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7 Best Instant Pots (2022) Comparison, Reviews & Buying Guide
Are you on the hunt for the Best Instant Pot in the market?
The good news is, the Instant Pot pressure cooker product catalog is not too complicated. In fact, there are only a handful of options if we’re looking at their most recent products.
It’s just going to be a simple question of how much cooking capacity your household requires and what capabilities do you need?
After reading this guide, you’ll have all the necessary information to pick the best multicooker that will complement your needs and budget.
Without further delay, here are the Best Instant Pots of 2022.
- Best Overall – Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart Multi-Cooker
- Best Cheap – Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best Air Fryer – Instant Pot Pro Crisp Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
- Best Digital – Instant Pot Max Digital Multi-Cooker
- Best Classic – Instant Pot Duo Classic Pressure Cooker
- Best Programmable – Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
- Best Star Wars – R2D2 Instant Pot Duo Multi-Purpose Pressure Cooker
That’s the condensed version of this buying guide. You can click on any of the links above to read the full review of each Instapot. Or, we can continue exploring your options down below.
Top 7 Best Instant Pot Pressure Cookers
#1 Instant Pot Pro Plus – Best Overall
This year’s Best Instant Pot is undoubtedly the Instant Pot Pro Plus. It’s their latest product and, at the same time, the third iteration of their smart pressure cooker line.
Their very first take on smart multicooker was the Instant Pot Smart Wifi. It was okay, but the app was horrible. The new Instant Brands app is way way better, loaded with thousands of follow-along recipes. Design-wise, it’s crisp and user-friendly, giving me the Yummly vibe.
Anyways, let’s focus on the capabilities of this amazing electric pressure cooker. Apart from pressure cooking, you can also slow cook, sauté, steam, cook rice, can (pressure can), sous vide, and make yogurt with it.
This particular InstaPot also has a Nutriboost feature to complete the 10-in-1 cooking functions.
One of its best features however, is over-the-air venting. Instead of turning a knob or pushing a button, you can manually release the pressure from the Instant Brands app. How cool is that?
Another thing that I need to mention is it’s one of a few electric pressure cookers that can reach 15 psi. Having a higher pressure means that it’s capable of pressure canning, and faster cooking time.
The only downside about the Pro Plus is it’s only available in 6-quart, plus I also have to warn you that it’s not compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid. We’re going to talk about this accessory in a bit.
However, for its price, it’s definitely worth it.
#2 IP Duo Plus – Best Value
Now, if you don’t fancy a smart pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Plus would be your next best choice. But, we can’t talk about it without briefly discussing the original Instant Pot Duo.
The Instant Pot Duo has been their all-time best-seller up to this day. It’s hard to explain, but it’s still their most popular product by a wide margin. The brand kept updating its features and released a product line under the Duo umbrella to keep up with the demand.
You can find out more about it in this review.
In our opinion, the IP Duo Plus is the best Duo model there is. It comes with a safer vent release, more cooking functions, and the control panel is more intuitive than the previous model.
Unlike our #1 Best InstaPot, the IP Duo Plus comes in three pot sizes. It’s available as a Duo Plus Mini (3-quart instant pot), Duo Plus 60 (6-quart instant pot), and Duo Plus 80 (8-quart instant pot).
If you’re planning to get the air fryer lid as an upgrade later on, the 6-quart model is 100% compatible.
The best part, however, is it’s one of the cheapest Instapot.
#3 Instant Pro Crisp – Best Air Fryer Combo
I’ll state the obvious; the air fryer feature is certainly the best aspect of the Instant Pot Pro Crisp. Simultaneously, it has the most built-in cooking functionalities of all Instant Cookers. On paper, it’s 11-in-1, but after counting all of its features, it’s actually a 16-in-1 kitchen appliance. Hence, it has a lot more to offer than its advertised capabilities.
Instant Pot has built a cult following, but air frying has taken the world by storm. With the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. You have a pressure cooker with multiple cooking functions, and at the same time, you have a healthier way to fry foods.
