You have to buy an Instant Pot. Have you tried the Instant Pot?
We can’t keep track of how many of our friends and coworkers have told us that we need an Instant Pot for our kitchen.
Multi-cookers have arrived and they are here to stay.
While there are now many multi-cooker options, Instant Pot is the brand that kicked everything off and has consistently been held as the best multi-cooker on the market.
Is it worth the hype though? And which Instant Pot model is right for you?
What Is An Instant Pot?
Instant Pots are all the rage, but not everyone knows what they are.
The Instant Pot may look like a pressure cooker, but it is so much more. Not only can it pressure cook, but it can also saute, slow cook, and make yogurt, just to name a few of its abilities.
Depending on the model, Instant Pot offers up to 11 different functions all in 1 unit.
Essentially, the Instant Pot is the Swiss Army Knife of small kitchen appliances. One pot and you have almost every cooking method covered.
Also, you may be surprised to find out that there isn’t just one Instant Pot.
Instant Pot is actually the brand name. While they make other appliances like blenders, their focus is on the 9 different multi-cooker models they make.
That’s right – 9 different Instant Pot models to choose from.
Which Model To Choose?
It can be overwhelming to look over the list of Instant Pot models.
To make things simpler, the Instant Pot multi-cookers are broken down into 4 series (from least expensive to most expensive):
- Lux
- Duo
- Duo Plus
- Ultra
Lux Series
The Lux models are the entry level Instant Pots.
While they are available in the same sizes as the other models (3, 6, and 8 quarts), they are limited in their features.
The Lux Instant Pot can act as a:
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Saute
- Warmer
They also only offer 12 preset cooking programs and can keep food warm for up to 10 hours.
Why You Should Consider The Lux
The Lux Instant Pots are perfect if you don’t need all of the extra frills of the higher end, costlier models.
For an affordable price you can get an Instant Pot that does everything that made consumers fall in love with Instant Pot in the first place.
Duo and Duo Plus Series
The Duo and Duo Plus models take the Instant Pot to the next level by adding in several handy features.
The Duo adds two additional cooking programs while the Duo Plus is programmed with 15 different cooking programs and a 6 hour pressure cook time. They both also offer yogurt making capabilities, a feature not found in the Lux.
Why You Should Consider The Duo
The Duo is Instant Pot’s best selling model for a reason.
Considered a mid-range option, the Duo strikes a fine balance between affordability and features. Throw in users’ praise for its durability and you have a crowd favorite.
Ultra Series
Do you plan on using your Instant Pot for everything? Or do you need the best for your kitchen?
The Ultra series boasts 10 cooking functions in 1 pot:
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Saute
- Warmer
- Yogurt maker
- Egg cooker
- Sterilizer
- Cake maker.
If that’s not enough, it offers 16 different pre-programmed cook settings, as well as an upgraded screen and stainless steel control dial.
Why You Should Consider The Ultra
The Ultra takes everything and turns it to 11. We’ve yet to meet anyone that has used all 10 functions but it is nice to know that they are there.
The real selling point on the Ultra series though is its look and feel. It screams quality, and has the features to back it up.
Real Instant Pot User Reviews
From our prior comparison of the Instant Pot to the Aroma Rice Cooker, we’ve heard from several of our readers as to their thoughts on the Instant Pot.
For this article, we’ve also reached out to Instant Pot buyers on social media and various forums for their thoughts.
“I’m kind of obsessed with the Instant Pot. I bought the 8 quart model and it very quickly found a permanent spot on my kitchen counter. The biggest thing for me was finding Instant Pot specific recipes. It just makes dinners so easy.”
…
“Pressure cookers always kinda scared me…can’t they blow up? But the instant pot won me over. It has already replaced my slow cooker.”
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“A+ Instant Pot is where it’s at. You should definitely write a review on it.”
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“After researching several cookers, I bought this to cook rice. It takes about 12 minutes to cook and is perfect with the push of a button. I haven’t messed around too much with its other features but it was a good purchase for the money.”
Final Verdict: You Should Buy An Instant Pot
You should BUY an Instant Pot!
As far as small kitchen appliances go, the Instant Pot was as heavily hyped as it gets. It wasn’t possible to look on anyone’s list of best appliances without seeing the Instant Pot.
Does it live up to the hype?
It depends.
If you are interested in learning how each of its features work and are willing to put the time in to make them work with your daily cooking, the Instant Pot is the Swiss Army Knife of kitchen appliances that just can’t be beat.
However, even if you aren’t interested in using all of its features, it is still super handy, and excels at the basics such as pressure cooking and slow cooking.
With various models and price points available, there is an Instant Pot almost for everyone.
