The 5 Best Instant Pots for Every Budget

Updated 1 Jul 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 1 Jul 2022

Written by

Revuu Buddy

Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
This is an excellent budget buy that can do everything the base models can, but it also has an air fryer function. During our test, it performed admirably.

PROS
The 9.8-quart capacity is ideal for families. It has 11 functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking, roasting, baking, air frying, and dehydration. Dishwasher-safe stainless steel parts are used. There are no BPA/PFOA/PTFE materials in this product.

CONS
According to some users, the air frying results are not as reliable as those from a stand-alone air fryer.

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Instant Pot Duo

BOTTOMLINE
Simple Yet Solid
This is the most popular after it was reduced by $50 from its original price of $160.

PROS
This heavy-duty food processor can prepare large volumes of food with eight or 6-quart capacity, 14 pre programmed functions, and variable cooking temperatures. The stainless steel inner pot is simple to clean. It's ideal for a small gathering but not so massive; it takes up your counter space. This one includes a one-year warranty.

CONS
It has some significant flaws in the manufacturing process. We recommend putting all of the presets to the test as soon as you get them to know they're working.

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Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker

BOTTOMLINE
Best for Everyday Use
This multipurpose pressure cooker is used to sauté, ferment dairy products, and even cultivate yogurt. It is also simple to use and maintain.

PROS
Cook a wide range of meals thanks to 28 program settings. It allows for the fast or slow preparation of meals. It includes 11 safety features, such as a locked lid and overheats protection. A steam rack and sealing ring are included in the package.

CONS
Some of its features required a learning curve for some people.

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Instant Pot Max

BOTTOMLINE
Great for Canning
Pressure canning is a feature that Instant Pot users have long desired, making it a good investment for many of them.

PROS
Large touchscreen with delay start and a variety of settings. Large food capacity. The only Instant Pot that can pressure can result in addition to other features. Its 15 psi enables everything to cook faster than standard Instant Pots. The excellent user-friendly LED control panel is another selling point.

CONS
A few customers have complained about a slow natural release.

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Instant Pot Precision 5-in-1 Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Most Versatile
This modern take on the classic Dutch oven offers versatility to meet most everyday cooking needs.

PROS
It has Intuitive preset programs and precise temperature control. Even cooking is aided by the enameled cast iron pot, which retains temperatures well. The 6-quart model is ideal for large-batch cooking and meal preparation. With dishwasher-safe components, cleanup is a breeze.

CONS
It's a handy specialist gadget, but it can't replace conventional cooking on the oven or stovetop.

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Buying guide for Best Instant Pots

The Instant Pot is a clever-named culinary device that can do many cooking jobs. This handy gadget can do it all, whether you want to make yogurt, cook rice, sauté veggies, or slow-cook a roast. This may quickly become your favorite appliance in a home where space is limited.

The most significant decision you'll make is selecting the correct size Instant Pot for your family. Then you'll need to figure out how many tasks you want your Instant Pot to accomplish and how much programming control you desire. We've discovered that having bells and whistles is preferable with this technology.

When you're ready to buy, look at our suggestions for a selection of the finest Instant Pots. Continue reading to discover more about how this machine works and what it is capable of.

INSTANT POT MODELS

There are various Instant Pots on the market, each with its unique set of features and capabilities. Let's look at all five to see which one is best for you.

Lux

The Instant Pot Lux is the most basic model in the Instant Pot brand, but it doesn't imply it's ineffective. This is a fantastic, cost-effective option if you primarily use it for cooking meals under pressure, slow cooking, and steaming. It has ten preprogrammed smart functions, or you can manually adjust it.

It's a 6-in-1 device with the following features:

Pressure cook
Slow cook
Cook rice
Saute
Steam
Warm

Duo

The Duo is a modest improvement over the Lux in additional cooking capabilities. It can also cook on high or low pressure, making it one of the most popular models of Instant Pots. According to consumer feedback, Duo performs all of its intended tasks and more. It has 14 smart settings and manual control over pressure cooking time.
The Duo is a 7-in-1 device with the following capabilities:

Duo Plus

The brand-new Instant Pot Duo Plus is the same as the original Instant Pot Duo, but with a few more features. Thanks to the additional sterilization option it's ideal for anyone who wants to use their Instant Pot to sterilize baby bottles.

It's a 9-in-1 device with the following features:

Pressure cook
Slow cook
Make yogurt
Cook rice
Cook eggs
Saute
Steam
Warm
Sterilize

Smart

The Instant Pot Smart is a giant leap forward in terms of programming. The unit's primary body is similar to that of the Duo, and it includes all of the same features. The significant difference is that you may operate it with an app on your phone or tablet, which connects via Bluetooth to your device.

The Smart model comes with 14 pre-installed programs and the opportunity to download and utilize a variety of additional. The app also allows you to control the cooking temperature precisely, and it offers you complete control over how your food is cooked.

Ultra

The Instant Pot Ultra is the model for you if you want to modify each program and create your extensive plans without using an app. Instead of choosing from various preprogrammed temperatures, a twist dial allows you to adjust the cooking by one-degree increments. In other words, you can program your Instant Pot so that it will automatically shut off at the end of a cycle or delay for an exact amount of time before shutting off (up to 60 minutes). You may also choose whether or not to switch to "keep warm" after the cooking process.

