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A Comprehensive Guide and customers Reviews of The Best Instant Pressure Multi-Cookers For 2021
In an ideal world, you could enjoy a combination of well-equipped kitchens with crockpot, pressure cooker, yoghurt maker, steam cooker, rice cooker, you name it. In fact, how many of us actually have the financial freedom or kitchen counter space to store all of these appliances? Is it better to have a separate cooking device for each and every type of food preparation or you would prefer to use only one cooker that does the same job as all of them?
If you are struggling with the same dilemma then, welcome to the world of the Instant Pot. This handy multicooker offers models ranging from 6-in-1 to 10-in-1 and can satisfy all kinds of culinary needs. “Instant Pot” is the name on everyone’s lips when it comes to multi-cookers. And we can see why.
The functions of such a pressure cooker are so versatile, it can simmer your perfect meals, prepare yogurt, cook rice to perfection and even heat up your dishes. And did you know that the new version of the Instant Pot can also bake a cake? Ultra-packed with functions, the new pressure cookers available on the market will give you the same fast and trouble-free results as the previous models plus many additional and upgraded features.
The Instant Pot Plays the Multi-Cooking game like no other and has some top quality products on the market. So, which Instant Pot is the right for you? We’ve done all the research necessary to help you find out!
Best Instant Pot list
If you don’t know which Instant Pot you should choose, this guide contains all the information you need to make your decision.
You will find many different models of the Instant Pot on the market, each with slight variations in functions and features. Look at the 7 Instant Pots below and this will help you decide which one best suits your needs.
1.Instant Pot COSORI 7-in-1 Lux Series
COSORI 7-in-1 Multi-functional Pressure Cooker 6L/1000W, Multi-Cooker 15 Programs, 6 Pressure Cookers settings, rice cooker, casserole maker, hardened glass lid, INOX inner Pot, recipe book included
The Instant Pot from the Lux series is the most basic Instant pot on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good at what it does. This is a great affordable option if you use it mainly for basic cooking tasks; pressure cooking, slow cooking and steam cooking. It has 10 intelligent built-in programs, which you can also adjust manually.
The COSORI Instant Pot takes up the challenge of combining 7 traditional cooking appliances in a single model. This multi-cooker acts as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, crock-pot, sauté pan( try our spice crusted salmon recipe ), steamer and plate heater. By opting for the COSORI 7-in-1, you will be able to remove the extra cookware from your kitchen. It’s really an economic and practical product.
A Multifunctional Pressure Cooker
Although it is mainly a pressure cooker, it’s very versatile as a kitchen appliance. The Cosori 7 in 1 offers a total of 15 cooking programs. Among other things, it is suitable for preparing yoghurt, soup, rice, oatmeal, multigrain bread, poultry, beans, meat and stew. Stewed dishes can also easily be put inside the 2 L container and be prepared for baking. In fact, this cooking device includes the option of cooking in the oven. Such capacity would be enough for at least several portions.
At first glance the Cosori 7 in 1 multi cooker, seems solid and sturdy. A silicone Replacement Sealing Ring also comes included with the product. The stainless steel inner container can be washed easily.
The Cosori 7 in 1 can without any issues replace your yoghurt maker. As for rice, there’s nothing more to say. The device cooks exactly like a rice cooker. The veggies and the rice are cooked perfectly. In addition, the measuring cup and the rice spoon are very useful to measure and serve the rice.
On the other hand, the pressure cooker function is not perfect. The steam does not escape either during pressure cooking or when the pressure function in the hot-guard mode is turned off. In order to use the pressure cooker function, the essential elements are certainly provided. It features a hardened glass cover, a silicone sealing ring, a steam shelf and a ladle.
There is Some Area for Improvements
On the critical point of view, it’s a little too small for a pressure cooker. You can’t count on the Cosori 7 in 1 to prepare dishes for your guests. For a couple, it’ll be perfect. In this context, it guarantees fast and efficient cooking, regardless of the menu to be made. The second negative point is undoubtedly the lack of proper manual documentation.
