The best Instant Pot for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and cooking preferences. With the Instant Pot’s massive popularity, it might seem like there are dozens of models out there, but it really comes down to five different types of IPs: the Duo (the original), Duo Plus, Pro, Pro Plus, and Crisp (the latest). It’s essentially like having multiple kitchen gadgets in one with many models, not only being able to pressure cook, but also broil, dehydrate, sauté, and even air fry.
This kitchen device can seem intimidating, but what you need to know is it can whip up quick and delicious meals with just a press of a button, (it’s called the set-it-and-forget-it device for a reason). Most Instant Pot–recipe instructions are basically just drop everything inside and close the lid. This can save you plenty of time in meal planning, cooking for your family or special occasions, and just everyday cooking for yourself. Don’t know where to start? We broke down how to choose the right model.
How to Choose an Instant Pot
When it comes to choosing the right Instant Pot determining the size is step one. Instant Pot models run from smaller compact versions (three quarts) that can easily be stored on a counter or in a cabinet to larger heavy-duty choices (eight quarts) that can replace other kitchen appliances in your home. If you have a bigger family that you cook for daily you may want to opt for a larger eight-quart Instant Pot model. On the other hand, if you live alone or share an apartment and don’t want to sacrifice countertop or cabinet space then a more compact three-quart model should do the job. The most popular models are the six-quart models which fall right in the middle.
Before you buy an Instant Pot you should also consider the type of cooking and meal prepping you’ll use it for, as many Instant Pots are multicookers with a wide variety of cooking functions. For example, options such as the Instant Pot Ultra 80 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker (8-qt) and Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker (3-qt) double as a sterilizer that parents may find particularly helpful. Others, such as the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker (6-qt), have the ability to make cakes, which may be ideal for a dessert person who likes to bake a lot. This model is also a great fit for those who want more customization when making food. Some Instant Pots have programmable cooking functions, Wi-Fi connectivity, and, not to mention, Instant Pot accessories that you can buy separately, so consider the best option to fit your needs.
The Best Instant Pots
Whether you’re someone who’s looking for an easier way to prepare meals or would like to have fewer appliances cluttering up your cabinets, an Instant Pot can be a great investment. If you’re in the market for an Instant Pot, we’ve rounded up some of the best Instant Pot models out there based on highly rated reviews. And if you’re someone who is looking for more homemade meal ideas, then you’re in luck—many Instant Pot models also come with a free app that includes nearly 2,000 Instant Pot recipes. IP Facebook and IP Reddit communities are also great resources for IP chefs and new buyers.
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker (3-qt)
If you’re someone who has a limited amount of countertop space but still wants to do it all, then the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a great option. It comes with 13 customizable smart programs so you can perfectly pressure cook anything from ribs to desserts with just a touch of a button. We especially love its compact size (three quarts) and the fact that it’s versatile enough for different recipes like soups, desserts, eggs, oats, and more.
- Sizes available: 3-Qt, 6-Qt, and 8-Qt
2. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker (6-Qt)
Instant Pot has really outdone itself with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1. Not only can home cooks use it for pressure cooking, but it also doubles as an air fryer, a rice cooker, and even a yogurt maker. We’re fans of its removable air fryer lid which allows you to make crunchy, tender air-fried foods like rotisserie-style chicken, french fries, and more.