Instant Pot Review, Top Models Compared

Modern kitchen appliances such as electric multi-cookers, particularly the Instant Pot, are convenient and take the work out of cooking as a chore. They do the work for you. Instant Pot is designed as a tool to replace numerous kitchen appliances as one, such as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yoghurt maker, and warmer.

This is a helpful tool for someone who is very busy and would like to save time in the kitchen without having to eat out all the time. With the Instant Pot, people want to think about size – the models range from 3 to 8 litres – features and price. The size mostly depends on the size of your family; the more models there are, the more programs and settings that each model will come with; and for the budget-conscious, the various models range from basic to high-end models.

Having conducted a thorough comparison and analysis of every Instant Pot on the market, we are pleased to confirm that with speed and efficiency being a primary factor in creating delicious home-cooked food, these multi-function pressure cookers are an excellent investment, worthy of any kitchen. I will discuss in more detail what each size and model conveniences offer, and to whom these may appeal best to.

Top Instant Pot Models

We’ve tested dozens of Instant Pots, from every category. In the process, we’ve discovered our favorites. There isn’t a gadget that invented home cooking. Yet few devices come as close as this electric-powered wonder that conjures a four-burner stovetop, plus a steamer insert, a slow-cooker crock, and a basket in one machine. Our list combines performance, features, and value into a buying guide to ensure that you get the Instant Pot that will best meet your cooking needs.

Instant Pot Duo 5.7L

Tl;dr: get the Instant Pot Duo if you’d like to get dinner on the table with a minimum of fuss without compromising flavour or variety.

Pros

• Cooks meals significantly quicker than traditional methods
• Retains custom settings for a personalised cooking experience
• Versatile with 13 one-touch programs to cater to various dishes

Cons

• Initial learning curve for beginners
• Bulky size may be cumbersome for small kitchens
• Requires countertop space as a permanent appliance due to its utility

It’s just that last night, we finished cooking dinner with this very Instant Pot, and it did it just as quickly and capably as before – whether a steamer-roaster of vegetables or restaurant-tough cuts of pot roast for stews and such – which, yes, was, if possible, at least a couple of times faster than when we never could get stewed meats that tender and vegetables that flavourful.

Of course, we still keep coming back for more. Another place that we’re eager to minimise? Clean-up. In that respect also, the Instant Pot Duo delivers. A quick-release steam button and fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish means that the end of cooking doesn’t mean the start of your clean-up.

The joy of the meal and the ambivalence about the clean-up? Both are now greater, while the time for one (and the angst for the other), has diminished.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

We feel that anyone’s kitchen could benefit from the versatility and time-saving nature of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer with its countertop area maximised.

Pros

• Combines pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance.
• Efficient cooking, reducing energy usage and cooking time.
• Quiet operation with easy steam release.

Cons

• There's a learning curve for optimal use.
• Takes up considerable counter space.
• May not replace your oven for all baking needs.

After testing the Instant Pot Duo Crisp in our kitchen, we are grateful for the relief of not having to use multiple devices for multiple tasks. As an example, we pressure-cooked a chicken to tenderness in the Instant Pot before giving it a crispy golden finish using the air fryer for perfect broasting results.

All in all, we found the Instant Pot Duo Crisp to be the most capable of transforming the process of meal preparation. We’ve slashed certainly our meal prep time by at least half, saved energy by using just one device instead of multiple cooking appliances, and prevented kitchen cabinets from filling up again.

Full utilisation of the device will nevertheless necessitate some time investment so as to become acquainted with its multitude of functions. Ultimately, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a worthwhile multi-tool (albeit with a slight learning investment and a kitchen-space commitment) that cooks with speed and excellent results.

Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS

Photo by Sarah FritschieWe rate the Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS a very good choice for its multi-cooker functions and user-friendly features that make it easy to cook and use.

Pros

• Exceptionally versatile, doubling as a pressure cooker, steamer, and even a yoghurt maker
• Has a quick-cool feature that reduces the length of the pressure release time, thereby shortening the whole process.
• Comes with safety enhancements and easy-to-clean design, making it a user-friendly kitchen companion

Cons

• For some, the learning curve would be steep, put off by the many features.
• Occupies a fair amount of counter space, which can be undesirable in cramped kitchens.
• The price point is higher compared to conventional cookware, reflecting its multi-functionality

Our two new Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS have been transformative in our experience. It is easy to think of it as either a pressure cooker, a multi-cooker, or a contraption that happens to do several things, but that would be limiting.