You should take the time to familiarize yourself with the device so that you don’t miss on any of its multiple cooking features. If you don’t, you might burn your dishes. In addition, the Cosori 7 in 1 Pressure Cooker is equipped with 6 levels of adjustable pressure levels. This high flexibility makes it possible to speed up your cooking with up to 70%. This function aims to provide a better taste while retaining nutrients in your meals. For someone who doesn’t know anything about cooking, pre-set menus really make it easier to use the equipment.
The Ideal Multi-Cooker for Small Households
Housewives can certainly appreciate the Cosori pressure cooker 7 in 1. It does its job well in the kitchen space. It’s quite easy to handle and very effective. For a student living alone or a couple, its capacity will be sufficient. If you are cooking for more than 3 people, consider buying a larger Instant Pot. Also, it could keep all your meals warm. You can enjoy a hot dish at any time by selecting the “keep warm” mode. The main downside of the machine has an adjustment problem.
Key Features
Multifunction (7 in 1): Combines 7 traditional kitchen appliances in 1. Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, sauté pot, casserole pot, steamer and meal warmer…
15 cooking programs: for rice, yoghurt, soup, oatmeal, multigrain bread, simmering, baking, steaming, Sauté, reheating, poultry, beans, meat, stew, warming…
Multi-cooker with 6 adjustable pressure levels: the adjustable function is used to help change the consistency and cook level of your food. “Low, “, “Normal,” and ” High.”…
Safe design: the unique pressure release button expels pressure quickly to protect you from hot steam
Pressure cooker comes with all the necessary accessories: a hardened glass cover, a silicone sealing ring, an inner stainless steel pot container.
2. Instant Pot DUO60
You want to make your cooking tasks easier, right? Forget about electric or conventional gas stoves and switch to a multi-cooker: the Instant Pot IP-DUO60. This latest generation electric pressure cooker is a 7-in-1 model with more than enough power for domestic use.
Note: the Instant pot DUO 60 has a capacity of 6 liters. For the 8 litre model, go here.
“Oh, my God,” a friend whispered recently. “It’s like you have a celebrity in your house. “She was talking about the Instant Pot DUO60 multi-cooker currently on display on our kitchen counter. It’s too big to live in a drawer. But the duo 60 pressure cooker is versatile enough not to bother you.
There’s a good chance you have a friend or relative who would just like to talk to you about their instant Pot.
The owners of Duo 60 say they don’t need an oven anymore. We found a thread on a site where a user apologized for preferring to roast broccoli in the oven, seeming to be very afraid that Instant Pot users would come after him😊.
The Instant Pot IP-DUO60
The Instant Pot IP-DUO60 seduces with its multiple functions that make life much easier for mothers and fathers, especially those who don’t know how to cook. A remarkable saving in time is made possible by the fact that the device can act as a rice cooker, slow cooker and steam cooker. This device also makes it possible to prepare yoghurt (how to make a yoghurt in an Instant Pot) and can successfully replace the microwave oven. Its ergonomic handles also make it easier to use.
The Instant Pot IP-DUO60 is completely autonomous. You don’t have to regulate the pressure or adjust the temperature during cooking. The machine takes care of everything thanks to its 14 cooking programs controlled by a microprocessor. Your role is limited to pouring the necessary ingredients into the pressure cooker and pressing the start button.
Thanks to this device, your dishes will not burn even if you fail to react at the right time and remove it from the fire. In fact, the cooking time and duration are programmable and at the end of the cooking, the device automatically switches to the “keep warm” mode. This mode keeps your dishes at the right temperature for several hours (10 maximum).
Features
Here are the main technical specifications of the Instant Pot IP-DUO60:
Power: 1000 Watts
Size of the inner receptacle: 16 x 22 cm
Weight: 6.61 kg
Dimensions: 33 x 31 x 32 cm
Capacity: 6 L
Strengths
- Multifunctional Pressure cooker 7 in 1;
- Easy to use thanks to its 14 integrated programs controlled via an intuitive control screen;
- Offers good energy saving and easy cooking;
- Stainless steel tank with non-stick coating.
Weak Points
- Not very intuitive
- It may be more difficult for users to adapt their own recipes.