Depending on the model you bought, if it’s a 6-quart model, there’s a good chance that it’s compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Attachment.
While it’s a good option, it will only work with a selection of 6-quart Instant Pot Pressure Cookers.
Should you need a bigger capacity, that’s where the Instant Pot Pro Crisp will come into play. It’s an 8-quart pressure cooker that can take on hefty proportions.
#4 Instant Max – Best Digital
If the Pro Plus had not been released, the Instant Pot Max should have been our best InstaPot. Then, I should have bought it instead of the Max 60.
I have been using my IP Max for a couple of months now, and I’m so happy with it. There’s just one instance when the automatic release didn’t work. I restarted it multiple times to get it unstuck. Perhaps, the cause could have been food debris, since I forgot to wash the lid the day before.
At least I can share that you need to keep your vent clean to prevent that issue from happening.
Anyway, what I love about my Instant Pot Max is its touchscreen interface. One unique feature it has is you can set the elevation. You see, the boiling point varies by altitude. Having the option to precisely set the elevation will make your pressure cooker more efficient.
I know that’s a lot to digest, but I promise you, it’s not that hard. As a matter of fact, it took me weeks to figure it out, so you are not alone.
What it shares from the Pro Plus model is its maximum pressure, it can also handle 15 psi. This feat make the IP Max as the second Instant Cooker with a pressure canning capability.
Like its newer sibling, it’s only offered as a 6-quart pressure cooker.
#5 Instant Pot Duo – Best Classic
Despite being a classic product, Instant Pot Duo is still the brand’s most popular product by a wide margin. That’s why the company keeps on upgrading it with new features, instead of retiring it.
The 6-quart variant has already gone four iterations, while the 8-quart model is already a V5 offering an upgraded vent release switch making it on par with the IP Duo Plus.
What didn’t change is the 7-in-1 cooking functions and 13 smart programs.
One reason to get this machine is affordability. It’s the cheapest 6-quart pressure cooker from Instant Brands. Though it doesn’t come with fancy features like the Pro Plus, it still gets the job done.
#6 Instant Pot Pro – Best Programmable
Nothing can beat the Instant Pot Pro in terms of cooking functionality. To begin with, it comes with 28 walkaway cooking presets. You’ll also have access to five programmable buttons. If you sum those up, you’ll have 33 cooking programs in total.
Looking at the spec sheet, it has more to offer than the Instant Pot Pro Plus. It’s just one feature away from getting on the top of this list. If you’re not ready for a smart pressure cooker, this pro variant is one heck of a good choice.
Like the Pro Plus, it also has a conveniently handled pot and an option for a faster natural release feature (with the optional quick cool tray).
What I like about the handled pot design is its stovetop compatibility. You can do the sautéing on your cooktop and do the tenderizing on the multi-cooker base.
While the Instant Pot has a sauté function, the pot has a ~3-inch elevation when the pot is inside the cooker base. Unless you have a lower surface to work on, you’ll have to bend over to see what you’re mixing. Plus, your stovetops usually have a vent, so that’s another thing.
In short, the handled stovetop compatible pot is a neat feature.
If you’re going for this particular model, it’s available in 6-quart and 8-quart cooking capacity.
#7 R2D2 Instant Pot – Best Star Wars
This buying guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the brand’s Star Wars-themed pressure cookers line.
Though we’re only focusing on Artoo, you also have other options. BB8 is available as a mini pressure cooker, while R2D2, Darth Vader, Storm Trooper, and Little Bounty are available in a 6-quart model. Sadly, Chewbacca is no longer available.
Here’s a more in-depth review of the Star Wars Instant Pot Collection.
The whole collection is based on the classic IP DUO, which we discussed above. This only means that you’ll get the same 7-in-1 cooking functions.
As a quick recap, the original duo multi-cooker can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, cook rice, make yogurt, and keep your food warm.
