BEST DEALS ON INSTANT POTS:
Instant Pot (noun): The intelligent pressure cooker that can replace numerous kitchen appliances while cooking in a fraction of the time, and is quite possibly the most important technological advancement in recent history. SpaceX is a close second.
This little cooker creates a special kind of chaos over Black Friday, with the Instant Pot Duo being one of the top 20 best-selling items on Black Friday 2018 and 2019. (Our prediction for 2020? The Duo Nova is going to steal the spotlight.)
What does an Instant Pot do?
Translation: Why can’t I just get a regular slow cooker? Instant Pots use 70 percent less energy than the average pressure cooker, but somehow cook food, as their title states, instantly — well, 2-10 times faster, but it’s the closest to instant you’re gonna get. But they’re also slow cookers. Crazy, right?
This means that dishes that traditionally need all night to cook can be ready in 20 minutes, which makes the torture of impatiently waiting to eat far less painful, and saves you from the “screw it, let’s get takeout” mindset after a long day. All Instant Pots can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, cook rice, steam, and warm, and as you climb the ladder of different models, buttons for things like cake making, roasting, and sous vide appear. When one appliance can do so many things, it also nixes the need to purchase and find storage for a separate kitchen devices, like a slow cooker or egg cooker.
Don’t believe us? Ask people who already have one: Almost every model is an Amazon’s Choice product with near perfect ratings, so it’s not hard to see why everyone and their mother wants to get their hands on one.
What is hard, however, is choosing the right Instant Pot for you. With multiple series, cooking functions, quart sizes, but virtually identical appearances, it’s easy to go into “WTF” mode. Never fear: Mashable Deals is here, and we’re so creepily obsessed with the Instant Pot that we could answer Instant Pot trivia questions in our sleep.
Instant Pots rock because models ladder up in skill and price: Each model gains a new cooking method, so you aren’t paying for functions you won’t use.
Most Instant Pots on the market (even the new ones from late 2019) are part of the third generation. The most significant marker of this class is IP’s most advanced microprocessor technology, which provides readings of pressure and temperature from built-in monitors, making previously complex (annoying) cooking tasks possible through a variety of smart programs. The fourth generation is called the Connected Cooker and applies to any Instant Pots with smartphone app compatibility. Even that’s a bit ahead of its time, as there is currently only one WiFi-enabled Instant Pot.
This collection of programs can be tweaked and tailored to perform super specific tasks that you may have struggled with pre-Instant Pot (e.g., the perfect way to cook rice). These programs get down to the nitty gritty of heat intensity, pressure, and cooking duration to achieve consistent results in the kitchen. Some of the more advanced models even offer personalized programming and will remember your settings for the next time.
If you want to dive deep into the land of Instant Pot recipe inspiration, check out the #instantpot hashtag on Instagram or peruse more Instant Pot recipes here. And, if you’re that person who can never get enough of this internet sensation, don’t miss this story on how Robert Wang started the Instant Pot empire after getting laid off from his job.
Before we dive in to which models are the best, here are some general rules that apply across the board:
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The number in each Instant Pot’s title, e.g. “6-in-1” describes the number of kitchen appliances it claims to replace.
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Aside from the appliance-replacing functions, each model has built-in smart programs that get more specific: These 12 programs are bean/chili, meat/stew, soup/broth, sauté, poultry, steam, congee, multigrain, rice, pressure cook, warm, and slow cook. Some models have more than this, but every model has at least these. They’re the things listed on the buttons.
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Watch out for that steam release valve. This is something that you don’t really learn until you pressure cook for the first time and become super scared when hot steam bursts out of the lid. We suggest using a spatula or wooden spoon to release this, or opt for a model that has the new automatic sealing lid and steam release button.
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The 6-quart is the most-purchased size and is ideal for families of five or less, and every model comes in this size. The 3-quart is obviously best for smaller families or dishes like dips or soups, and the 8-quart is best for roasts or prepping a few days’ worth of meals for large families. Only one model is available in the 10-quart size, and it’s probably overkill unless you’re straight up replacing an oven or stove with it (say, if you’re renovating your kitchen and won’t have access to your large appliances for months). Be sure to take your counter and storage space into account before taking the plunge.
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All prices listed will be the lowest price for each model, likely the smallest size. As quart size increases, prices of each model will also increase.
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Instant Pots are on sale constantly. The price we’ll list is the full price, but if you’re lucky (you probably will be), you’ll click on a model to see that the price has dropped for the day.
