The Best Instant Pot for You: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Size and Model (2024)

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You’ve heard the hype,read the articles, perusedthe recipes, and have come to the conclusion that you absolutely need an Instant Pot (true!). But finding thebest Instant Pot model to add to your artillery ofkitchen appliances—the Instant Pot that really fits your unique cooking needs—is a more involved task than it may seem.

Table of contents

  • What is an Instant Pot?
  • What can I cook in an Instant Pot?
  • What size Instant Pot should I get?
  • Instant Pot Smart Programs vs. Functions
  • So what’s the best Instant Pot model to buy in 2024?
  • Instant Pot Models
  • What Instant Pot accessories do I need?
  • What’s the deal with Instant Pot’s other appliances (And should I get one of theirair fryers)?
  • Should I get the Instant Potair fryer lid?
  • How do I clean my Instant Pot?
  • Do Instant Pots include a warranty?
  • What exactly can I make in my Instant Pot?

Though every Instant Pot has the same basicmulti-cooking functionality that made the brand a household name, some are more versatile than others. Most of the models are very similar in terms of pot size, wattage, and voltage; where they differ is mostly in the software—how many “smart”cooking settings are built in along withpreset heat, time, andpressure levels.

Ahead, we’ll take a close look at all of theInstant Pot models and break down their built-in smart programs,cooking functions,ease of use, and more. You can scroll to learn more about what the Instant Pot can do and read about all the models, or just jump straight to a specific model if you have one in mind:

  • High-End: Instant Pot Duo Crisp withUltimate Lid
  • Basic: Instant Pot Rio
  • Classic: Instant Pot Duo
  • Beginner-Friendly: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1
  • Fingerprint-Resistant: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1
  • Quietest: Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper-QuietSteam Release
  • Does It All: Instant Pot Duo Crisp +Air Fryer 11-in-1
  • Comes with Everything: Instant PotPro Crisp +Air Fryer 11-in-1
  • Best Looking: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1
  • Smartest: Instant Pot Pro PlusWi-Fi Smart 10-in-1
  • Amazon Exclusive: Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1
  • Most Cooking Pressure: Instant Pot Max

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 Instant Pot is a convenient multi-cooking machine that lets you cook fast or slow. In other words, it's pressure cooker and slow cooker wrapped up in one (with a bonus sauté function, no less), it’s designed to help you remove the guesswork of figuring out the ideal amount of heat, pressure, and time your food needs. Even the most basic models are smart enough to completely eliminate the guesswork of figuring out the ideal amount of heat, pressure, and time your food needs.

What can I cook in an Instant Pot?

The better question is “what can’t you cook in an Instant Pot?” because with a little creativity and some willingness for trial and error there isn’t much this countertop cooker can’t do. The Instant Pot is a fantastic small kitchen appliance for beginners as well as those who want to cook simple meals, like stews and oatmeal. But it’s also excellent for more advanced cooking projects that involve tougher cuts of meat like baby back ribs or other proteins that usually require a long cook time. And while you can find an Instant Pot recipe for nearly anything online, many other recipes can be adapted for the Instant Pot. Generally speaking, when adapting for pressure-cooking, the liquid and cook time will need to be cut and adjusted from those of a manual pressure cooker. For slow-cooking, you’ll need to adjust for less liquid and more time.

What size Instant Pot should I get?

The Instant Pot comes in three main sizes: 3 quarts, 6 (or 6.5) quarts, and 8 quarts, making it a versatile countertop appliance for small kitchens and large families alike.

Benefits of a 6-quart Instant Pot: The 6-quart (and new 6.5-quart variation) Instant Pot is the most popular size for home cooks, as most recipes are written for that size. Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people.

Benefits of an 8-quart Instant Pot: The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal when you’re feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or cooking in batches for your weekly meal prep.

Benefits of a 3-quart Instant Pot: Last but not least, the 3-quart Instant Pot (a.k.a. the Mini), is a top pick when cooking for one or two people or if you have an especially small kitchen. Every model is available in the 6-quart size, but not all models are available in the 3- and 8-quart sizes. (More on why we love tiny countertop cookers.)

