After using each of the Instant Pot models extensively for recipe development, we’re more than thrilled to share our hands-on Instant Pot Review and Instant Pot Comparison with you!!
Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker is currently one of the hottest multicooker appliances on the market. With so many different models and sizes, it can be quite confusing to choose which Instant Pot to buy.
Thanks to our working relationship with the Instant Pot Company, we get a chance to experiment all the Instant Pot Models and share our Instant Pot Review from first-hand user experience.
Let’s find out which is the Best Instant Pot for you! 🙂
Instant Pot Review Overview
*Note: You can click on the following links to jump to a specific section of the Instant Pot Review.
1. What is an Instant Pot?
Instant Pot is essentially an Electric Pressure Cooker that can pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, make rice, make cake, steam, acts as a warmer, and sous vide.
*Note: Some features are limited to certain models – further explained in below Instant Pot Review.
Best of all: you can set-it-and-forget-it!
Don’t worry! They are much safer than old-fashioned pressure cookers. And they do make home cooking much easier & faster.
It’s especially awesome for young families and those with hectic lifestyles.
2. Instant Pot Review: Features Comparison
Instant Pot Company currently sells 9 different Instant Pot models in the market. Here’s an Instant Pot Comparison Chart:
Let’s have a closer look at the Instant Pot Models!
3. Instant Pot Review: Models Pros & Cons
Instant Pot Company currently sells 5 Series of Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cookers.
All Instant Pots have the same 10 safety features (Ultra has 11 safety features), come with a quality stainless steel inner pot & similar accessories (Smart comes with an extra mini silicone mitts).
Instant Pot ModelsClick on the following links to jump to a specific Instant Pot model. |
||||
Instant Pot LUX ReviewInstant Pot LUX models were one of the first lines of Instant Pot. 
|
|
| Models |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Instant Pot DUO ReviewInstant Pot DUO models are the most popular & best-selling Instant Pot series. 
|
|
| Models |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Instant Pot DUO Plus ReviewInstant Pot DUO Plus is an upgraded & more polished version of the most-loved DUO 60 model. 
Full Instant Pot Review: Instant Pot Duo Plus |
|
| Model |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Instant Pot Smart ReviewInstant Pot Smart is the only model allows you to connect your Smart phone & use the Instant Pot App. 
|
|
| Models |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Instant Pot Ultra ReviewInstant Pot Ultra is the newest and most feature-packed model. 
Full Instant Pot Review:Instant Pot Ultra |
|
| Models |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
4. Instant Pot Review: Instant Pot Sizes
Which Instant Pot Size is Right for My Family?
Instant Pot comes in 3 different sizes: 3 Quart, 6 Quart, and 8 Quart. (Instant Pot Company has discontinued their Instant Pot 5 quart models).
The right Instant Pot Size highly depends on what type, size, and quantity of food you’ll cook with your Instant Pot.
- College students, singles, or couples.
- More convenient to bring on road-trips, travelling, camping, cooking on RV, or boating.
- A second Instant Pot for making side dishes, desserts, appetizers, or snacks.
- Small to medium families.
- Those who may do some batch cooking, but have limited counter/storage space.
- Great all around cooker for everyday cooking, making yogurt, or cheesecakes.
- Larger families.
- Those who frequently does batch cooking.
- A must if you like to cook large quantities or larger size food - meal prep, freezer meals, parties, stocks or soups, whole chicken, whole spaghetti squash, etc.
- College students, singles, or couples.
- More convenient to bring on road-trips, travelling, camping, cooking on RV, or boating.
- A second Instant Pot for making side dishes, desserts, appetizers, or snacks.
- Small to medium families.
- Those who may do some batch cooking, but have limited counter/storage space.
- Great all around cooker for everyday cooking, making yogurt, or cheesecakes.
- Larger families.
- Those who frequently does batch cooking.
- A must if you like to cook large quantities or larger size food - meal prep, freezer meals, parties, stocks or soups, whole chicken, whole spaghetti squash, etc.
*Note: the dimensions in the above chart may vary slightly depending on the specific model.
5. Instant Pot LUX vs DUO?
5a. Which Instant Pot to Buy – Instant Pot LUX60 vs DUO60?
We wholeheartedly recommend the DUO models over the LUX models.
Here’s Why We love DUO More Than LUX:
- Dual Pressure Cooking Mode – You can cook at both High Pressure & Low Pressure with DUO models. This gives you more versatility and flexibility in cooking different types of food.
- Yogurt Maker – You can easily make homemade yogurt with the DUO models.
- Better Designs – DUO models have improved ergonomics and design compare to LUX models. It’s easier to handle, open/close the lid, have a better Steam Release Valve, and easier to spot the Floating Valve (to see if the Instant Pot is up to pressure).
- Lid Holder – The two lid holders on the left & right handles will help save some counter-space.
For an extra ~$20, we think these features are more than worth it in the long run.
5b. I Won’t Make Homemade Yogurt, Should I Still Buy DUO?
Yes! Even if you don’t need to make yogurt. Unless you are really tight on budget or if you’re snatching a super deal for the LUX models. Then, that’s another story. 🙂
6. Is Ultra Worth the Extra Money?
It depends.
Sleek Design
Instant Pot Ultra’s clean, modern, sleek design is definitely a big win against all other Instant Pot models.
