Cooking has come a long way since the days our parents would spend hours upon hours in the kitchen just to prepare a delicious soup, and the old-fashion pot is now making way to much more modern kitchen appliances, one of them being the Instant Pot.
Instant pots will cut your cooking time by a large margin, and some of the more modern models can even help you save up space by replacing several other cooking machines, such as pressure cookers, rice cookers, steamers, yogurt makers, or the traditional warming pot.
Of course, that’s just scratching the surface of what an instant pot can do, as the more premium models come with additional cooking programs and presets. Of course, which model you end up buying is strictly based on your needs and your budget.
Since the market is filled with instant pots from a wide variety of brands, some more renowned than others, we can understand if you’re having a hard time picking one that would be perfect for you.
That’s why we decided to do the grunt work for you and, after a bit of research and comparing tens of models to each other, we’ve compiled this list featuring the best instant pots of 2021, and all the items will be ranked based on their features, price, and user popularity.
Table of Contents
What Is an Instant Pot?
Despite the name, an instant pot will not cook your food instantly (although it can seem that way when compared to traditional cooking methods). However, one way to describe it in very few words would be a smart pot that can take the place of all other pots in your kitchen.
We already mentioned how these appliances can be used to replace pressure cookers, rice cookers, steamers, or yogurt makers, and it’s easy to understand why it has gained so much popularity in recent times, given how convenient it is and how much time it can save you.
At first glance, an instant pot may look like a regular electric pressure cooker, and you wouldn’t be that far from the truth. It comes with a locking lid that seals all the food ingredients inside the pot, and as the water inside heats up, it evaporates and turns into steam.
However, since there’s no way for the steam to escape, it continues to circulate inside the pot, and the added pressure makes the steam seep deeper and deeper into the ingredients, thus cooking them a lot faster than if you simply dunked them into boiling water.
The brains behind an instant pot’s functionality lie within the microprocessor that receives information from the pot’s built-in temperature sensors, thus creating a forced feedback control system.
This electronic system is what allows an instant pot to do what it does, including:
- The ability to replace several other kitchen appliances
- Switch between several kitchen appliances via a push of a button
Sure enough, this may make the instant pot sound overly complicated, but that’s hardly the case. Besides, once you do get used to it, you’ll realize how handy these features can be since they allow you to perform incredibly specific cooking tasks within parameters that perfectly suit your tastes.
For example, setting your instant pot to cook rice may require a bit more user input than actually using a rice cooker, but then again, this may be the only pot you may end up needing, so the free counter space may well make up for a few extra seconds spent setting up the instant pot.
Speaking of settings, the control panel of most instant pots allows you to control a few standard parameters, such as temperature, pressure, cooking times, all of which can affect the quality and taste of the food that it creates, resulting in some of the most delicious instant pot meals ever.
If you think that sounds like a lot of parameters to remember, know that some of the more premium models come with built-in presets for a wide variety of cooking options, and some even have the ability to memorize your own presets under a specific name, so you don’t have to manually type in the data every single time.
Which Are the Best Instant Pots That You Should Buy?
1. Instant Pot Duo
Instant Pot has a lot of models available for purchase, and while there are newer and more modern ones available, we couldn’t help but give the #1 place to the Instant Pot Duo simply because it has become a staple of the brand, with all of our other entries being nothing more but variations from its base design.
The Duo is made to replace 7 different kitchen appliances, including an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. Not only that, but with a little tweaking via the control panel, you can use the Duo to actually do a better job than the dedicated kitchen appliance.
Speaking of the control panel, using it couldn’t get any simple thanks to the one-touch control feature that lets you choose between 13 different Smart Touch customizable programs.
These allow you to go way beyond the capabilities of the 7 appliances that it replaced, allowing you to cook fantastic and delicious dishes such as pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts. You also have the option to the pot decide by itself what cooking features work best by using the autopilot too.
Whichever cooking setting you choose, know that they all have one thing in common: you won’t have to wait for your food at all unless you actually want to. You see, the Duo can cook any dish up 70% faster when compared to traditional cooking methods.
However, if you opt for the Slow Cooking setting, you’ll end up with a good old-fashion slow-cooked meal, without actually having to wait for that long. More so, this model comes in 4 different sizes: 3-Quart, 6-Quart, 8-Quart, and 10-Quart, making it ideal both for cooking single servings, as well as for larger families and gatherings.