Instant Pot Smart Programs vs. Functions

Instant Pots are beloved because of their ability to cook foods quickly using pressure. But they’re also wildly popular in part because of their versatility. They’re true multi-cookers that can be used to braise, sauté, steam, and so much more. But all Instant Pots are not created equal—er, not every model can perform every function, and they’re billed accordingly (7-in-1, 9-in-1, etc.). All Instant Pots can pressure-cook, slow-cook, sauté, and keep warm. Fancier models tack on additional cooking methods like yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, broiling, and even air-frying. The functions are customizable, and while you can’t always air-fry or broil in a model that doesn’t have an air-frying lid, people still manage to make cake in models that don’t offer “mini oven” functionality and make yogurt in models that aren’t officially marketed for yogurt-making.

The Instant Pot Smart Programs allow you to engage each cooker’s listed functionality with the touch of a button. Many models also have additional Smart Programs that take the guesswork out of specific items like cake, yogurt, eggs, brown rice, and more. The buying guide below details which and how many functions and Smart Programs are available in each model.

So what’s the best Instant Pot model to buy in 2024?

Instant Pot offers so many variations on its original electric pressure cooker—and regularly introduces upgrades while discontinuing older models—that it can be hard to decide which is the right one for you, right now. To help you make the smartest decision, we’ve detailed the pros and cons of each Instant Pot model in the current product line below.

NOTE: For Instant Pots with multiple sizes, we’ve listed the price for the 6-quart models.

High End:Instant Pot Duo Crisp withUltimate Lid

This Duo Crisp is best for: People who like to have the latest cooking technology as well as those who don’t have the counter space for both an Instant Pot and anair fryer.

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Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2022
  • Cooking functions: 13
  • Functions:Pressure-cooking,air-frying,slow-cooking, steaming,sautéing, food-warming, roasting, mini oven,broiling,dehydrating, yogurt making,sous vide cooking, and bread proofing
  • Power: 1,500 watts
  • Max working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6.5-quart Instant Pot

One of the latest high-techInstant Pot models, this has the most functions of any Instant Pot on the market includingair-frying capabilities. But the real selling point is theUltimate Lid. The new lid is called “the ultimate” because, unlike the lids on otherInstant Pot models, this one has one lid that can be used for bothpressure-cooking andair-frying.

Pros:With this model, there’s no longer a need to switch between lids for different types of cooking. It’s a functional, space-saving upgrade.

Cons: This one only comes in one size (which is half a quart bigger than the standard 6-quart). It’s also one of the most expensiveInstant Pot models.

Basic: Instant Pot Rio

This Rio is best for: home cooks looking for an upgraded pressure cooker with a sleek look and a big control panel.

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Instant Pot RIO

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2022
  • Cooking functions: 13
  • Functions:Pressure cooking,slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, steaming,sautéing, and food warming
  • Power: 1,400 watts
  • Working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot and 7.5-quart Instant Pot

Released in June of 2022, the Instant Pot Rio is listedonAmazon as the Instant Pot “formerly known as the Duo.” For now, you can still buy both, though we’re not sure why you would get a 6-quart Duo when the more energy-efficient 6-quart Rio has the same price tag and the same sevencooking functions, all packaged in a slimmer, sleeker body—with a moreuser-friendlycontrol panel to boot. You may want to measure your planned storage spot before purchasing—there is a wider version of the Rio that was released in 2023 that’s also a little shorter, which may make it fit more easily in your cupboards.

Pros:It’s a modern-feeling version of the most basic Instant Pot, with a slimmer, fingerprint-resistant body; an easy-release,dishwasher-safe lid; an anti-spininner pot; and a largecontrol panel.

Cons: This one only comes in one size (6-quart) and it lacks many of the features you’ll find on more expensive Instant Pots, likeair-frying,broiling, and bread-proofing.

Classic: Instant Pot Duo

This Duo is best for: anyone looking for the original Instant Pot who doesn’t need any fancy upgrades. It also makes a great gift for anyone new to pressure cooking. (Worth mentioning: this Instant Pot is available in a handful ofStar Wars designs.)

