You’re ready to buy an Instant Pot but the sheer number of models and sizes can make it hard to decide which one to buy. Find out the Instant Pot size that’s just right for you.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
When Instant Brands first came out with the Instant Pot multi-cooker, there were a handful of models so you didn’t have a lot of choices. In the years since that initial introduction, they’ve put out many new models and sizes and discontinued a few.
You’re probably here because you’ve decided you want a new Instant Pot and are having trouble deciding on a size. There are so many models and sizes of Instant Pot that it’s perfectly understandable why you might be confused.
In this article, I’ll tell you about all the Instant Pot sizes and the differences between them. To help you decide on which model to get, please read my guide on which Instant Pot to buy.
What is an Instant Pot?
Instant Pot is a multi-cooker from Instant Brands. A multi-cooker is an appliance that has many functions including pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, etc.
The functions that are offered in each model can vary. Some models have additional functions such as air fryer and/or sous vide. All these functions are also known as smart programs.
Also mistakenly referred to as Insta pot, Instant Pot has become so popular in recent years that the word Instant Pot is used as a generic name for pressure cookers of any brand.
Although the Instant Pot multicooker has many different functions, the most commonly used is the Pressure Cook function. Pressure cooking allows you to cook foods in a fraction of the time it would take in a pan or in an oven.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, here are my guides on how to use some popular Instant Pot models:
- Instant Pot Directions for Beginners
- Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO NOVA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO GOURMET Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO CRISP vs DUO CRISP
Instant Pot sizes
The Instant Pot comes in 4 different sizes: The 3 qt is the Instant Pot smallest size. The 6 qt is the most popular size, the 8 qt is the next size up and finally, the 10 qt is the Instant Pot largest size. 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 only come in a 6 quart.
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. The 3 quart has fewer smart programs or functions than the larger sizes.
What sizes are available in each model?
Instant Brands is continuously introducing new models of the Instant Pot and discontinuing other models. I try to keep the information current but the information below is subject to change.
| MODEL | 3 QUART | 6 QUART | 8 QUART | 10 QUART |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUO | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| DUO CRISP | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| DUO EVO PLUS | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| DUO GOURMET | ✔ | |||
| DUO NOVA | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| DUO PLUS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LUX | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| MAX | ✔ | |||
| PRO | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| PRO CRISP | ✔ | |||
| PRO PLUS | ✔ | |||
| SMART WIFI | ✔ |
What are the specifications of each size?
The dimensions and specifications in the Instant Pot size chart below are courtesy of Instant Brands. Get more detailed information about Instant Pot dimensions, including inner pot dimensions, space required to store the Instant Pot and accessories that will fit the in each Instant Pot.
| MODEL | DIMENSIONS * with pressure cooker lid | DIMENSIONS * with air fryer lid | TOTAL WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Quart ** | 11.4 x 10 x 11.2 | _ | 8.6 lbs |
| 6 Quart ** | 13 x 12.2 x 12.6 | _ | 14.8 lbs |
| 8 Quart ** | 14.8 x 13.3 x 14.2 | _ | 18 lbs |
| 10 Quart | 16.8 x 15.3 x 16.3 | _ | 25 lbs |
| DUO CRISP 6 Quart | 13.6 x 13.6 x 13 | _ | 23.6 lbs |
| DUO EVO PLUS or PRO 6 Quart | 13 × 12.7 × 12.8 | _ | 13 lbs |
| DUO EVO PLUS or PRO 8 Quart | 14.4 × 13.9 × 14.2 | _ | 15.8 lbs |
| DUO CRISP 6 Quart | 13.6 x 13.6 x 13 | 13.6 x 13.6 x 14 | 19.6 lbs |
| DUO CRISP 8 Quart | 14.8 x 13.6 x 14.2 | 14.8 x 13.6 x 15.3 | 22.2 lbs |
| PRO CRISP 8 Quart | 14.8 x 14.2 x 14.2 | 14.8 × 14.2 × 15.4 | 26.1 lbs |
** Includes most models, unless listed separately
What size Instant Pot do I need?
Below you’ll find out the pros and cons of each size and for whom each size is best.
3 Quart (Mini)
Best for:
- One or two people with minimum to no leftovers.
- Limited kitchen space e.g. dorm rooms and RVs.
- Traveling or vacationing and you don’t want leftovers.
- If you find that you’re halving recipes regularly.
- Use as a second Instant Pot for those who already own a 6 or 8 quart. Bonus: the inner pot fits in the 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot so you can use it for Pot-in-Pot cooking.
Pros:
- Takes up much less room than the larger sizes.
