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While Instant Pot is just one brand of electric pressure cooker, it has become practically synonymous with the appliance. The company offers a lineup of over a dozen easy-to-use products that go far beyond pressure cooking: They can slow-cook, steam, sauté, make rice and more (some can even air-fry!). Recipes that use the Instant Pot churn out hearty cuts of meat, creamy risotto and rich soups faster and more easily than traditional cooking methods. But which is the best Instant Pot to buy?
To answer that question, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab put the latest Instant Pot models to the test. Since 2010, we have tested over 50 different pressure cookers, multicookers and slow cookers, including many different Instant Pots. We evaluate these multicookers for how well they pressure cook and slow cook a standard beef stew recipe, especially compared to traditional slow cookers like the Crock Pot. We evaluate their ability to evenly brown meat and make rice, and we assess their ease of use, testing how easy the machines are to program and whether or not the controls are intuitive.
Our top picks:
Best Instant Pot with Air Fryer
Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
Read more
Read more about how we evaluate Instant Pots and other multicookers in our Lab — and learn how to shop for your appliance — at the end of this guide. We also address some of the most frequently asked questions about Instant Pots.
Pros
- Additional settings including cake
- Large, easy-to-read display
Cons
- More expensive than the Duo
The Instant Pot Duo may be the brand’s overall best-seller (more on why below), but we selected the upgraded Instant Pot Duo Plus as our top pick. It offers everything that the best-selling Duo does — and then some — without much additional cost. In addition to the settings offered by the basic Duo, this souped-up model also has settings for more delicate foods like cakes and eggs.
Another key feature of the Duo Plus is the upgraded display: It’s bigger and has brighter LED backlighting than the Duo. So if you ever find yourself straining to see the readouts on your appliances, this model is a great choice.
The Duo Plus also lets you edit the cooking time and pressure level while the machine's in use (versus the Duo, which forces you to cancel the cooking program to change settings). It also gives you the option to silence its alarms. Other conveniences include a “whisper quiet” steam release (in our tests, they all make some noise), an anti-spin design that claims to prevent the inner pot from moving around while you're sautéing and 25 customizable smart programs with step-by-step instructions to help guide beginners through a variety of recipes.
| Functions | Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer and food warmer |
|---|---|
| Pressure levels | High and low |
| Pre-programmed settings | 25 |
| Sizes available | 6- and 8-qt models |
| Dishwasher safe | Lid, inner pot and accessories |
Pros
- Top performer in our Lab's rice test
- Detachable cord
Cons
- Took a long time to release pressure naturally
The Duo offers all of the original Instant Pot features — pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer — with an extra setting for making homemade yogurt. It comes in 3-quart, 6-quart (shown) and 8-quart options. The inner pot is made of stainless steel with, according to the manufacturer, a three-ply bottom for even heat distribution.
It also features a Delay Start option and a Keep Warm function. There are two pressure cook settings (low and high), so you’ll have more control over the cooking of delicate foods like soups and lentils, which may ultimately prevent them from overcooking into mushy oblivion. In our tests, the Duo was one of the only models that made rice that was well-cooked and tender rather than mushy.
Another reason we love the Duo is that, despite the lower price point, you get all of the same great user-friendly features other machines have, like a large top handle that makes opening and closing it quick and easy and extra slots on both sides that can be used to prop up the lid when it's not in use. It also has a detachable cord, which you'll love if you're planning to store your cooker in a tight cabinet. The one downside is that it did take a long time for the pressure to release naturally.
| Functions | Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer |
|---|---|
| Pressure levels | High and low |
| Pre-programmed settings | 13 |
| Sizes available | 3-, 6- and 8-qt models |
| Dishwasher safe | Lid, inner pot and accessories |
Pros
- Roomy design allows large batches and big cuts of meat
- Shorter height than other Instant Pots
Cons
- The shallow depth could limit some foods
The Rio Wide is one of Instant's newest models. It features a broader, shorter, shallower design that makes it ideal for larger batches (particularly the 7-quart model, though it's also available in a 6-quart version). It offers pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, rice, yogurt and keep warm. And there are 13 smart settings for rice, soup, chicken, egg and more.
