We also had great luck prepping various grains, including rice and quinoa, in the DUO Nova. Things generally came out a bit more moist and sticky rather than fluffy, but we generally enjoyed the texture. It also performed well in our meat cooking tests, successfully rendering a tough brisket cut into a tender and enjoyable feast. If you’re after a simple, no-fuss multicooker, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a good option for beginners. If you have a large family, the 10-quart capacity is perfect for cooking up a storm, although you still have the smaller options to suit your needs. Although the inner pot is dishwasher safe, it didn’t quite fit snugly in my dishwasher, so I had to handwash it in soapy water.
Families of four require at least a 6-quart pot, while larger families will probably prefer 8 quarts. Additionally, 3-quart pots are usually the best option for one or two people or for preparing side dishes. To avoid risk of personal injury and/or property damage, do not pour food or liquid into cooker base. Each Instant Pot model combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you counter and storage space. You also save money by using one appliance for multiple cooking methods.
Crock-Pot has become synonymous with slow cookers because it’s been offering some of the most reliable models for years now. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a slow cooker but even so, $17 is a darn good price for one. This 4.5-quart slow cooker has three settings — low, high and warm — which are all you need to make tender pulled chicken tacos, lamb stew, pork shoulder and more. The easy to read control panel, indicates exactly what stage the cooking process is at, and the LCD display makes the Duo Nova look smart on the counter. The smart design inner pot is made of food-grade stainless-steel with tri-ply bottom ensure even cooking when sautéing, and dishwasher safe making clean up even easier. If you want the best Instant Pot and also an air fryer, then you will love the Instant Pot Duo Crip + Air Fryer for its multitasking abilities, making it the ultimate kitchen countertop space-saver.
Instant Pot dropped a juicier version of the Duo Crisp amid holiday shopping madness in November 2020. The 7-in-1 Duo is a cult favorite and one of Instant Pot’s all-time best sellers. Though its “successor,” the Instant Pot Duo Nova, comes with an extra safety feature and cooler screen, anyone who prefers a more straightforward approach may prefer the classic Duo.
This standout 11-in-1 pressure cooker was the first Instant Pot model to offer an air-frying function by way of a second air fryer lid. When you’re done frying, you can simply switch back to the standard instant vortex lid for pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. Like all Instant Pot models, this one comes with advanced safety features and access to a digital library of more than 1,000 Instant Pot recipes.
It can hold 77 degrees for hours (a cool environment preferred for yeasted bread that’s lower than many traditional ovens go) or spike the temperature on command for searing. The number in each Instant Pot’s title, e.g. “6-in-1” describes the number of kitchen appliances it claims to replace. A great high-end alternative to the Evo Plus, the Ultra button lets you control all parts of the cooking process. If you already have an air fryer, the Instant Pot Pro covers bases from yogurt-making to sous vide to baking for just over $100.
The 8-quart is best for roasts or prepping a few days’ worth of meals for large families. Instant Pots occasionally come in a 10-quart size, which is probably overkill unless you frequently cook for groups or are renovating your kitchen and won’t have access to your large appliances for months. One of the most difficult things to decide when buying an instant vortex is which size you’ll need for your family. The 6-quart size is the most popular one and many recipes are written for this Instant Pot size as well. This size is big enough to make a meal for around 3-6 people.