The device is a 10-in-1 version with the following activities:

Pressure cook
Slow cook
Make yogurt
Cook rice
Make cakes
Cook eggs
Saute
Steam
Warm
Sterilize

INSTANT POT VERSIONS

There are several different models of Instant Pots, each with its variations. The various versions aren't usually available at the same time - once an older version is depleted, only the newer version will be found on store shelves.

Unless stated otherwise, you'll receive the most up-to-date version of the Instant Pot when you buy a new one. The current best model should be the finest ever. If you're buying a second-hand model, double-check the version number and make sure there aren't any severe problems with it.

However, the discrepancies between versions are minor, and they should not significantly influence overall performance.

"If you mostly use your Instant Pot for pressure cooking and slow cooking soups and stews, the Lux model is ideal."

TEAM

Revuu Buddy

WHAT SIZE OF INSTANT POT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Instant Pots come in various sizes, including 3-, 6- and 8-quart, but not all models are available in each size.

A 3-quart Instant Pot can prepare one or two people's worth of food, provided you don't want to batch cook. The Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, and Ultra are available in a 3-quart size.
The Instant Pot is a 6-quart electric pressure cooker that works for small families of up to four people or two individuals who like to batch cook. Every version of the Instant Pot — Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Smart, and Ultra — has a capacity of 6 quarts.
A single 8-quart Instant Pot can feed a family of five or more and smaller households that wish to batch cook. An 8-quart size is available for the Duo, Lux, Duo Plus, and Ultra models.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Instant Pot Smart, compatible with an app that allows you to control it from a smartphone or tablet, is another fantastic model. It is an excellent feature if you want things to be ready and start from afar.

TEAM

Revuu Buddy

INSTANT POT TIPS

Here are some quick hints to get you up and running with your new equipment.

If you're cooking with your Instant Pot as a pressure cooker, you need 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid in the recipe. Otherwise, the device will not fully pressurize.
When slow cooking or sautéing, use the "adjust" button to increase or decrease the temperature.
When combining frozen ingredients in your Instant Pot, there's no need to thaw them first; simply extend the cooking time by a few seconds.
You may cook popcorn in an Instant Pot using the sauté setting.
There is no need to soak or pre-cook dry beans when using a pressure cooker. Simply combine them with the other components.

Look up online and specialized cookbooks for recipes that are Instant Pot-friendly.

TEAM

Revuu Buddy

INSTANT POT PRICES

The model mainly determines the cost of an Instant Pot. We'll use this size for comparison because all Instant Pots are available in 6-quart models (but not all come in 3- or 8-quart sizes).

An Instant Pot Lux 6-quart costs roughly $80.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Duo will cost you at least approximately $100.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus will cost you roughly $120.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra will cost you at least approximately $150.
A 6-quart Instant Pot Smart will cost you at least approximately $160.

It's worth paying extra for a model with additional capabilities or features so you won't regret not having them later.

FAQ

Q. Why should you go with an Instant Pot rather than another multi cooker?

A. Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials used in Instant Pots since the cooking pot is entirely made of it. This is a rare feature among multis; most have aluminum or nonstick pots, and it's an appealing characteristic. Stainless steel is a long-lasting material. There isn't any debate regarding potential health risks, as with aluminum and nonstick coatings. Furthermore, Instant Pots are recognized to be high-quality multi-cookers that are simple to operate, last longer, and provide good results.

Q. What is the pressure setting on my Instant Pot?

A. The standard pressure of an Instant Pot is 11 psi. A conventional stovetop pressure cooker, on the other hand, cooks at a higher 15 psi. To account for the pressure difference, increase the cooking time by 7% to 15% in a regular pressure cooker recipe.

Q. Is it simple to maintain an Instant Pot?

A. The stainless steel cooking pot is detachable and dishwasher safe, making it simple to maintain.

5 COURSE INSTANT POT BARBECUE

For your Instant Pot, use significant, robust cuts of meat. Pulled pork sandwiches are lovely with pork shoulder.
Tender, steamed artichokes can be an excellent addition to any barbecue.
You may cook side dishes, such as corn on the cob, in your Instant Pot while working the grill.
If you're making mac and cheese or pasta salad, prepare the noodles in the Instant Pot first before adding the cheese.
Make a dessert in your Instant Pot the night before, from cheesecake to cobblers.

You may utilize significant, substantial cuts of meat in your Instant Pot. The shoulder of pork is an excellent choice for pulled pork sandwiches.

Baking in an Instant Pot is simple if you have the suitable pans to fit inside.

Tender, steamed artichokes are an excellent way to add some nourishment to your barbecue.

Before grilling, you need to soak corn on the cob for approximately an hour. You may also use the grill to prepare your next barbecue since it takes less time than cooking.

Make the noodles in the Instant Pot first, then add the cheese to your mac and cheese.

Using your pressure cooker for cooking meals can help you save time and aggravation, but it may also be used for a variety of other things. Enjoy!

OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED

The Revuu Buddy editorial staff researches hundreds of products based on customer reviews, brand quality, and price. We then narrow down our top picks for further study and testing. These are the items we reviewed that didn't make our top five list.

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