Updated 2023: The Best Instant Pot Buying Guide
Can’t figure out which Instant Pot to get? There’s SO MANY models and variations, it’s not surprising! Our 2023 Instant Pot Buying Guide will talk through the available options so you can feel confident choosing the Instant Pot size and model that’s right for you.
The first Instant Pot pressure cooker came out in 2012. Since then, it feels like Instant Pot has released a zillion new models (some with different versions), and all with slightly different features.
It can be really hard to keep track, even for me!
Let me take away the guess work and point you towards the best Instant Pot to buy for your situation with this Instant Pot Comparison and Buying Guide, completely updated as of July 2023.
Best Instant Pot for 2023
ALL-AROUND BEST INSTANT POT FOR 2023
My favorite model is still the Instant Pot Pro Pressure Cooker, for the third year in a row!
This is the third year where we’ve placed the Instant Pot Pro at the top of our recommendations. It’s still the first one I reach for when I’m pressure cooking at home! I love the button/dial combo and the ease of use.
Unlike the lower-tier Instant Pot models, the Pro offers:
- attached handles on the cooking pot, so you don’t need hot pads to remove the inner pot and the inner pot stays in place when sautéing
- cooking pot with a completely flat bottom, so it sautés more evenly than other Instant Pot models
- the large cooking pot can also be used on the stovetop
- a lid that features a steam release cover and a separate pressure release switch
- updated lid fins that sit closer to the rear of the machine
- larger digital display
- added customization for the presets and cooking function features
Read my full Instant Pot Pro Review or watch us use the Pro on YouTube.
BEST BANG-FOR-YOUR-BUCK
Instant Pot Duo Plus Whisper Quiet OR the Instant Pot Duo Nova
Both the Duo Plus Whisper Quiet and the Duo Nova hit a sweet spot of offering some of the newer, more convenient features without a high-end price.
Check out my Instant Pot Duo Plus Whisper Quiet review for details on why it’s a great mid-range option. I like the combination dot-matrix and LCD display, which provides text that indicates what’s going on in the pot. The redesigned lid is quieter (not actually as quiet as a whisper, though), and it has a lot of the high-demand buttons.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Nova Review or see it in action on YouTube.
With some of the deals being advertised, both the Nova and the Whisper Quiet are only slightly more expensive than the classic Duo. The improved auto-seal lid is *absolutely* worth the slightly higher sticker price.
BEST BUDGET MODEL 2023
Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Duo Gourmet, whichever is better priced when you’re ready to buy.
Honestly, there’s a reason the Instant Pot Duo is a best-seller. I absolutely still recommend the Instant Pot Duo, even with all of the newer models on the market. I’ve had mine for seven years and it’s still working just as well as the day I bought it.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Review or see our video review of the Duo.
The Instant Pot Duo has the yogurt button, adjustable pressure, and the saute function. It does not have a Sous Vide button.
If you really want the Sous Vide function, you can get it in the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Gourmet Review or watch our review video.
BEST AIR-FRYING PRESSURE COOKER
I prefer the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, but the Original Duo Crisp and the Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid might be a better choice for you if you have other features you’re looking for.
I gave the nod to the Pro Crisp because I prefer the pot, display, and redesigned pressure cooking lid of the Pro Crisp model. However, the Duo Crisp offers the same cook settings for pressure cooking and air frying at a lower price point.
If the yogurt button is a deal-breaker for you, the all-in-one Ultimate Lid is the only air frying pressure cooker that has that option. Keep in mind that the Ultimate Lid model is heavier than either the Duo Crisp or the Pro Crisp.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Crisp (original) or see our informal review on YouTube.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid review or see it in action on YouTube.
Watch our Pro Crisp Review on YouTube. The Pro Crisp has the flat-bottom, handled pot, redesigned lid, and easy-read display that the Instant Pot Pro has, just with the added benefit of an air-fryer lid.
Thoughts on other Instant Pot Models
Other Instant Pot models that we’ve reviewed but aren’t mentioned here include:
- Instant Pot Pro Plus: This model connects to your phone so that you can read more about what’s going on inside the pot. While this is convenient, I don’t love the full touch-screen display. But if you are shopping for a tech lover or see it for a great price, it could be a good choice for you.