- Great for making side dishes when your larger Instant Pot is already being used for a main dish.
- Portable and easy to lift.
- Great for entertaining e.g. warming foods such as dips.
- Good for making small quantities of food, such as yogurt or oatmeal.
Cons:
- Can’t fit larger pieces of food in the mini, such as corn on the cob, ribs, whole chicken, cheesecakes or a roast.
- Can’t use the air fryer lid accessory with this size.
- Difficult to do pot in pot cooking (eg. lasagna, cheesecake) due to the size. Accessories that fit into the mini are harder to find.
- Some buttons that are on the 6 and 8 quart may be missing from the 3 quart. But this is not that big a deal because you can just use the Pressure Cook button instead.
- Can be just as expensive as a 6 quart.
- Recipes may need to be adjusted.
Most recipes are written with the 6 quart in mind. A 3 quart might require modification of some recipes including the quantity of liquid and the pressure cooking time. Minimum liquid requirement: 1 cup
6 Quart
Best for:
- Anyone who has enough counter space.
- Families of 3 to 5 people – the 6 qt. is the most popular size of Instant Pot and is a good fit for most families.
- Smaller families who like having leftovers and easy meals for the next day.
- Those who entertain often.
Pros:
- Takes up less room than the larger sizes.
- Versatile size that meets most people’s needs.
- The most popular size and most recipes are tested on 6 quarts, so you can usually follow a recipe without needing modifications.
- You can use the air fryer lid accessory with this size.
Cons:
- It takes up more room than the 3 quart.
- You can’t fit very large food such as a 6 lb chicken, large roast or ham.
I own numerous 6 quarts and love this size. For my family of five, this size is large enough to cook a whole meal with some leftovers. It’s the size I recommend for most people provided they have the space to store it. I keep mine on my countertop. Minimum liquid requirement: 1 ½ cup
8 Quart
Best for:
- Families or groups of 5 to 8 people.
- Family of big eaters (aka growing teens!)
- Those who entertain often.
- Smaller families who like to have leftovers.
- Meal prep and freezer meals.
Pros:
- May not need to buy new accessories since the diameter may accommodate regular sized dishes (about 8 inches) that you already own.
- Great for making bone broth.
- Will easily fit a whole chicken, multiple slabs of ribs or a large roast.
- Can easily cook two dishes at once using pot in pot method (PIP) eg. jasmine rice on the bottom and red curry on top.
- Great for freezer meals such as a large pot of chili.
- The larger capacity allows you to sous vide more food.
Cons:
- As of now, you can’t use the air fryer lid accessory with this size (but you can purchase the Duo Crisp 8 quart which comes with an air fryer lid.)
- I do find that cooking some foods in the 8 quart requires some modification of the recipe e.g. cooking rice using the pot in pot method.
- This size is quite a bit bulkier and heavier than the 6 quart size. This is especially true with the models that have an air fryer lid.
- The cord is not detachable as it is with many 3 quart and 6 quart models.
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. If you’re debating between a 6 quart and 8 quart and you’re cooking for 5 or more, you may want to go with the 8 quart. Minimum liquid requirement: 2 cups
10 Quart
Best for:
- Large families of 9 or more, entertaining large groups.
- Batch cooking – great for large meal prep or freezer meals.
- Large pieces of meat such as whole chicken.
- If you’ll frequently cook using the Pot in Pot method. You’ll find this to be a great size because it accommodates larger pans.
Pros:
- Has a very large capacity and accommodates a large whole chicken or a smaller turkey, large ham or roast, whole chicken or turkey, a full-size cheesecake, multiple racks of ribs.
Cons:
- Very heavy!
- Takes longer to come to pressure due to the increased capacity.
- It’s only available with the Instant Pot Duo Nova model. The Duo Nova 10 quart model may be discontinued. No word yet on a replacement model.
- The lid cannot be propped open like with the other sizes.
- Spare parts aren’t easily available because it’s a rare size.
- There aren’t any special accessories for this size Instant Pot, including trivets. You need to use 8 quart accessories.
Most Instant Pot recipes are written with the 6 quart in mind so you will need to tweak recipes for the 10 quart since it requires more liquid. Getting this size for everyday needs for a smaller family may be excessive. Minimum liquid requirement: 2 ½ cups
The Bottom Line
- The 3 quart is right for you If you’re short on space and only cooking for 1 or 2 people or you want an extra Instant Pot.
- The 6 quart is best if you’re cooking for 5 people or fewer or you want to be able to follow online recipes without having to modify them too much.
- The 8 quart will work for you if you have a family of 6 to 8 people.
- The 10 quart is for you if you are cooking for very large groups.
