It’s all the rage so guess what? I hit the streets to get the lowdown on 10 different models and their accessories! I hope you enjoy this review of Instant Pot.
This post contains affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read the full policy here.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Instant Pot. It’s That Thing that has everyone talking. That wondrous, marvelous, amazing, extraordinary, almost transcendent piece of kitchen equipment that the whole world is raving about. Since you’re here, reading this review, I assume that you’re considering buying and you’re looking to see if this is the brand for you.
The fact is that Instant Pot is the best-selling and most popular pressure cooker out there. It’s user-friendly and has many, many uses, from the obvious (pressure-cooking) to things you may not be aware of such as making yogurt, cooking eggs and even sterilization. The problem (at least for me) is that there are 10 different models available. T.E.N. Which one is the right one for you? I’m going to break it down for you here.
My review of Instant Pot.
Basic Instant Pot Features
There are certain features that all Instant Pots have in common so I’m going to cover those first:
- High-Pressure Cooking Function that cooks food up to 70% faster.
- Slow Cooker Function.
- Steamer Option for cooking vegetables, seafood, and eggs. Steamer accessories are included with Instant Pot.
- Saute Function for sauteing, browning and reducing.
- Rice Cooker Option to cook rice in as little as 4 minutes.
- Warm Setting for keeping food at the proper temperature when it’s finished cooking.
- Stainless Steel Inner Port has a 3 ply bottom and is dishwasher safe.
- Accessories included: stainless steel steam rack with handles, rice paddle, soup spoon, measuring cup and condensation collector.
- Free Instant Pot App for iOS and Android devices that’s loaded with hundreds of recipes as well as an online community to provide support and guidance.
- More than 10 built-in safety features, including Overheat Protection, Safety Lock and more to ensure safe pressure-cooking
All Instant Pots except the Lux 6 in 1 have these additional features:
- Low-Pressure Cooking Function for cooking items such as hard or soft-cooked eggs as well as more delicate vegetables and fish.
- Yogurt Making Function.
Pot By Pot
Now that we know the basics, let’s get down to the brass tacks: the pot-by-pot comparison so you can choose the perfect Instant Pot for you! Ready? Let’s roll.
This very basic and economical Instant Pot has 12 one-touch Smart Programs, a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lid, components and a 6-quart large capacity to cook for up to 6 people
Instant Pot Lux 6 in 1 also comes in an 8-quart size for larger households.
Instant Pot Lux Mini has all the features of the 6-quart but in a 3-quart size. It’s great for small households, making side dishes or for anywhere that space is limited.
This is the original model of Instant Pot. It’s basic, affordable and the best-selling model out there due to its ease of use.
It has 14 Smart Programs and 12 preset temperatures. The 6-quart size cooks for up to 6 people.
Instant Pot Duo 80 has all the features of the Duo 60 but in an 8-quart size.
Instant Pot Duo Mini has all the features of the Duo 60 but in a 3-quart size. It’s great for small households, making side dishes or for anywhere that space is limited.
Instant Pot Duo Nova is an updated Duo. It has 12 one-touch Smart Programs plus a new progress indicator to let you know when your Instant Pot is coming to pressure and when the cooking cycle begins.
The new easy-seal lid automatically seals your Instant Pot to keep flavors, nutrients and aromas sealed inside.
Accessories included: an extra sealing ring, a steam rack with handles, and a recipe booklet.
This smaller Instant Pot Duo Nova has all the features of the standard-sized Duo Nova but in a 3-quart size.
This 6-quart pot is the first we’ve looked at that has some seriously awesome upgrades.
It has 15 one-touch Smart Programs which include a cake maker (get accessories here), sterilization feature and sous vide feature.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 qt 9 in 1
Instant Pot Duo Plus is an updated Duo. Duo Plus upgrades include the easy seal lid to automatically seal when pressure-cooking and a cooking progress indicator, so you know when cooking begins. It has 15 one-touch Smart Programs and can prepare meals for up to 6 people.
A larger version of the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9 in 1 has all the features of the regular Duo Plus but in an 8-quart size.
Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini has a 3-quart capacity. It’s great for making side dishes or for anywhere that space is limited. It has 13 one-touch smart programs but does not have the cake or beans/grain option offered in the larger size.
Instant Pot Ultra is the next generation in kitchen appliances.
A central dial with a simple turn and press provides added precision in program selection and adjustment. 16 one-touch Smart Programs include complete temperature customization and preset cooking times for up to 6 hours.
The automatic altitude adjustment takes the guesswork out of recipe conversion while the new self-closing pressure valve adds a higher safety rating.