As far as safety features are concerned, you don’t have to worry about the integrity of the Instant Pot Duo, since the manufacturer gave it all the standard safety features that prevent it from becoming a safety hazard in the kitchen, such as overheat protection and a safe-locking lid.
Another reason why we loved this pot was that it looked and felt very resistant, and given how we love products that make us feel like the investment will be long-term, so the fact that the Duo won was inevitable.
You see, the outside of the pot is fingerprint resistant, and cleaning the pot will be easy thanks to the stainless steel sides and the dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories, so not only will cooking the foot take very little time but so will washing the dishes afterward.
One neat bonus that you might love is the free Instant Pot app that’s available on both iOS and Android since it is full of step-by-step recipes specially catered for your particular Instant Pot model. This app can be especially useful for anyone that likes to try new dishes but has no idea how to apply them with this smart pressure cooker.
Does this product sound like precisely what you’ve been looking for? Visit the Instant Pot Duo’s Amazon page and read more about it from both the manufacturer as well as past customers.
Specs:
- How many appliances it replaces: 7
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Stainless steel and black
- Capacity: 3-Qt, 6-Qt, 8-Qt, and 10-Qt
- Dishwasher safe: Only the non-electrical components
- Size: 13.38 x 12.2 x 12.48 inches
- Weight: 11.8 pounds
Pros:
- Comes with 13 different cooking settings
- Can replace 7 different appliances
- Durable stainless steel build
- Cooks food 70% faster
- Free app with recipes
Cons:
- Extra parts can be expensive
2. Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The next entry on our list is a fan-favorite, especially if you have a soft spot for fried and crispy foods, and it’s called the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
Without going into technical details, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is the newest Instant Pot Duo model, and it’s just like your typical Instant Pot Duo, but with an additional multi-level air fryer basket that allows it to be both a pressure cooker and an air fryer.
Not only that, but it also comes with and dehydrating and broiling tray designed to provide the inside of the pot with optimal airflow, which is the key to cooking foods that are juicy on the inside, yet crispy on the outside.
Because of the additional air frying attachments, the number of appliances that this Instant Pot can replace is 11, but you don’t need to worry about not knowing what to choose and how to choose the programs since the Instant Pot Duo Crisp comes with the same standard 1-Touch cooking programs that made the Instant Pot so sought-after.
Thanks to these settings, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp pressure cooks, sautés, steams, slow cooks, sous vides, warms, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates, all with the push of a button and without having to wait all that long.
However, the Duo Crisp does come with some proprietary software features that make it stand out from the other Duo models, namely the innovative EvenCrisp technology that allows you to serve the tenderest and juiciest meals while still retaining that mouth-watering crisp golden finish that has the perfect crunch with every single bite you take.
Everyone knows how air frying is so much healthier than frying in oil, but the Instant Pot Duo Crisp takes this one step further thanks to the materials it is built out of, since you don’t have to worry about other substances seeping in your foods, like the inner coating of the pot. Everything is made from high-quality stainless steel, and the inside is BPA, PFOA, and PTFE-free.
You don’t need to worry about potential health hazards during the cooking process either, since the Duo Crisp was designed with every possible safety feature possible (more than 10).
These include the standard automatic pressure and temperature control to the more recently included EasySeal lid that automatically seals the pot for pressure cooking, as well as the pressure release button that vents steam from a distance.
The Duo Crisp is available in 6-Quart and 8-Quart variants, and you can choose which one is most suitable for you by visiting the Instant Pot Duo Crisp’s Amazon page.
Specs:
- How many appliances it replaces: 11
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Stainless steel and black
- Capacity: 6-Qt and 8-Qt
- Dishwasher safe: Only the non-electrical components
- Size: 14.76 x 13.58 x 15.28 inches
- Weight: 22.18 Pounds
Pros:
- Can air fry
- Innovative EasySeal lid
- Innovative EvenCrisp technology
- Includes a dehydrating and broiling tray
- Can replace 11 different kitchen appliances
Cons:
- Not as many cooking presets as other Instant Pot models
3. Instant Pot Ultra
The Instant Pot Ultra is pretty much like the Instant Pot Duo, only that it has more of pretty much everything. The only problem is that it also has a bit more of a price tag, and some may find the sheer number of features too overwhelming to make it worthwhile, and that’s why it’s only the 3rd on our list.
However, if you’re the type of cook that loves to have the power of technology by your side, then you’ll simply adore the Instant Pot Ultra, all because of the 3rd generation technology that powers it with an embedded microprocessor.
This built-in computer will monitor the pressure and temperature, keep time, and adjust heating intensity and duration based on how the cooking is going.