- Instant Pot Max: This model can go up to 15psi, which can be used for canning under very strict conditions. However, I don’t love the pressure release system in this model, especially for cooking pasta.
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: This model has been discontinued and replaced with the Pro. I don’t love it because it can be a little buggy and can overheat in saute mode, and we had a problem with the float valve breaking.
- Instant Pot Ultra: This is an older model, and I don’t love the all-dial control. The Pro model, which uses a combination dial and button system, is much more user-friendly, in my opinion.
What Size of Instant Pot to Buy
Not sure how to choose an Instant Pot size for your circumstances? It can feel really intimidating!
The basic Instant Pot guidelines say that the 3-quart is good for 1 or 2 people, the 6-quart is for up to 6 people, and the 8-quart is for large families or big batches. I think this is a good starting point, but there are exceptions.
Most recipes online are written for 6-quart pressure cookers. You may need to add more liquid for some recipes with 8-quarts and larger. So if you feel really nervous about going off recipe, I’d recommend using a 6-quart.
Instant Pot accessories will also be easier to find in a 6-quart or 8-quart size.
Here are my size recommendations for some common scenarios:
Best for Singles or Couples
I’d recommend a 6-quart size if you like leftovers, cooking pot-in-pot (making the main dish and a side dish at the same time), or two-fer meals (e.g., cooking roast one night then cutting it into beef tips and gravy the next night).
If you don’t want leftovers, go for the 3-Quart Instant Pot.
Best for Small Families
If you’re cooking for two adults and one or two kids, the 6-quart Instant Pot will have everything you need.
If you’re a new parent, the Duo Plus has a sterilize button; however, you can sanitize in any Instant Pot with a steam setting. (Did you know we have a great cookbook for making baby food and toddler meals in your Instant Pot?)
Best for Big Families
The best size of Instant Pot for big families mostly depends on how you plan to use it! If you plan to cook big batches of dump-and-go meals, then I’d recommend an 8-quart Instant Pot or even the Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart.
However, if you typically cook a main dish and a side dish, you may be happier simply buying two 6-quart Instant Pots so you can cook both at the same time. Depending on what you’re cooking, the 6-quart will fit a double or triple batch.
Best for Meal Preppers
Seriously, so much food fits in the Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart. But until now meal preppers have been using the 8-quart without any problems.
Best for College Students
Instant Pot Duo 3-Quart Pressure Cooker.
Best for RVs (or Hotels)
Instant Pot 3-quart or 6-quart, depending on whether you want leftovers or not. (Note: Avoid using other appliances and air conditioners when using the Instant Pot in your RV. Also, check the wattage before you buy.)
Best for Tech Lovers
If you’ve always got your phone on you, the Instant Pot Pro Plus is a great option.
Best Two-in-One
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-quart Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer. If you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, this 8-quart is two great appliances in one.
If I were to buy just one in each size, I’d have a 3-quart Duo Mini, a 6-quart Pro Plus, and the 8-quart Pro Crisp.
Ranking the Different Instant Pot Models
While people may rate each of the Instant Pot models differently, this is how I like to think of them.
High-End: Pro (completely redesigned giving cooks lots of customization), Pro Plus (everything the Pro offers, plus Wi-Fi and canning)
Specialty: Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp or Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid (air frying), Duo Max (15 psi + canning*), Smart Wifi (connected cooking)
Upgrade 2: Duo Plus, Duo SV (as of late 2019, both models offer sous vide setting, LCD screen, and auto-seal lid)
Upgrade 1: Rio (formerly Duo, new in 2023)
Standard Model: Duo (this is the most-popular Instant Pot and the one that all other models are compared to)
Budget Model: Lux (one step below the Duo since it doesn’t have a Low Pressure setting or yogurt button), Instant Pot Easy
(A big thanks to Ella Patterson from the Electric Pressure Cooker Facebook Group, who provided the initial Instant Pot rankings along with lots of great information for this post!)
