Instant Pots Demystified: Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?

Instant Pots have revolutionized home cooking with their multifunctional capabilities, making them a must-have in many kitchens. With several models on the market, each boasting unique features, it can be challenging to determine which one suits your cooking needs.

Instant Pots Demystified: Which Instant Pot Cooker Should You Get?

Let’s demystify the options, focusing on five popular models: Instant Pot Rio 7-in-1, Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1, Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1, and Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1.

1. Instant Pot Rio 7-in-1: The Budget-Friendly Choice

The Instant Pot Rio 7-in-1 is an excellent choice for those new to the Instant Pot world or for cooks on a budget. It covers all the basics, functioning as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer. While it doesn’t have the advanced features of its pricier counterparts, it’s a reliable and affordable option for everyday cooking.

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Reasons For:

1. Affordability: As a budget-friendly option, the Instant Pot Rio 7-in-1 is ideal for those who want to experience the convenience of an Instant Pot without a hefty price tag. It’s a great entry-level model for beginners or those unsure about investing in a more expensive model.
2. Essential Functions: Despite its lower price, it still offers seven essential cooking functions – pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and warming. This range covers the needs of most home cooks.
3. Space-Saving: Like other Instant Pots, the Rio 7-in-1 combines multiple appliances into one, saving valuable kitchen space. It’s particularly beneficial for those with smaller kitchens or limited storage.
4. Ease of Use: The Rio model is user-friendly, making it accessible even to those who are new to multifunctional cookers. It’s simple to operate and understand, which is great for people who prefer straightforward gadgets.
5. Energy Efficiency: This model, like other Instant Pots, is energy-efficient compared to using multiple separate appliances. It can help reduce electricity bills and is more environmentally friendly.

Reasons Against:

1. Limited Advanced Features: The Rio 7-in-1 lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models. If you’re looking for functions like sous vide, air frying, or cake making, this model won’t suffice.
2. Smaller Size Options: The Rio 7-in-1 might not come in as many size options as other models, which could be a limitation for larger families or those who often cook in bulk.
3. Basic User Interface: The user interface and controls are more basic compared to pricier models. Those who prefer a more modern, digital display might find the Rio’s interface lacking.
4. Build Quality: While still good, the build quality and durability might not be as high as more expensive models. This could impact the longevity of the device, especially with frequent use.
5. No Specialized Programs: It does not have specialized cooking programs (like egg cooking or sterilizing) that are present in other models, which might be a drawback for some users who need these specific functions.

2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1: The Classic Workhorse

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is perhaps the most popular model. It offers the same functionalities as the Rio but with a few additional features like a larger range of size options and improved user interface. Its tried-and-true performance makes it a great all-rounder, perfect for those who want reliability and efficiency. Read our full review and why the Instant Pot Duo is our pick.

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Reasons For:

1. Versatility: The Duo 7-in-1 functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. This versatility makes it a valuable all-in-one kitchen appliance.
2. Popularity and Reliability: Being one of the most popular models, it has a proven track record of reliability and consistent performance, validated by a large user base.
3. User-Friendly Interface: The Instant Pot Duo features an intuitive control panel that’s easy to navigate, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks.
4. Variety of Sizes: It comes in multiple size options (3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart), catering to different household sizes and cooking needs, from individual servings to large family meals.
5. Energy Efficiency: Like other Instant Pots, the Duo 7-in-1 is energy-efficient compared to traditional cooking methods, helping to reduce electricity bills.
6. Safety Features: It comes with numerous built-in safety features, such as overheat protection and a safety lock lid, providing peace of mind, especially for pressure cooking beginners.

Reasons Against:

1. Limited Advanced Functions: While it covers the basics, it lacks some of the advanced features found in newer or more sophisticated models, like the sous vide or air fryer options.
2. Simpler Display: Compared to higher-end models, the Duo 7-in-1 has a more basic display and control panel, which might not appeal to those who prefer a more modern, digital interface.
3. Learning Curve: For those new to multi-functional cookers or pressure cooking, there might be a learning curve in understanding how to make the most out of the appliance’s capabilities.
4. Size and Storage: Depending on the chosen size, it can take up significant counter or storage space, which might be a consideration for those with smaller kitchens.
5. No Personalization of Settings: Unlike more advanced models, the Duo 7-in-1 does not allow for the personalization of cooking settings, which could be a limitation for more experienced cooks who prefer more control.

3. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1: More Features, More Flexibility

Stepping up from the Duo, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 introduces two additional functions: egg cooking and sterilizing. This model caters to those who appreciate extra culinary versatility. The Duo Plus also features an upgraded blue LCD screen, making it easier to use and adjust settings.

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Reasons For:

1. Enhanced Versatility: The Duo Plus 9-in-1 expands on the basic functionalities of earlier models by adding egg cooking and sterilizing options, making it a more versatile appliance suitable for a broader range of cooking tasks.
2. Upgraded User Interface: This model features an improved, user-friendly interface with a large, easy-to-read blue LCD screen, making it more intuitive to use and adjust settings.
3. Customizable Cooking Settings: The Duo Plus allows for more customization in cooking, enabling users to adjust temperature and cooking times more precisely to suit specific recipes or preferences.
4. Variety of Sizes: Available in multiple sizes, it caters to individual needs, whether cooking for one or preparing meals for a large family.
5. Advanced Safety Features: It includes comprehensive safety features, like a lid lock and overheat protection, which are crucial for pressure cooking, offering peace of mind for users.
6. Energy Efficient: As with other Instant Pots, it’s energy-efficient, helping to reduce electricity consumption compared to using multiple separate appliances.