However, that’s not the only way that technology can help you with your cooking. You see, you will also benefit from Alexa-guided cooking with over a thousand recipes, video tutorials for beginners, customized favorite recipes and grocery lists, and more.
Designed to replace 10 different kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté and searing, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer. As such, the Instant Pot Ultra will be, with very few exceptions, the only appliance you’ll need in your kitchen to cook food.
One revolutionary feature that this model has when compared to the other Instant Pot models is the way you control it, namely via an easy-to-use dial that you can rotate and press, making precision program selection a breeze.
Not only that, but if you like micro-managing your cooking settings down to every last detail, you can do it with the Instant Pot Ultra since it comes with additional features such as altitude adjustment, a cooking indicator that let you monitor the 3 cooking states (Preheat, Cook, and Keep Warm.), a steam release reset button and more.
Despite being a clever microprocessor-powered device, this device is still made to be durable thanks to the brushed stainless steel fingerprint-resistant exterior, while the inside of the pot has no chemical coating whatsoever, making it completely safe for cooking.
The box containing the Instant Pot Ultra has several accessories included, such as the steam rack, recipe booklet, serving spoon, and soup spoon, and this entire package deal can be yours at a special price if you visit the Instant Pot Ultra’s Amazon page right now.
Specs:
- How many appliances it replaces: 10
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Stainless steel and black
- Capacity: 3-Qt, 6-Qt, and 8-Qt
- Dishwasher safe: Only the non-electrical components
- Size: 13 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 11.83 pounds
Pros:
- Can replace 10 different cooking appliances
- A central dial with simple turn and press
- Complete custom programming
- 16 different cooking programs
- 24h delay start timer
Cons:
- The price tag
4. Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini
The Instant Pot Duo series is quite vast, as you can see for yourself, and the next item on our list is the Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini, although you shouldn’t let yourself be fooled by the name since there’s nothing Mini about it.
Designed to replace 9 different kitchen appliances, the Duo Plus Mini can easily replace your old-fashion pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, food warmer, and sterilizer, making it ideal for those with limited kitchen and counter space, as well as those that don’t want to spend money on tools that can only do one job.
This is also possible thanks to the 15 customizable Smart Programs that allow it to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, soup, broth, cake, egg, rice, bean, grain, porridge, oatmeal, sterilize, yogurt, and sous vide, in many cases better than what a dedicated tool would do.
The outside of the pot is definitely high-tech, and the control is easy to comprehend thanks to the full cooking progress bar, the dedicated Start button, 2 separate pressure and temperature indicators, dual temperature indicators that show both Fahrenheit and Celcius values, and more.
As far as the hardware components go, the entire pot is designed using high-quality food-grade stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom that allows the cooking to be evened out, and if you’re particularly interested in sautéing, you’ll love this pot’s anti-spin design.
More so, the Duo Plus Mini scores high marks in the safety department thanks to the numerous features that allow for safe cooking, including an intuitive steam release switch, or the easy-seal lid.
Like all Instant Pot models, this combination of hardware and software features means that this pressure cooker can easily finish a dish up to 70% faster than the traditional methods, allowing you to cook foods the way your grandma used to make in less than half the time.
This model is part of the Duo Plus series that includes 3-Quart, 6-Quart, and 8-Quart variants, and you can read about them all and choose the ones you think suits your needs best by visiting the Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini’s Amazon page and reading both the official product descriptions, as well as the user reviews.
Specs:
- How many appliances it replaces: 9
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Stainless steel and black
- Capacity: 3-Qt
- Dishwasher safe: Only the non-electrical components
- Size:11.5 x 10.2 x 11 inches
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
Pros:
- Large LCD screen with cooking progress bar
- Replaces 9 different kitchen appliances
- 15 customizable Smart Programs
- Durable stainless steel design
- Compact design
Cons:
- Parts that are not dishwasher-safe are hard to clean
5. Instant Pot Lux
The last entry on our list is the Instant Pot Lux, and, as you can probably tell from the name, it has the highest price tag of all of our entries, and it’s one of the reasons why this model is the last on our list.
It’s meant to replace 6 different kitchen appliances, and the cooking settings allow it to be ideal for pressure cooking, sauteing or browning, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and warming food.
You can easily switch between each of them via the intuitive control panel with 10 preset Smart Programs, an automatic Keep Warm function, and customizable temperature controls.
