A large Instant Pot that can do everything the base models can but also boasts an air fryer function; performed well during our test.
The 8-quart capacity is ideal for families. Performs 11 functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, roasting, baking, air frying, and dehydrating. Features dishwasher-safe stainless steel components. Worry-free operation. Made with BPA/PFOA/PTFE-free components.
Some users find the air frying results not as reliable as those produced by a stand-alone air fryer.
A workhorse Instant Pot that is the right size to feed a large crew, according to our cooking expert.
This model is designed to be a joy for homeowners. It features 14 one-touch programs and can serve as 7 different kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, steamer, and more.
Be sure to check the unit upon receipt for damage from shipping.
Our cooking expert appreciates the versatility of this pressure cooker, which can perform a range of functions from sautéing to making yogurt.
Features 28 program settings for cooking a variety of dishes. Gives the option for fast or slow cook meals. Comes with more than 11 safety features, including a locking lid and overheat protection. Includes a steam rack and sealing ring.
Some users experienced a learning curve with some of its functions.
The ability to do home pressure canning is a feature Instant Pot fans have wanted for years, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many users.
Large touchscreen with delay start and multiple presets. Large food capacity. The only Instant Pot that lets you pressure can in addition to other functions. Its 15 psi makes everything cook faster than standard Instant Pots, too. Fantastic user-friendly LED control panel.
Some users have complained about a slow natural release.
This contemporary spin on the classic Dutch oven expands functionality to cover most everyday cooking needs.
Intuitive pre-set programs and precision temperature control makes it user-friendly. Enameled cast iron pot that maintains temperatures well for even cooking. The 6-quart model is conducive to large-batch cooking and meal prepping. Cleanup is simple with dishwasher-safe components.
It's a specialty appliance that is convenient, but it may not take the place of oven or stovetop cooking.
After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.
The Instant Pot is a cleverly named culinary tool that can perform an impressive variety of cooking tasks. Whether you want to make yogurt, cook rice, sauté vegetables, slow cook a roast, or even bake, this handy device can do it all. In a home where space is a concern, this may quickly become your favorite appliance.
Choosing the right size Instant Pot that will meet the needs of your household is the most important decision you will make. After that, it is a matter of determining how many functions you'd like your Instant Pot to perform and how much programming control you want. We've found it's better to get the bells and whistles than to regret not having what you need with this device.
When you're ready to purchase, check out our recommendations for a sampling of Instant Pots that we've chosen as the best. If you want a little more in-depth knowledge of how this appliance works and all the many things it can do, just continue reading.
You'll find five different models of Instant Pot on the market, each with slight variations in functions and features. All are fairly simple to set up and use, so let's examine all five to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
The Instant Pot Lux is the most basic Instant Pot on the market, but that doesn't mean it's not good at what it does. It's an excellent, affordable option if you mainly use it for basic kitchen tasks; pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming. It has ten built-in smart programs, or you can set it manually.
It's a 6-in-1 model with the following functions:
Pressure cook
Slow cook
Cook rice
Saute
Steam
Warm
With one additional cooking function, the Duo is a slight step up from the Lux. It also offers the ability to cook on either high pressure or low pressure. This is the most popular model Instant Pot. According to owner reviews, the Duo does everything they need it to, and more. It has 14 smart programs, plus the option to manually set the cooking time for pressure cooking.
The Duo is a 7-in-1 model with the following functions:
Pressure cook
Slow cook
Make yogurt
Cook rice
Saute
Steam
Warm
The Instant Pot Duo Plus boasts everything the Duo offers, plus a bit extra. The added sterilization function makes it perfect for anyone who wants to use their Instant Pot to sterilize baby bottles.
It's a 9-in-1 model with the following functions:
Pressure cook
Slow cook
Make yogurt
Cook rice
Cook eggs
Saute
Steam
Warm
The Instant Pot Smart is a real step up in terms of programmability. The unit’s main body is much like the Duo, and it has all the same functions. The big difference is that you can control it with an app, which connects from your phone or tablet using Bluetooth.
