Because of its convenience and adaptability, the Instant Pot has become a household name among home cooks. However, deciding which model is ideal might be difficult because there are so many to pick from.
This article will help you choose the ideal Instant Pot model for your needs, whether you’re a busy mom, a home cook, or a professional chef, by comparing and contrasting their various features. Now that you’ve found the finest Instant Pot for you, it’s time to start cooking like a pro!
Before we start, for the sake of ease. Here are the features and prices of all Instant Pots.
| Model | Size | Number of Programs | Additional Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo | 3, 6, 8, 12 Quart | 7 | – | $70-$150 |
| Instant Pot Lux | 3, 6, 8, 12 Quart | 6 | Cake making function | $80-$160 |
| Instant Pot Ultra | 3, 6, 8 Quart | 10 | Altitude adjustment, Sterilize function | $120-$180 |
| Instant Pot Smart WiFi | 3, 6, 8 Quart | 14 | Remote control via smartphone app | $120-$180 |
| Instant Pot Max | 6 Quart | 15 | 15psi pressure cooking, sous vide, yogurt maker | $150-$200 |
Most people use and recommend the original Instant Pot model, the Instant Pot Duo. This multi-functional appliance serves many purposes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, warming, and more.
It’s available in 3, 6, 8, and 12 quart capacities, making it suitable for use by anybody from single people to large families. The Duo’s 14 preloaded programs, one of which is manual, make it a practical and simple appliance to use.
The Instant Pot Lux is quite similar to the Instant Pot Duo, with a few extras. It’s ideal for baking cakes and offers a wider temperature range for the sauté function, allowing for more precise cooking.
The “stew” function on the Lux is ideal for preparing warm and satisfying stews. It also has the same three, six, eight, and twelve quart capacities as the Duo.
The Instant Pot Ultra, the newest model available, contains a more sophisticated microprocessor for more accurate cooking. The sterilize button is perfect for sanitizing dishes and silverware for use with infants, and a new “Altitude” button allows for modifications based on your location.
The Ultra also has a “steam release reset button” for extra security and a new “progress indicator” that shows the current cooking status. Three, six, and eight quart options are available.
With the Instant Pot Smart WiFi, you can start, stop, and monitor your cooking from afar using a smartphone app. The option to alter the cooking time while away from home increases your freedom and control over your schedule.
The Smart WiFi is available in 3, 6, and 8-quart capacities, and it has 14 preinstalled apps.
The Instant Pot Max is the latest and greatest model available, with a brand-new pressure sensor, automatic steam release, and a pressure cooking capability that can reach 15 pounds per square inch of water. Because of this, food can be cooked more quickly while yet maintaining its texture and flavor.
It can also create yogurt, which is perfect for people who enjoy making their own yogurt and who want exact temperature control. The product is offered in a 6 quart capacity.
Overall, your individual tastes and cooking needs will determine which Instant Pot is the best for you. Each Instant Pot model—the Duo, Lux, Ultra, Smart WiFi, and Max—offers a slightly different set of functions.
All over, most individuals will be satisfied with either the DUO, LUX, or ULTRA. In addition to standard functions like temperature control and timers, the Smart WiFi and Max models include sophisticated capabilities like remote control and pressure cooking.
Which Instant Pot is right for you depends on factors like how often you cook and how many people live in your household. It’s important to remember that the Instant Pot is more than just a pressure cooker; it’s a multifunctional kitchen gadget that can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, warming, and more.