The Instant Pot Duo 6 litres is an intelligent 7-in-1 multifunction pressure cooker that combines the advantages of a casserole pot, crock pot, rice cooker, frying pan, yoghurt maker, steam cooker and plate heater.
No more rattling and whistling, no more need to adjust the temperature to regulate the pressure; the Instant Pot Duo takes care of everything for you.
Large Control Panel easy to use with 14 built-in programs, double pressure, automatic hot holding and 3 temperatures for sauté and slow cooking.
3. Instant Pot LUX60 V3 6-In-1
Looking for a modern and efficient pressure cooker? The instant pot lux 60 looks quite convincing on first glance. It has a design that is close to the instant Pot Ip-duo 60, but in terms of features, it has its advantages, including a very attractive price.
The Instant Pot Lux 60
With its lux 60, the Instant Pot brand once again proves the quality of its pressure cookers. This cooking utensil integrates several preprogramed modes and allows both automatic and manual cooking; a first in the world of the pressure cookers on the market. Efficient, yet economical, this kitchen assistant can cook your food 6 times faster than a conventional pressure cooker and provides up to 70% energy savings.
Instant Pot lux 60 is a 6 in 1 Pressure Cooker that combines multiple functions such as a pressure cooker, crock pot, plate heater, steam cooker and rice cooker. Thanks to its many integrated programs, all you have to do is press a button to cook your favourite dishes – Mapo Tofu anyone?. You can also choose between cooking under pressure or cooking normally.
Regardless of the cooking mode you choose with this multi-cooker, you can set the power to low, normal or high. The Delayed start mode and the: “keep warm” mode are also available with this pressure cooker. To add to that, the main body container and the steam basket are made of stainless steel for increased robustness.
Despite its desire to be the most helpful assistant in the kitchen, the device has the same defects as other products made by the brand: the interface is not quite intuitive and lacks a detailed manual, especially in other languages.
Features:
Weight: 6 kg;
Dimensions: 30 x 31 x 32 cm;
Power: 1000 Watts;
Capacity: 6 litres;
Power Supply: 220 V.
Strengths:
- Programmable Pressure cooker 6 in 1;
- Up to 70% energy saving;
- Integrates several integrated programs that can be easily selected from the control panel;
- Stainless steel body and steam basket.
- Robust looking design
Weak Points:
- Impossible to choose a precise temperature for cooking.
- Not very ergonomic
Our opinion for the Instant Pot lux 60 is that it’s a pretty good product worth buying!
4. Instant Pot DUO Plus 60, 6 Qt 9-in-1
The Instant Pot Duo is all that the Duo offers, plus a little extra. The added sterilization function makes it perfect for anyone who wants to use their Instant Pot to sterilize their baby bottles.
You probably know the outstanding versatility of the Instant Pot, but what you may not know yet is that the 9-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Plus Pressure Cooker is even more practical!
The pressure cooker is an indispensable device in the kitchen and if you don’t like to have a multitude of devices in your small kitchen (like that of a college student for example), this multi-cooker will save your life!
The wonderful thing about this cooker is that it offers excellent value for the money. With all the food you can prepare, this is a small household appliance that is indispensable in any home kitchen!
What’s new with the Instant Pot DUO Plus 60?
This is a 9 in 1 model with the following functions:
- Slow Cooking
- Pressure Cooker
- Making Yogurt
- Rice Cooker
- Egg Cooker
- Sauté Pot
- Steaming
- Keep Warm
- Sterilize
Overview
With the Instant Pot duo pressure cooker, you can quickly prepare perfect dishes for your family. This versatile appliance performs the work of 9 common kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, rice cooker, steam cooker, egg cooker great for Chawannmushi or Japanese Hot Spring Eggs and more, to offer you consistent and fast results. The 10 safety mechanisms and 15 microprocessor-controlled programs eliminate your cooking uncertainties.
Our choice for the best pressure cooker
Best value for money for modest needs
If you are a family of three to four people, the Instant Duo Plus 60 offers an ideal capacity and a very satisfactory cooking result. It can replace most kitchen appliances with ease. You can buy it most often for a price of around $ 160 on the web.