WATCH: How to make rice in an Instant Pot
So, how many different Instant Pots are there?
Good question. If you’re counting all of Instant Pot’s devices including appliances outside pressure cookers, there are a lot. If you’re only counting pressure cookers, it’s still pretty confusing — especially after Instant Pot added multiple new models in late 2019.
We’ll outline all the differences below and walk you through the various models. Make sure to hit the grey arrow to expand each card and read more.
6-in-1 Instant Pot Lux
People who will only use their Instant Pot occasionally can save by opting for the Lux, which doesn’t make yogurt.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sautéing -
Sizes:
3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
No
As expected from the most affordable option, the LUX’s appearance sees no fancy stuff, featuring a red and black screen with numerous buttons to adjust the settings. It’s not the prettiest of the bunch, but for the price, it gets the job done and more. The Lux doesn’t have a “low pressure” option, so it’s high pressure or the highway.
Non-sale prices are as follows: Get the 3-quart model for $59.95, the 6-quart model for $79, and the 8-quart model for $109.95.
7-in-1 Instant Pot Duo
It’s hard to pass up the no-frills layout and yogurt making of the Duo, especially when it’s on sale so frequently.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sautéing, and yogurt making -
Sizes:
3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
No
The loyalty to the Duo lies in its combination of function, simplicity, and price. It’s a slight step up from the Lux function-wise, as it adds the yogurt-making function to total in seven appliance functions. It also features the same 12 built-in smart features as the Lux.
Aside from the yogurt button, paying $10 or $20 extra also gets you more one-touch controls, including the ability to switch between high and low pressure cooking. The Duo and the Lux are basically identical on the outside, but the Duo adds more customization while still staying in a really affordable zone.
Non-sale prices are as follows: Get the 3-quart model for $79.95, the 6-quart model for $99.95, and the 8-quart model for $139.95.
7-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Nova
The same best-selling Duo that everyone loved, now with a steam release valve that you can’t forget to close.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sautéing, and yogurt making -
Sizes:
3, 6, 8, and 10-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
Yes
PSA: The only big difference between the Duo and Duo Nova is that the Nova’s lid has automatic pressure sealing that closes the valve for you. That darn release valve is an annoyance you don’t even understand until you use an Instant Pot in real life. Accidentally leaving it on “venting” instead of “sealing” means you might come back to a meal that should have been cooking for 30 minutes, but was just letting air out the whole time. (There are Reddit threads devoted to people complaining about forgetting to do this.) It’s minor, but it’ll be a lot of people’s deciding factor.
Everything about the LED display is a little bit sleeker, too, with more legible icons and a status bar with progress updates on the current stage of pressurizing, cooking, or keeping warm. Its actual cooking capabilities are the exact same as the Duo, as no new functions were introduced with this model.
Get the 3-quart for $79.99, the 6-quart for $99.99 (frequently on sale for $69.95), the 8-quart for $119.95, or the 10-quart for $139.95. The 10-quart is a new Instant Pot size that was introduced in 2019, and it’s huge.
9-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Plus
The most advanced model without a dial adds three new functions and sous vide at a decent price.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sautéing, yogurt making, egg cooking, sterilizing, cake making -
Sizes:
3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
No
It’s a pretty small price to ask for such an all-encompassing cooker, especially considering the fact that the Duo Nova launched with a decent price jump over the Duo despite not having a single new appliance function.
As we continue to climb up the ladder of Instant Pots, devices with more advanced functions also seem to get shinier and more spaceship-like. The Duo Plus features a larger, blue LCD screen, digital food status icons, and more self-explanatory buttons for each smart program. It’s the model that keeps the classic Instant Pot interface while providing more detailed buttons than the models below it.
Non-sale prices are as follows: Get the 3-quart for $99.95, 6-quart for $129.95, and 8-quart for $159.95.
10-in-1 Instant Pot Ultra
Your best option for a higher-end Instant Pot, the “Ultra” button lets you control all parts of the cooking process.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, steaming, warming, yogurt making, sterilizing, egg cooking, and customizable programming -
Sizes:
3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
No
The overhaul to the interface makes it obvious that the Ultra is not in the same lane as its no-frills siblings. The sleek dial and a switch from buttons to controls that mimic a touch screen let it blend seamlessly with a kitchen full of modern appliances, but the interface update that you should really care about lies in the bottom right corner of the display: the Ultra button. With it, nit-picky foodies can tamper with every part of the cooking process from pressure level, to temperature, to time settings. Once you find a combination that renders your desired results, the program can remember those settings for next time.
