Hi there, a perpetually tired home chef here. These days my favorite way to feed myself is to order takeout. After hours of working at my computer and juggling all of life’s stuff, the idea of hovering over the stove can feel like…a lot. And if you too have ever stared at your oven at 7 p.m. with no dinner plan and a growing sense of hanger, you need an Instant Pot. Take it from me—these things can take less time than scrolling through your delivery apps.
Instant Pot’s multitasking cookers can seemingly do it all, including sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, even making yogurt. Some are straightforward, others are a bit fancier, but they all share the same end goal: to make a meal with minimal effort.
Bon Appétit's top picks
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I tested the brand’s most popular models to find the ones that truly make weeknight cooking easier, tastier, and way less chaotic. Take it from me, a worn-out girl who wants her food quick and with minimal cleanup. I can attest that these are the best Instant Pots your money can buy.
The Instant Pot Rio, Pro Max, and Duo Crisp (for left)Francesca Krempa
If you’re on the hunt for a no-frills, easy-peasy Instant Pot that won’t hog a ton of counter space, look no further than the Instant Pot Rio. It’s clean, streamlined, and refreshingly easy to use. The updated interface is more modern than its predecessor (the original Duo) and gives you 13 cooking programs without feeling cluttered or complicated. I love that I can toss in ingredients, hit one button (like Soup or Rice), and let it go—no googling cook times or deciphering pressure settings.
The anti-spin pot is a surprisingly useful upgrade; it keeps the inner pot locked in place while you sauté, so you’re not chasing it around the cooker with a spoon. It also includes Instant Pot’s signature safety features, like a locking lid and overheat protection, which add some welcome peace of mind, especially if you're new to pressure cooking. There are a lot of Instant Pots, and if you’re easily overwhelmed, I recommend the Rio—it’s got everything you need for $100.
There’s no air-fry function or fancy add-ons, so if you want all-in-one functionality, it might feel a little too basic.
Pros:
- Sleep, simple design
- 13 cooking programs
- Easy-to-read display and intuitive controls
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- No advanced features or air frying
Francesca Krempa
The Instant Pot Rio letting off steamFrancesca Krempa
The most high-tech Instant Pot: Instant Pot Pro Max 6-Quart 10-in-1 Multi-Cooker
I’ll admit that I was skeptical about needing a Wi-Fi–enabled pressure cooker. However, now that I’ve used the Pro Max, I’m a convert. The ability to start, stop, and monitor my cooking from my phone is admittedly convenient. (I live in a basement and have a shared kitchen upstairs with my roommates, so being able to control it remotely without having to walk up and down the stairs a million times is very nice.) What gives the Pro Max its “max” is the 20 percent more cooking power and faster heating.
As for functions, it’s a 10-in-1 pressure cooker, with preset programs for baking, sautéing, slow cooking, and even sous vide-ing. It’s significantly prettier than other Instant Pot models, thanks to the pearly white fluted exterior, so it can stay out on my countertop without being an eyesore. Plus, it’s loaded with thoughtful touches—including silicone easy-grip handles and WhisperQuiet technology to reduce steam noise—that elevate it even more.
The downside? The app isn’t super intuitive right out of the gate, and it took me a bit to figure out how to sync it with the machine. It’s also more expensive than your basic models due to its modern design, so it’s a better pick if you actually plan to use it multiple times a week.
Pros:
- Wifi connectivity and app control
- 10 cooking programs
- Fast, even pressure cooking
- Sleek touchscreen interface
- Quiet steam release
Cons:
- Learning curve with the app
- Pricey
Francesca Krempa
The steam vent on the Instant Pot Pro MaxFrancesca Krempa
The best hybrid Instant Pot: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid Wifi 6.5-Quart Multi-Cooker and Air Fryer
I love a gadget that earns its counter space, and the Duo Crisp absolutely does. It’s both a pressure cooker and an air fryer in one single machine, thanks to the Ultimate Lid, which eliminates any lid-switching; that alone makes it less annoying to use than other models. The Air Fry setting actually works (crispy chicken thighs! golden tots!), and it still does all the Instant Pot basics like pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooking, and steaming.