If you’re not the type with too much time on your hands, you’ll like the Lux’s 24h delay timer that let you set the cooker so that the food will be ready exactly when you come back home, and you don’t have to worry about leaving this pot unattended either, since it’s UL and ULC certified with 10 proven safety mechanisms.
The bottom of the pot features a 3-ply design that allows a more even distribution of heat, and most components are made from durable stainless steel, so that this pot will be a long-term investment.
One thing we have to mention, though is that this particular model is only available in the 6L (6.33-Quart) variant, so if you’re interested in something that can cook larger quantities of food, you’re better off choosing a different model.
However, if you have decided to go with the Instant Pot Lux, it can be yours at a special discount price for a limited time only via the Instant Pot Lux’s Amazon page, so get it while the offer lasts.
Specs:
- How many appliances it replaces: 6
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Stainless steel and black
- Capacity: 6.33-Qt
- Dishwasher safe: Only the non-electrical components
- Size: 12.6 x 11.81 x 10.23 inches
- Weight: 14.57 pounds
Pros:
- Can replace 6 different appliances
- 10 different cooking presets
- Durable stainless steel build
- UL and ULC certified
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- The price tag
- Not great for larger families
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
No matter how you look at it, instant pots are superior in every way, starting from how much energy they consume, to the space they end up saving you, and the time spent cooking. For more details as to why an instant pot can be a great addition to your life and kitchen, continue reading the section below.
They Save You Space
Regardless of whether you’re shopping for an instant pot online or in an actual physical shop, you’ll notice how most (if not all) advertise themselves as being 5-in-one or 7-in-1 products, and the truth is that thanks to the precise cooking settings and electronic control, a simple instant pot can indeed save you kitchen space.
Besides, if you already have other dedicated kitchen appliances, you’ll notice how sometimes they can seem limited because of their simplicity. For example, almost all pressure cookers are nothing more than a pot with a sealed lid that works by cooking food under the pressure of steam.
While this is the same principle behind instant pots as well, there are no customizable cooking settings such as heat or pressure measurements.
They Save You Time
One of the biggest selling points of an instant pot is just how much it can cut down on the cooking time of food when compared to traditional cooking methods, and since there are a lot of models that state that they can do an hour-long job in less than 20 minutes, it’s no wonder why they are so popular.
Not only does the tight seal lid help keep the steam inside and cook your meals faster, but it also helps you save time since you no longer have to do a lot of pre-cooking preparations.
For example, you don’t have to worry anymore about defrosting frozen food, which can otherwise take a few good hours all by itself. You don’t have to worry about softening beans prior to boiling them either, since this is also done while it’s being pressure cooked.
What’s more, there are even certain foods that have been associated with slow cooking for so long that people don’t even realize that they can be done in any other way, such as pulled pork.
Everyone knows that you need to slow cook pulled pork for at least 3 hours for it to be tender and juicy, but with an instant pot, you can do it in less than 2 hours.
They Are Energy-Efficient
Because of the way they work, instant pots need a lot less energy to obtain the same results, and since you won’t be cooking for as long, that means that even less energy is consumed.
Overall, most instant pots are advertised as being 70% more energy-efficient when compared to other similar cookers, so even if you do pay a bit more upfront to buy the instant pot, you’ll be spending less in the long run on energy bills, so it’s a win-win.
Cleaning Them Is Easy
It’s easy to think that time spent in the kitchen is time spent cooking, but many forget (or at least they’d like to forget) about how much time they spend washing the dishes after everyone’s had their full. Well, that’s not something that you’ll have to worry about when dealing with an instant pot.
You see, they have simple and compact designs, and cleaning them only takes up a couple of minutes (presuming that you don’t leave them in the sink for a crust to develop). Besides, most instant pots have plenty of non-electric parts, all of which are dishwasher safe:
- The outer surface
- The inner surface
- The silicone ring
- The lid
Note: Even with the best maintenance, the silicone rings can develop a smell if used daily over a long period of time, so always make sure to buy extra one. Ideally, they should be replaced about once every 6 months.
Instant Pots Are Safe
If you’ve never used an instant pot or a pressure cooker before, reading this article and how these pots build up steam on the inside can make you wonder whether they aren’t a safety hazard, especially since they sound as if they could blow up at any minute.
Fortunately enough, that’s not the case. You see, modern instant pots come with a wide variety of safety features that ultimately make them completely safe to use. From their full stainless steel design to their locking lids and pressure release valves, the modern instant pot simply cannot explode, regardless of what you decide to cook.