The blue LCD screen on its own looks like it was designed by NASA, but that seems even more appropriate when you consider the altitude adjustment feature. Air pressure and boiling point are lower at higher elevations (2,000 feet above sea level is a good baseline) and therefore take longer to pressure cook. While this usually requires a conversion chart and some math, this Ultra feature figures it out for you.
Non-sale prices starting at $119.95 for the Mini, $149.95 for the 6-quart, and $179.95 for the 8-quart.
Instant Pot Max
Its major upgrades include two new appliance functions: sous vide and pressure canning, along with the expected functions of its predecessors.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, steaming, warming, yogurt making, sterilizing, egg cooking, sous vide, and pressure canning -
Sizes:
6-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
Yes
The presence of these new functions is one thing, but whether they actually work and justify the price boost is another. Publishers like CNET weren’t overly impressed with the new additions, mentioning that the sous vide isn’t accurate enough to be trusted with such a precision-heavy cooking. The canning method’s apparent 15 PSI is also iffy. One new addition that is appreciated is the automatic pressure release valve.
Let’s focus on something positive for a sec: those aesthetics, though. Like the Ultra, it features a sleek LCD screen with functions on the screen rather than on buttons along the outside. Unlike the Ultra, it’s the first Instant Pot with a touchscreen, offering seamless controlling and a futuristic look. It looks expensive, but in a good way — so if you’re not happy with the added functions, it’ll at least look nice sitting on your counter.
Right now, it only comes in a 6-quart model for $199.95.
Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi Series
Enjoy the same classic buttons as the Instant Pot Duo plus the convenience of cooking via your smartphone.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, steaming, warming, and yogurt making -
Sizes:
6-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
No
Get ready to up your kitchen’s brainpower: While the seven functions aren’t anything we’ve never seen before, the main focus here is the connected convenience. With the Instant Pot app, users can program complex cooking steps into the recipe scripts through their phone or tablet, alter temperature or thickening, browning, or simmering settings, monitor progress, or schedule meals. Cooking when you’re not even home is now magically possible. Did we mention that the app also has over 750 recipes to access? You don’t even have to wade through Pinterest.
Plus, for being one of the first app-enabled slow cookers on the market, it has amazing reviews. People really hold that away-from-home control power dear.
Non-sale prices are as follows: The 6-quart model is currently the only size available, going for $149.99.
Instant Pot Aura Pro
For meals or roasts that need to be flat, the rectangular Aura fits what cylindrical models can’t.-
Functions:
Slow cooking, steaming, stewing, sautéing, warming, baking, roasting, yogurt making, multigrain, and sous vide -
Sizes:
6-quart and 8-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
No
The best part? The sous vide function actually works. According to numerous Amazon reviews and full reviews by publishers, water is reliably held at a precise, customizable temperature throughout and, though it doesn’t circulate water like a real sous vide machine (and doesn’t claim to) it gets the job done and is a great alternative to the shortcomings of the Max.
While every other model in the lineup is cylindrical, the Aura is the rectangular cousin designed for cooking larger chickens, ducks, or other roasts, as well as casseroles and bakes that need to lay flat, grilling racks, and sous vide set ups. It’s armed with a 1500W heating element — one of the highest in the multicooker category to provide optimal searing, roasting, and baking, in tandem with the continual monitoring of time and temperature to keep heating consistent. You’ll feel like a professional chef for sure.
Similar to the Ultra and the Max, the Gem remembers your most recent cooking settings, so if you finally get your roasting technique down, you don’t have to worry about losing those perfectly tailored settings. There’s also a “24-hour delay” option with an automatic “keep warm” function once cooking time is complete.
Prices and sizes are as follows: for $129.95 and the 8-quart model for $149.95.
Can you air fry in an Instant Pot?
You sure can — long as you pick the right model. Where the Ninja Foodi and its crisping lid once had a leg up is now the spot that Instant Pot is seemingly focusing on. Instant Pot’s fall 2019 collection brought the Instant Pot Duo Crisp (and the Instant Vortex, a devoted air fryer oven that’s not a pressure cooker).
For folks who already have an Instant Pot and don’t want to replace it just to buy the Duo Crisp, Instant Pot released a standalone air fryer lid that attaches to regular Instant Pots and turns them into an air fryer. This lid works on all existing models with the exception of the Instant Pot Smart WiFi, Duo Evo Plus, Duo SV, or Max.