* * *
At this point, I want to include a brief introduction for new Instant Pot shoppers and a quick guide to the different Instant Pot models:
What Is an Instant Pot
An Instant Pot is a brand of electric pressure cooker. (Other brands include the Ninja Foodi, Mealthy Multipot, and Pampered Chef Quick Cooker.)
It works similarly to any other pressure cooker, and all of my pressure cooker recipes are designed to work in your Instant Pot.
(You can get a LOT more details about the basics of how Instant Pots work in my Getting Started with Your Instant Pot Series.)
Also, just a note, the little numbers at the end are NOT a different model number. They indicate the size of Instant Pot you’re buying. For example,
- an Instant Pot Duo 30 is the 3-quart size (aka the Duo Mini),
- the Instant Pot Duo 60 is the 6-quart size
- an Instant Pot Duo 80 is the 8-quart size
(And, if you’re wondering, this pattern holds with the new 10-quart Nova—the Instant Pot Duo Nova 100.)
Quick Summary of Each Instant Pot
All of my recipes are written to work in ANY model of Instant Pot. Some models come to pressure a little faster than others, but the cook times are within a few minutes.
Instant Pot Pro
As I mentioned above, the Instant Pot Pro has taken everything you love about the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, fixed a few issues with that model, and upgraded to a beautiful black stainless exterior!
Read my full Instant Pot Pro Review.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
As I mentioned above, the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus has taken everything you love about the classic Instant Pot Duo, made some great design improvements,and added several new features that I think you’ll love!
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Review.
Instant Pot Duo Nova
The Instant Pot Duo Nova hits a sweet spot of offering some of the newer, more convenient features without a high-end price. The Duo Nova has the button layout of the Duo mixed with the auto-seal lid of the Duo Ultra and the blue LCD display from the Duo Plus.
It also comes in the most sizes. You can buy the Duo Nova in a 3, 6, 8, or 10-quart size!
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Nova Review.
(Also, don’t include this with the Instant Pot Nova Plus, which is a discontinued Costco model and has different buttons and requirements.)
Instant Pot Duo Gourmet
The Instant Pot Duo Gourmet offers some of the newer, in-demand cooking features buttons at an affordable price point. It has a similar button layout to the Duo Plus, the auto-seal lid I love, and comes with accessories like the mini mitts, the ladle, and rice paddle.
It is only sold at Costco and currently available in only the 6-quart size.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Gourmet Review.
Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo is the most popular, best-selling Instant Pot of all time. It’s a step up from the base model Lux because it cooks at High and Low Pressure. It also has a Yogurt button.
The Instant Pot Duo’s exterior is has been available in mint, white, and coral. You can also get the Duo in the exclusive Pioneer Woman floral design and in black or red stainless steel through Walmart.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Review.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is Instant Pot’s combination air fryer and pressure cooker, with a separate lid for each function.
If you’re in the market for an 8-quart pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp would be a really great choice. You get all the capabilities of the classic Instant Pot, plus the great air frying capabilities.
Note: New for 2020, Walmart is selling the Duo Crisp in a 6-quart size! (I believe it’s an exclusive because I haven’t found this size available anywhere else.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Crisp Review.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
Until this year, the Instant Pot Duo Plus was my #1 pressure cooker recommendation. The Duo Plus has a blue LCD display that lets you adjust the cooking settings and pressure levels at any time during the cooking process.
The the most recent version, released in late 2019, now offers a sous vide setting in place of the steam setting, as well as an updated auto-seal lid.
Read my full Instant Pot Duo Plus Review.
Instant Pot Duo SV
The Instant Pot Duo SV is another Costco-exclusive Instant Pot model. It has been replaced by the Duo Gourmet and is in the process of being phased out.
The SV stands for sous vide, and the newest version replaces the Sterilize button with a Sous Vide button. It has an LED screen and the basic lid that you turn to release the pressure. In most other respects is very similar to the Duo Plus.
Instant Pot Smart WiFi
The Instant Pot Smart WiFi pairs with your smartphone, so you can see what’s going on in your Instant Pot from anywhere! My favorite thing about using it is being able to tell exactly how hot it is inside the pot.
