Yes that’s what most recipes call for but for very few dollars more you can choose a model with high and low pressure. If you don’t want leftovers, go for the 3-Quart Instant Pot. However, instant pot duo nova if you like leftovers, cooking pot-in-pot , or two-fer meals (e.g., cooking roast one night then cutting it into beef tips and gravy the next night), I’d recommend the 6-quart.
I prefer the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, but the Original Duo Crisp and theDuo Crisp with Ultimate Lid might be a better choice for you if you have other features you’re looking for. However, both share the improved auto-seal lid that makes them worth the extra expense. Get the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers by following @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribing to the Engadget Deals newsletter. The best Instant Pot® for beginners, with upgraded lid and display.
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. 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. The Instant Pot Max has an automatic pressure release feature that you set when you begin cooking.
The first Instant Pot pressure cooker came out in 2012. Since then, it feels like Instant Pot has released a zillion new models , and all with slightly different features. Some of the design requirements of pressure cookers almost inevitably lead to some cleaning challenges. However, the DUO Nova navigates these challenges better than most, making its cleaning process about as easy as one could hope. The pressure release button makes depressurizing the cooking chamber feel much easier and less stressful.
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. The Instant Pot Duo has the yogurt button, adjustable pressure, and the saute function. 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.
This makes it a bit harder to scrub clean than many of its non-stick counterparts but also means it can unequivocally go in a dishwasher. The control panel makes navigating its multiple cooking features and settings quite easy. A dedicated button for each cooking presets make it easy to quickly dial in rice or soup settings. A large LCD clearly displays feedback if you want to cycle through some advanced features, such as adjusting the pressure level, programming in a delayed start, or adjusting the cooking time.
It’s an upgraded version of the Instant Pot Duo, adding a lid that automatically seals shut when you close it. It’s a 7-in-1 device, combining a pressure cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, cake maker, slow cooker, egg cooker and sauté machine into one. And with the 8-quart model, you’ll be able to prepare a lot of food — it’s arguably the best size for large families and those who entertain often. This isn’t the only model available with a pressure release button. In fact, other machines place their buttons on the main control panel, even farther away from the assault of steam that accompanies depressurizing a pressure cooker.
The Ultra line can offer as many as 10-in-1 multi-use capabilities. The Duo line provides 7- or 9-in-1 multi-use functions, and the Lux line offers 6-in-1 functionality. I agree with Barbara on her recommendation of the Duo Evo Plus. My first IP was an IP Duo and wasn’t even tempted to upgrade until the Duo Evo Plus.
This device provides customized cooking times with its altitude adjustment feature. Aside from the smart features and customizations, there are dual pressure settings available as well. The models of Instant Pot pressure cookers you can find include the 3-quart, 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart sizes. The dimensions of the Ultra 10-in-1, 8-quart model measure out to be 14.80 by 14.00 by 14.50 inches, and it weighs 15.7 pounds.
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. There’s SO MANY models and variations, it’s not surprising! Our 2022 Instant Pot Buying Guidewill talk through the available options so you can feel confident choosing the Instant Pot size and model that’s right for you. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support our work. Learn how we create the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews on our About page. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews.