The Instant Pot phenomenon isn't hype—it's a genuinely useful appliance that pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams, and more. One device replaces your...
The Instant Pot phenomenon isn't hype—it's a genuinely useful appliance that pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams, and more. One device replaces your pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and yogurt maker.
The appeal is simple: faster cooking with less attention. Tough cuts of meat become tender in 45 minutes instead of 4 hours. Dried beans cook without soaking. Rice comes out perfect every time. And you can start dinner, walk away, and come back to a finished meal.
Let's find the model that fits your kitchen and cooking style.
Why Instant Pot Works
Pressure Cooking Basics
Sealed pot + heat = increased pressure = higher boiling point = faster cooking.
- Water boils at 212°F normally
- Under pressure, it reaches 250°F+
- Higher temp = faster cooking (up to 70% faster)
- Sealed environment = more flavor retention
What It Actually Replaces
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Yogurt maker
- Sauté pan (for browning)
- Warming pot
The Instant Pot doesn't do everything perfectly, but it does many things well enough to replace single-purpose appliances.
Top Instant Pot Models for 2026
Best Overall: Instant Pot Pro Plus
The most capable Instant Pot available.
- Size: 6 quart (also 8 quart)
- Programs: 10 cooking programs
- Features: App connectivity, custom programming, whisper-quiet steam release
- Pressure: High and low settings
- Price: ~$170
The Pro Plus adds smart features and quieter operation. The app provides guided recipes and remote monitoring.
Best Value: Instant Pot Duo
The classic that started it all.
- Size: 6 quart (3, 8 quart available)
- Programs: 7 cooking programs
- Features: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, warm
- Pressure: High and low settings
- Price: ~$90
The Duo covers 95% of use cases at half the price of premium models. Best-selling for good reason.
Best for Small Kitchens: Instant Pot Duo Mini
Compact without sacrificing function.
- Size: 3 quart
- Programs: 7 cooking programs
- Features: Same as Duo, smaller footprint
- Pressure: High and low settings
- Price: ~$70
Perfect for 1-2 people, dorm rooms, or RVs. Makes 6 cups of rice or 2-3 servings of most dishes.
Best for Large Families: Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart
Maximum capacity for batch cooking.
- Size: 8 quart
- Programs: 10 cooking programs
- Features: Sous vide, sterilize, cake program
- Pressure: High and low settings
- Price: ~$150
The 8-quart handles whole chickens, large roasts, and family-sized batches. Essential for meal prep.
Best Air Fryer Combo: Instant Pot Duo Crisp
Pressure cooker + air fryer in one.
- Size: 6 quart (pressure) / 8 quart (air fry)
- Programs: 11 cooking programs
- Features: Pressure cook, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate
- Includes: Pressure lid + air fryer lid
- Price: ~$150
Two lids, two cooking methods. Pressure cook a roast, then crisp the outside with the air fryer lid.
Instant Pot Comparison
| Model | Size | Programs | Air Fry | Smart | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Plus | 6 qt | 10 | No | Yes | $170 |
| Duo | 6 qt | 7 | No | No | $90 |
| Duo Mini | 3 qt | 7 | No | No | $70 |
| Pro 8-Qt | 8 qt | 10 | No | No | $150 |
| Duo Crisp | 6/8 qt | 11 | Yes | No | $150 |
What Size Do You Need?
3-Quart (Mini)
- Best for: 1-2 people, side dishes, small batches
- Capacity: 2-3 servings, 6 cups rice
- Limitations: Can't fit whole chicken
6-Quart (Standard)
- Best for: 2-4 people, most recipes
- Capacity: 4-6 servings, whole chicken
- Note: Most recipes are written for 6-quart
8-Quart (Large)
- Best for: 4+ people, batch cooking, large cuts
- Capacity: 6-8 servings, large roasts
- Note: Takes longer to pressurize
When in doubt, go with 6-quart. It handles most recipes and fits standard countertops.
