The Best Instant Pot – Best InstaPot Reviews | Buy The Best Models
If you do some research, you will be able to know that the “instapot” is the “instant pot“. It is the short term that people usually mention about the instant pot. Are you looking for something great to cook with? Yes, there is a thing that you should think about. It is “instapot“. Sound strange, right? It is not strange at all. If you do some research, you will be able to know that the “instapot” is the “instant pot“. It is the short term that people usually mention about the instant pot. Let’s discover why it is so popular nowadays, and why should you get one if you want to have a delicious meal with simple and easy recipes!
Electric pressure cookers or Instant Pots as it is more commonly known, are programmable electronic pressure cookers that come with different functions. Instant pots or Instapots for short, are very useful since most of us are so busy that we do not even find time to carry out some of the most basic tasks in our lives like cooking. Instapots help resolve this issue because it is a convenient way to cook. With new technologies, convenience and ease have become a priority. This is where Instapots shine. So if you are sold on this appliance and want to get one, here is a guide to help you. In this guide, we will discuss and compare this appliance, its benefits, and how to choose the best Instapot for your needs. Stick around and by the end of this article, you will be able to find the right one for you.
Contents
- 1 What exactly does an Instapot do?
- 2 Out Top Picks
- 3 Review
- 3.1 1- Instant Pot Lux Model
- 3.2 2- Instant Pot Duo 7 in-1
- 3.3 3- Instant Pot Ultra Model
- 3.4 4- Instant Pot Smart Model
- 3.5 5- Instant Pot Pro
- 3.6 6- Ninja Foodi Max 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker
- 3.7 7- Crock-Pot Express
- 3.8 8- Instant Pot duo crisp & air fryer
- 3.9 9- Breville the Fast Slow Pro
- 3.10 10- Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart
- 4 How to determine the size I need?
- 5 What do I get from using Instapot?
- 6 What are its disadvantages?
- 7 Conclusion
What exactly does an Instapot do?
The Instant Pot is considered the king of the kitchen because it can perform the jobs of seven different kitchen appliances. The instapot can serve as a rice cooker, a steamer, a pressure cooker, and a yogurt maker too. If you simply look at it, it is just an elaborate electronic pressure, but it is very impressive at doing its job. Instapot is being sold in the USA, UK, and Canada. The reason for this is that the startup company that made this product only had a team of only 40 people during the launch.
Although the product is currently being sold on online platforms like Amazon, they were able to sell 24,000 units on the first Prime day of Amazon. This is evidence of how great this product is. It is worth keeping in mind that all the models and sizes that have been sold by the company are completely safe. In terms of functionality or safety, no one model is less than the other. They are all well-built and sturdy with stainless steel interiors. So basically, choosing a specific model ahead of another will rely mostly on your preferences and needs. So without further ado, here are the best Instapots you can choose from.
Out Top Picks
- Best Overall: Instant Pot Lux 6-in-1
- Best Budget: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for Sous Vide: Instant Pot Pro
- Best With Air Fryer: Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 11-in-1
- Best for Large Families: Instant Pot Ultra 10-In-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for Singles: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 One-Touch Multi-Cooker
- Best With Smart Technology: Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1
- Best With High Pressure: Instant Pot Pro Plus
Review
1- Instant Pot Lux Model
- Cooks fast & saves time: The Instant Pot Duo Multi-Cooker combines 6 Appliances in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and warmer – and cooks up to 70% faster
- Consistently delicious: 12 one-touch smart programs put cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, desserts and more on autopilot – with tasty results
The Instant Pot Lux Model is the most budget-friendly model of the series. If you are strapped for cash but are looking for the best quality at a lower price, then go for the Lux model. This 6-in-1 instapot does the pressure cooking, browning, sautéing, slow cooking, warming, and rice cooking well.
The only downside is, that the Lux model can’t make yogurt because of the incompatibility with the app for iPhone and Android devices. This instapot has a few features but it does the job well and will make lives easier for many people.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Can cook eggs, soups, rice, beans, and lentils
Cons
- The low-pressure option is not available
- Can’t make yogurt
2- Instant Pot Duo 7 in-1
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
Consider the Duo model as an upgraded version of the Lux model because it has 7-in-1 functionality and best of all, it can also make yogurt. It is easier to handle and you can now comfortably hold it. It has 2 different settings and comes with diverse capacities including 3 Qt pot, 6 Qt pot, and 8 Qt instapot. Just like the Lux, it is also incompatible with the iPhone or Android app.
