you’re on the fence about which size is right for you, you can’t go wrong with the 6Qt
- Healthy & consistently delicious: Duo Nova is powered by a sophisticated micro-processor that monitors and adjusts pressure, temperature, time, and heat to cook food up to 70% faster than other methods and deliver consistent, delicious results every time. Automatic keep-warm for up to 10 hours
Due to its close resemblance to the Duo and a few user-friendly upgrades, the Duo Nova is an excellent Instant Pot for novices. Like the Duo, the Nova offers 13 one-touch Smart Programs and an easy-seal lid with a pressure release. It also has an LED display panel and a cooking progress indicator. I mean, what? It cannot be broken.
Date of release: in 2019
Integrated smart programs: 13
Functions of cooking: cooking under pressure, cooking rice slowly, producing yogurt, steaming, sautéing, and warming food
Sizes offered: Three, six, and eight-quart Instant Pots
The Next-Level: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Plus
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer.
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch makes releasing steam easier than ever, and it automatically resets when the lid is closed.
The Duo Plus, a notably more technological Instant Pot, has a black-and-white LCD screen that shows the cook state. Additionally, 15 programmable one-touch smart programs make it simple to quickly produce oats, eggs, cakes, beans, and more. Additionally, this model is apparently more fingerprint-resistant than other versions, which suggests that someone who intends to use their Instant Pot frequently should purchase it.
Date of release: in 2017
Integrated smart programs: 13 for the 3-quart size, 15 for the 6- and 8-quart sizes.
Functions of cooking: pressure cooking, slow cooking, creating yogurt, steaming, sautéing, warming up food, sous vide cooking, and sterilizing
Sizes offered: 3-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pots
The Quietest: Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper-Quiet Steam Release Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper-Quiet Steam Release
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer.
- STAINLESS STEEL GREY : Matches with any kitchen décor and looks beautiful on your counter!
This most recent version of the Instant Pot Duo receives a significant boost. Along with 25 intelligent programs, you also receive a stylish, stainless steel finish. In a significant departure from the original, the Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper Quiet Steam Release trades in sous vide cooking for a cake-making function.
Let’s start with the model’s obvious distinction from the standard Duo Plus: the steam release.
The newest technology and design in the Instant Pot enable the appliance to disperse steam more silently than before. Additionally, you have the choice of using a remote button to open the cooking pot from a distance for added security. But does purchasing this model over the original Duo Plus make sense? The price difference between the two versions is actually only $20, therefore we’d say this version is worthwhile because of its cutting-edge steam release technology and design. But if sous vide cooking is your thing, we recommend sticking with the original Duo Plus.
Date of release: in 2021
Integrated smart programs: 25
Functions of cooking: Cooking under pressure, cooking rice slowly, producing yogurt, steaming, sautéing, reheating food, baking cakes, and sterilizing
Sizes offered: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
The Do-It-All: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer 11-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
- 11-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer.
- THE INSTANT POT THAT AIR FRIES: From the makers of the best-selling Duo series comes a pressure cooker and air fryer combo, with 2 convenient removable lids.
This outstanding 11-in-1 pressure cooker was the first Instant Pot model to offer an air-frying capability with a second (included) air fryer top. Once you’re finished frying, you can quickly return to the normal lid to continue pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and other cooking methods. This Instant Pot model includes sophisticated safety measures and access to an online database with more than 1,000 Instant Pot recipes, just like all other Instant Pot models. Up to the release of the Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer (below), the Ninja Foodi’s strongest rival was the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which even allows broiling.
Date of release: 2019
Integrated smart programs: 11
Functions of cooking: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, air-frying, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous vide–cooking, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating
Sizes offered: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
The Hotshot: Instant Pot Pro Crisp Air Fryer 11-in-1 Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
- 11-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, rotisserie, toast, warm, convection oven.
- 2 INTERCHANGEABLE LIDS: Transform the Instant Pot from pressure cooker to air fryer.
The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer kicks the Duo Crisp up a level. With the exception of an updated top with superior heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle pressure release, this professional model functions just like the Duo Crisp. The more durable inner pot is made of stainless steel and is oven and cooktop safe up to 450°F.
Date of release: 2020
Integrated smart programs: 11
Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous vide–cooking, air-frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating
Sizes offered: 8-quart Instant Pot
The Mastermind: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Instant Pot Pro
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, rice, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer.
- THE MOST VERSITILE: The ONLY Multi-Cooker with a Premium Cookware Grade Inner Pot with Stay-Cool Silicone Handles. - Meaning you can take it from your Insta Pot to your stove top!