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Instant Pot Duo

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2015
  • Built-in smart programs: 13 for 6- and 8-quart sizes, 11 for the 3-quart size
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking,slow-cooking, rice- and grain-cooking, steaming,sautéing, food-warming, yogurt making, andsterilizing
  • Power: 1,200 watts
  • Max working pressure: 12 PSI
  • Sizes available: 3-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pots

No Instant Pot qualifies as basic, but the Duo is technically themost basic model you can buy. That makes it the perfect starter Instant Pot, especially if you’re on a budget or you just don’t want to invest in something more complicated right now. It’s not too big (though you can buy this model in the8-quart size), not too small (though the3-quart is great for dorm rooms), and not quite as complicated as some of the more expensive models.

Pros:It comes in three sizes—and in addition to steaming andsautéing, the Duo can be used as ayogurt-maker andrice cooker. Plus, its lid andinner pot are bothdishwasher-safe.

Cons: For the same price as the Duo, you can get all the same functionality as well as a few extra features in a slimmer, sleeker (or wider) body with the newer Instant Pot Rio (above).

Beginner-Friendly: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1

The Duo Nova is best for: anyone who’s extra cautious about cooking with pressure (or kitchen safety in general).

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Instant Pot Duo Nova

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2019
  • Built-in smart programs: 13
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking,slow-cooking, yogurt making, steaming,sautéing, and food-warming
  • Power: 1,800 watts
  • Max working pressure: 12 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots

The Duo Nova is very similar to the Duo, but with a fewuser-friendly upgrades like an intuitive LED display with a cooking progress indicator, as well as built-insafety features. Like the Duo, the Duo Nova has 13 one-touch Smart Programs, but this one also features an easy-seal lid with simplepressure release.

Pros:The Duo Nova comes in two sizes, has a handful of built-insafety features with UL certification, and theinner pot is free of any chemical coatings.

Cons: Likethe Instant Pot Duo, Duo Nova still has fewer cooking features than some other models.

Fingerprint Resistant: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1

The Duo Plus is best for: Someone who wants to upgrade from the Duo but doesn’t necessarily need the most high-tech model.

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Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2017
  • Built-in smart programs: 15 for 6- and 8-quart sizes, 13 for 3-quart size
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking,slow-cooking, yogurt making, steaming,sautéing, food-warming,sous vide cooking, andsterilizing
  • Power: 1,000 watts
  • Max working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 3-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pots

Noticeably more techy than the Duo, the Duo Plus features a black-and-whiteLCD screen that tells you what stage of thecooking process it’s in, so you never have to wonder whether it'spreheating, cooking, or functioning as afood warmer until you're ready to eat. And 15 customizable one-touch smart programs make it easy to prepare oatmeal, eggs, cakes, beans, and more with the push of a button.

Pros:In addition to having adishwasher safeinner pot and adishwasher-safe lid, the outside of the Duo Plus is fingerprint-resistant.

Cons:This Instant Pot has two more cooking features thanthe Instant Pot Duo, but it’s far from the most tricked-out Instant Pot.

Quietest: Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper-QuietSteam Release

The Duo Plus with Whisper-Quiet Steam Release is best for: those wanting a quiet, high-techgadget with addedsafety features.

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Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper-Quiet Steam Release

The Instant Pot Duo gets a major upgrade with this iteration. Not only do you get a sleek,stainless-steel finish, you get 25 smart programs, as well as a far less nerve-wracking way to release steam and open the lid. The new-and-improvedsteam release on this model allows the machine to diffuse steam more quietly than ever. It also gives you the option to use a remote button so you can open thecooking pot at a distance for an added layer of safety.

  • Year released: 2021
  • Built-in smart programs: 25
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking,slow-cooking, yogurt making, steaming,sautéing, food-warming, cake making, andsterilizing
  • Power: 1,000 watts
  • Max working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots

Pros:Thesteam release on this model is whisper quiet and super safe. You can even open the lid with a remote button.

Cons: One significant difference between this version and the original is thatthe Instant Pot Duo Plus with Whisper QuietSteam Release trades asous videcooking function for a cake-making feature. There’s also no 3-quart option.