One thing to mention is since you can only navigate with the Push Dial, it’s slightly less user-friendly & takes more time to set or adjust compare to other Instant Pot models.
Some readers told us they had difficulty adjusting from using Instant Pot DUO60 to Instant Pot Ultra, however others mentioned it was easy. Just keep this in mind.
Auto-Sealing System
Instant Pot Ultra’s Steam Release Valve automatically seals when you close & secure the Instant Pot lid. So you’ll have one less thing to worry about when cooking with Instant Pot. Yay!
Then you release pressure by pressing the Quick Release Button rather than flipping the Steam Release Valve (where the hot stem comes out). This new system makes it safer and less scary, especially for newbies!
Since Instant Pot Ultra is currently the only model that has this feature, this feature might be a big win for those who are forgetful in the chaotic kitchen. 😛
Though this design is a huge plus, it does have a downside.
At times when the liquid in the Instant Pot is boiling, you may struggle to close the lid because the safety locking mechanism is activated. So you’ll have to manually press down the Quick Release Button for it to close.
Temperature Customization (i.e. Sous Vide)
Besides selecting Low, Medium, or High temperature settings, the Instant Pot Ultra allows you to select your own temperature setting in Ultra, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, and Saute Modes. This opens lots of exciting possibilities!
If you’re considering buying Instant Pot Ultra so you don’t have to buy a separate Immersion Circulator, you might want to reconsider. You can read more into the reasoning in our full review here.
But, if you’re tight on storage space & think it’s not a good idea to “surprise” your spouse for buying 2 gadgets at once, this will do for now. 😉
Our Recommendations:
New Instant Pot Users: If you’re a techie who likes to experiment with cooking & enjoys the flexibility of customization, this is an all-around awesome & versatile kitchen gadget to cook with.
If not, we’d highly recommend Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 – the most user-friendly Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker.
Current Instant Pot Users: If you are looking for a second Instant Pot to interchange or help cook different dishes at the same time, we’d highly recommend Instant Pot DUO Plus 60.
But if you’re looking for an upgrade with more advanced usage, Instant Pot Ultra will be a great addition.
Buy as a Gift: From the packaging to the sleek clean design, this would make an awesome gift for family and friends who love to cook, experiment, learn new technology & test out new kitchen gadgets.
Full Instant Pot Review:Instant Pot Ultra Review
7. Best Instant Pot for New Users
Our choices are based on these factors from our Instant Pot Review: Price, Features, User-friendliness, Practicality, Efficiency, Overall Design.
#1 Winner: Instant Pot Duo Plus 60
With the newly revamped control panel, the Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 takes the throne of being the most user-friendly and more polished Instant Pot model on the market.
It’s not only perfect for new users, but it also makes cooking more efficient for experienced users.
For a slight difference in price compare to Instant Pot DUO 60, Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 is easily our recommendation as the Best Instant Pot!
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch...
#2 Runner-Up Choice: Instant Pot DUO60
The super popular Instant Pot DUO60 is our runner-up choice.
Though the user interface may not be as user-friendly as Instant Pot DUO Plus 60, it can do everything the DUO Plus 60 can do at a slightly lower price point.
Afterall, it’s the most popular and loved Instant Pot model that stormed into thousands of homes.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
Best for Large Families: Instant Pot DUO80
If you have to cook for a large family, cook in large quantities, or love to host parties & invite friends over, the Instant Pot DUO80 will be the best choice for you.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
Most Feature-Rich: Instant Pot Ultra
The sleek-looking Instant Pot Ultra may not be the most user-friendly Instant Pot, but it is the most feature-rich Instant Pot on the market that does almost everything all other Instant Pot can do.
Since there is already a slight learning curve to pressure cooking, Instant Pot Ultra’s interface & dial button can make things a bit more difficult for some new users.
However, if you are not tight on budget, an experienced Instant Pot user, or you are a tech lover who enjoys getting all geeky with your gadgets, you may want to check out the Ultra.
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt...
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch...
8. Instant Pot Review Conclusion
Which Instant Pot to buy essentially depends on your cooking needs, budget, storage space, and lifestyle. But no matter which Instant Pot you choose, you most certainly won’t regret it!! 😀
Instant Pot has been a huge part of our lives. It’s a super handy kitchen helper that helps save our time, eat healthier, and makes cooking fun! This is how Instant Pot has been changing lives in millions of homes.
After you’ve tried it, there’s just no turning back, You’ll wonder why you’ve waited this long!! 🙂
*Note: we’ll continue to update this Instant Pot Review as required.
Have questions about the Instant Pot Review or which Instant Pot to buy?
Leave us a comment below about your thoughts on our Instant Pot Review. Then, take our short quiz to find out which Instant Pot best suits your needs!
Quiz: Which Instant Pot to Buy
Disclaimer: Thanks Instant Pot Company for providing various Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker sample units for us. This Instant Pot Review was initiated by us, and all opinions, photos, and test results are ours alone.
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2018
All Our Pressure Cooker Recipes
*Disclosure: We are an Amazon Influencer/Amazon Associate. This means that if you decide to purchase items or services on Amazon through our links on Pressure Cook Recipes to Amazon, Amazon will send a small commission to us at no additional costs to you. Thank you!