Duo Plus instant pot is designed to save the previous timings and pressure settings that you’ve set. Plus, it has another great feature, the sterilization option, which can be used for cleaning feeders. This model comes with 13 predetermined temperatures and 14 nifty microprocessor-accurate programs. It offers so much more than the traditional cookers. It can do pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing/browning, yogurt making, steamer, and warming.
Pros
- Easy-touch controls
- Consistent results
- Offers dual pressure for faster cooking
- Has several cooking options
- Can boil water
Cons
- Can be quite complicated during the first use
3- Instant Pot Ultra Model
- For large families, 6 plus people. Item dimensions are 14.88 x 13.90 x 10.39 in inches
- Instant Pot Ultra electric pressure cooker is the next generation in kitchen appliances. A central dial with a simple turn and press provides added precision in program selection and adjustment
If you are looking for a pressure cooker that can do it all, then the Ultra Model is what you should get. It has millions of functions. You can make yogurt, kefir, bread, and ricotta cheese and even sync your smart instant pot cooker with the SmartApp on your iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC via a Bluetooth connection.
The app is free to download by the way. The Ultra Model will allow you to choose temperatures between 104 to 208 F and timings that can be set between 1 minute to 6 hours. This advanced model will also allow you to differentiate the temperature one degree at a time and will give you complete control over your cooking. It has all the same features as listed on the Duo model.
Pros
- Has 11 Safety features
- Added accessories
- Very convenient dial
- The display is easy to read
- Highly customizable
- Has a sterilizing feature
- Has a 1-touch button for perfectly cooking eggs
- Great customer support
Cons
- Complicated instructions
4- Instant Pot Smart Model
- Cooks fast and saves time: The Instant Pot Smart Wifi combines 8 kitchen appliances in one: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, Saute pan, steamer, and warmer
- Consistently delicious: 13 1-touch smart programs put cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more on autopilot – with tasty results
If you are looking for an instapot that allows you to control your cooking through your smartphone, then the Instant Pot Smart Model is the best choice. It has all the cool features like making yogurt, kefir, bread, and ricotta cheese and will also sync instapot with the SmartApp on your iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC using a Bluetooth connection.
It will take your cooking to a whole other level. Best of all, you can also get access to hundreds of cooking recipes. The Smart Model has 12 preset temperatures and 14 smart built-in programs that you can choose from. That should be more than enough for your cooking needs.
Pros
- Has 14 smart program features
- Can save up to 70% of time and energy
- Has more temperature settings than any other model
- Allows you to sync the Instant Pot with your smartphone or tablet
Cons
- Complicated instructions
- Bluetooth can sometimes have issues
5- Instant Pot Pro
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer
- CUSTOMIZABLE COOKING PROGRAMS: The included 28 program settings are perfect for a selection of essential meals
The Instant Pot Pro is the best available. With 28 cooking modes, it replaces 10 home appliances, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, saute pan, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and warmer. Instant Pot Pro Crisp air fryers are available. The Instant Pot Pro’s five buttons let you remember your chosen settings for recipes you cook often, giving you the convenience of one-touch programming for your recipes. The inner pot has handles for easy transfer to the table and may be used on the stovetop to sear food before cooking.
While testing the pressure cook function on a multi-cooker, the steam release switch is one of the easiest and safest we’ve seen, and the steam valve has a cover to reduce splashes and noise. However, there is no recipe book or cooking charts, so operating the Instant Pot requires practice. In our testing, broccoli florets slid through the steaming rack, so you’ll need an attachment. However, it was easy to use and made a tasty meal.
Pros
- Five one-touch favorite settings
- Many cooking methods
- The inner pot can cook on all types of stoves
Pros
- Does not include a recipe book or cook chart
- Steamed price is not suitable for vegetables
6- Ninja Foodi Max 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL PRESSURE COOKER STEAM FRYER: Extra-large, family-sized capacity with the ability to pressure cook, air fry, and SteamCrisp - all under one SmartLid.
- FOODI SMART THERMOMETER: Enables you to achieve even more accurate results at the touch of a button. No more guesswork.