What Instant Pot Does Best
Excellent Results
- Tough meats: Brisket, ribs, pot roast in under an hour
- Dried beans: No soaking, 30-45 minutes
- Rice: Perfect every time
- Stocks and broths: Rich flavor in 1-2 hours
- Hard-boiled eggs: Easy peel every time
- Soups and stews: Deep flavor, fast
Good Results
- Chicken breasts: Moist if not overcooked
- Vegetables: Steamed well
- Pasta: One-pot meals work
- Cheesecake: Surprisingly good
Not Ideal For
- Crispy foods: No browning (unless Duo Crisp)
- Delicate fish: Easy to overcook
- Stir-fry: Sauté function is limited
- Baking: Possible but not optimal
Instant Pot vs Alternatives
Instant Pot vs Slow Cooker
| Factor | Instant Pot | Slow Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 30-60 min | 4-8 hours |
| Texture | Tender, can be mushy | Better texture control |
| Convenience | Set and forget (faster) | True set and forget |
| Flavor development | Good | Excellent |
Instant Pot vs Air Fryer
Different tools for different jobs:
- Instant Pot: Moist cooking, soups, stews, grains
- Air Fryer: Crispy cooking, fries, wings, roasted vegetables
The Duo Crisp combines both if counter space is limited. For dedicated air frying, see our air fryer guide.
Essential Accessories
Must-Have
- Extra sealing ring: They absorb odors, have one for savory and one for sweet
- Steamer basket: For vegetables and eggs
- Tempered glass lid: For slow cooking and serving
Nice-to-Have
- Silicone egg mold: Perfect egg bites
- Springform pan: Cheesecakes and cakes
- Stackable insert pans: Cook multiple dishes at once
Tips for Instant Pot Success
Getting Started
- Do the water test first (comes with instructions)
- Start with simple recipes (rice, hard-boiled eggs)
- Don't overfill (max 2/3 for most foods, 1/2 for expanding foods)
- Always check sealing ring is seated properly
Common Mistakes
- Not enough liquid (need at least 1 cup for pressure)
- Overfilling the pot
- Not accounting for natural release time
- Forgetting to set valve to "sealing"
Natural vs Quick Release
- Natural release: Pressure drops slowly, continues cooking, better for meats
- Quick release: Immediate pressure drop, stops cooking, better for vegetables
- Combination: Natural release for 10-15 min, then quick release
Got Questions About Instant Pot? Let's Clear Things Up.
Is Instant Pot safe?
Yes. Modern pressure cookers have multiple safety mechanisms—lid locks, pressure limiters, and automatic shutoffs. The Instant Pot won't explode like old stovetop pressure cookers could. Follow instructions and don't overfill.
How long does it really take?
Pressure cooking time is fast, but factor in:
- Pressurizing: 10-20 minutes
- Cooking: Recipe time
- Depressurizing: 10-30 minutes (natural release)
A "30-minute" recipe often takes 50-60 minutes total. Still faster than traditional methods for most dishes.
Can I convert slow cooker recipes?
Yes, with adjustments:
- Reduce liquid by about 1/3
- Reduce cooking time dramatically (8 hours slow = ~45 min pressure)
- May need to adjust seasonings
Do I need the air fryer lid?
Only if you want crispy results. The standard Instant Pot doesn't brown or crisp. The Duo Crisp with air fryer lid adds this capability. Alternatively, finish dishes under a broiler or in a separate air fryer.
How do I clean the sealing ring smell?
Sealing rings absorb odors. Solutions:
- Run through dishwasher
- Soak in vinegar solution
- Leave in sunlight
- Keep separate rings for savory and sweet
The Instant Pot earns its counter space by replacing multiple appliances and speeding up weeknight cooking. The Duo offers the best value for most kitchens, while the Duo Crisp adds air frying versatility. For more kitchen upgrades, check our guides on air fryers, coffee makers, and blenders.
Discussion
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