There are so many Instant Pot models and sizes that deciding which Instant Pot to buy can be a daunting task. This Instant Pot Comparison Guide will help you make the right choice on the best Instant Pot model for you. Most importantly, this is a no holds barred honest summary of the Instant Pot product line, without the hype.
[Note: This post was updated in September 2020 with the latest information available including models and sizes.]
Table of Contents
Introduction
Even an experienced Instant Pot user like me can get confused when comparing different Instant Pot models. There’s the 3 quart, the 6 quart, the 8 quart… The Duo, the Lux, the Max…. And on top of that, there are many discontinued models and sizes!
So I can imagine that someone completely new to the Instant Pot would be even more baffled about which Instant Pot to buy.
Much of the information I present here comes from the Instant Pot company’s website and from personal experience. I’ve tried to weed out what’s not pertinent to your decision.
Most importantly, I don’t recommend any model that I personally wouldn’t buy for myself or my family. All opinions are mine based on my personal experience or from talking to other Instant Pot owners. I’m telling you what I would tell my friends, family, and readers who ask for my opinion.
What are the Differences Between Instant Pot Models?
In this section I talk about the features and options that differentiate the various models of the Instant Pot. Some of the following might be important factors in your decision-making and others might not:
- Smart programs
- Pressure levels
- Sealing and steam release methods
- Price
- Miscellaneous features
Smart Programs
The smart programs are pre-programmed pressure cooking functions (e.g. Egg, Meat/Stew, Rice) that are similar to pre-programmed buttons on a microwave. They allow you to conveniently press one button and begin pressure cooking without having to set the cooking time, temperature, and pressure level.
Each Instant Pot model has a set of available smart programs. Some models have fewer available programs than others. Most smart programs can be duplicated using the Pressure Cook function (with a few exceptions).
For example, the Egg function is pre-programmed to pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. However, if you don’t have the Egg function, you can use the Pressure Cook function and program it for 5 minutes and high pressure.
Frankly, I wouldn’t choose a particular model solely based on the available pre-programmed functions. This is because you can always duplicate those missing smart programs by using the Pressure Cook function. The only exceptions are the Yogurt and Sous Vide smart programs. If you plan to make yogurt or do sous vide, you should get a model with those smart programs.
Pressure Levels
There are three pressure levels: High, Low, and None. The available pressure levels vary depending on the model and are an important consideration when choosing the model.
High Pressure is the most commonly used pressure level but Low Pressure comes in handy when cooking fish or vegetables. No Pressure comes in handy for sous vide cooking.
In my opinion, the availability of Low Pressure is an important consideration when choosing the Instant Pot model.
Sealing and Steam Release Methods
How you seal the Instant Pot and release pressure depends on the lid design. Some of the designs are more user friendly and easier to use than others. Here are the most common lid designs:
Steam Release Handle (manual seal and pressure release)
The steam release handle needs to be manually moved from Venting to Sealing in order for the Instant Pot to seal. To release steam, the steam release handle needs to be manually moved from Sealing to Venting.
It is easy to forget to move the steam release handle from Venting to Sealing, and that can cause the Instant Pot to have sealing issues and keep it from building up pressure.
Steam Release Button (auto-seal and easy pressure release)
When you close the lid, the Instant Pot is automatically sealed. Steam release requires an easy push of a button on the lid.
Steam Release Switch (auto-seal and easy pressure release)
When you close the lid, the Instant Pot is automatically sealed. Steam release requires an easy flip of a switch on the lid.
Programmable Steam Release (auto-seal and easy pressure release)
When you close the lid it’s automatically sealed. Steam release is programmed using the display panel. Some models have an additional diffused steam release feature. [Image not shown above.]
I feel that the availability of the auto-seal feature and convenience of a button/switch type of steam release is an important factor in deciding which Instant Pot model to buy.
Price
Instant Pot prices vary greatly with list prices ranging from $60 to $400. But they do get discounted quite often. If you wait till Black Friday, Prime Day, or holiday sales, you’re likely to get a very good deal.
Stores like Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Williams-Sonoma and Costco have frequent sales throughout the year. To be able to buy the exact model you want, you’ll need to watch for these special discounts.
Miscellaneous Features
Some features are available on a limited number of models. You’ll want to select a model that has your desired features.