How Instant Pots Save You Money
One thing we liked about instant pots is that it’s easy to determine a product’s capabilities simply from the price tag. You see, the more an instant pot’s price goes up, the more features and functions it has, so whenever you’re shopping for one, you’ll never be overpaying for features you may never end up using.
While on the topic of price tags, we understand the importance of saving money with every chance you get, and that’s why it’s important to highlight how an instant pot can actually end up saving you money, despite the fact that you do have to spend quite a few dollars in order to buy one.
One way a lot of users manage to spend a lot of money is by either ordering takeout or going to a local restaurant to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and at the end of the month, you’ll realize that quite a lot of money was spent just so you can eat.
The thing is that there are many simple recipes that a user can follow, but most will say that they lack the time necessary to cook. However, this only applies when you’re talking about having to wait for 2 hours so your turkey can bake in the old fashion way.
This all changes, if you get an instant pot, since foods that would take hours to be done, will be ready in 20 to 30 minutes, allowing you to prepare food just the way you like it, in a much healthier manner, and with less cash spent.
Types of Instant Pots
Pressure Cookers
We already went ahead at the beginning of the article and talked about how most instant pots are pressure cookers at heart, relying on high pressure and steam to cook food faster than conventional methods.
One big advantage of cooking under pressure is that the steam is distributed evenly throughout your pot, so all the food will be cooked in the same way, unlike traditional pots where the food would sometimes be overcooked (or burned to a crispt) at the bottom.
However, there are differences between an instant pot and a regular pressure cooker. For example, instant pots have several cooking functions (slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, etc), making them much more versatile.
Multi-Cookers
The other big category of instant pots that are available is the multi-cookers, and in case you’re wondering what’s the difference, we’ll tell you.
In short, a multi-cooker can be considered a smart slow cooker, so if you’re a fan of this style of cooking, then a multi-cooker is the best choice for you.
The inside of the pot is usually coated with a non-stick ceramic layer, and the outside is made to be both stovetop and oven-safe. Among the most common cooking settings that you can find in multi-cookers, we can mention settings that are appropriate for:
- Baking
- Yogurt
- Searing
- Roasting
Note: Multi-cookers do not have pressure cooking capabilities.
Instant Pot Buying Guide
After going through all the instant pots on our list, you may have noticed how we kept focusing on certain aspects of their functionality during each mini-review. Well, the truth is that no matter how complex an instant pot may sound, there actually very few but very important criteria that you should look for when choosing one.
To read more about what exactly you need to look for in a cooking pot, continue reading the section below:
Size
Since instant pots are inherently meant to replace several other pots and pans from a kitchen, they have the distinct advantage of allowing you to get models that are incredibly big without having to worry about the space it occupies (after all, 2 4-quart pots take up more space than one 8-quart one).
Instant pots come in a wide variety of sizes, but the average consumer seems to be very fond of 6-quart models since these are usually ideal for preparing an average family-sized dinner, soups, stews, and other such popular dishes. However, what size you will end up choosing is completely up to you, your lifestyle, and your eating habits.
For example, there are those with little time to spare during the week and do all of their cooking on Saturdays and Sundays, during which they cook large quantities of food in bulk. At the same time, you may also be cooking for a very large family, or you hold frequent parties where you need to cook for about 20 guests.
If this sounds like you, then 8 or even 10-quart models will be perfect, although you’ll probably need an entire kitchen cabinet just for storing it when you’re done.
Maintenance
Instant pots are inherently easy to clean, especially since they have plenty of non-electrical components that are completely dishwasher safe. However, this aspect varies from model to model, and if you hate washing dishes, you can look for instant pots that have a design that makes cleaning them a lot easier.
Here’s how cleaning an instant pot usually goes:
- Unplug the instant pot
- Make sure that it is completely cooled down
- Wipe the outside of the pot with a warm damp towel
- Use a small brush to remove pieces of caked food that are lodged in hard-to-reach places
- Soak the pot in white vinegar and then rinse it if the stainless steel has spots or lost its shine
Cleaning the lid is a bit different, and it goes as follows:
- Place the lid upside down on the pot until it completely dries
- This prevents lingering smells
- Was the sealing ring with warm soapy water (or place it in the dishwasher)
Note: If you’re concerned about food flavors mixing up over time because of the sealing rings, use 2 separate ones: one for savory cooking, and one for sweet cooking.
Special Features
Unfortunately, no one has managed so far to create an instant pot that can cook all types of food, so different instant pots offer different cooking functions, and this is a very important aspect to consider when buying one.