It made a great stew in our Lab tests: tender meat and very flavorful broth. We like the amount of surface area in the pot — the brand claims it's more cooking area than a 12-inch skillet — which will allow you to brown and then cook larger cuts of meat. (The company says it can accommodate a 5-lb chicken and three racks of ribs.) It's also great for larger batches of beans, grains or hard-boiled eggs, if you like to meal prep or have a big family or friend group. We were also pleased with the rice: It was cooked well, and it didn't stick to the pot.
| Functions | Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yogurt, steam, sauté and keep warm |
|---|---|
| Pressure levels | Low, medium, high |
| Pre-programmed settings | 13 |
| Sizes available | 6- and 7.5-qt models |
| Dishwasher safe | Cooking pot and lid (top rack) |
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4
Best Instant Pot with Air Fryer
Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
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Pros
- Simple to switch to air frying mode
- Easy-to-read LCD display
Cons
- Pricier than other models
You can streamline the appliances on your countertop with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate, which combines an air fryer with an Instant Pot. While it may be one of the most expensive models on our list, it’s certainly the most functional (and likely cheaper than buying two separate appliances).
This 6.5-quart model works 13 different ways: as a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, dehydrator, yogurt maker, sous vide and bread proofer.
Switching between the two primary functions is seamless: Pressure cook your ingredients, take out the lid's inner stainless steel cover to reveal the air frying unit, then air fry your food. What’s more, the appliance offers step-by-step cooking instructions on a large LCD display to eliminate guesswork. Cleaning is easy too: We like that the protective inner cover keeps the air frying element clean and safe from splashes during pressure cooking and is removable for cleaning in the dishwasher.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Is Worth It
| Functions | Air fryer, pressure cooker, sauté, slow cook, steam, warm, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, yogurt, sous vide and bread proofing |
|---|---|
| Pressure levels | High and low |
| Pre-programmed settings | 12 |
| Sizes available | 6.5 qt |
| Dishwasher safe | Cooking pot, steaming/air frying rack and inner pressure cooking cover |
Pros
- Program settings and release steam via the app
- Gives you access to more than 800 recipes
Cons
- Stew meat was not the most moist in our test
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is a fully connected multicooker that can be controlled wirelessly via a compatible smartphone app. You’ll get access to a robust catalog of more than 800 recipes; just select the one you want and then follow on-screen prompts to walk through the entire process from start to finish. You can also release steam via the app or program a quick or delayed steam release at the end of a cooking program. You can choose from natural steam release, quick release (a blast of steam) or pulse (which meters out the steam to land somewhere between natural release and quick).
This model includes a second silicone sealing ring, which is nice for swapping out when cooking very aromatic foods. The inner pot included in this model is a step above the more basic Instant Pot Duo too. It has handles, which make it easier to lift, carry and pour from, and it’s stovetop-safe and induction-compatible, plus dishwasher-safe for quicker cleanup. (The pressure cooking rack and pressure-cooking lid are also dishwasher-safe.)
We were also impressed with the rice in our Lab test. We've found rice can be challenging with some Instant Pots, but the Pro Plus produced grains that were cooked very nicely and didn't stick to the pot. We did find the meat in our stew was a bit drier than with some of the other models in our test.
| Functions | Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide and NutriBoost |
|---|---|
| Pressure levels | Max, high and low |
| Pre-programmed settings | 10 |
| Sizes available | 6 qts |
| Dishwasher safe | Lid, inner pot and pressure cooking rack |
What is an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is a multicooker from the Instant Brands company. The company sells over a dozen models with varying capabilities, but the main function of them all is pressure cooking. The air-tight environment of a pressure cooker subjects food to high-temperature steam, which cooks almost everything in significantly less time than stovetop or oven-based methods. For example, pork shoulder cooks in 40 minutes instead of 4 hours, chicken soup can be made in about 30 minutes and dried beans can be prepared from start to finish on a weeknight (no soaking required!). An Instant Pot also makes pressure cooking much easier and safer: They're a huge improvement over the hissing stovetop pots of centuries past. Simply plug them in, click a few buttons and you're cooking.
How we test the best Instant Pots
When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab assess multicookers, including Instant Pots, we check overall functionality by filling the device with water to ⅔ capacity, then activating the high setting and setting a timer. We watch and listen — once the cooker comes to pressure, we note the time. Then, we maintain pressure for 15 minutes and release the pressure, timing how long it takes for the pressure to drop.