The Smart model comes with 14 built-in programs, and the app allows you to download and use many more. The app also gives you tremendous control over the cooking temperature and lets you create your own programs for precise results, just the way you want them.
If you'd like to customize each program and create your own detailed programs without the use of an app, the Instant Pot Ultra is the model for you. The addition of a twist dial lets you set the cooking at one-degree increments, rather than selecting from a number of preset temperatures. It also allows you to make detailed custom programs, selecting the cook time, pressure level, exact temperature (anywhere from 104 to 208°F), length of the delay timer, and whether or not to switch to "keep warm" at the end of the cooking cycle.
This is a 10-in-1 model with the following functions:
Pressure cook
Slow cook
Make yogurt
Cook rice
Make cakes
Cook eggs
Saute
Steam
Warm
Every model of Instant Pot has different versions that feature minor tweaks and improvements. The various versions generally aren't available alongside one another — once an old version has sold out, only the newer version will be found on retail shelves.
When you purchase a new Instant Pot, unless stated otherwise you’ll receive the newest version. This should be the best iteration currently available. However, if you're buying a second-hand model, you should check the version and make sure there aren't any significant flaws with the version you're buying.
That said, the variations between versions are usually only minor and shouldn't make a huge amount of difference to overall performance.
Instant Pots can be found with 3-quart, 6-quart and 8-quart capacities, but not every model comes in every size.
A 3-quart Instant Pot is suited to cooking meals for one or two people, as long as you aren't interested in batch cooking. The Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, and Ultra come in 3-quart sizes.
A 6-quart Instant Pot cooks for smaller households of up to four, or for one or two people who like to batch cook. Every Instant Pot model — Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Smart and Ultra — comes in a 6-quart size.
An 8-quart Instant Pot is large enough for individual meals for a family of five or more, or smaller families who want to batch cook. The Duo, Lux, Duo Plus, and Ultra come in an 8-quart size.
These tips will help you get started with your new appliance in an instant.
When using your Instant Pot as a pressure cooker, you need at least 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid in your recipe, otherwise the unit won't fully pressurize.
Increase or decrease the temperature when slow cooking or sautéing by pressing the "adjust" button.
There's no need to defrost first when using frozen ingredients in your Instant Pot, just increase the cooking time slightly.
You can pop popcorn in an Instant Pot, using the sauté function.
The price of an Instant Pot depends mainly on the model. Since all Instant Pots come in 6-quart sizes (but not all come in 3- or 8-quart sizes), we'll use this size for comparison.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Lux costs around $80.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Duo costs around $100.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus costs around $120.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra costs around $150.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Smart costs around $160.
A. One of the common reasons people choose the Instant Pot is that the cooking pot is 100% stainless steel. This is rare among multi cookers — most have aluminum or nonstick pots — and is an attractive feature. Stainless steel is long-lasting. There's no controversy over potential health danger, as there is with aluminum and nonstick coatings. Additionally, Instant Pots are known to be quality multi cookers that are easy to use, durable and produce good results.
A. When on the high pressure setting, an Instant Pot cooks at roughly 11 psi. An average stovetop pressure cooker, on the other hand, cooks at 15 psi. When using a regular pressure cooker recipe, you'll need to increase the cook time by 7% to 15% to accommodate the pressure difference.
A. The Instant Pot’s stainless steel cooking pot is fully removable and dishwasher safe, meaning it's a breeze to clean.
Use large, tough cuts of meat for your Instant Pot. Pork shoulder is a great pick for pulled pork sandwiches.
Add some nutrition to your barbecue with some tender, steamed artichokes.
Side dishes like corn on the cob can be made in the Instant Pot while you man the grill.
For mac and cheese or pasta salad, make the noodles in the Instant Cooker first, then add the cheese.
Whip up a dessert in your Instant Pot the night before, from cheesecake to cobbler.
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