The 8-quart/7.5-liter Ninja Foodi Max adds air frying, grilling/broiling, and dehydrating to the top Instant Pots’ many cooking options. With the built-in thermometer and steam during air-frying, this multi-cooker can cook the perfect steak. The Ninja Foodi Max excelled in steak, beef chili, and fries.
The huge capacity is perfect for feeding numerous people, but the multi-cooker is cumbersome and takes up counter space. Unlike Instant Pots, the Ninja Foodi Max has no meal presets with temperatures and times. Instead, utilize the multi-cooker’s detailed and handy cooking charts.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Many cooking methods
- Built-in thermometer for perfect meats
Cons
- Missing presets for specific dishes
- The most expensive multi-function cooker on the market
7- Crock-Pot Express
- Pressure cook, slow cook, brown/sauté, or steam with 1 appliance
- 3 advanced features: Manual pressure, simmer, and boil function
Crock-pot is best known for its slow cookers, but this Instant Pot replacement, which can slow cook, steam, sauté, and pressure cook, has strengthened the brand’s reputation for convenient, affordable multi-cookers. The Crock-Pot Express cooked meat tender, juicy, and falling off the bone and rice exactly, preserving some bite rather than mushy grains that formed large clumps, much like more expensive multi-cookers.
We had trouble getting the bowl in and out of the cooker, and it only has two attachments, one of which is not a steamer basket, to keep the price cheap. Use the multi-cookers vegetable rack instead. However, this 6-quart/ 6-liter multi-cooker may accommodate a small family or batch cook and is a great bargain for budget-conscious cooks.
Pros
- One of the most affordable models we’ve tested
- Simple to use
- Can cook a wide range of dishes efficiently
Cons
- The cooking pot can be difficult to slide in and out
- Steam basket not included
8- Instant Pot duo crisp & air fryer
- 11-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer..Frequency : 60 Hz
- THE INSTANT POT THAT AIR FRIES: From the makers of the best-selling Duo series comes a pressure cooker and air fryer combo, with 2 convenient removable lids.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer expands on the Instant Pot’s capacity to pressure cook, slow cook, and steam by adding cover with an air frying capability that can also roast and bake. It has a huge 8-quart/8-liter capacity, making it ideal for people feeding several mouths or bulk cooking, and it is easy to operate, with 11 presets for various foods.
Some of the items we cooked in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer pleased us, but when we followed Instant Pot’s recipe for chunky fries, they weren’t crisp enough for our liking. The cooking pot isn’t nonstick, so cleaning will need some elbow grease, and if you want a rack for steaming veggies, you’ll have to buy one separately since it isn’t included with the Instant Pot.
Pros
- 11 cooking functions including air frying
- Large capacity 8 liters / 8 liters
- Simple to use
Cons
- Does not come with standard steaming accessories
- The cooking pot isn’t non-stick
9- Breville the Fast Slow Pro
- The Breville Fast Slow Pro pressure cooker automatically adjusts time, temperature and pressure between fast and slow cooking modes to coax maximum flavor and texture
- MULTI FUNCTION COOKING: One-press functionality employs dual sensors at the top and bottom of the 6 qt bowl to monitor and accurately control temperature and pressure; includes 11 pressure cook settings and slow cook settings from high to low
Most Instant Pots and multi-cookers aren’t very stylish, but with a brushed stainless steel finish and a sleek and streamlined design, the Breville the Fast Slow Pro (also known as Sage the Fast Slow Pro in the UK) is one of the most attractive multi-cookers we’ve tried. It has six cooking settings and gives a variety of presets for foods such as stew, risotto, and rice.
You can also manually modify the time and temperature to guarantee the meal is cooked to perfection. During our testing, we discovered that the Breville the Fast Slow Pro cooked meat such that it was soft and delicious, while veggies and rice were cooked thoroughly but not soggy or mushy. However, if you want to clean it, you’ll need a screwdriver to unscrew the hinged top, and it only has a 1-quart/ 1-liter capacity, so we struggled to cook lesser amounts.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Simple to use
- Six cooking functions
Cons
- Can’t cook a small quantity
- The hinged cover requires a screwdriver to remove
10- Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide, and NutriBoost
- STAYING CONNECTED: Wirelessly operate and program the Instant Pot Pro Plus over Wi-Fi using the Instant Brands Connect app on your mobile device and access over 1900+ highly rated Smart Recipes
The company’s latest smart Instant Pot Pro Plus lets you operate your multicooker with a button. Use the Instant Brands Connect app on your smartphone or tablet to manage and monitor your cooking process. A simple touch-screen LED display and handy dial allow you to configure timings without the app. It has 11 safety features, including overheat prevention and heat-proof handles, to safely remove your inner pot after cooking.