Next, we get cooking. We mix all of the ingredients for beef stew in the pressure cooker, record how long the pot takes to come to pressure, cook for 20 minutes and record how long the pot takes to release pressure. Then, we evaluate the final product: Is the beef tender? How were the veggies cooked? What’s the overall flavor like?
Finally, we prepare a batch of rice in each device, cooking via the Rice setting or according to the manufacturer's instructions. We then evaluate the rice: What’s the texture like? Did any rice stick to the bottom of the cooker?
We also consider ease of use, evaluating each product for how intuitive and clear the controls are, how many settings are offered, how simple cleaning is and the clarity of the owner's manual. If applicable, we assess the smart phone app for ease of use and capabilities.
What to consider when shopping for an Instant Pot
✔️ Control panel: All Instant Pots have relatively large control panels, which is helpful given how multi-functional these appliances are. But while they’re all rather comprehensive, the more sophisticated models offer sleeker control panels that include features like a dial to click through varying cooking functions and added guidance like “OK to open lid.”
✔️ Cooking pot: Though all Instant Pots have a stainless-steel (18/8) inner pot with a tri-ply bottom for sautéing, more advanced models have additional benefits. The Instant Pot Pro comes with an added layer of extra-thick 3.5mm aluminum for faster, more efficient heating, while the Instant Pot Pro Plus has an inner pot that includes handles and is stovetop-safe and induction-compatible.
✔️ Pressure levels: Some models have only one pressure option: high. Others have two settings to choose from: high and low. And still others have a “max” pressure level. High is perfectly suitable for most recipes, while low is good for slower cooking or foods you want to make more tender over a longer period, like beef stew, or delicate items, like rice, fish and even cakes. Machines with the extra-high pressure level will yield the fastest results and also excel at making a delicious, concentrated bone broth.
✔️ Functions: While all Instant Pots are multicookers with impressive functionality, the breadth of function depends on which model you select. Some do the more basic tasks — pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, etc. — while others have even more impressive cooking prowess doubling as sous vide, air fry and/or dehydrating machines.
✔️ Size: There are three different sizes of Instant Pot: 3-quarts, 6-quarts and 8-quarts. The most popular — and the one favored by our Lab and test kitchen pros — is the 6-quart option. It’s big enough for a decently-sized batch of stew or protein, but it won’t overtake your counter.
Which Instant Pot is the best?
The best Instant Pot is the one that has all of the features you need. The brand currently manufactures many models with three different lines with varying features and functionality: the Duo, the Rio and the Pro. In general, the Instant Pot Duo seems to be the most popular, because it offers excellent value — it’s the most affordable model but still cooks seven ways and has basic, intuitive controls. The Duo also offers the Duo Crisp model that can also air fry.
The Instant Pot Rio is the newest model, featuring a modern design and more cooking area compared to the Duo Plus. We were pleased with the Wide model from the Rio line. The Pro models tend to be more advanced, including the Plus, with a smartphone app.
What's the best size Instant Pot?
Our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab evaluates 6-quart models because we think it's the most practical option. It’s big enough for a decent-size batch of chicken soup or chili, but it doesn’t hog too much counter space. That being said, an 8-quart model is great for large families or for those who love to meal prep.
How do you clean an Instant Pot?
Wash all removable parts, such as the inner cooking pot (which is usually dishwasher-safe), steam release valve and sealing ring, with soap and warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush to get into all the crevices. If your Instant Pot has a condensation collector, empty and rinse it after every use. Clean the exterior and control panel with a soft, barely damp cloth, then wipe down the power cord.
Looking for a deep clean? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to clean an Instant Pot.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou, the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, has been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013. She originally wrote this story and oversaw GH's most recent round of testing of multicooker testing.
Samantha MacAvoy is the Assistant Food Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she has tested and tasted dozens of Instant Pot recipes and conducted several kitchen appliance reviews, including latte machines, knife sharpeners, dinnerware sets and more.
Nicole Papantoniou
Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Samantha MacAvoy
Assistant Editor
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
Tested bySarah Gregory Wharton
Deputy Editor, Testing & Research
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