Instant Pots Comparison Table
The top 7 models above are indeed the best pressure cookers from the brand. However, there are actually more of them. If you want to compare Instant Pots side by side, you can do so with this simplified comparison table.
Please note that those with an asterisk (*) were already discontinued by Instant Brands, we’re only including it on this list for educational purposes.
 | Instant Pro Plus ✔ Smart multi-cooker (connects to your phone) ✔ Touch interface ✔ 10-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 16 smart programs ✔ Faster natural release (with quick cool tray) ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ With stovetop compatible handled inner pot ✔ Can sous vide ✔ Suitable for pressure canning ✘ 6 quarts only ✘ Not compatible with air fryer lid accessory |
 | Instant IP Duo Plus ✔ 9-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 15 smart programs ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Available in 3, 6 and 8-quart model ✔ Compatible with air fryer accessory ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning |
 | Instant Pro Crisp ✔ 11-in-pressure cooker ✔ 11 smart programs ✔ Air Fryer Lid included ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Faster natural release (with quick cool tray) ✔ With stovetop compatible handled inner pot ✔ Can sous vide ✘ 8 quarts only |
 | Instant Pot Max ✔ 9-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 9 smart programs ✔ Touch interface ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Can sous vide ✔ Suitable for pressure canning ✘ 6 quarts only ✘ Not compatible with air fryer lid accessory |
 | Instant Pot IP Duo ✔ 7-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 13 smart programs ✔ Available in 3, 6 and 8 quarts model ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory (6-quart model) ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ Manual sealing ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning |
 | R2D2 Pressure Cooker ✔ 7-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 13 smart programs ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ Manual sealing ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning |
 | Instant Pot Pro ✔ 10-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 28 smart programs ✔ Programmable (5 extra favorite programs) ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Faster natural release (with quick cool tray) ✔ With stovetop compatible handled inner pot ✔ Available in 6 and 8 quarts model ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Not compatible with air fryer lid accessory |
 | Instant Pot Crisp ✔ 9-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 13 smart programs ✔ Air frying lid included ✔ Available in 6 and 8 quarts model ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ Manual sealing |
 | *Instant Pot IP Ultra ✔ 10-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 16 smart programs ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory (6-quart model) ✔ Available in 3, 6 and 8 quarts model ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
 | *Instant Pot IP Viva ✔ 10-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 15 smart programs ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Available in 6 and 8 quarts model ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory (6-quart model) ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
 | *IP Duo Nova ✔ 7-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 14 smart programs ✔ Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release ✔ Available in 3, 6, 8 and 10 quarts model ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory (6-quart model) ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
 | *Duo Evo Plus ✔ 8-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 48 smart programs ✔ Faster natural release with Quick Cool Tray ✔ Automatic sealing + safer pressure release ✔ Available in 6 and 8 quarts model ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not compatible with air fryer lid accessory ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
| *Instant Pot IP Lux ✔ 6-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 12 smart programs ✔ Available in 3, 5, 6 and 8 quarts model ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory (6-quart model) ✔ Traditional pressure release ✘ Manual sealing ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
 | *Instant Pot Smart Wifi ✔ 8-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 14 smart programs ✔ 6-quart only ✘ Not compatible with air fryer module ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ Manual sealing ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
 | *IP Duo Gourmet ✔ 9-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 15 smart programs ✔ Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release ✔ 6 quarts only ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Discontinued |
 | *Instant Pot Nova Plus ✔ 9-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 15 smart programs ✔ 6 quarts only ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ Manual sealing ✘ Discontinued |
| *Instant Pot Duo SV ✔ 9-in-1 pressure cooker ✔ 14 smart programs ✔ 6 quarts only ✔ Compatible with air fryer lid accessory ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Manual sealing ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ Not suitable for pressure canning ✘ Not compatible with air fryer lid accessory ✘ Discontinued |
This comparison chart pretty much sums up all the available Instant Pot Pressure Cookers in the market. These multi-cookers are only available as preloved items at eBay.
What to consider when buying an Instant Cooker?