- Air fryer
- Diffused steam release
- Inner pot with handles
- Sous Vide function
- Prop open lid
- Yogurt function
- Cooking progress bar
- Cooking status icons
- Extra sealing ring (you can easily purchase a separate sealing ring at a reasonable price)
- Display panel aesthetics (only important if you have issues with seeing the red lettering on a black background)
- Quick cool lid (nice to have, but not used very frequently)
- Fully customizable temperature and pressure settings (nice to have but not used very frequently)
The diffused steam release, inner pot with handles, sous vide, prop open lid, yogurt, cooking progress bar and status icons are features worth considering when deciding which Instant Pot to buy. The other features may not be as important in your decision-making.
Instant Pot Sizes
The Instant Pot comes in 4 different sizes: 3 qt, 6 qt, 8 qt and 10 qt. The Instant Pot 5 qt model is no longer being manufactured.
The sizes that are available vary by model. For example, some models have a 10 quart available and some models don’t have a 3 quart available.
Some of the sizes (especially the 3 quart and 10 quart) don’t have all the features that the other sizes have. For example, the 10 quart doesn’t have the ability to prop the lid open.
3 Quart
The 3 qt. (also known as the Instant Pot Mini) is perfectly suited for singles, couples, and those with limited kitchen space e.g. dorm rooms and RVs.
The 3 quart size would also make a great second Instant Pot for those who already own one. Bonus: the inner pot fits in the 8 quart Instant Pot so you can use it for Pot-in-Pot cooking.
Dimensions:
- 11.5L x 10.2W x 11H (inches)
- 29.2L x 25.9W x 27.9H (centimeters)
Most recipes are written with the 6 quart in mind. A 3 quart might require modification of some recipes. So if you’re apprehensive about using the Instant Pot and following recipes, I wouldn’t get this as a first Instant Pot.
6 Quart
The 6 qt. is the most popular size of Instant Pot and is great for most families, for singles and couples who like having leftovers, or for anyone who has enough counter space.
Dimensions:
- 13.2L Ć 12.2W Ć 12.5H (inches)
- 33.5L Ć 31W Ć 31.7 H (centimeters)
I own four of the 6 quarts and love it. For my family of five, this size is large enough to cook a whole meal with some leftovers. This is the size I recommend for most people.
8 Quart
The 8 qt. is suited for larger families, those who cook for larger groups, for smaller families who like to have leftovers, and those who like to meal prep.
Dimensions:
- 14.8L Ć 13.6W Ć 14H (inches)
- 37.6L Ć 34.3W Ć 36.8H (centimeters)
I own an 8 quart and I find it’s most useful when I want to double or triple a recipe. It also comes in handy when I’m cooking for guests or during the holidays. It easily fits larger food like a whole chicken or roast.
10 Quart
This is a super size Instant Pot. It’s huge! It’s the same height as the 8 quart but 2 inches wider. The 10 qt. is best for large families, entertaining large groups and meal prep or freezer meals. This size is great if you want to cook food like a large ham, roast, whole chicken, a full-size cheesecake, or a couple of large squashes.
If you frequently cook using the Pot in Pot method you will find this to be a great size because it accommodates larger pans.
Dimensions:
- 14.8L Ć 15.5W Ć 14.7H (inches)
- 42L Ć 39.3W Ć 37.5H (centimeters)
Most Instant Pot recipes are written with the 6 quart in mind so you might need to tweak some recipes for the 10 quart since it requires more liquid. There aren’t any special accessories for this size Instant Pot, including trivets. Spare parts are in short supply because it’s a rare size. Getting this size for everyday needs for a smaller family might be overkill.
Compare Instant Pots
Some of the models are pretty similar to each other but others are unique. Below I cover each model, the pros and cons, and my personal opinion of the model. I show you the list price as of the publish date of this article and the historical low price based on prior sales, just you get an idea of how low it can go. Current prices will vary.
Instant Pot Lux
PROS:
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Comes in different colors (available at select retailers.)
CONS
- Display panel is LCD, and may be hard to read for some.
- No Yogurt function.
- Only has High Pressure.
- Manual steam release mechanism.
- Can’t prop open the lid.
- No Sous Vide function.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
I generally don’t recommend the Instant Pot Lux. Although it is the cheapest model, the Duo is discounted often enough to make it price-competitive.
Instant Pot Duo
PROS
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Unlike the Lux model, it has the Low Pressure option and the Yogurt function and the ability to prop open the lid.
- Comes in different colors (available at select retailers.)
CONS
- Display panel is LCD, and may be harder to read for some.
- Manual steam release mechanism.
- No Sous Vide function.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
This is the most popular model of Instant Pot. It was the first Instant Pot I purchased and I still like it and use it. The Instant Pot Duo doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some of the other models but it has all the basic features. It’s a good value for the price.