Does It All:Instant Pot Duo Crisp +Air Fryer 11-in-1

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Duo Crisp is best for: ahome cook who wantsthe Instant Pot Duo Crisp with theUltimate lid, but doesn’t want to spend quite so much on apressure cooker.

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Instant Pot 8 qt 11-in-1 Air Fryer Duo Crisp + Electric Pressure Cooker

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2019
  • Built-in smart programs: 11
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking,slow-cooking,air-frying, steaming,sautéing, food-warming,sous vide cooking, roasting, baking,broiling, anddehydrating
  • Power: 1,500 watts
  • Max working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots

This standout 11-in-1pressure cooker was the firstInstant Pot model to offer anair-frying function by way of a second (included)air-fryer lid, and until the Instant PotPro Crisp +Air Fryer (below) came along, this model was theNinja Foodi’s fiercest competitor. When you’re done frying, you can simply switch back to the standard lid forpressure-cooking, steaming,sautéing, and more. Like all currentInstant Pot models, this one comes with advancedsafety features and access to a digital library of more than 1,000Instant Pot recipes.

Pros: In addition toair-frying,the Instant Pot Duo Crisp lets youbroil.

Cons: You can’t get this model in a 3-quart size, and there’s the whole issue of storing and keeping track of the extra lid.

Comes with Everything: Instant PotPro Crisp +Air Fryer 11-in-1

The Instant Pot Pro Crisp is best for: anyone who wants multiple functions, many accessories, and the ability to air fry—and isn’t afraid to splurge.

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Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2020
  • Built-in smart programs: 11
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking,slow-cooking, steaming,sautéing, food-warming,sous vide cooking,air-frying, roasting, baking,broiling, anddehydrating
  • Power: 1,500 watts
  • Max working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 8-quart Instant Pot

The 8-quart Instant PotPro Crisp +Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This large pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp, plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentlequick release. The sturdierstainless-steelinner pot is made to handle anything; it’sstovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF. It also comes with a handful of accessories, including a versatilestainless-steel rack, a multi-levelair fryer basket with a tray forbroiling anddehydrating, and a protective pad and storage cover.

Pros:This Instant Pot comes with an extraair-fry lid plus a bunch of useful accessories.

Cons: The Pro models only come in an 8-quart size, which may be too large for somehome cooks. Also there’s that pesky extra lid to wrangle and store.

Best-Looking: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1

The Instant Pot Pro is best for: those who choose countertop appliances with aesthetics in mind. If you appreciate a nice user interface with lots of pre-programmedcooking functions.

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Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2021
  • Built-in 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
  • Power: 1,200 watts
  • Max working pressure: 11.6 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots

The Instant Pot Pro stands out from other models because of its sleek black body, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The cookware-gradestainless-steelinner pot is oven-and-stovetop safe and has easy-grip handles as well as a thick aluminum layer for quick heating and advancedsearing andsautéing.

Pros:Theinner pot is safe to use on electric, ceramic, and inductionstovetops and in the oven up to 450ºF. The largeLCDcontrol panel (with a dial!) allows for five of the whopping 28 customizable smartcooking programs to be saved as favorites.

Cons: Thoughthis Instant Pot has 28 built-in smart programs, it doesn’t have anair-frying function. It also doesn’t come in a 3-quart size.

Smartest:Instant Pot Pro PlusWi-Fi Smart 10-in-1

The Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart Wifi is best for anyone: who prefers to manage their small appliances via an app.

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Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart Wifi, 6 Quart

The defining feature of theInstant Pot Pro Plus Smart is that you can pair it with your iPhone or Android to automatically engage thecooking functions from more than 800 smart recipes on theInstant Brands Connect app. This doesn’t mean you can press “Start” while you’re at the office and come home to your Instant Pot braising ribs (you have to be within 30 to 45 feet of the pot to maintain theWi-Fi connection, and it needs to connect to a 2.4GHz network), but you can control almost everything through the app—including thesteam release! The Pro Plus Smart also features a premiuminner pot with easy-to-grab handles and comes withNutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot.

