The Best Instant Pots, According to Food Network Kitchen
Whether you're looking for the best Instant Pot for families, one with an air fryer or a basic model, there's an Instant Pot to meet your needs.
Matt Armendariz
Our Top Instant Pot Picks
- Best Overall: Instant Pot Duo Plus
- Best for Beginners: Instant Pot Duo
- Best for Families: Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart
- Best Air Fryer Combo: Instant Pot Duo Crisp
- Best Smart instant Pot: Instant Pot Pro Plus
Since the launch of the Instant Pot more than a decade ago, the multicooker has become a must-have kitchen tool. It's a trusted solution for quick cooking that results in flavorful dishes in less time than it would take on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. That said, if you're new to the Instant Pot, all of the models and various features can be overwhelming. If you have a hard time deciding which is right for you, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve rounded up the best Instant Pot models based on your needs, so you can better decide which Instant Pot is right for you.
What Is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a multicooker appliance that can perform the functions of a variety of appliances in one tool. Every Instant Pot model can pressure cook, slow cook, keep your food warm and sauté, and all models can effectively cook rice, meat and soups. No matter which model you pick, you'll get a pressure cooker that will help you prepare dishes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.
How to Choose the Right Size Instant Pot
When selecting your Instant Pot, you'll want to consider how much space you have. Instant Pot models come in four different sizes: 3-, 6-, 6.5- and 8-quart. Depending on what you’re going to use it for, the size you choose can make a big difference.
- If you’re sticking to side dishes and meals for up to three people, Instant Pot recommends the 3-quart size.
- The 6-quart size is the most popular and recommended for feeding up to six people.
- The 8-quart model is the next most-popular size and is recommended for large families or to meal prep food for the week.
If you’re looking for an Instant Pot that does everything Instant Pots do best, the Duo Plus is the perfect solution. It has 15 customizable programs, which include pressure cook, soup, broth, egg, slow cook, sauté, rice, bean, grain, porridge and oatmeal, and the nine functions, including yogurt maker, sterilizer and sous vide, so this multi-cooker can truly do it all. You’ll also benefit from all the ease of the large, easy-to-read display with all the bells and whistles. This model is usually on sale, so aim to purchase it at a discount.
If you are looking for a model that has all the great functions of an Instant Pot without any extra bells and whistles, opt for the best-selling Duo. It comes in the 3-, 6- and 8-quart sizes and has 13 one-touch programs including soup/broth, meat/stew, bean/chili, slow cooker, sauté, rice cooker, steam, yogurt, keep warm and pressure cook.
This Instant Pot is equipped with everything you need to make cooking convenient and easy. It comes equipped with 10 functions, including pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, mini oven, yogurt, warm, sous vide and sterilize, and the large LCD display makes this model especially easy to navigate thanks to the bright, bold letters and numbers. The inner pot is compatible with electric, ceramic and induction cooktops and ovens up to 450 degrees F, so you’re getting more out of your appliance than just a counter-top machine.
While Instant Pot has come out with its own line of air fryers, the Duo Crisp can do everything a standard Instant Pot can while also functioning as an air fryer. Swap out the pressure cooker lid for the air fryer lid for the 8-quart model, or opt for the 6.5-quart, which comes with the “Ultimate Lid” that both pressure cooks and fries. We liked this model in testing for the ocassional air fryer fan who makes smaller batches of food and frozen foods like French fries and chicken nuggets. However, if you plant to regularly cook in an air fryer, we recommend a standalone model.
If you’re looking for something with even more convenience than what the Instant Pot already offers, the Instant Pot Pro Plus lets you wirelessly program your Instant Pot through an app. You’ll be able to browse recipes and be alerted you to important steps in the cooking process, making it even easier to get dinner on the table during the week.
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