If you’re still confused about what air frying even is, read up about the best air fryers here.
11-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp
Instant Pot finally answers the Ninja Foodi competition with a solid air frying pressure cooker and 100% removable lids.-
Functions:
Pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, dehydrating, sous vide, sautéing, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and warming -
Sizes:
8-quart -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
Yes
The convenience of not having to switch appliances to complete multiple steps in a recipe can’t be overstated. A blogger at The Salted Pepper mentions how easy the Duo Crisp made a ribs recipe: The pressure cooking lid can be used to speed up the thawing and thorough cooking of frozen meat, and a simple lid swap lets you air fry in the same exact pot. For anyone with limited counter space, minimal storage, or no oven at all, it’s a genius hack. Intensive meals like roasts, which usually take all day, no longer have to be some big, intimidating Saturday meal.
The fact that the crisping lid and regular lid are both completely removable is an automatic win over the Ninja Foodi. The Foodi’s pressure cooking lid is attached via hinges and flips up when the air fryer lid is on, and if you have cabinets over your countertops, it’s a real pain. The Duo Crisp’s pressure cooking lid features the same automatic steam valve lock that the Duo Nova has.
The chaotic interface with a button for every single smart program is gone. Though the Duo Crisp is technically in the Duo series, it doesn’t have the recognizable black and red screen, rocks an all-silver display, and only has buttons for the 11 core functions. The dry methods (bake, broil, roast, dehydrate, and air fry) that require the air fry lid are clearly separated from the others.
Instant Vortex Plus
Instant Pot expands their product line with an air fryer that can rotate poultry and dehydrate fruit.-
Sizes:
6-quart and 10-quart -
Functions:
Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, rotate, and dehydrate -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
N/A
Instead of the typical pull-out basket design, the Vortex takes on the shape of a toaster oven. The overhead heating element and motorized fan rapidly blow air from every direction, effectively eliminating the need for oil by 95%. Three trays inside allow snacks to be spread out for even crispiness and can be air fried, baked, or broiled.
But there’s another function we haven’t seen much of before: A rotisserie basket. Swap the trays out for a rotating cage to roast a whole chicken, toss wings, or make golden-brown fries without pausing to flip. Not only does this mean less work for you, but the omnipresent heat on all sides can reduce cooking times by 20%.
That touchscreen, though. Use the LED display to select time and temperature, or choose from preset cooking programs to find the right settings for your recipe. When you land on the combo that finally yields those perfect results, the Vortex will remember for a fine-tuned meal every time.
Non-sale prices start at $79.95 for the 6-quart Vortex and $119 for the 10-quart Vortex Plus.
Honorable mention
The slickest rice cooker you ever did see is actually one of the most reliable rice, risotto, and quinoa cookers on the market. It’s not a pressure cooker, but many of the 12 grain presets are ones you won’t see on a regular Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Zest
Nail the perfect rice or quinoa consistency every time without waiting around to stir.-
Functions:
White rice, brown rice, steam, quinoa, oatmeal, mixed grains, barley, couscous, bulgur oatmeal and risotto -
Sizes:
8-cup and 20-cup -
New lid with safe steam valve features:
N/A
Delicious.com investigated the mystery behind why rice is so hard to cook. According to a few chefs that were interviewed, evaporation is the culprit. Too much or too little evaporation happens with lids that don’t fit on the pot and instructions for water and heat that aren’t one-size-fits-all. The Zest’s locking lid nixes the sealing problem and the presets take out the preparation guesswork. One reviewer asserts that the Zest is easier than instant rice. (Easier than INSTANT. RICE.) Just press the white or brown rice button, close the lid, and come back when it beeps.
The 20-cup Zest Plus is where you can really add some zest to your meals. Mixed grains, barley, couscous, bulgur oatmeal and risotto are added to the lineup, plus four smart programs for sauté, steam, slow cook, and keep warm. You can even cook quinoa on the bottom while using the steam basket simultaneously.
The fact that the Instant Pot Zest is so successfully hands off is a good thing, because the one mild complaint that users can agree on is that the instruction manual isn’t helpful. However, we guess you could assume that the instructions are for an 8-cup or 20-cup batch (whichever model you got) and halve the recipe if you want less.
Non-sale prices start at $29.99 for the 8-cup Zest, $39.99 for the 20-cup Zest, or $59.99 for the 20-cup Zest Plus.