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2021
  • Built-in smart programs: Access 800-plus smart recipes via the app
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking,slow-cooking, yogurt making, steaming,sautéing, food-warming,sous vide cooking, canning, andNutriBoost
  • Power: 1,500 watts
  • Max working pressure: 15 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot

Pros:Theinner pot can be used on astovetop and you can control almost every function ofthis Instant Pot with your phone (as long as you’re physically on the sameWi-Fi network).

Cons: This model only comes in one size and doesn’t have anair-frying function.

Amazon Exclusive:Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1

The Instant Pot Ultra is best for: anyone who likes the idea ofpresets but wishes they could tweak theircooking settings to their specific preferences.

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Instant Pot Ultra

The Ultra is fairly similar to the Duo Plus series. The main difference is that it gives the cook custom control over all settings, so you can warm,slow-cook, andpressure-cook based on your own preferences for meat,veggies, grains, desserts, and more. The Ultra also has a dial which makes switching between programs and temps easier than on the Duo, and the auto-closing pressure valve streamlines thesteam-release process and aids in safety with thepressure-cooking. Though the Max (below) is supposed to be the fastest, in aside-by-side comparison, we found that the Ultra was faster at both reaching pressure and cooking chickpeas.

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2017
  • Built-in smart programs: 16
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking,slow-cooking,sautéing,sous vide cooking, steaming, baking, rice-cooking, yogurt making, food-warming, andsterilizing
  • Power: 1,000 watts
  • Max working pressure: 15 PSI
  • Sizes available: 3-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pots

Pros:TheInstant Pot Ultra allows you to customize and save your favorite and most-used settings. It also has a biggercontrol panel than many other models.

Cons: Creating and recalling custom settings might be confusing for less techyhome cooks.

Most cooking pressure: Instant Pot Max

The Instant Pot Max is best for: someone who wants an Instant Pot that’s powerful enough to handle traditionalstovetoppressure-cooker recipes, and possibly ahome cook who wants to test the waters ofsous vide cooking and pressure-canning before buying other gear.

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Instant Pot Max

The Instant Pot Max delivers maximum pressure and cooks 10% to 15% faster than otherInstant Pot models. Because it’s so powerful, you can cook traditionalstovetoppressure-cooker recipes. This model can also be programmed for hands-freepressure release.

Key Specs:

  • Year released: 2018
  • Built-in smart programs: 8
  • Cooking functions:Pressure-cooking, pressure-canning,slow-cooking,sautéing,sous vide cooking, rice-cooking, steaming, yogurt making, food-warming, andNutriBoost
  • Power: 11,000 watts
  • Max working pressure: 15.23 PSI
  • Sizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot

Pros:The Max allows you to usestovetoppressure-cooker recipes without adapting the temperature andcook time. (Standard Instant Pots aren’t as powerful asstovetoppressure cookers.)

Cons: It only comes in one size and doesn’t have anair-fry function. And though the manufacturer claims you can use this versatilemulti-cooker for pressure-canning andsous vide cooking, we don’t really recommend it for those jobs. (See our full review of the Maxhere.)

What Instant Pot accessories do I need?

Since eachInstant Pot model is a little different, it’s important toread the manual and learn about the various features and settings your model offers. Generally, every Instant Pot will include an outer body with a display panel and buttons, a lid, a pressure valve, asteam release valve, a plastic collector cup to catch any condensation released duringslow-cooking, astainless-steel ornonstickinner pot, asealing ring that surrounds the lid and helps absorb odors, and asteam rack or basket to elevate food inside theinner pot.

Any Instant Potaccessories orgadgets you may choose to buy to bulk up your cooker’s functionality are just a bonus. Depending on what you plan to make with your Instant Pot, extras range from practical and essential to plain old fun. Some people buyextrasealing rings so they can use one for meat and one for baked goods. There are also usefulsilicone mitts with a surprisingly strong strong grip. But there’s a whole world of other accessories to help you maximize your Instant Pot and truly turn it into your kitchen’s most valuable multi-use workhorse.

