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Before settling on an Instant Pot or multicooker, there are several considerations to make in terms of size, price, functionality and cooking programs.
Consider the features and programs
Food-specific modes and options will make all the difference when it comes to choosing the best Instant Pot for your cooking needs. If you want to venture into making your own yogurt, or if you like hard-boiled eggs, it’s worth paying a little more for an Instant Pot model that can do these things.
Choose the right Instant Pot size
When it comes to choosing the right size, Instant Pot recommends a 3-quart model for one or two people. Families of six or less will likely be happy with the 6-quart multicooker. If you have a large family or host large groups often, consider springing for an 8-quart model.
Price and value
You can find multicookers and Instant Pots for hundreds of dollars, but even budget-friendly models do most of what you ask of an Instant Pot and do it well. The more expensive models may include more cooking programs, friendlier release valves or a more elegant exterior, but how you cook in pressure, slow or steam doesn’t change much even when you jump in price.
If you are not sure which model will be the best Instant Pot for your kitchen, take a look Instant Pot product comparison chart or his guide choosing the right cooker. At the end of the day, all of these models offer the basic pressure cooking and slow cooking modes the Instant Pot is known for performing so well.
Other multicooker brands to consider
There are also options from other brands. We reviewed a large Wi-Fi Multicooker from ChefIQfor example. It does more than the Wi-Fi model of the Instant Pot and comes with a built-in scale, a non-stick pot and a handy iOS or Android app. It costs $200, so if you’re not ready to graduate to a high-end model, Instant Pot’s more affordable options are great for beginners. Ninja also makes several multicookers that performed well in our testing. U Ninja Foodi 6.5 quarts with SmartLid (out of stock) and is just one of many options from the brand’s expansive line.