Thought on the Instant Pot Duo 60 9 in 1
This pressure cooker fits easily on your kitchen counter, even if you have a rather limited space. It measures 34 * 31 * 31.8 cm, or 13.39 * 12.2 * 15.52 in, and weighs 5.37 kg, or 11.84 lb. It is neither too large nor too heavy and can be easily and quickly be stored in drawer if you need.
The capacity offered is 5.68 L, or 6 Qt. This is the recommended value for three to four people. For three hungry people, the limits will be quickly reached, but four friends with a lighter appetites can be satisfied with the cooker.
Intelligent
- Large blue ACL interface to adjust cooking settings, pressure levels and use the hot holding function at any time
- 4 icons clearly showing the state of heat, pressure cooking, keeping warm and sound
- 5.7 l pressure cooker (6 pte) offering ample room to prepare hearty meals
Friendly and safe in the kitchen
Energy-efficient pressure cooker that does not emit steam during cooking, so odours are contained and cooking is automated.
10 security mechanisms and UL certification for safe operation
The Pros
- Very convincing price-performance ratio
- Versatile
- Very well designed LCD screen
The Cons
- A bit confusing user manual
- Preparation (cooking) time is a little long
Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo 60 9-in-1 requires a little preparation and effort on your part, but it has no serious flaws, outside of the time of heating, which may seem a bit long for the most demanding or busy people. This device is ideal for making your life easier if you are a four-person household. It is very robust and easy to handle.
Also available in – 3 Quart | 8 Quart
5. Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-In-1 Multi-Use
The best choice for large families
The Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 was designed with the objective of making life easier for large families, thanks to its large capacity and a large number of functions. Given the ingenious design and a very pleasant versatility, its price, usually close to $130 on online shops, is rather reasonable.
Look at the demonstration video of the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 below
Thought about the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1
Beyond a very marked versatility, the main advantage of this pressure cooker is its ability to hold and cook respectively 3 Qt(2.83 L), 6 Qt (5.67 L) and 7.57 L, or 8 Qt. It can be suitable for a family of six or more people, depending on how greedy and hungry they are😊.
A very good feature is the switch: it is made entirely by a single button, located under the LCD screen. After a little adaptation, you get used to it: it’s intuitive and simple. On the other hand, the screen sometimes is overloaded with information, it then becomes necessary to get closer to read it.
A user feedback about the product:
I love my Instant Pot ! I’ve tried 4 or 5 recipes but so far it works wonderfully! It is ideal for people who work full time and have very little time to prepare healthy meals cooked at home and want to eat before 8 PM! It took 35 minutes to cook a whole frozen chicken and the meat was tender and tasty. It is a MUST for all cooks at home who enjoy nutritious and delicious meals and of course who have little time during the week. I highly recommend you!
Jessica L.
The cooker has a large freedom for customization. You can even indicate the altitude at which you cook, a rare setting ideal for mountaineers. The machine can replace 10 kitchen appliances and has 16 integrated programs, making it one of the most versatile on the market.
The product may seem a little more massive than others, with its 37.6 * 35.6 * 36.8 cm and weight of 7.12 kg, which is equivalent to 14.8 * 14.02 * 14.49 and weight of 15.7 lb respectively. However, this is justified by its high capacity and solidity: stainless steel was preferred as a building material. Maintenance is easy, the essential items can easily fit in your dishwasher.
As usual, Instant Pot made sure to offer a very secure product. It offers 11 dedicated mechanisms, including leak detection and cover position detection. It is certified UL and ULC. You also benefit from a button for a simplified evacuation of the possible build-up of too much steam.
If you’re a savvy person, you should know that this device can be controlled using Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. An app is also available, in which you can find a very large number of recipes.
Summary of The Features of The Instant Pot Ultra 10-In-1
- The most versatile of them all.
- 10 devices could be replaced, 16 setting programs.
- Altitude control.
- Capacity: between 3 Qt(2.83 L), 6 Qt (5.67 L) and 7.57 litres or 8 Qt, 6 persons.
- 1200 watts.
- 37.6 * 35.6 * 36.8 cm / 14.8 * 14.02 * 14.49 in.
