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How To Choose The Best Instant Pot Model For Your Kitchen

There are so many things to take into account.

By
instant pot
Alyssa Gray

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You'd be hard-pressed to find a group of people who know the Instant Pot—all the models and all their inner workings—better than the food editors at Delish. After all, we've created upwards of 100 recipes in the thing (breakfasts, lunches and dinners, desserts) and even released a cookbook entirely dedicated to the pressure cooker. That's all to say you can trust us when it comes to reviewing Instant Pots, because they're not exactly one-size-fits-all.

To get the most out of your model, it's important to consider a number of factors: its features, its size, and its price, among others. We've reviewed all the different Instant Pots available at the moment below. Consider all this intel before purchasing one.

1
Best Smart Instant Pot

Instant Pot Instant Pot Smart WiFi Electric 8-In-1 Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Smart WiFi Electric 8-In-1 Pressure Cooker
Credit: Instant Pot

Pros

  • WiFi-enabled and connects to Alexa
  • Good for on-the-go families

Cons

    This 6-quart Instant Pot syncs to your phone (or Alexa) so that you can wirelessly control your multicooker, check progress, and get notifications about your meal. Thirteen different one-touch settings allow you to cook pretty much anything, and you'll get access to more than 1,000 recipes from Instant Pot.

    2
    Best Instant Pot For One

    Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

    Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
    Now 11% Off
    Credit: Instant Pot

    Pros

    • Space-saving
    • Good for small meals

    Cons

      Despite its compact size (which is actually key for easy storage), this 3-quart Instant Pot model doesn't skimp on the features you know and love. You can use the Duo Mini as a pressure cooker,  of course, and also as a slow cooker, rice cooker steamer, yogurt maker, warmer, and to saute food.

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      3
      Best Instant Pot/Air Fryer Combo

      Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pressure Cooker 11-in-1 with Air Fryer

      Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pressure Cooker 11-in-1 with Air Fryer

      Pros

      • Two appliances in one

      Cons

        If you don't have an air fryer yet, you're missing out. The small appliances make better-for-you fried foods, like the crispiest wings and crunchy fried pickles. You'll cut costs by buying this Instant Pot model which comes with a special lid and fryer basket insert to create air-fried treats.

        4
        Best Pressure Cooker for Big Groups

        Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker 7-in-1, 10-Quart

        Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker 7-in-1, 10-Quart

        Pros

        • Largest Instant Pot available

        Cons

          If you're feeding a crowd (or love make-ahead meal planning), this whopping 10-quart pressure cooker will make you the most popular person at the potluck. On average, the machine can make up to 10 servings at once.

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          5
          Best Customizable Instant Pot

          Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker 9-In-1

          Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker 9-In-1

          Pros

          • 48 customizable settings
          • Fastest pressure release times

          Cons

            For those who want a step up from Instant Pot's classic pressure cooker, this advanced model (which comes in both a 6- and 8-quart size) will do the trick. There are more than 20 feature enhancements and 48 customizable preset options, for cheesecake, eggs, quinoa, proofing, fermenting, and more. It takes all the guesswork out of how long you should cook your favorite dishes.

            6
            Best Pressure Cooker for Beginners

            Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

            Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

            Pros

            • Easiest to use

            Cons

              First time pressure cooker owners: Don't stress! The Instant Pot is a rather intuitive machine, and this classic model is particularly easy to use. It comes with an interactive control system and boasts 15 one-touch cooking programs.

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              7
              Best Overall Pressure Cooker

              Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker 7-In-1, 6-Quart

              Editor’s Choice
              Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker 7-In-1, 6-Quart

              Pros

              • Delish's favorite Instant Pot

              Cons

                Instant Pot sells advanced models and ones for more basic needs and beginners. Then there are the models that just suit, well, literally everyone. This Instant Pot has all you need—pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker. Plus, it's the one we use in the Delish test kitchen!

                8
                Best Instant Pot For Fast Cooking

                Instant Pot Instant Pot Max Pressure Cooker 9-In-1

                Instant Pot Max Pressure Cooker 9-In-1

                Pros

                • Quickest cooking model

                Cons

                  If time is of the essence for you, this pressure cooker will heat your meals 10 to 15 percent faster than any other model.

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                  9
                  Best Instant Pot for Making Rice

                  Instant Pot Instant Zest Plus 20 Cup Rice Cooker

                  Instant Zest Plus 20 Cup Rice Cooker

                  Pros

                  • 9 customized programs for cooking grains

                  Cons

                    If rice is a part of your daily diet, this Instant Pot has different settings for making white rice, brown rice, mixed grains, quinoa, barley, couscous, bulgur, oatmeal, and risotto—and then some. Plus you can still steam veggies and fish in here.

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