To me, this appliance is a member of your kitchen team, one that can sauté vegetables in under five minutes or cook a whole chicken in 20. Its self-sealing lid helps to reduce fuss and clean-up, an important feature when it comes to pressure cooking.

Cleaning is straightforward, the stainless steel pot happily slides into the dishwasher, and if we want to get a bit more innovative, the sous vide setting is a joy to experiment with, providing gourmet meals that have impressed our visitors on more than one occasion.

All in all, the Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS has become an indispensable part of our kitchen. While the bigger price tag might be a bit of a turn-off for some, we believe it is well worth the convenience and efficiency it provides.

COSORI Multi Cooker

Pressure cookers, such as this COSORI Pressure Cooker, can be very useful in the kitchen, and are a great investment for anyone who wants to make cooking easy and get a variety of meals without the need to use several appliances.

Pros

• Drastically reduces cooking time
• Highly versatile with 9-in-1 functionality
• Straightforward cleaning due to dishwasher-safe components

Cons

• Takes up considerable counter space
• Initial learning curve for pressure cooking novices
• Lid's steam release could be intimidating for some users

Our experience with the COSORI Pressure Cooker has been largely positive. It replaced many other appliances we used to keep in the kitchen, leaving it with more space. Cooking a wide range of foods became easier with a plethora of pre-set programmes.

Meat turned out delicious and juicy, and even rice came out perfectly. The recipe book that came with this cooker, and a great number of recipes available online, largely contributed to richer variety of dishes we cooked. Following dinner, it was time to clean up, a surprisingly easy process.

The stainless steel parts wiped down to shine and free of fingerprints and the steamer basket and the steam rack went right in the dishwasher. The most important lesson to learn with this cooker is how carefully to release the steam; although the design is very safe, it still appears daunting the first couple of times you do it. All in all, the COSORI Pressure Cooker has earned a place as a permanent counter-top fixture in our kitchen.

Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1

You need the Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 in your kitchen NOW to make meal prep even easier with its multiple features.

Pros

• Reduces energy consumption
• Intuitive Smart Cook system
• Ample cooking space

Cons

• Bulky and heavy
• User interface takes time to master
• Can be loud during operation

I’ve recently had the Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 Multi-Cooker (ie, 15 cooking functions) to review, and it proved a great cooker and money saver, with an ability to cram in many lion’s share as I tried it out for the whole family.

Above all, as the design is compact, stylish and has a thermal sealing system, the appliance is energy saving. For instance, we are currently in the phase of long spring daylight and can for sure notice when cooking for long durations, a halving of electricity rates. This works for delicious slow cook flavours and also television cordiality with the family. Most importantly, while there might be plenty on offer in terms of cooking functions for the quick and the slow, the Ninja still makes sure everything is cooked or roasted to perfection with its Smart Cook system, which removes guesswork with the digital probe after accurate calibration.

But this is no meek appliance that’s going to slip quietly beneath your kitchen counter: it is a hefty beast that won’t be ignored when it comes to storing away, and the touch controls and extensive array of functions, though comprehensive, will definitely take time to get your head around. You’ve been warned! To be clear, this is not a silent device (although it is fairly quiet).

Air frying is loud, but nothing here is going to test your sanity. Compared with the results you get in such little time, this is a small trade-off to make. Despite its size, there is nothing lazy about this device. In terms of speed, economy, and results, it’s hard not to see this multi-cooker becoming the centre of your kitchen experiments.

Buying Guide

Understanding Product Specifications

When we choose an Instant Pot, specific features define the product's utility:

Size: This is about volume, from 3 litres (single or couple) to 8 litres (larger family). Power: the wattage affects cooking time. Most models have between 700 and 1200 watts. Material: We like stainless steel inner pots because they are tough and easy to clean.
• Presets:
The number of preset programmes tells how versatile the appliance is.

Essential Features to Consider

We focus on several vital features:

*Low Pressure*: a decent Instant Pot will let you select between high and low pressure.
• Safety Mechanisms: Features like lid locks and pressure release ensure our safety.
• Interface: We look for clear displays and intuitive controls.
• Accessories: We check for included extras like steam racks or measuring cups.

Performance and Convenience

Beyond basic features, we assess:

• Heat Distribution: Even cooking is crucial for meal quality.
‘Low effort’ = easy cleaning: pots with non-stick coating or dishwasher-safe parts. Li: Warranty: we want a minimum of one year’s warranty so that we can have a piece of mind.

And from that evaluation, we derive the attributes of the Instant Pot that best fits our cooking wants and needs.