In all other respects, it functions very similarly to the Duo Plus.
Read my full Instant Pot Smart WiFi Review.
Instant Pot Ultra
The biggest difference between the Instant Pot Ultra and other models is the dial. There is just a Start and Cancel button on the exterior of the pressure cooker. You use the dial to select the cooking program, select the time, and make adjustments to other settings. The dial isn’t my favorite to select things, but I know many Pressure Cooking Today readers who really love it!
It was the first to offer the auto-seal lid, which I absolutely love. (You don’t have to worry about remembering to turn the switch to the sealed position.)
The Ultra setting gives you the ability to have more control over what you’re cooking.
Read my full Instant Pot Ultra Review.
Instant Pot Max
The Instant Pot Max has an automatic pressure release feature that you set when you begin cooking. It also offers a NutriBoost feature, which creates movement inside the pot and helps make soups creamier.
For basic, everyday cooking, it functions similarly to the others.
It has three pressure levels—goes up to 15psi, which is the level required for canning. It’s still waiting for FDA approval, however, so can at your own risk. (Hot water bath canning is safe for all models of Instant Pot.)
It also cooks a little faster than older models of Instant Pot, like the Duo, so be aware that you may need to adjust your recipes accordingly.
Read my full Instant Pot Max Review.
Instant Pot Viva
The Instant Pot Viva is only available at select retailers this year. But it looks like there will be some excellent deals (on sale for $49 at Best Buy) this holiday season. Older models of the Instant Pot Viva have a Steam program, while newer models have a Sous Vide button in its place.
Past retailers have offered a vibrantly colored exterior. The Viva has also offered the stainless steel body in several colors. These colorful editions appear to be getting phased out, so stock will be limited.
Instant Pot Lux
This was the first pressure cooker Instant Pot released. It does not have a Low Pressure setting or a yogurt button. Other than that, it can do everything the Instant Pot Duo can do.
Instant Pot used to offer the Pioneer Woman Lux in an exclusive floral design, but that is being phased out and is only available from third-party sellers if you can find it.
Read my full Instant Pot Lux Review.
Instant Pot Nova Plus
Costco used to offer an exclusive Instant Pot Nova. (Not to be confused with the Duo Nova released in 2019.) It has since been replaced with the Duo Gourmet, discussed above.
Using my Nova in my RV, the only issue is there is no place to safely release pressure. My coach is older with lower ceiling which is some sort of fabric, and I can’t release pressure without unplugging and moving it to the table where there is nothing overhead but the ceiling. It’s a bit disconcerting but we are remodeling our kitchen and it’s been a real godsend overall. When the weather improves I may use it outside on a sturdy table. Meanwhile I’m using it with only a couple inches between the top and the bottom of the microwave oven. I suppose I could close the folding top on the three burner stove and put it there but that defeats the purpose of having a stove. Camping in the backyard is fun and I may just get a 3 qt mini for use going forward. I sure wish I’d bought the older Duo Plus. I knew this remodel was upcoming and got a V3 duo plus expressly for this purpose. I did not like it particularly and it’s sauté function is not very hot.
I just bought this from Costco for $50. They also have a 6 quart duo crisp for $75 or $80. I’m trying to decide if I should return this one and get that one. I’m not sure how much we would use the air fryer. But maybe. I wonder if the pressure cookers are essentially the same. Do you have any guidance for me? Thanks!
Hi Emily – I have a separate air fryer, so I don’t use the air fryer lid very often. The Duo Crisp does not have the Yogurt function nor some of the other shortcut buttons like rice, brown rice, etc. Other than that they are very similar. That’s a great price for the Gourmet. I’d say just keep it.
Hi Barbara. I’m at 7000 feet. I would love to know your recommendation for a 6 qt Instant Pot. I used a Fissler pressure cooker for more years than I want to count! Thank you for all your great recipes for pressure cooking and baking. Great help , for high altitude cooking. Thank you.
Thanks Nanci! I’m sure cooking at 7000 feet can be a challenge. My current favorite is the Instant Pot Pro https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-pro-review/ It’s available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3lYcjOd (affiliate link) but you may be able to find it in some stores.
