Before you start shopping for this workhorse of a kitchen appliance, check out what various foodies had to say about the best instant pots on the market.
- Best overall: Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
- Most versatile: Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 8-Quart Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker
- Best affordable: Presto 6-Quart Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker Plus
- Best for beginners: Mueller 6-Quart Pressure Cooker
- Best for families: Crock-Pot 10-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker
- Best high tech: Chef iQ Smart Cooker
Instant pots are a popular kitchen appliance designed to streamline meal prep by packing a variety of features and functions into a single device.
In addition to acting as a pressure cooker, many instant pots can be used to make yogurt, cook rice, dehydrate fruits and vegetables, or steam, broil, bake, roast, and air fry foods.
However, with so many products to choose from, figuring out which instant pot is right for you can be tricky.
The products included in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
- Features: Each product offers a variety of different cooking features.
- User experience: We talked to foodies who use these instant pots and selected the ones with the most positive feedback and reviews.
- Safety: Products are equipped with safety features to prevent injury.
- Cost: Each product provides a good value for the price.
- Vetting: All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s business standards.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $80–$250, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $100
- $$ = $100–$200
- $$$ = over $200
Best overall
Price: $
Boasting seven unique functions, the Instant Pot Duo is a great choice for novice chefs and pressure-cooking pros alike.
In addition to acting as a pressure cooker, it can steam, slow cook, and sauté food, make rice and yogurt, and keep food warm. Plus, it has 13 customizable smart programs, making it easy to prepare soup, meat, porridge, and more.
It’s available in 3 sizes ranging from 3–8 quarts (2.8–7.6 liters) and is more affordable than many other models on the market.
This is one of the most popular instant pots among foodies we spoke with. “The Instant Pot Duo is affordable, easy to use, and not overwhelming for pressure cooker newbies,” says Carrie Forrest, creator of Clean Eating Kitchen and author of the Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook.
“It’s perfect for most families of 2–6 people and is incredibly versatile. You can make everything from rice pilaf to beef stew to brownies,” Forrest says.
However, keep in mind that although the Instant Pot is designed with multiple built-in safety features, the company has been involved in several lawsuits regarding injuries caused by steam or the lid opening under pressure.
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker at a glance
Benefits
- offers 7 built-in functions and 13 smart programs
- available in 3 sizes
- easy to use
- affordable
- includes multiple safety features
Potential downsides
- involved in several lawsuits regarding concerns about safety
Most versatile
Price: $$$
If you’re looking for an instant pot that can do it all, look no further than the Ninja Foodi Deluxe.
With 12 unique functions, this high-tech pressure cooker doubles as an air fryer and can even steam, slow cook, sear, sauté, bake, roast, broil, sous vide, and dehydrate foods. It also acts as a yogurt maker.
Given that it holds up to 8 quarts (7.6 liters), it’s an excellent choice for families and large households.
Many reviewers note how easy it is to clean and applaud its durability, looking and working like new even after over a year of heavy use.
While it’s a bit pricier than some other instant pots, it may be a space-saving and affordable alternative to buying multiple appliances separately.
Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 8-Quart Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker at a glance
Benefits
- 12 functions
- doubles as an air fryer
- holds up to 8 quarts (7.6 liters)
- easy to clean
- durable
Potential downsides
- relatively expensive
- heavy and difficult to move
Best affordable option
Price: $
This budget-friendly instant pot offers a variety of features that can help you whip up an assortment of delicious dishes while also saving you time in the kitchen.
It allows you to choose between high pressure or low pressure and can slow cook, brown, and sauté foods.
Additionally, it has a capacity of up to 6 quarts (5.7 liters), which can prepare enough servings for couples or small households.
Many users upgraded from a stovetop pressure cooker to this model for its simplicity and low cost. While many are happy with its features and experienced no problems, several reviews mentioned that after a few months of use, the machine quit working.
Although this instant pot can be a good option for beginners, those seeking more advanced features may want to opt for a higher-end model.
Presto 6-Quart Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker Plus at a glance
Benefits
- affordable
- multiple functions, with low and high pressure settings available
- holds up to 6 quarts (5.7 liters)
Potential downsides
- lacks many advanced features
- some users complained it stopped working after a few months of use
Best for beginners
Price: $$
This beginner-friendly instant pot is an excellent choice for people who are just starting to experiment with pressure cookers and unsure where to start.
It includes 15 preset smart programs to make preparing your favorite meals easier than ever, and unlike many other models, it even allows you to input your cooking time manually.
In addition to pressure cooking foods, you can use it to make yogurt or slow cook, steam, sauté, or can foods.
Plus, it’s equipped with eight built-in safety mechanisms and includes a steamer basket, measuring cup, and ladle, so you have everything you need to get started.
Reviewers love that it comes with a glass lid for slow cooking and has other functions besides pressure cooking. They also mentioned its durability, even with daily use.
Although the product has mostly positive reviews online, some state that it’s heavy and difficult to move, which may be a drawback for those who are tight on space and prefer a more portable option.
Mueller 6-Quart Pressure Cooker at a glance
Benefits
- 15 smart programs and multiple functions
- 8 built-in safety mechanisms
- includes several pieces of equipment
- durable
Potential downsides
- heavier than similar models
Best for families
Price: $$
The Crock-Pot 10-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker holds up to 10 quarts (9.4 liters) of food and boasts eight functions with 15 one-touch meal settings, making it an awesome weeknight dinner option for families.
It also combines eight kitchen appliances into a single device, enabling you to pressure cook, sterilize, slow cook, brown or sear food, sauté, boil, simmer, and steam.
It includes a recipe book, steaming rack, and serving spoon, too.
