Top 5 Best Instant Pot Reviews for 2026
If you’ve ever dreamed of whipping up a hearty stew, perfectly fluffy rice, or a decadent cheesecake with just a press of a button, the Instant Pot is your kitchen’s new superhero. But with so many models on the market, choosing the right one can feel like a culinary gamble. Fear not—our hand‑picked roundup of the top 5 best Instant Pot reviews cuts through the noise, spotlighting
5. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1 Multicooker is the ultimate kitchen workhorse for busy families and culinary explorers alike. With nine distinct cooking functions—pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sous‑vide, steam, sterilize, keep warm, rice maker, and yogurt maker—you can replace a whole cabinet of appliances with a single sleek unit. The 15 one‑touch Smart Programs let you launch everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes with a single tap, while the easy‑read display shows real‑time cooking time, temperature, and pressure so you always know what’s happening inside.
Built for durability, the inner pot is forged from 18/8 stainless steel with an anti‑spin, tri‑ply bottom that delivers professional‑grade searing and even heat distribution. The 6‑quart capacity feeds up to six servings, making it perfect for meal‑prep, batch cooking, or family dinners. Cleanup is a breeze: the lid and inner pot are dishwasher‑safe, and the package includes two extra sealing rings and a stainless‑steel steam rack. Safety is front‑and‑center with over 10 built‑in mechanisms, an Easy‑Release steam switch, and a secure lid lock, all backed by UL and ULC listings.
Pros
- All‑in‑one versatility eliminates the need for multiple appliances.
- Pro‑grade stainless steel pot ensures excellent searing and even cooking.
- Smart programs & intuitive display make complex recipes simple and stress‑free.
Cons
- The 6‑quart size may be too large for single‑person households or very small kitchens.
- The learning curve for mastering all nine functions can be a bit steep for first‑time users.
4. Instant Pot Pro 8 QT 10-in-1 Cooker
The Instant Pot Pro (8 qt) is the ultimate kitchen workhorse, combining ten versatile cooking functions—pressure cooking, slow cooking, sous‑vide, sauté, sterilizing, yogurt making, rice/grain cooking, baking, steaming, and warming—into one sleek black appliance. Its 28 one‑touch smart programs let you tackle everything from a quick weeknight stir‑fry to a perfectly set batch of homemade yogurt, while the 1400 W, UL‑listed motor preheats 20 % faster and can cut cooking time up to 70 % compared with traditional slow‑cook methods. The generous 8‑quart inner pot feeds up to eight servings, making it ideal for families, meal‑prep enthusiasts, and batch‑cooking projects. Cleanup is a breeze: both the stainless‑steel inner pot and the lid are dishwasher‑safe, and the included extra sealing ring and stainless‑steel steamer with handles keep you ready for any recipe. Safety isn’t an afterthought—easy‑grip handles, over‑heat protection, an auto‑sealing lid lock, and a gentle steam‑release switch give you confidence every time you press start.
Pros
- All‑in‑One versatility – ten cooking modes replace a cabinet full of appliances.
- Speed & efficiency – preheats 20 % faster and cooks up to 70 % quicker than slow cooking.
- Family‑size capacity & easy cleanup – 8 qt pot fits large meals; dishwasher‑safe parts save time.
Cons
- Learning curve – 28 smart programs may feel overwhelming for first‑time users.
- Size – the 8‑qt unit requires ample countertop space, which could be an issue in smaller kitchens.
3. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 is the ultimate kitchen workhorse, merging pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice making, yogurt‑making, and warming into a single, stainless‑steel appliance. With 13 one‑touch smart programs, you can go from a hearty soup to a decadent cake with the push of a button, while the Easy‑Release steam switch guarantees fast, safe pressure release every time. Thanks to its 1200‑watt, 70 % faster cooking capability, meals that once took hours on the stove are ready in a fraction of the time. The 18/8 tri‑ply stainless steel inner pot sears and sautés like a pro, and the generous 8‑quart capacity feeds up to eight people—perfect for families, batch‑cooking, or entertaining. Cleanup is a breeze with a dishwasher‑safe lid and inner pot, and the included stainless‑steel steamer rack adds even more versatility. Plus, the companion app unlocks over 800 recipes, turning this pot into a smart, all‑in‑one culinary assistant.
Pros
- Versatile 7‑in‑1 functionality eliminates the need for multiple appliances.
- Rapid cooking (up to 70 % faster) saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Robust safety suite (10+ mechanisms) and easy‑release steam switch provide peace of mind.