Instant Pot Viva
PROS
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Sous Vide function.
- Ease of use of the Duo combined with the easy seal and push-button steam release function of the Ultra.
CONS
- Display panel is LCD, and may be harder to read for some.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
If you can find it, the Instant Pot Viva is a good value for money but since it was originally created for QVC, the Viva is not widely available. The Instant Pot Duo Nova is a better alternative.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
PROS
- Has a few more pre-programmed functions (smart programs) than the Duo.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicates cooking stage.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- More expensive than the Duo but has very similar functionality.
There are two versions of the Instant Pot Duo Plus. One has a manual steam release and the other has the easy pressure release with auto seal. If you’re planning on purchasing this model, make sure you get the latter type of lid.
Instant Pot Smart Wifi
PROS
- WiFi connectivity allows you to control the Instant Pot from your smart phone.
- Comes with more than 750 pre-programmed recipes accessible via the Instant Pot app.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- Manual steam release mechanism.
- The WiFi setup is cumbersome and the WiFi functionality is limited to select recipes.
- No Sous Vide button, but you are supposed to be able to do sous vide by programming the app.
I own this model but find the WiFi features to be cumbersome and so I don’t use the WiFi functionality; I use it as a regular Instant Pot and it works well.
For the list price, I don’t recommend this model unless you’re really tech savvy and want to be able to cook remotely!
Instant Pot Duo Nova
PROS
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage.
- Ease of use of the Duo combined with the easy seal and push-button steam release function of the Ultra.
- Comes in 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart and 10 quart.
CONS
- No Sous Vide function.
- Slightly more expensive than the Duo but has very similar functionality.
- The 10 quart model does not give you the ability to prop the lid open.
I own the Instant Pot Duo Nova and really like it. I would recommend this model if you want the simplicity of the Duo and the auto-seal functionality of the Ultra at an affordable price.
Instant Pot Ultra
PROS
- Customization feature allows you to customize the temperature and pressure. So although it doesn’t have a Sous Vide smart program, you can set it up to sous vide by customizing the pressure level and the temperature.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Easy seal and push-button steam release function.
CONS
- The display panel can be slightly confusing to program because you have to use the knob to scroll through all the various options. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple to use.
Until recently, the Ultra was my favorite model of Instant Pot, and now it’s fallen to second-favorite. I have two of them. I still use the 8 quart frequently.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
PROS
- The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus has custom programming so you can set the pressure and temperature.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Easy seal and push-button steam release function.
- The display panel has buttons that make it easier to program than the Ultra but not as easy as the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus.
- The inner pot base is flat so oil doesn’t collect at the edges like some other inner pots.
- The inner pot has handles.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
CONS
- There is no option for zero minute pressure cooking (yes, it’s a thing)!
- Because there are handles on the inner pot, you can’t rotate the inner pot in the base while you’re sauteing.
I love love love this model of Instant Pot. My favorite features are the steam release switch, the diffused steam release, the inner pot handles, and the sous vide function.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
PROS:
- Easy to program.
- Pressure cooker and air fryer in one. There are two lids to allow you to switch from one pressure cooker to air fryer.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- No Yogurt function.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
- Although it comes in 6 quart and 8 quart, the 6 quart is not as widely available.
- List price is expensive.
If you’re in the market for a pressure cooker and an air fryer, this model is a good choice. If you make yogurt, you might want to consider getting another model and then get a separate air fryer lid from Instant Pot. I also own the Mealthy CrispLid which is from a competitor of the Instant Pot. It is also a good choice.
Instant Pot Max
PROS
- Easy to program.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Three steam release options that are programmed from the display panel.
- Canning capability due to the 15 PSI level of pressure.
- Easy to program display panel is a touch screen panel.
- Easy seal and steam release can be programmed from the touch panel, including quick release.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
CONS
- No Yogurt function.
- Only comes in 6 quart.
- Takes longer to come to pressure because it needs to achieve 15 PSI of pressure on the Max setting.
- You will have to modify recipes if you’re using the Max setting.
Although it’s billed as the top of the line Instant Pot model, I’ve heard mixed reviews about this Instant Pot. Some people love it but others have had issues including the Sous Vide function not working properly. The Instant Pot Max may not be 100% safe for canning because the USDA has very specific rules about it. If you can buy it at a good discount, it might be a worthwhile purchase but otherwise I would go for the Duo Evo Plus.
Which Instant Pot Should you Buy?