Budget
The most expensive multicooker from the brand is the Pro Crisp, but it will just cost you more than two hundred bucks. On the lower end of the spectrum, the cheapest Instapot title belongs to the classic IP Duo, hovering around ninety dollars at the time I’m writing these reviews.
IMHO, it’s not a huge investment considering all the techniques it will add to your home-cooking arsenal. It’s one of those kitchen appliance that will give you the best bang for your buck.
Safety
One question I have in mind before buying my first multicooker is, “Will it explode?” After months of using it, I feel pretty safe now. The chance of Instant Cooker explosion is never zero, but if you think about the multiple safeguards it has, you’ll have a better sense of security.
These ten safety features include close lid detection, leak protection, anti-block vent, automatic temperature controls, high-temperature warning, pressure detection, automatic pressure control, excess pressure protection, extreme temperature and power protection, and pressure regulator.
If you opt for the IP Pro, IP Ultra, or the IP Pro Plus, they also include overheat protection.
But one thing that I need to mention is, don’t pick a pressure cooker with a pressure release that is integrated into the vent itself. There’s a slim risk of getting burn injuries from it, but I won’t take that chance. This inconvenience is the very reason why I’m not too fond of the IP Lux or the original IP Duo.
Capabilities
Newer models usually have 9-10 core cooking functions. But if you’re looking for an electric pressure cooker with the most automatic programs, that recognition belongs to the Instant Pot Pro with 28 built-in smart presets.
It’s supposedly the Duo Evo Plus with 48 preprogrammed cooking functions, but the brand has already replaced it with the Pro model.
The least that you need to consider is if you’ll be needing the sous vide and pressure canning feature and if you’ll upgrade to the optional Air Fryer lid later on. There are only a few models that offer those capabilities.
Capacity
The most popular capacity is the 6 quart Instant Pot. It’s perfect for a medium-sized household, plus it’s the only size that will work with the Air Fryer Lid attachment.
If you’re buying it for your dorm or apartment, a 3 quart Instant Pot is your best option.
8 quart Instant Pots are the most generous in terms of capacity. However, at one point, the brand released a 10-quart model in the Duo Nova collection. If you have a big household, or perhaps buying this pressure cooker for a catering business, 8 to 10-quart cooking capacity will definitely give you enough room for bulk recipes.
Inner Pot Design
This feature isn’t a big deal, but I really find sautéing with my Instant Cooker Max a little challenging. Tossing your ingredients in a tall container that you can barely reach is not that convenient.
Well, guess what?
Newer models such as the Duo Evo Plus, Pro Plus, Pro, and the Pro Crisp offer an ergonomic pot. It has a built-in handle with heat protection. In addition, it’s stove stop compatible so that you can do your sautéing in a less-awkward position.
Smart Features
You also have to decide if you’ll need a smart multi-cooker or you’re okay with the traditional buttons. I prefer kitchen appliances with a touch screen interface, but some favor the classic push buttons. It’s just a matter of preference.
If you’re on the techie side, there are only two models with a touch interface—IP Max and IP Pro Plus.
Maintenance
Thankfully, cleaning your electric pressure cooker is something that you should not worry about. Washing the inner pot is very straightforward; just make sure you don’t lose any of its small components.
Don’t believe me? Watch this quick video demonstration.
There will be times when you’ll have to face tough-to-remove grease, but filling your inner pot with soapy water overnight always does the trick.
Are Instant Pots really worth it?
If you have a rice cooker at home and you’re also deciding on getting a pressure cooker, or maybe, an air fryer. Well, you can have all those functionalities in one kitchen equipment.
Without mentioning all the cooking techniques it offers, I believe it’s worth every penny. Buying a multicooker is definitely an excellent investment.
Just in case, here’s the best of the best Instant Pot Pressure Cooker—The Pro Plus.
FAQs
What is an Instant Pot?
