The Best Instant Pots of 2023: 6 Multi Cooker Review

Wondering which Instant Pot is best for you? One of the most popular kitchen gadgets on the market today is the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is a cooking device that offers you numerous methods to cook your food.

Instant Pots have become a staple in many kitchens. They are a versatile and convenient appliance that can help make cooking easier and more enjoyable. An Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that combines several cooking functions into one device, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming.

Multi-cookers are also known as instant pot.  For the health conscious, cooking at home is an important part of their lifestyle. The best multi-cookers are multi-purpose, offering other cooking options such as steaming, sautéing and even air frying.

An instant pot is a more efficient way of cooking than using a stove or oven. All you have to do is fill up your pot with ingredients, close the pot with the lid, set it on one of the pre-programmed settings, and walk away. The multi-cooker notify you when your meal is ready. This equipment can function as a slow cooker, rice cooker, soup maker, yogurt maker, cake baker and more. 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of owning an Instant Pot and help you find the best Instant Pot for your needs.

What is an Instant Pot?

A multi-cooker sometimes referred to as an instant pot, is the most desirable kitchen appliance to own at the moment. With them, you can make a flavorful Thai soup or your favourite spicy beef in half the time you would come with a standard pressure cooker.

The finest multi-cookers are multi-purpose, offering multiple cooking options starting from steaming to sautéing, and yes, even air frying. 

Types of Instant Pots

There are several types of Instant Pots on the market, each with different features and functions.

Basic models are great for those who want a simple and easy-to-use Instant Pot, while advanced models offer more cooking options and features.

A. Basic Instant Pot models The Instant Pot Duo is a popular basic model that offers seven cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, yogurt making, and warming. It comes in different sizes and is easy to use, making it a great option for beginners.

B. Advanced Instant Pot models The Instant Pot Ultra is an advanced model that offers ten cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, yogurt making, warming, sterilizing, cake making, and egg cooking. It also has a large, easy-to-use LCD screen and a customizable cooking program, making it a great option for experienced cooks.

What should you consider when buying an Instant Pot?

Consider your specific needs and the serving sizes you will be cooking before purchasing an Instant Pot. A 6-quart pot is sufficient for a family of four, but an 8-quart pool will probably suffice for larger families. In addition, 3-quart pots can be used to prepare side dishes for one or two people.

We have listed down six favourite Multi-Cookers for you to choose from:

• Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
• Instant Pot Smart WiFi
• Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
• Pro Plus Smart 6-Quart
• Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
• Chef iQ Smart Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

It's no wonder that the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is the company's most popular series. It is super easy to use and features seven cooking functions: pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté, warmer, and yogurt maker, making it even better. Additionally, it's the most affordable model with yogurt and poultry programs and the option of pressure cooking on high or low. Duos are available in three sizes: 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart. 

Product Description:

Power: 1000 W

Capacity: 3/6/8 Quart

Dimensions (inches): 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5

Weight:11.8 lb / 5.4 kg

Things we love:

i) Cooking presets in Smart Program make it easy to "set it and forget it," 

ii) An inner pot with a durable 3-layer stainless steel bottom eliminates the health concerns associated with nonstick coatings

iii) Duo can do everything seven other appliances can: pressure cooker, steamer, rice cooker, sauté pan, food warmer, slow cooker and yoghurt maker. 

iv) Uncompromised safety and peace of mind with the highest safety standards and UL certification.

Things to consider:

i) No setting to sterilize eggs or bake cakes.

ii) The pressure builds up over eight to ten minutes

Instant Pot Smart WiFi

Using the Instant Pot control panel app on your phone, you can monitor and customize Instant Pot recipes, as well as receive notifications from your cooker remotely. Alexa and Google Assistant are also available for controlling Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi. You should note that this model is only available in a 6-quart size, so if that's not a suitable fit for you, this may not be the best Instant Pot for you. 

Product Description:

Power: 1000 W

Capacity: 6 Quart

Dimensions (inches): 12.5 x 12.2 x 13.2

Weight: 11 lb

Things we love:

i) Allows you to start and monitor cooking from your smartphone.

ii) Integrated with Google Assistant.

iii) More than 750 preprogrammed recipes

Things to consider:

i) An expensive WiFi plan.

ii) Limited flexibility and control with the app

Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot's Duo electric pressure cooker is one of the most popular and user-friendly models available. The lid twists on with a chime sound and digital push buttons, so it's easy to operate. Our selection is the six-quart size, but it's also available in a miniature version of three quarts and a large version of eight quarts. It can be used to make yoghurt, bake a cake, steam rice, and more. And it's effortless to use. You can find hundreds of recipes for ideas by downloading the Instant Pot app. 

Product Description:

Power: 1000 W

Capacity: 6 Quart

Dimensions (inches): 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5

Weight: 12.35 lb

Things we love:

i)The digital display allows for enhanced versatility.

ii)Very intuitive.

iii) It is also available in a three-quart mini version and an eight-quart large version. So whether you're planning to take it to your college dorm or a family gathering, it's a perfect fit!