So after all that information, are you scratching your head wondering which Instant Pot you should buy?
Best Instant Pot Size
The answer depends on how many people you’re cooking for.
- If you’re short on counter space and only cooking for 1 or 2 people or you want an extra Instant Pot, the 3 quart might work best for you.
- If you’re cooking for 5 people or fewer, you can’t go wrong with a 6 quart.
- If you want to freeze meals and meal prep or you have a family of 6 to 8 people, an 8 quart might work better for you.
- If you are cooking for very large groups, a 10 quart would work best.
Best Instant Pot Models
Which Instant Pot model to buy is a personal choice based on your needs. I recommend that you go onto the Instant Pot store website, Amazon, Kohl’s and other retailers and read the reviews before you make your choice. Here are my recommendations based on my own experience.
Best Budget
Instant Pot Duo Nova
The Nova has all the functionality including the Yogurt smart program. It has the easy seal and easy push button steam release feature. It comes in a 10 quart size. The only thing it’s missing is the Sous Vide smart program. It’s priced competitively and if you can get it on sale, that’s a bonus.
Best Overall
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
The Duo Evo Plus is my favorite model of Instant Pot because it has everything I need and more. The diffused steam release, inner pot handles, and steam release switch make this Instant Pot a pleasure to use. For the price, features, and attractiveness, it’s an excellent value.
Best for Advanced Users
Instant Pot Ultra
The Ultra gives you the ultimate control over cooking because you can set the pressure, temperature and time. The display panel is attractive and worthy of displaying on your kitchen counter. The auto seal feature and steam release button make sealing and steam release very easy.
Best Air Fryer
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
The Duo Crisp is perfect for someone who’s in the market for a pressure cooker AND an air fryer. Although it is missing a few features found in other models, it is a worthwhile purchase if you’re looking to save some counter space.
Larry Forman
I just purchased the 3 qt Ultra and noticed that you said it is only available in 6 qt and then 8 qt. Your web site is super helpful especially for new users. Many thanks!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Larry, Thanks for your comment. I haven’t updated the details in the post but there is a short note at the top noting that there are now 3 quart options for a couple of models.
JACKELIN SLACK
The lid to my crockpot broke and replacing it cost almost as much as buying a new one, so I FINALLY broke down and ordered the Duo 6-Quart. Thanks for all the helpful tips. No meat for me these nowadays, so I’ll be looking for vegetarian recipes on your blog. Can’t wait to start using my Instant Pot Thanks, Neena!
James Garvey
The IP Ultra now comes in an 8 Quart. How would you decide between the Duo Plus 8 qt and the Ultra 8 Qt?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi James – thanks for your question. Yes, I hear some people are already using them. I need to update this post don’t I? š I think the same questions apply. Will you be cooking for large groups and want lots of leftovers? I have a 6 quart (actually, I have two) and it makes a lot of food – more than enough for my family of five with some leftovers. I love my 6 quart Ultra but would also be happy with an 8 quart too. Mind you, the 8 quart is bigger and heavier – takes up a bit more room. Hope that helps!
James Garvey
Super helpful, I have a family of 4 (one away at college, one leaving this fall), so 6 qt seems like a better match and saves me some $$. One of my friends told me they wish they had gotten the 8 qt for leftovers, which was why I asked. Seems like the Smart BT has a lot more you can do with scripting, but I just don’t think we’ll take advantage of it. Have you found 6qt Ultra to offer you all the flexibility you need in preparing “set it and forget it” meals?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi James – the Ultra and Duo are very similar in terms of functionality, just the Ultra has some user-friendly features most notably the ‘self-sealing’ which I think is worthwhile because I’m super forgetful!
Kat
I really like your comments on the various IP models, however your price estimation on your favorite model of IP (ULTRA 10 in 1) @ $149.95 is about $187.00 lower than the one offered on Amazon today (12/26/17). The price shown there is $286.99 which makes me think the DUO 9 in 1 @ $119.95 may be a lot better bargain. What do you think?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Kat, I created the post about a month ago, so the prices are not current. I personally would not spend that much on the Ultra – you might want to wait until after the holidays until they’re fully back in stock. The Duo 9 in 1 price seems much more reasonable if you’re wanting to get one right now.
JACKELIN SLACK
This is such a great post. I came to your blog to figure out which instant pot to buy, but I had no idea how many models there are. This is great information, Neena. I’ll have to sit down and read this thoroughly when I have a moment. Thank you!!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Jackelin – I’m glad you found it helpful, you’re so welcome! Good luck!