Cons
- The 8‑quart size may be bulky for small kitchens or single‑serving meals.
- Learning curve for mastering all 13 programs and the app’s recipe library.
2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 Mini packs a full kitchen into a sleek 3‑quart stainless‑steel pot. With seven cooking functions—pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, and keep‑warm—you can go from a quick weekday stir‑fry to a slow‑cooked stew without swapping appliances. Its 11 one‑touch smart programs make it effortless to select the right setting, while the tri‑ply stainless‑steel inner pot delivers professional‑grade searing and even heat distribution. At 700 W, the Duo Mini cooks up to 70 % faster than traditional methods, saving you time and energy. Cleanup is a breeze: both the lid and inner pot are dishwasher‑safe, and a stainless‑steel steamer rack comes included for versatile steaming. Safety isn’t an afterthought—more than ten mechanisms protect against overheating, improper sealing, and pressure spikes, giving you peace of mind every time you press start. Plus, the free app unlocks over 1,900 recipes, turning this compact cooker into a culinary hub for any skill level.
Pros
- All‑in‑one versatility in a space‑saving 3‑quart size, ideal for singles, couples, or side dishes.
- Fast, efficient cooking—up to 70 % quicker than slow cooking—with professional‑grade sauté capability.
- Easy cleanup thanks to dishwasher‑safe components and an included steamer rack.
Cons
- The 3‑quart capacity may be too small for large families or big batch meals.
- No built‑in Wi‑Fi; recipe browsing requires the separate app on a phone or tablet.
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, 6 Quart
The Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 is the ultimate kitchen workhorse, blending pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice making, yogurt fermentation, and warming into a single, sleek stainless‑steel appliance. With a 6‑quart capacity, it handles up to six servings—perfect for family meals, batch‑prep, or entertaining. The 13 one‑touch smart programs let you tackle everything from hearty soups to delicate desserts, while the 1000‑Watt, UL‑listed power unit cooks up to 70 % faster than traditional slow‑cook methods. A tri‑ply stainless‑steel inner pot provides even heat distribution for professional‑grade searing, and the included stainless‑steel steamer rack expands your cooking options. Clean‑up is a breeze thanks to a dishwasher‑safe lid and inner pot, and the Easy‑Release steam switch offers quick, safe pressure release every time. Over 10 built‑in safety mechanisms—including overheat protection and a secure lid lock—give you peace of mind while you experiment.
Pros
- Versatile 7‑in‑1 functionality eliminates the need for multiple appliances.
- Fast, efficient cooking saves time and energy, especially with the 13 preset programs.
- Durable, pro‑grade construction (18/8 stainless steel, tri‑ply bottom) ensures even heating and long‑term reliability.
Cons
- The 6‑quart size may be limiting for very large gatherings or bulk meal prep.
- Learning the array of functions and settings can have a short learning curve for first‑time users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in the best Instant Pot reviews?
- Capacity – Choose the size (3‑qt, 6‑qt, 8‑qt) that fits your household.
- Functions & Programs – Count the preset cooking modes (pressure, slow‑cook, sauté, yogurt, etc.).
- Safety Features – Look for reviews that mention lid lock, pressure release mechanisms, and automatic shut‑off.
- Build Quality & Durability – Pay attention to comments on the inner pot material (stainless steel vs. non‑stick) and overall sturdiness.
- Price vs. Value – Compare the cost with the number of features and the length of the warranty.
- User Experience – Real‑world feedback on ease of use, cleaning, and the reliability of the digital display is crucial.
Which Instant Pot model consistently tops the “best of” lists?
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 8‑quart is frequently highlighted for its:
– 48 preset cooking programs (more than the classic Duo).
– Improved inner pot with easy‑to‑read markings.
– Upgraded steam release valve for faster pressure adjustments.
– Durable stainless‑steel inner pot that resists scratches.
Reviewers love its balance of versatility, user‑friendly interface, and solid construction, making it a go‑to recommendation for most
Conclusion
Choosing the right Instant Pot ultimately hinges on how well it aligns with your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Prioritize models that offer versatile pressure‑cooking functions, intuitive controls, and reliable safety features, while also weighing the importance of accessories and warranty support. Remember that a higher price point often brings added capacity and advanced presets, but many mid‑range options deliver comparable performance for everyday meals. By focusing on durability, ease of use, and the specific features you’ll actually employ, you can confidently select a pressure cooker that simplifies meal prep, expands your culinary repertoire, and delivers consistent results for years to come.