Reasons Against:

1. Higher Price Point: The additional features and improvements come with a higher price tag compared to more basic models like the Instant Pot Duo or Rio.
2. Learning Curve: The increased functionality can mean a steeper learning curve, especially for those new to multi-functional cookers or pressure cooking.
3. Counter Space: Depending on the size chosen, it can occupy a considerable amount of counter or storage space, which might be a concern in smaller kitchens.
4. Not for the Minimalist Cook: For those who prefer simple, straightforward cooking without extra features, the Duo Plus might offer more functionality than necessary.
5. Limited Advanced Functions Compared to Higher Models: While it offers more than the basic models, it still lacks some of the advanced features of the top-tier Instant Pots, such as sous vide or air frying.

4. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1: The Chef’s Choice

For the more serious home chef, the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is a standout. In addition to the functionalities of the Duo Plus, it offers two more: sous vide and cake maker. The Pro model also boasts improved cooking customization, allowing for greater control over cooking parameters. Its durable, premium build is designed to handle more frequent and varied use.

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Reasons For:

1. Expanded Functionality: The Pro 10-in-1 offers a wide range of functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, sterilizing, sous vide, and cake making. This broadens the scope for culinary creativity and experimentation.
2. Customizable Cooking: It allows for greater customization of cooking settings, including temperature and pressure levels, which is ideal for experienced cooks who want more control over their recipes.
3. High-Quality Construction: The Instant Pot Pro is built with durability in mind, featuring a sturdier construction and premium materials. This makes it suitable for frequent, intensive use.
4. Advanced Safety Features: Enhanced safety features, such as an upgraded steam release valve and a diffusing cover, make it one of the safest options for pressure cooking.
5. Large Display and Easy Interface: The large LCD display is user-friendly and easy to read, making the cooking process more intuitive and manageable.
6. Energy Efficiency: Like other Instant Pot models, the Pro 10-in-1 is energy-efficient, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective cooking solution compared to traditional appliances.

Reasons Against:

1. Higher Price Point: The advanced features and superior build quality come at a higher cost, making it one of the more expensive models in the Instant Pot lineup.
2. Complex for Beginners: The wide array of features and customizable settings might be overwhelming for beginners or those who prefer simpler cooking methods.
3. Bulky Size: Given its robust construction and multiple functionalities, the Pro 10-in-1 can be quite bulky, requiring more storage space and possibly dominating smaller kitchen countertops.
4. Potentially Underutilized Features: For those who do not need the advanced features like sous vide or cake making, this model might offer more functionality than necessary, potentially leading to underutilization of the appliance.
5. Learning Curve: The multitude of functions and settings can entail a significant learning curve, especially for those not accustomed to multi-functional cookers.

5. Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1: The Ultimate All-In-One

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1 is the pinnacle of the Instant Pot range. It encompasses all the features of the previous models and adds air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. This model is perfect for those who want the widest range of cooking options in one appliance. It’s ideal for adventurous cooks who love to experiment with different cooking styles.

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Reasons For:

1. Unmatched Versatility: The Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1 offers the broadest range of functions among Instant Pots, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, sous vide, baking, broiling, roasting, air frying, dehydrating, rice cooking, yogurt making, and warming. This makes it an incredibly versatile appliance for a variety of cooking methods.
2. Air Frying Capability: One of its standout features is air frying. This allows for healthier cooking options, as it requires less oil to achieve crispy textures, expanding the types of dishes you can prepare.
3. Large Capacity: It typically comes in larger sizes, which is excellent for families or for those who frequently cook for groups. It can handle larger batches of food at once.
4. Advanced Technology: This model includes the latest technological advancements in Instant Pot design, offering improved user experience and cooking precision.
5. Space-Saving: Despite its multiple functions, it saves a significant amount of kitchen space by consolidating numerous appliances into one.
6. Energy Efficiency: Like other Instant Pots, it is energy efficient, reducing the need for multiple power-consuming appliances.

Reasons Against:

1. Higher Cost: As the most feature-rich model, it also comes with the highest price tag in the Instant Pot range. This might be a significant consideration for those on a budget.
2. Complexity: With its many functions and settings, the learning curve can be steep, especially for those who are new to multifunctional cookers or prefer simplicity in cooking.
3. Size and Weight: The Duo Crisp is bulkier and heavier than other models, which could be a drawback for those with limited counter space or difficulty handling larger appliances.
4. Potential Overkill: For those who don’t need the extensive range of functions (like dehydrating or air frying), this model might offer more features than necessary, leading to underutilization.
5. Requires Experimentation: Achieving the perfect results, especially with functions like air frying and dehydrating, might require some experimentation, which could be a challenge for less experienced cooks.

Choosing the Right Instant Pot

Selecting the right Instant Pot depends on your cooking needs, budget, and the level of culinary versatility you seek. For beginners or those with basic needs, the Rio or the classic Duo are excellent choices. The Duo Plus and Pro offer more functions and flexibility, suitable for those who cook more frequently or enjoy experimenting. And for the ultimate in multifunctional cooking, the Duo Crisp Ultimate is unrivaled. Regardless of the choice, an Instant Pot is sure to bring convenience, efficiency, and fun to your cooking endeavors.