Hi
This is between evo and ultra, please help.
1.can every present in evo or ultra can be used ot duplicate with pressure cook setting.. I mean is it the same thing?
2. I have read in your evo review that it provides customization..So can you please explain that how the customization differs from ultra pot customization. What difference these two pots have in regards to customization?
What does full control or customization actually mean?
3.does evo and ultra have no pressure mode?
I need to order soon in so please try to reply to help me.
Thankful and grateful
I want to thank you for your chart of times and so forth. Our slow cooker died after only a few months and due to Covid there is not an 8 quart available to replace it. The company offered a Crock-Pot express 8 quart to replace it. We reluctantly accepted the offer and I have been studying like crazy to find out the what, where, why, and how of an insta-pot type attack on meals. It appears we have pretty much the same unit as your duo product. We cook mostly in cast iron or the slow cooker with a little cooking in the micro-wave though most of that is reheating, and the toaster oven gets a mention. The heavy lid of a Dutch oven makes its use almost a pressure cooker. Since I am only 78 years old I am anxious to meet the challenge of a new adventure and expect to produce many savory meals and delicious deserts in the years to com with my new skill set.
Hi Tom – I like the way you’re approaching your new adventure. Have fun!
I’ve narrowed it down to the Ultra, Duo Evo and the Duo Gourmet. We have never owned an IP before so this will be our first. I’m going to re-read the reviews tonight, any other tips to help decide?
Thanks!
Hi Chris – if price is a big factor, I would pick the Duo Gourmet. The Ultra is my least favorite of the three and the Duo Evo is the one I use the most often and is currently my favorite. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Have fun!
Price is not a factor, after reading the Evo review I think I’m sold!
Thanks for your reply Barbara.
My thoughts…not disagreeing really just a bit of a different take. Though it’s the least expensive, the Lux is the only model I wouldn’t recommend. Why? Has only High pressure setting. Yes that’s what most recipes call for but for very few dollars more you can choose a model with high and low pressure.
Even for singles or couples I still think a 6 qt is the best choice for one’s first or only IP. Why? The VAST majority of recipes online or in books are written for 6 qt. pressure cookers. Sure you can halve most recipes but why need to? Also you may initially THINK you aren’t going to make some of the recipes that require a 6 qt but may soon really “get into” pressure cooking and wish you had the 6 quart. The only time I recommend a 3 quart is as a second pressure cooker. There are only two of us and our primary Instant Pot is a 6 quart. I have a 3 quart but bought it after I had the 6 quart for at least a year. I use it to make a side dish when my main dish is cooking in the 6 quart.
For most folks, even families, a 6 quart will make a dish that will feed even a pretty large family. Don’t forget the larger the pressure cooker, the longer it will take to come to pressure.
I agree with Barbara on her recommendation of the Duo Evo Plus. I think it’s a game changer for the Instant Pot. My first IP was an IP Duo and wasn’t even tempted to upgrade until the Duo Evo Plus. As soon as I saw its features I wanted one. I now have the Duo Evo Plus and I LOVE it. If you don’t yet have an Instant Pot and can possibly swing the extra bucks, the Duo Evo Plus is the one to choose. Supposedly the Duo Evo Plus was designed after collecting user comments and suggestions about what features a new model should have.
And one final thought, don’t choose one Instant Pot model over another because one model has more buttons than another. For the vast majority of recipes you’ll need the Sauté, Pressure Cook, Start, Warm and Cancel Buttons. That’s it. Barbara addresses this issue beautifully in one of her posts.
Thanks to Barbara for this article on choosing an Instant Pot model. The plethora of Instant Pot models sold by the Instant Pot Company make choosing one a frustrating nightmare. I really think they’ve shot themselves in the foot as I fear many people consider purchasing an Instant Pot, see the 986 models (okay a slight exaggeration) and give up because they can’t figure out what model choose.
Thank you for a great article re: all the different instant pots and their respective features. I love my 6 quart and all of your recipes.
Thanks so much Nola – glad it was helpful. So nice to hear you love my recipes!