Things to consider:

i) This electric pressure cooker has a slow cook function, but it cannot be used as a slow cooker. Instant Pot Duo - the problem with a slow cooker in this cooker is that the heat does not spread around as much in a slow cooker, so the bottom gets hit more during a slow cook. Eventually, the food burns or sticks to the bottom of the cooker as the heat increases.

ii) Even after the food has been cooked, the smell of the cooked food lingers. It is, therefore, necessary to wash the cooker each day. This is due to the metal inside.

Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart 6-Quart

This one is going to blow you away because guess what? Because of its compatibility with mobile apps and wifi, you can practically cook from your phone. You'll never run out of dinner ideas with this app, which has over 800 recipes. The Pro version promises 20% faster preheating and up to 70% more quickly cooking.  

Product Description: 

Power: 1200 W

Capacity: 6 Quarts

Dimensions (inches): 13.3 x 13 x 12.7 

Weight: 15.8 lb

Things we love:

i) Easy to read control panel with large font. 

ii) A pressure indicator light shows that the lid is locked in place and cannot be removed. 

iii) It's conducive to having progress bars for the Pre-heating and Cooking modes.

Things to consider:

i) Those who have owned a previous model with a knob may have difficulty figuring out whether to use the knob or to touch the screen. At first, the touchscreen/knob combination may seem confusing. 

Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer

Ninja's multi-cooker stands out from the competition for its ability to crisp food as well. Cooking food in a pressure cooker retains the tenderness and moistness of food while retaining the speed of cooking. Even so, sometimes a delicious crispy crust makes all the difference, especially if you're roasting a chicken. To do this, all you have to do is cook the food item in the Ninja while swapping out the lid with the air-fryer attachment to give the food item a browned or crisped crust. The Ninja air fryer lid is one of the tops, making it a good deal!

Product Description:

Power: 1,760 W

Capacity: 8 Quart

Dimensions (inches): 16.1 x 14.57 x 14.2 

Weight: 33.4 lb

Things we love:

i) Food can be roasted and crisped using an air fryer lid attachment

ii) large enough to accommodate a 7-pound chicken

iii) The set includes a nonstick inner pot and basket that are dishwasher safe

Things to consider:

i) Most high-priced in our list

ii) The power consumption is high (1,760 watts)

Chef iQ Smart Pressure Cooker

CHEF iQ is the right multi-cooker for people who don't want to think about cooking. Home cooks who are determined to master the art of pressure cooking will benefit most from this model. You can monitor your cooking after setting it remotely and access advice on the dish you'd like to prepare using the app on your smartphone. The app automatically selects the cooking time and temperature based on the food item you want to cook. A new recipe and video are added each week to teach you how to use the multi-cooker. Having watched just a few of the well-produced how-tos, you'll be a multi-cooker chef in no time.

Product Description:

Power: 1000 W

Capacity: 6 Quarts

Dimensions (inches): 13 x 13 x 13

Weight: 10 lb

Things we love:

i) More than 600 recipes and how-to videos are available in the app every week, and more are being added all the time

ii) Scale built-in

iii) Based on the ingredients or food you enter, the CHEF iQ app provides a cooking time and temperature setting

Things to consider:

i) Some cooks may find it too complex

ii) For best results, the app needs to be downloaded to a smartphone and a WiFi network at home

Features to Look for When Buying an Instant Pot

When choosing an Instant Pot, there are several features to consider:

A. Size and capacity Instant Pots come in different sizes, from 3-quart to 10-quart, and it's important to choose a size that fits your needs.

B. Cooking functions Consider the cooking functions you need, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, or steaming.

C. Safety features Look for safety features such as pressure release valves, lid safety locks, and automatic shut-off.

D. Ease of use and cleaning Choose an Instant Pot that is easy to use and clean, with simple controls

E. Safety Features The Instant Pot should come equipped with some safety features such as automatic pressure control, overheat protection, and safety lid lock. These features prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe while cooking.

F. Price The price of the Instant Pot is another important factor to consider. You can find Instant Pots at different price points. Some Instant Pots can be expensive, while others can be affordable. Consider your budget before choosing the best Instant Pot for your needs.

G. Warranty and Customer Support Before purchasing an Instant Pot, make sure to check the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. This will ensure that you have a hassle-free experience in case of any issues with the product.

H. Accessories Instant Pots come with a variety of accessories such as steam racks, trivets, and cooking utensils. Some models even come with additional accessories such as silicone mitts and egg racks. Consider the accessories that come with the Instant Pot before making a purchase.

I. Brand Reputation Finally, it's important to consider the brand reputation before choosing the best Instant Pot. Look for brands with a good reputation in the market and check out customer reviews and ratings to ensure you are purchasing a quality product.

Is an Instant Pot Really Worth Buying?

The Instant Pot is well worth the investment: it will save you space in your kitchen, minimize your dishes, and allow us to cook meals quickly with less planning and preparation.

Some people, however, may not find it worth the investment.

The odds are, if you prefer to cook almost exclusively in the oven or on the barbecue and don't use a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, or any of the other appliances, an Instant Pot replaces, that Instant Pot will languish on your shelf.

For most people, that is not the case. When you imagine all the great, delicious foods you can enjoy with an Instant Pot, you should consider getting one today.