- If you’re looking to do meal prep or freeze, buy one size up. You can always make a lesser quantity in a larger size Instant Pot but you can’t make more in a smaller capacity Instant Pot.
Diana says
Hello! Thanks for your great tips. Everything would seem to indicate that the best fit for me would be the 6 qt, but I’m still undecided since one of the uses I would like to give it is for making broth. Do you think that is enough of a reason to go instead for the 8 qt?
Thanks so much!
Neena Panicker says
I would say you can stick with the 6 quart – it holds quite a bit of broth!
Rafael says
Hi
Thanks for the review.
I am planning on purchasing an instant pot but still uncertain about the size 3Qt or 6Qt
I plan to cook only for one person – myself with no plans for leftovers.
It seems that the 3Qt is the right decision but I am concerned that it might be too limiting in the future.
So I wonder if it is possible to cook small quantities in the 6QT such as 1 cup of rice with some steamed vegetables and fish..
Or 1-2 cups of oatmeal..
Maybe using pot in pot..
The reason I am thinking about the 6Qt is the option to cook 2 small different dishes at the same time using pot in pot…
I’d be glad to know what you think..
Thanks
Rafael
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Rafael, it is possible to cook smaller quantities of food, using PIP, in the 6 quart. But you can also do PIP in the 3 quart. The only thing about the 3 quart is you might have to adjust some recipes.
Cynthia says
Wonderful article. I’m in the market for a 3qt but it seems to be sold out right now. I just got rid of our 5qt (I guess they don’t make them anymore?) because it broke but it kinda sucks the price for the 3qt even if in stock can be as expensive as a 6qt.
Shirley says
How much does the 3 quart weigh the 6 quart is so heavy and large I have no place to put it. If you have top cabinets it may not fit under them
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Shirley, the 3 quart weight varies slightly based on model. The 3 quart weighs approximately 8 to 9 lbs, while the 6 quart is about 15 lbs.
Danna says
I gave my 6 qt to my daughter when I move into a small apartment with an even smaller kitchen. I just purchased the 3 qt and I love it but because some of the recipes I have to cut in half I’ve been questioning my decision. Thank you for this article. I’m now certain that I made the right decision.
Great advice!!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Danna, I’m really glad it helped!
Kimberly says
I’m thinking if buying the 3qt. I want just for potatoes and egg salad for the 2 of us. Is it large enough to do pot in pot?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Kimberly, you could do pot in pot, but in small quantities like a 2-cup bowl maybe?
Nikz says
Thank you! We’re a family of six, with possibly 2 or 3 moving on by year end. With three hungry boys and three regular eaters I wasn’t sure whether to go smaller like I’ve had in the past and keep my large slow cooker for larger roasts etc or not. I’ve now decided to go for the 8 quart, as I’m always happy to freeze extra and it seems I can still cook the smaller portions in the larger pot too 😊
Paint the Kitchen Red says
I think it’s a good decision. Also handy for holiday meals – you can make a side dish in the IP if your stove and oven aren’t free. In general, you can cook a recipe for the 6 quart in the 8 quart without making changes except if the recipe has a very minimal amount of liquid (e.g. my chicken shawarma recipe) where you MIGHT need to add a bit more liquid (1/4 cup) to keep the burn message from happening. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Aneesa Haroon says
I am looking at buying an Instant Pot and your reviews are so detailed and informative. Thank You
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Aneesa, I’m happy to help – hope you find the right one for you!
Milind Kohmaria says
Hello Neena,
I’d like to convey my heartfelt gratitude and regards from Toronto, Canada. Thank you for all the details you’ve covered above here. I don’t have to look up any information beyond this article, that’s how well it is drafted. Kudos to you!
I will be buying 6 Quartz. I prepare meals for myself only. But I always like to prepare portions that can serve me for 2-3 days. Considering both – freezing my portions and buying one size up, 6 Quartz is my pick. Thank you once again.
Kind regards
Paint the Kitchen Red says
I’m so glad to hear that you found the article useful!
Rebecca says
This helped me so much!!! I have a family of 7 but feed like 10 on most days because 4 of them are teens and 1 is a large lumberjack of a husband. I’m used to using big soup pots and an extra large skillet to make my meals. This article was very detailed and honest. Thank you for taking the time to research and write it.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
You’re welcome, Rebecca!
Silvia says
Can I boil 4 lbs chickpeas in 8 qt instant pot ?
Neena Panicker says
Hi Silvia, that sounds like it’s a bit too much. The quantity of expandable foods (rice, beans, etc) including liquid, should not go above the 1/2 full mark of the Instant Pot liner.