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Hartigo 6-Qt Steamer Basket

This basket comes in three different sizes, so you can find the fit that’s ideal for your Instant Pot. There's a silicone handle to prevent you from burning your hand, and feet to ensure the basket won’t leave any scratches on the bottom of your machine. Use it for veggies or make steamed eggs to add into grain bowls and salads.

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Instant Pot Silicone Springform Loaf Pan

Instant Pot fans know that pressure cookers aren’t just for making quick pulled chicken or speedy stews. This springform pan will help you whip up a killer cheesecake—you can also use it for Instant Pot lasagna.

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Silicone Cupcake Liners

Really getting into baking in the Instant Pot? These silicone cupcake liners (which also work in a conventional oven) can you help you make individual cakes or egg bites.

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Stackable Steamer Insert Pans

If your kitchen isn’t huge, then probably you know all about the importance of using vertical space. Believe it or not, the same idea holds true in your Instant Pot. These stackable pans allow you to cook multiple dishes at once, helping to maximize efficiency in the kitchen. You can also use the pans as storage containers for any leftovers.

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Aozita Stackable Egg Steamer Rack

Making a big batch of deviled eggs? Or just like to keep eggs on hand for meal prep? You’ll love this clever accessory. This stackable egg steamer rack allows you to cook up to 14 (!!!) eggs at once.

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Instant Pot Yogurt Cups

Making your own yogurt can help you cut down on single-use plastic—plus, yogurt made in the Instant Pot is always delicious. These reusable yogurt cups will help you make individual portions for eating throughout the week. Plus, if you have a baby in the house, this can double as a bottle sterilization rack.

What’s the deal with Instant Pot’s other appliances (And should I get one of theirair fryers)?

WhileInstant Brands may be best known for its flagship Instant Pot, the brand has now also branched out from themulti-cooker space into the broader world ofkitchen appliances. Instant makescoffee makers,electric Dutch ovens, toaster ovens, stand mixers,air fryers, and even air purifiers. We won’t be breaking down those models here, but if you’re looking for any of the above appliances, check outour product reviews, where we’ve lined them up against competitors in their category.

Instant produces both oven and basket-styleair fryers, and has two primaryair-fryer lines—the Instant Vortex and the Instant Omni. The Vortex line offers a bit more variety than the Omni line. In fact, theInstant Vortex Plus 4-quart model usurped theNinja AF101 as the best budget pick in ourbest air-fryer testing. We specifically liked the Vortex’s basket shape, as well as its reminders forpreheating and flipping. We also tried out the Instant Omni Pro for our best toaster oven testing—you can read our review of thathere.

Should I get the Instant Potair fryer lid?

The Instant PotAir Fryer Lid is sold separately and is compatible with 6-quart Instant models that don’t already haveair-frying capability (the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus, Duo Gourmet, and Ultra). TheAir Fryer Lid comes with a fry basket and other accessories; it allows you toair-fry straight from yourpressure cooker. In addition toair-frying, theAir Fryer Lid addsbroiling, baking, roasting, reheating, anddehydrating functionality to compatible machines.

How do I clean my Instant Pot?

Start by unplugging the device. Make sure your Instant Pot is completely cool before attempting any cleaning. Once cool, remove the stainless steel inner pot, steam rack, sealing ring, and any other removable accessories your model has.

All parts of the Instant Pot (with the exception of the cooker base) are dishwasher safe, so you can pop them all into the dishwasher or wash in warm, soapy water.

To clean the exterior, wipe with a damp cloth. Clean the lid by taking off the anti-block shield, steam release valve, and float valve (and while you're at it, you can use a small brush to dislodge any debris stuck in those pieces). Check and clean the sealing ring separately if necessary.

Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the Instant Pot.

Do Instant Pots include a warranty?

Yes—all Instant Pots purchased within the United States or Canada come with a one year limited warranty (but you must have proof of original purchase).

What exactly can I make in my Instant Pot?

The possibilities are practically endless. This multi-cooker comes in handy at every meal, in tons of different ways. You can use it to make stews, broths, soups, roasts, and braises, or cook rice, quinoa, pasta, lentils, and any kind of grain. You can even use it to make desserts, including cheesecake and rice pudding. Whether you're making a one-pot meal, canning jam, or steaming veggies, this is the all-in-one solution that does it all, and does it quickly.