The sleek black exterior of the Instant Pot Pro sets it apart from competing models, but what really matters is what’s inside. The inner pot has handles that are easy to hold and a thick coating of aluminum for increased searing and sautéing. It is made of cookware-grade stainless steel. The inner pot is safe to use on electric, ceramic, and induction stovetops as well as in ovens up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Five of the astonishing 28 customisable smart cooking routines can be kept as favorites on the big LCD control panel (with a dial!).
Date of release: 2021
Integrated smart programs: 28
Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, sous vide cooking, sautéing, rice- and grain-cooking, sterilizing, yogurt-making, food-warming, baking, and steaming
Sizes offered: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
The Techie: Instant Pot Pro Plus Wifi Smart 10-in-1 Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart (Wifi)
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide, and NutriBoost
- STAYING CONNECTED: Wirelessly operate and program the Instant Pot Pro Plus over Wi-Fi using the Instant Brands Connect app on your mobile device and access over 1900+ highly rated Smart Recipes
The ability of the new Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart to link to an iPhone or an Android device and instantly activate the cooking features of more than 800 smart recipes on the Instant Brands Connect app makes it stand out from other pressure cookers. It’s not possible to hit “Start” while you’re at work and come home to your Instant Pot braising ribs even though you must be within 30 to 45 feet of the Instant Pot to retain the Wi-Fi connection and it must connect to a 2.4GHz network. However, the software allows you to manage practically everything, even the Steam release! Additionally, the Pro Plus Smart has NutriBoost, a feature that stirs food in the pot to simulate boiling and enhance flavor and texture. The better inner pot includes grips that are simple to grasp.
Date of release: 2021
Integrated smart programs: Access 800+ smart recipes via the app
Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt-making, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous vide–cooking, baking, sterilizing, and NutriBoost
Sizes offered: 6-quart Instant Pot
The Amazon Exclusive: Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Instant Pot Ultra
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer.
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch makes releasing steam easier than ever, and it automatically resets when the lid is closed.
The main distinction between the Ultra and the Duo Plus series is that the former gives the cook complete control over every setting, enabling you to warm, slow-cook, and pressure-cook food to suit your preferences. For an experienced user, having control over the settings is fantastic, but it can be challenging for a novice. The dial on the Ultra also makes changing between programs and temperatures simpler than on the Duo, and the auto-closing pressure valve speeds up the pressure-cooking steam release and promotes safety. This is the best option if you want a slightly larger screen and creative flexibility over your Instant Pot programming.Although the Max (below) claims to be the fastest, a side-by-side comparison revealed that the Ultra was faster at both attaining pressure and cooking chickpeas.
Date of release: 2017
Integrated smart programs: 16
Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, sautéing, steaming, baking, rice-cooking, yogurt-making, baking, food-warming, and sterilizing.
Sizes offered: 3-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pots
The Sports Car: Instant Pot Max Instant Pot Max
- Sustained 15psi, not only cooks food faster, you can now do home pressure canning;
- Large touch screen makes programming seamless, you can set time, temperature, pressure level, delay start and Warm;
The Max cooks 10 to 15% faster than other models, offers maximum pressure, and has 1,100 watts as opposed to the other variants’ 1,000. (at 15 psi). Standard Instant Pots aren’t as strong as stovetop pressure cookers, but you can cook typical pressure cooker recipes in them and set the hands-free pressure release function. Although the maker states you may use it for pressure-canning, we don’t advise doing that because there are some issues that need to be worked out.
Date of release: 2018
Integrated smart programs: 8
Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, pressure-canning, slow-cooking, sautéing, sous vide–cooking, rice-cooking, steaming, yogurt-making, food-warming, and NutriBoost.
Sizes offered: 6-quart Instant Pot
What Instant Pot accessories do I need?
Because each Instant Pot model varies slightly, it’s crucial to read the instructions and become familiar with the features and settings your model offers. A stainless steel or nonstick inner pot, a sealing ring that encircles the lid and aids in odor absorption, a steam rack or basket to elevate food inside the inner pot, a pressure valve, a steam release valve, a plastic collector cup to catch any condensation released during slow cooking, and an Instant Pot in general.
Any additional Instant Pot gadgets or accessories you decide to purchase to increase the usefulness of your cooker are merely a bonus. The extras you use with your Instant Pot can be useful and necessary or just plain entertaining, depending on what you intend to cook. Some people purchase additional sealing rings so they can use one for baked products and one for meat. If they cook a lot of hard-boiled eggs, some people spend money on egg trivets. Some people research springform pans to bake quiche and cheesecake. Additionally, silicone mitts with a surprising firm grip are really beneficial.
Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