Advertisement
It offers 16 smart programs, less than previous models, but NutriBoost enhances flavor and texture and three venting methods are included. With 1500 watts, the Instant Pot Pro Plus heats up quicker than the others we tested. When sautéing and searing, the beef was evenly browned before pre-warming.
In 45 minutes, pressure cooking made the stews tender and delicious. The basmati rice cooked in the rice cooker was fluffy and aromatic, just as in a regular rice cooker. Remember that it only comes in one size, yet it can fit a family of four. While the app setup may take some time, you’ll have over 800 recipes to inspire you.
Pros
- Can be controlled via a smartphone app
- Large screen with touchscreen
- Heats up quickly
- Whisper quiet evaporator
Cons
- There are fewer presets than other models
- Only one serving
How to determine the size I need?
If you are new to the Instapot craze, what you need to remember is that size does matter. An 8-quart size is the recommended size for large families because you can easily cook meals for 4-6 people. It can even serve up to 8 people just in case guests are coming over. A 5-quart size, on the other hand, is recommended if you are a college student or if you only need to cook food for 2 or 3 people max. This size is easier to handle and allows you to transfer the cooked food to serving ware a lot easier. As a general rule,e you can follow, 1 liter or 1 quart is equivalent to one person.
What do I get from using Instapot?
Instapot has multiple uses and has now become perhaps the most-used appliance in any kitchen. Here are the benefits you will get.
Stainless Steel Interior – Since the interior is made completely of stainless steel, it will not contaminate your food, unlike appliances that are made of plastic. It also does not have any non-stick surfaces like Teflon, just pure and safe stainless steel.
Multi-Use – As we have kept mentioning, the Instapot can potentially replace a rice cooker, a slow cooker, a sauté pan, and even a steamer. So there is no need to keep using a different appliance for whatever you want to cook.
Time-Saving – Saving time is considered the main benefit of using the pot since it can cook a recipe that will usually take 6-8 hours in a slow cooker in just 1 hour. You can even prepare a roast for dinner as quick as 40 minutes. If you are a busy person, this appliance is your best friend.
Excellent Value for Money – Although it is expensive compared to a generic single-use appliance, it will become cost-effective if you use it as a replacement for other appliances. Instead of spending for a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and a rice cooker separately, just get the Instapot which can do all the work for these different appliances.
Programmable – The Instapot has programmable features that will allow you to set it up 24 hours in advance to cook food at a set time. How cool is that? There are also other options pre-programmed into this pot that will make it easier to use.
Uses Energy Efficiently – The heating element of an Instapot is a built-in electronic one that will not require a separate gas/electric stove, which will save you money. It also makes it a more energy-efficient device which is good for the environment.
Very Easy to Clean – Since it is made completely of stainless steel, it is very easy to clean by hand and is dishwasher-safe too.
What are its disadvantages?
Up-Front Cost – Although the price is reasonable considering it can replace other kitchen appliances, it still retails at up to $200 which is quite high. It is a big up-front cost especially if you already have the other appliances in your kitchen that it can replace.
Requires time to learn – The instapot is a relatively new method of cooking that will require time for you to completely master. The good news though is that it is easier to use than other pressure-cookers. But still, we recommend reading the instruction manual before you use it.
Conclusion
To conclude this guide, the instapot will completely change the way you cook food. It will change your lifestyle for the better. The best thing about the instapot is if you are in a hurry, you can just choose the pressure cooking option to save time. if you do have time, you can just as easily choose the slow cooking option and get back to whatever you are doing and just check on what you are cooking later.
The technological advancements and high-tech features of the instapot will always make you ready to cook. You will find that once you adapt how the Instant Pot works, you will never go back to the other ways of cooking. Think of it like how smartphones have changed our lives. With over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this can become the go-to wedding present for friends or relatives in the future. It stands out from basic kitchen tools and appliances and is fast becoming one of the most-used tools in any kitchen.
Hopefully, this guide will be able to help you out if you wish to purchase the wonder that is called the Instant Pot. Good luck and happy cooking. When comparing this instapot with best countertop microwave, we can see that this one is cheaper with ease of use.