If you want to get inspired, check out 51 of our favorite Instant Pot recipes, including brown butter steel-cut oatmeal, lemon vanilla rice pudding, chickpea stew with pesto, tequila lime carnitas, and so much more.

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FAQs

How to pick the right Instant Pot? ›

Size truly does matter when it comes to choosing the best Instant Pot. The most popular size is the 6-quart option, but some models offer 3-quart, 5-quart and even 8-quart options. Smaller sizes are more budget-friendly and take up less space on the counter, but larger sizes are great for cooking a family meal.

Which is the best size Instant Pot? ›

Deciding on what size pressure cooker to buy depends on what you'll be using it for and how many people you want to feed. If you're having a hard time deciding, you can't go wrong with the 6-quart Instant Pot, which is the most popular size.

Which Instant Pot does the most? ›

The best Instant Pot is the Instant Pot Pro. It performs well and has nice features like a steam release switch and handles on its cooking pot. We also like the budget-friendly Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1.

What is better than an Instant Pot? ›

Stovetop pressure cookers are still great options, they just take a little more finesse and know-how to use. They can reach higher pressure and temperatures than electric multicookers, like the Instant Pot, making them useful for home canners.

What are the differences between Instant Pot models? ›

Most of the models are very similar in terms of pot size, wattage, and voltage; where they differ is mostly in the software—how many “smart” cooking settings are built in along with preset heat, time, and pressure levels.

What is the disadvantage of Instant Pot? ›

Con– The Instant Pot uses steam under pressure to cook food and not everything is meant to be cooked in the Instant Pot. I attempted a crustless quiche which turned out well but it was too wet and moist to my liking and I prefer to cook it in the oven with dry heat.

Is 6 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot better? ›

The 6 quart Instant Pot serves about 4 to 6 people. The 8-quart model has a capacity of 8 quarts, but you can only fill it up to the max fill line which is about 6 quarts of liquid. The larger pot allows you to cook more food and serves about 6 to 8 people.

Can I put aluminum foil in an Instant Pot? ›

The short answer is good news. It is generally safe to use aluminum foil in an Instant Pot, but it is important to use it properly to avoid damaging the appliance or creating a potential safety hazard.

What is the lifespan of an Instant Pot? ›

The average lifespan of an Instant Pot ranges from 2-5 years, but it can last longer depending on how often it's used and how well-maintained it is. So it's safe to say Instant Pots aren't commonly being replaced, and may even be a one-time purchase.

What is the difference between Instant Pot and instant pot Max? ›

The Instant Pot Max can reach a higher pressure than other Instant Pot models (up to 15 psi), plus it offers a canning setting. But it doesn't offer any real upgrades over the models we recommend. Even though higher pressure should cook foods faster, the machine takes longer to come up to pressure.

Are instapots worth it? ›

If you're looking to save counter space or don't want to spend a lot of money on separate appliances, then an Instant Pot could be worth the expense. However, if you're only going to use one or two functions of the Instant Pot, it's worth considering if separate devices would be more cost-effective.

What is the max line on Instant Pot pressure cooker? ›

Maximum When pressure cooking, do not fill the inner pot higher than the PC MAX — 2/3 line as indicated on the inner pot. When cooking foods that expand (e.g., rice, beans, pasta) do not fill the inner pot higher than the — 1/2 line as indicated on the inner pot.

What is the difference between Instant Pot duo and duo Nova? ›

The Duo display panel has a black and silver color scheme while the Duo Nova has a blue display. I find the display easier to read on the Duo Nova. Both models have very similar functionality. However, the Duo has a few additional smart programs, such as Poultry and Multigrain.

What is the difference between Duo and Duo Plus Instant Pot? ›

The Duo Plus display is very similar to the Duo, but it has a few more smart programs such as Egg and Cake, but most notably Sous Vide. The display panel has a status bar that tells you the stage of cooking i.e. Preheating, Cooking or Keep Warm mode.

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