Customers love the large 10-quart size, especially those with large families, as it’s big enough for several servings of stews, soups, or even roasts and whole chickens.
However, it’s relatively expensive, and, because it’s very large and sturdy, those with less counter space may prefer a more compact or portable instant pot.
Crock-Pot 10-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker at a glance
Benefits
- holds up to 10 quarts (9.4 liters)
- 15 cooking programs and 8 functions
- includes recipe book, steamer basket, and serving spoon
Potential downsides
- relatively expensive
- some may prefer a more compact or portable option
Best high tech
Price: $$
This smart cooker from Chef iQ is jam-packed with features and functions fit for tech lovers.
In fact, it’s equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi and can connect to the Chef iQ app, which includes hundreds of recipes and preset cooking programs and allows you to control your instant pot using your smartphone.
You can use this high-end instant pot to pressure cook, sear, sauté, steam, slow cook, sous vide, and ferment foods.
It can also hold up to 6 quarts (5.7 liters) and includes a built-in smart scale, which weighs the ingredients that you add to your instant pot and calculates exactly how much liquid is needed.
Customers love the new addition of the sous vide option as this cuts down on the need for extra kitchen appliances. The guided cooking presets with the app also have rave reviews as it makes cooking easy for even novice cooks.
Nevertheless, it comes with a higher price tag than most other instant pots, and consumers who aren’t tech-savvy may find it difficult to use.
Chef iQ Smart Cooker at a glance
Benefits
- connects to your smartphone and the Chef iQ app
- includes hundreds of recipes and 1,000 preset cooking programs
- features built-in smart scale
- cooking guides make using the instant pot easy
Potential downsides
- expensive
- not ideal for consumers who aren’t tech-savvy
Here is a closer look at how these products compare in terms of their available features, sizes, and prices.
| Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker | Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 8-Quart Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker | Presto 6-Quart Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker Plus | Mueller 6-Quart Pressure Cooker | Crock-Pot 10-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker | Chef IQ Smart Cooker | |
| Price (MSRP) | $ | $$$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ |
| Size | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | 8 quarts (7.6 liters) | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | 10 quarts (7.6 liters) | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) |
| Number of functions | 7 + 13 smart programs | 12 | 4 | 10 + 15 preset programs | 9 + 15 programs | 6 + 1,000 presets |
| Functions | • pressure cook • steam • slow cook • sauté • rice • yogurt • keep warm | • pressure cook • steam • slow cook • sear • sauté • bake/roast • broil • air fry • air crisp • keep warm • sous vide • dehydrate | • pressure cook • slow cook • brown • sauté • high and low pressure settings | • pressure cook • slow cook • rice • yogurt • cake • egg • sauté • steamer • warmer • sterilize canning | • pressure cook • slow cook • steam • sterilize • brown/sear • saute • boil • simmer | • pressure cook • sear/sauté • steam • slow cook • ferment • keep warm • built-in scale • sous vide |
Because instant pots offer a range of features, it’s important to consider how you plan to use the appliance and which functions are most important for you.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for an instant pot:
- Functions: While some people may prefer an instant pot that can also make yogurt, sous vide foods, or act as an air fryer, others may only plan to use it as a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
- Size: If you’re only preparing meals for 1–2 people or are short on space, a smaller size is a good option, whereas those with larger households should select an instant pot with a higher capacity.
- Features: Many instant pots include several built-in safety features, such as locking mechanisms, automatic pressure controls, and high-temperature warnings. Choosing a product that’s equipped with these features is essential to help prevent injury.
- Cost: Instant pots vary in price. Look for a product that fits your budget but also offers the functions and features that you need.
What size instant pot should you buy?
Instant pots are available in several sizes, ranging from 3–10 quarts (2.8–9.5 liters).
Most recipes are designed for a 6-quart (5.7-liter) instant pot, which can make around 2–4 servings. This size can also fit larger foods, such as butternut squash.
However, if you’re only cooking meals for one or planning to prepare mostly side dishes in your instant pot, a 3-quart (2.8-liter) model may be enough.
On the other hand, if you’re meal prepping or making meals for a large family or household, you’ll want to opt for a larger size, such as an 8-quart (7.6-liter) instant pot.
Although it does require more space, the 8-quart instant pot can typically make enough food for at least 6 people.
Instant pots are great for preparing a variety of different dishes, including soups, stews, rice, beans, and meats.
Many models are also designed to make yogurt, act as an air fryer, or bake, roast, sauté, and dehydrate foods.
As such, instant pots can be used to make a variety of recipes.
What should you not cook in an instant pot?
Instant pots may not be ideal for every type of dish.
For example, certain forms of meat, including burgers or steak, may not achieve the same caramelized texture or outside sear in an instant pot.
They’re also not ideal for baking pies, cookies, or bread, as the final texture will likely be altered.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid cream-based sauces made with dairy, as the high temperatures can cause milk to curdle or separate. Therefore, if you’re adding milk or cheese to a recipe, only add it after the pressure cooking cycle is complete.
What is the most popular size instant pot?
The most popular instant pot size is 6 quarts.
What is the newest instant pot?
The Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker, V6 is the newest instant pot on the market at the time of writing. It’s similar in function to the older style Instant Pot Duo, but with a slimmer design, making it more space-efficient.
What is the difference between an instant pot and a pressure cooker?
An instant pot can operate at a higher pressure setting for faster cooking and often has many other features in addition to pressure cooking, making it a multi-use appliance.
Instant pots are a popular kitchen appliance designed to streamline and simplify meal prep.
Many instant pots are available, and they vary in size, features, and price.
Be sure to consider your needs, budget, and how you plan to use your instant pot to find a product that works for your household.