Instant Pot is the most popular electric pressure cooker brand, equipped with multiple cooking functions. It also doubles as a slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and in some models, sous vide, and pressure canning is also an option. Technically, we can also call it a multicooker due to its tons of capabilities.
Which Instant Pot to buy?
The Best Instant Pot to buy is no other than the IP Pro Plus. It’s the newest pressure cooker from the brand, offering a touch screen interface and amazing smart features. It’s the only product in their line-up, with a hands-free pressure release.
What is the newest Instant Pot?
The newest multi-cooker from the brand is the Instapot Pro Plus.
What does an Instant Pot actually do?
An Instant Pot can pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, steam, bake, cook rice/multigrain/porridge, sauté, double as a stockpot, warm food, and sterilize. Some models can also sous vide, handle pressure canning and air frying.
What can an Instant Pot replace?
Getting an InstaPot can replace up to eight standalone kitchen appliances such as your pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, stockpot, sauté pan, sterilizer, and yogurt maker
What is Instant Pot good for?
Instant Pot’s core function is pressure cooking. This technique allows you to tenderize your meat significantly faster than letting it boil on your cooktop. Beef takes about two hours to soften using traditional means. With a pressure cooker, it will only take you 15-30 minutes.
What is the difference between a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot?
A cooktop pressure cooker only serves two functions—pressure cooking and canning. InstaPots, on the other hand, are electric pressure cookers with multiple capabilities. It also doubles as a rice cooker, sauté pan, sterilizer, steamer, slow cooker, yogurt maker. Some models can even help you sous vide, and pressure can. There are also variants with an air frying function.
Why are Instant Pots so popular?
One word: convenience. InstaPots are capable appliances that can simplify most recipes and open up to new cooking methods, particularly pressure cooking. It’s also safer and easier to use than a traditional pressure cooker.
Who makes Instant Pot?
Instant Pots are designed by Canadians and manufactured in China, operating under Instant Brands Inc. They are now part of a bigger kitchen appliance conglomerate, Corelle Brands.
Are Instant Pots a healthy way to cook?
Not necessarily. In the end, the nutrition will come from the ingredients of your recipe.
How long do Instant Pots last?
Instant Pots comes with year-long warranty coverage for household application. It’s expected to last for at least its warranty period. Generally speaking, it can last 2-3 years or even more when cared for properly.
Is there anything better than Instant Pot?
One excellent alternative for an Instant Pot is the Ninja Foodi. The brand also sells amazing multicookers, which you may want to check out.
Which is better: Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi?
Overall, Instant Pot is better than the Ninja Foodi. It’s equipped with more safety and convenient features, plus it has more capacity options. However, Ninja Foodi also has its advantages, such as the non-stick ceramic coating of its inner pot.
What Instant Pot size do I need?
The size of Instant Pot you need depends on the number of people you’re cooking for. Here’s a general sizing guide that you can follow, 3 or fewer people: 3 quarts; 4 to 6 people: 6 quarts; more than 6 people: 8 quarts.
Which is better: an Air Fryer or Instant Pot?
Some Instant Pot models are compatible with an air fryer lid attachment. Suppose you’re asking if it’s better than a standalone air fryer. In my opinion, it’s not. Heat distribution with proper air fryers is more efficient. It’s no surprise why Instant Brands also has a product line in this category.
What is the Best Instant Pot Air Fryer Combo?
The best Instant Pot Air Fryer Combo is, without a doubt, the Pro Crisp model. To put it in perspective, it has 16 major cooking functionalities, and for a multi-cooker, that’s a significant number. More importantly, it can fit more food, such as a whole chicken, than its 6-quart counterpart, the Duo Crisp.
Which Instant Pot has a sous vide function?
Which Instant Pot makes yogurt?
What is the difference between a Crockpot and an Instant Pot?
Crockpot is well-known for its line of slow cookers, whereas Instant Pot is more famous for its multifunctional electric pressure cookers, which can also slow cook. Currently though, Crockpot has already expanded its product offering to pressure cooker/multi-cookers. Their product verticals are now overlapping.