Plus, it has some very fancy high-tech modes like dehydrating and bread proofing, for folks who really want to push the boundaries with their Instant Pot. It’s a true all-in-one for anyone who wants variety without the appliance overload. And like the Pro Max, it’s app-compatible.
However, this thing is big. You’ll need a decent amount of counter or cabinet space, and while the Air Fry function is solid, it takes a little longer to heat than a standalone fryer. If you’re tight on space or already own an air fryer you love, it might be overkill. Also, it’s one of the most expensive Instant Pot models, but given how many modes it comes with, it’s worth the steeper price tag.
Pros:
- Multi-cooker and air-fryer in-one
- Wifi connectivity and app control
- 13 cooking programs
- Sleek touchscreen interface
- Quiet steam release
- Excellent crisping and browning
Cons:
- Bulky
- Takes longer to heat
Francesca Krempa
Perfect, fluffy rice cooked in the Instant Pot DuoFrancesca Krempa
What to consider when shopping for an Instant Pot
Instant Pots come in 3-, 6-, and 8-quart sizes, with a few half sizes in between. For most families, a 6-quart is the sweet spot. Go smaller if you’re cooking for one or two, and larger if you’re making big batches or feeding a crowd. Also, think about your counter space: Do you need something small that can be shoved in a cabinet or do you have the space to leave it out all the time?
It’s all about the features. All Instant Pots pressure cook and slow cook, but newer models add features like air frying, sous vide, and Wifi control. Think about which functions you’ll actually use—don’t pay for extras if you’re just looking to make soup and rice.
The inner pot is the removable stainless steel insert where all the cooking happens, and on higher-end models, it’s made with thicker, more durable stainless steel that holds up better over time. These upgraded pots often have a triple-ply bottom, which distributes heat more evenly and reduces the risk of scorching, especially when sautéing ingredients. Some have other handy features, too, like silicone handles that stay cool to minimize burning.
Other Instant Pots we tested
Based on your budget, household size, and level of obsession with air fryers, these other models might be the right choice for you.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
Anyone cooking for just themselves and perhaps one other, or those with limited kitchen space, might find this model to be a game-changer. It packs many of the same features as larger models into a compact design and delivers reliable performance. Whether you’re making a quick dinner after work or meal prepping for the week, this little appliance is super convenient, and it won’t take up your entire counter.
Despite its size, the Duo Mini offers 13 cooking programs, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, and yogurt making. Plus, the inner pot and lid are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. That said, the 3-quart capacity is definitely tight if you’re cooking for a crowd, so size up if you think you’ll be cooking for more than two on most nights.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6-Quart 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
My best friend owns this Instant Pot and she loves it because it pressure cooks and air fries—and it’s only $130. Its cousin—the Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid—is nearly $100 more, so if you’re on a budget for a multi-use appliance and don’t mind the extra lids, this is the gadget for you. It does everything the Ultimate Lid version does, except you have to manually switch out the lids depending on what cook mode you’re in. Sure, the Ultimate Lid is more convenient, but if you’d rather save $100, this model is a solid bet.
Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
If you want a multi-cooker that gets compliments from everyone who walks in your kitchen, get this gadget. The black matte appearance, the large LED display, and the chrome control dial give it a premium feel.
This model comes with a whopping 28 customizable cooking programs, including a rice and grain cooker, sterilizer, and even a cake baker. The silicone grip handles on the inner pot are a nice touch for lifting out hot meals without the burn risk, and the steam release switch is quieter and cleaner than expected. The downside is that those 28 programs can be a bit overwhelming at first. It’s also a sizable machine, so while it looks good, be prepared for a large footprint.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are Instant Pots safe to use?
Yes they are. All models have multiple built-in safety mechanisms, including lid lock systems and pressure sensors. Just follow the manual and use the quick-release with care.
Can Instant Pots really replace other appliances?
Sure can. Of course it depends on your model and what you’re trying to replace, but yes, Instant Pots come with tons of different modes to replace steaming, slow cooking, and more. Some can even replace a yogurt maker or air fryer—it all depends on what you buy.
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