Instant Pots are multifunctional cooking devices that can make rice, yogurt, roast beef, chicken and nearly anything else you can imagine. Some Instant Pots even have built-in air fryers. In addition to the device’s standard features, a range of accessories give it added capabilities, such as muffin pans, egg racks and cake rings.
If you’re on the hunt for a great Instant Pot, you may begin to feel a bit taken back by the sheer amount of choices you have. By researching the available models, and what makes them unique, you’ll prepare yourself to make the right choice.
If you want to know what the best Instant Pot is, you’ll also need recipes to see your purchase perform at its best. There are some great cookbooks compiling amazing recipes to whip out any night of the week.
The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook: 200 Deliciously Simple Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker
This authorized Instant Pot cookbook lives up to its name. The included recipes are both effortless and delicious. Be careful not to fall for impostors. Many books claim to be “The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook” online, but most are not authorized recipe books.
Sold by Amazon
Dinner in an Instant: 75 Modern Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker, Multicooker, and Instant Pot
Instant Pot recommended this cookbook themselves, thanks to its delicious, easy-to-make dinner recipes. Make incredible dishes like coconut curry chicken, Korean chile-braised brisket and duck confit in no time at all.
Sold by Amazon
There are too many incredible Instant Pot recipes to name them all. Cookbooks like “Dinner in an Instant” and “The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook” are ideal sources for great recipes. Still, you can’t go wrong with a delicious, easy-to-make recipe like Instant Pot Hawaiian chicken. The Instant Pot Duo, or models that are more advanced than the Duo, are ideal for this recipe.
Ingredients
Instant pots come in 3, 6 and 8-quart sizes. The smallest models are great if you’re only cooking for one or two people, whereas a 6-quart device cooks meals for families of four. If you participate in many potlucks or want to cook enough for leftovers, an 8-quart Instant Pot is a perfect choice.
The Instant Pot Duo is the most popular model, and many people love that they can use it to make their own yogurt. When choosing an air fryer, it’s ideal to get one with all the features you plan to use. That way, you don’t feel the need to upgrade in the future.
If you have to leave home often to pick up the kids or run errands, getting a Smart model allows you the freedom to start dinner before you leave or on your way back. You can even monitor the food from your phone for added convenience.
Depending on the size and features you need, you can expect to pay between $80-$200 on a quality Instant Pot.
A. Instant Pots are surprisingly easy to keep clean, thanks to their removable, dishwasher-safe cooking pot.
A. Instant Pots can cook at about 11 PSI on their highest setting, whereas standard pressure cookers go up to 15 PSI. If you plan on using a recipe meant for a traditional pressure cooker, you’ll want to increase the cooking time by 7% to 15%.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
What you need to know: This sizable Instant Pot does everything the Ultra models can and has the convenient addition of an air fryer.
What you’ll love: This option boasts eleven different cooking modes, including an air fryer. The eight-quart size is ideal for large families and events. It’s made with BPA, PFOA and PTFE-free materials.
What you should consider: Some users felt that the air fryer feature was not as good as standalone air fryers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Macy’s and Wayfair
What you need to know: This inexpensive model is a fan favorite, thanks to its easy-to-use features and low price-point.
What you’ll love: This device comes in either 6 or 8-quart sizes, features fourteen smart programs and has multiple preset temperatures. It comes with a 1-year warranty and has seven cooking modes, including a yogurt maker.
What you should consider: There are some quality control issues, so it’s a good idea to test the settings once you receive your Instant Pot.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Macy’s
What you need to know: This unique Instant Pot allows you to do at-home pressure canning, a feature that Instant Pot lovers have requested for years.
What you’ll love: Unlike other Instant Pots, this model can cook at up to 15 PSI. The LED control panel is incredibly intuitive. The built-in altitude adjustment eliminates the guesswork.
What you should consider: The natural pressure-release can be slow.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