- 7.12 kg / 15.7 lb.
The Pros
- Good price-capacity and features ratio
- High degree of versatility
The Cons
- A bit high price
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5 stars
Design: 5 out of 5 stars
Price: 4 out of 5 stars
Quality: 5 out of 5 stars
The Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 can represent a higher budget level, but its price-capacity ratio remains excellent. In addition, its many features allow you to make it the key tool of your kitchen. It is perfect for large families and will appeal to climbers or mountaineers thanks to its altitude control function.
Available in: 3 Quart | 6 Quart | 8 Quart | Ultra Bundle
6. Instant Pot Max 6 Quart
The new Instant Pot Max has a domestic Canning function. Is it safe?
Experts say that canning your own food is much more complicated than simply pressing a button on the machine. The advice from the USDA and even from the Instant Pot website advise against using the Electric Pressure Cooker for certain home canning methods. The biggest concern: it is not known if the Instant Pot Max and other electric pressure cookers can reach the necessary temperature and pressure levels to destroy the potentially deadly bacteria inside the cans
Canning is the process of preserving food in glass jars sealed to extend their shelf life. You have to do a lot of work to kill the bacteria that could naturally exist on the fresh foods, including (but not limited to) washing products, adding acids and treating pots, etc… There are two ways to treat jars: you can use boiling water for acidic foods such as fruit, pickles and sauerkraut, or pressure canning for low-acid foods such as fresh vegetables and meat.
“The way you kill the bacteria is the right combination of time and temperature, “There’s nothing magic about pressure, it’s the temperature that matters and we need pressure to reach a temperature high enough to kill bacterial spores in low acid foods because they’re very heat resistant.”
Last month, Instant Pot representatives said that the Max model could be used for canning, as it can reach an internal pressure of 15 psi. But according to the NCHFP, this is not enough to prove that your pots have been properly heated for a sufficient period of time.
“The production of internal pressure is not enough for canning recommendations,” says the manufacturer on its website
And we don’t know what kind of Instant Pot treatment wants you to use the canning button on the Max. The Instant Pot website only recommends its products for boiling water canning, but the Max model is not yet listed on the Instant Pot website, so it is not clear whether this recommendation applies to the canning function. “The Instant Pot product range is regulated by a pressure sensor instead of a thermometer, the altitude of your location can affect the actual cooking temperature. We recommend not to use Instant Pot for canning, ” says the Instant Pot website.
7. Instant Pot Smart WiFi 6 Quart
Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi: A Very Versatile Multi-Cooker
The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker available in several versions. The latest one even has a Wi-Fi connection. Indeed, Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi connects to the Wi-Fi network of the home and is controlled remotely through a dedicated application. The latter is able to send notifications to you when the cooking is done. But in addition to this functionality, which is deployed on many culinary devices today, let’s look at the specifications of this device.
This multi-cooker is presented as a very versatile unit capable of providing the services of a pressure cooker, a slow cooker which is ideal to make a Lobster Miso Ramen soup, a rice cooker, a steam cooker, a yoghurt maker and a plate heater. The Instant Pot is equipped with a stainless steel bowl with a capacity of 6 l, enough to ensure the preparation of a meal for several people. Several cooking programs are available with direct access on the front panel of this device, these programs include: meat, fish, rice, yoghurt, cakes, beans, porridge, as well as Steam or sweets/desserts cooking programs.
The control panel allows you to adjust cooking parameters, pressure levels, as well as keeping meals warm. On the on-board LCD display, the user will be able to easily visualize the status of the cooking program. The Sauté program uses three temperature options as well as the Slow Cook and Keep Warm programs to keep food at different temperatures. The cooking time is manually adjustable up to 120 min in pressure-cooker mode or in 24 h in soft cooking mode. After each use, the Instant Pot automatically switches to the “keep warm” mode for a maximum of 10 h (and adjustable by the user).
The Instant Pot is equipped with a microprocessor designed to monitor cooking pressure and temperature and automatically adjust the duration of the program according to the amount of food in the tank. Finally, it should be noted that it is possible to schedule a delayed start 24 hours in advance.
The Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi is available for about $150 at Amazon.
If you want to customize each setting and create your own detailed programs without using an application, Instant Pot Ultra is the model you need. The addition of a dial button allows you to adjust cooking in increments of a degree, rather than choosing from several pre-set temperatures.
The Instant Pot Ultra also allows you to create detailed custom programs, selecting cooking time, pressure level, exact temperature (from 40 to 100°C), delay time, and whether or not to switch to “keep warm” mode at the end of the cooking cycle.
The Instant Pot Ultra is a pressure cooker 10 in 1 with the following functions:
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooking
- Making yogurt
- Rice Cooker
- Making cakes
- Egg Cooker
- Sauté
- Steamer
- Keep Warm
- Sterilizer
Different Versions of The Instant Pot You Can Choose From
Each model of the Instant Pot has different functions that include minor adjustments and improvements. Different versions are generally not available at the same time – once an older version is sold out, only the latest version is on the shelves.
When you buy a new Instant Pot, unless otherwise specified, you will receive the latest version. This should be the best iteration currently available. However, if you buy a used model, you should check the version and make sure there are no significant flaws with the version you buy.
However, variations between versions are generally only minor and should not make a huge difference in overall performance.
What Size Instant Pot Do You Need?
The classic Instant Pot multi-cooker has a capacity of 5 liters, 6 liters and 8 liters, but not all models are available in all sizes.
A 5 liter Instant Pot is suitable for cooking meals for one or two people, as long as you are not interested in batch cooking. The Lux and Duo versions are available in sizes of 5 liters.
An Instant Pot with capacity of 6 liters is perfect for small families up to four people, or for one or two people who like to cook in batches. All models of the Instant Pot Lux and Duo, Duo Plus, Smart and Ultra – are available in a size of 6 litres.
An 8 litre instant Pot cooker is large enough for individual meals for a family of five or more people, or smaller families who want to cook in batches. Only the Duo is available in 8 litre version.
Some Tips That Will Help You Start Cooking with Your New Instant Pot Cooker.
- When you use your Instant Pot as a pressure cooker, you need at least 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid in your recipe, otherwise the device will not be completely pressurized.
- Increase or decrease the temperature during slow cooking your katsu curry for example or sautéing by pressing the ” Adjust ” button.
- It is not necessary to thaw first when using frozen ingredients in your Instant Pot, just increase cooking time slightly.
- You can pop popcorn in a Pot Instant, using the jump function.
- When cooking in pressure cooker mode, dry beans do not need to be soaked or pre-cooked. Just throw them away with the other ingredients.
What is the Average Price of An Instant Pot?
The price of an Instant Pot depends mainly on the model. Since all instant Pots on the market are available in sizes of 6 Quarts (but not all in sizes of 5 or 8 Quarts), we will use this size for comparison purposes.
The 6 liter Instant Pot Lux costs about $80. The Instant Pot Duo 6 liter costs about $100. The Instant Pot Duo 6 liter costs about $120. The Instant Pot Ultra 6 liters costs about $150. The Instant smart Pot 6 liters costs about $160.
Why Choose the Instant Pot Instead of Another Electric Pressure Cooker?
One of the reasons people choose the Instant Pot is that the pot is made of 100% stainless steel. It’s rare among multi-cookers. Indeed, most are made of aluminium or non-stick material. This stainless steel pot is a great choice as Stainless steel has a long service life and durability.
There is no controversy about the potential health hazards, as is the case with aluminium and non-stick coatings. In addition, Instant Pots are known to be high quality pressure cookers, easy to use, durable and producing great results.
At What Pressure Does the Best Instant Pot Cook?
When set to high pressure, the Instant Pot cooks at a pressure as high as a normal pressure cooker. A medium pressure cooker, on the other hand, usually cooks at a slightly lower pressure. When using a regular pressure cooker recipe, you will need to increase the cooking time from 7% to 15% to account for the pressure difference.
Is the Instant Pot Easy to Clean?
The stainless steel Instant Pot container and the other parts are fully removable and washable in the dishwasher, which means it is easy to clean. The rest of the Electric Pressure Cooker is child’s play to clean too.