Sure, all basic instant pots can be used as a pressure cooker and for sautes, but if you’re looking for an instant pot that can handle specific kinds of food, like yogurt, rice, porridge, etc., make sure that this feature is mentioned on the label.
Other neat features can prove to be useful as well, such as:
- Delayed cooking
- Keep Warm options
- Advanced Temperature controls
- Voice-assistant compatibility (e.g., Alexa)
- Remote cooking features (via mobile app), and more.
However, with great features and settings come great price tags, so if you’re going to be spending your hard-earned money, you might as well do it on something that you actually like or need, since buying a high-end instant pot only ever using 2 or 3 of its functions means that you’re basically throwing money out the window.
Accessories
The special features are something that you control digitally, but when it comes to the accessories, you’re talking about actual physical parts that improve upon an instant pot’s functionality, and there are certainly a lot to choose from.
Besides, these can also be bought separately, although you should pay attention to whether they are compatible with your current instant pot or not.
Silicone Steamer Basket
Steaming foods is mong the healthiest way to cook, and while most steam racks are made using stainless steel, the best ones are considered the ones made from old fashion bamboo.
However, bamboo can be quite expensive, so the next best option is to use a silicone steamer basket. These can be bought separately, or as part of standard instant pot steam sets, which include the basket, a cake pan, and a rack.
Springform Pans
Many users have a sweet tooth, and while instant pots can also be used to make desserts, certain accessories like the springform pan can make it even better.
They come in the shape of loaves and cakes, and all you need to do to use them is to put the batter inside of them, place the pan in the pot by clipping them on the steam rack, and then cook them (if possible, by using the dedicated Baking feature). When you’re done, simply unclip the pan and remove it from the pot.
Sealing Rings
Unlike some of the other instant pot accessories, you already receive one or more sealing rings along with the box containing the instant pot.
However, because they tend to accumulate smells and degrade over time, these are treated as consumable parts and should be replaced at least once every 18 – 24 months, although if you cook daily, you may need to replace them as often as once every 6 months.
These come in a wide variety of sizes so that they fit all instant pot capacities, and even in different colors to make telling them apart easier, which can be helpful if you follow the advice we mentioned earlier of using different rings for cooking different types of food.
Note: Sealing rings usually develop leaks before being destroyed for good, so replace them as soon as you see the first leaks since they can become a safety hazard due to increased risks of explosions.
Yogurt Cups
These accessories are only worth mentioning if you’re particularly interested in making your own homemade yogurt and should only be bought if your instant pot actually has a yogurt setting. You can use these cups to sterilize the yogurt, and then as a form of storage containers, just as you would use a jar when making jams or compotes.
Price
For some users, the price tag is probably the first thing they read when shopping for an instant pot, and given that these appliances aren’t exactly cheap, it’s understandable.
Fortunately, instant pots come in a wide variety of price ranges, from basic models that cost as little as $50 to high-end instant pots that have so many features you’ll wonder if you even need a kitchen anymore, although these can cost well over $200.
When deciding what pot you’ll end up buying, it’s important that you ask yourself several questions, such as:
- What is my budget?
- How often do I cook?
- How much food do I cook at a time?
- What kinds of foods do I like to cook?
- How much kitchen space do I have to spare?
- What other appliances do I already have in the kitchen?
In the end, it’s all a matter of getting your money’s worth, and if you’ll be cooking frequently, in large quantities, and different kinds of food every single time, you’ll realize that the instant pot you just bought is worth every penny from the very first use.
However, if you’ve never used an instant pot before, or any type of advanced cooking pot for that matter, then it’s best to be on the safe side and simply go ahead with a much budget-friendlier solution.
Best Instant Pots: Closing Thoughts
Our article has come to an end, and we hope that by reading it, you’ll have a better understanding of what an instant pot is, what it can do, and how you can choose the best one for your kitchen.
More so, remember that there are plenty of other instant pots out there besides the 10 entries from our list, but we concluded that as far as what 2021 has to offer, these are the best as far as the price-to-performance ratio goes. Speaking of price, we also tried choosing entries that will fit a wider range of budget, from the incredibly affordable Instant Pot Duo to the premium Instant Pot Lux.
We’ve written plenty of other guides featuring the best kitchen appliances that you can get, so go ahead and browse our website to find them.
Not only that, but if there’s any particular subject that we haven’t already covered that you’d like to hear about, leave us your submissions in the comments section below and we’ll create a guide just like this one in no time.
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