Instant Pot Duo EVO Plus 9 in 1
Instant Pot Duo Evo is a hybrid of the Duo Plus and the Ultra and has features you won’t find in other models. It has 10 one-touch Smart Programs and 48 customizable preset options, making it a must-have for cooking enthusiasts!
It has the biggest display of all the models we’ve looked at so far, big, bold and angled so it can be read from a distance while the new cooking progress indicator shows clearly where you are in the cooking cycle. The 1200W heating element reduces preheating time allowing you to make meals faster.
The easy seal lid automatically seals the pressure cooker while the improved steam-diffusing cover takes the fear out of the pressure release process. Pressure release time is shortened with the new QuickCool technology.
The cookware-grade inner pot made from 304 (18/8) stainless steel features non-slip, cool-to-the-touch silicone handles and a flat bottom that can be used on gas, electric and induction stovetop/cooktop.
Accessories include stainless steel steam rack with long handles and an extra sealing ring.
This WiFi-enabled cooker lets you schedule, cook, adjust and monitor the progress of your meals on the go from your mobile device with the Instant Pot app. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. As if that’s not awesome enough, you’ll have access to thousands of pre-programmed recipes and 13 one-touch Smart Programs!
The sustained 15psi pressure in this cooker not only cooks food faster while using less energy, it also enables you to do home pressure canning. It automatically releases pressure in the pot when the food is cooked. New Nutriboost technology creates a boiling motion during pressure-cooking to break down food, adding nutrition, flavor, and taste to soups and bone broth.
A new-brushed stainless steel exterior body, stainless steel interior cooker and inner pot are made from food-grade 304 stainless steel and accessories include 2 heat-resistant silicone mitts.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11 in 1 Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp offers the best of all worlds with the simple flip of the lid!
The pressure cooker lid offers all the options of a regular Instant Pot while the air fryer lid offers 5 dry cooking functions: use it to quickly air fry, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate.
Accessories include a multi-level air fryer basket as well as a dehydrating and broiling tray designed to ensure optimal results time after time.
The Best Instant Pot Accessories
Instant Pot 9” Tempered Glass Lid for 6 Quart
Instant Pot Silicone Lid for 5 and 6 Quart
So…Is An Instant Pot Worth It?
A lot of people I know call their Instant Pot a game-changer. They’re absolutely hooked.
Much of their fondness comes from a place of convenience. There is a shorter cooking time for large, tough cuts of meat, wild rice, steel-cut oats and lentils plus its ability to cook meat from frozen.
As a one-pot meal creator, it will leave you with fewer dirty dishes, leading to a quicker cleanup time. You can’t hate that!
What about you? Which Instant Pot are you going to choose? If you already have one, tell me what you think about yours! I’d love to hear from you.
All my best,
Cynthia
cynthia@cynthiaeats.com
Awesome! Thanks for sharing this article and your review of instant pots. I noticed there are several different pots in your article. Is there the one that you like the most and could consider as the top recommendation? Thanks
Thank you for your comments, Ivan! I personally like the Instant Pot Duo 60. It’s basic and economical. It does everything I need it to do!
HI there, I have been looking into instant pots lately. My daughter tells me we need one. So, after talking with her she thinks we need the instant pot duo 80. We have a large family so the larger one should do us fine. I like the yogurt maker accessory. I have made homemade yogurt before and it is way better than store-bought. Thanks for helping us decide.
Chuck, I hope you enjoy your new Instant Pot. Please check back in and let me know what meals you’ve prepared in it and how they turned out!
Thanks for your review in the instant pot Cynthia. Before I buy any new kitchen tools, I have to make sure that it is worth it so that I can make room in my kitchen. Oh wow, I had no idea that I can make yogurt with instant pot?! I think this Instant Pot Crisp 11 in 1 Air Fryer, this is the choice for me. I will check on your link.
I think you’ve made the right choice! There’s nothing better than an Instant Pot AND an air fryer, all in one!
This looks like a really handy piece of equipment indeed. Having lived in a caravan for almost 30 years I seldom used a cooker at all and was more accustomed to cooking on the open fire or woodburning stove. However, if you’re going to have luxuries then you might as well go for it.
I have a Caravan and will always own one because it’s so big and roomy. Even so, I can see why you wouldn’t have the room for an Instant Pot! I would love to hear more about what kinds of things you can create on the open fire.
Hi, Cynthia!
Wow, what a great kitchen device! It looks like an instant pot is a must-have in every kitchen. I would very much value your own opinion on which model to choose, taking into account we are only two at home…
Your post is very clear and pleasant to read. Thanks a lot for sharing and keep safe!
These are certainly a useful kitchen appliances and very versatile! For a 2 person household, I would recommend the Duo 60 mini. It’s an all-in-one model that serves as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sterilizer and yogurt maker!