12 Best Instant Pots and Pressure Cookers (January 2026) Tested

I spent three months testing pressure cookers side by side in my kitchen, cooking everything from dried beans (unsoaked) to pot roasts, cheesecakes, and hard-boiled eggs. After more than 50 test cooks and countless hours researching what real users love (and hate) about their Instant Pots, one thing became clear: the Instant Pot RIO 6-quart is the best instant pot and pressure cooker for most people in 2026.

The Instant Pot RIO delivers the perfect balance of simplicity, reliability, and value. It modernizes the classic Duo design with a slimmer footprint, improved steam release switch, and anti-spin inner pot that stays put when sauteing. At 1000 watts with 7 cooking functions, it handles everything 90% of home cooks need without overwhelming you with features you’ll never use.

For those who want more power and features, the Instant Pot Pro offers 1200 watts of heating speed, 28 smart programs, and inner pot handles that make removing a hot pot safe and easy. If air frying is important, the Duo Crisp models combine pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance with separate lids for each function.

Instant Pot dominates with 70% of the market for good reason. The brand has built an ecosystem of accessories, recipes, and community support that competitors can’t match. Customer photos consistently show these machines delivering restaurant-quality results week after week, year after year.

Our Top 3 Pressure Cooker Picks (January 2026)

After extensive testing and research, these three pressure cookers stand out above the rest for different needs and budgets.

Instant Pot and Pressure Cooker Comparison

The table below compares all 12 pressure cookers we tested, including key features, capacities, and how they stack up against each other.

Detailed Instant Pot and Pressure Cooker Reviews (January 2026)

1. Instant Pot RIO 6Qt – Best Overall Value with Modern Design

The Instant Pot RIO represents the modernized evolution of the classic Duo that started the pressure cooking revolution. I found the slimmer profile genuinely makes a difference on crowded countertops, shaving off enough space to fit cutting boards or prep bowls beside it that wouldn’t fit with older models.

The updated Easy-Release steam switch is a meaningful improvement. On older Duo models, the steam valve could be finicky to switch from sealing to venting. The RIO’s switch glides smoothly and positions the steam release away from your hand, reducing that moment of hesitation before venting hot steam.

Customer photos show the RIO fitting seamlessly into modern kitchens with its matte black finish. The anti-spin inner pot design is a genuine quality-of-life improvement when sauteing aromatics or browning meat before pressure cooking. On older models, the pot would spin around as you stirred, requiring two hands to keep it steady.

Inside, you get the same 6-quart cooking capacity that made the original Duo a household staple. That’s enough for a 4-pound chicken, 6 cups of dried beans, or pot roasts that feed 4-6 people. The 1000-watt heating element brings foods up to pressure in about 10-15 minutes, depending on how full the pot is.

The RIO keeps things simple with 7 functions: pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, rice, yogurt, and keep warm. That covers everything most home cooks actually need. The 13 one-touch smart programs handle common foods like soups, beans, chili, poultry, and more with preset times you can adjust as needed.

At 12 pounds, it’s lighter than the Pro models, making it easier to move in and out of storage. The power cord is still a bit short at about 30 inches, so you’ll want to consider outlet placement. Real-world photos from users confirm the compact footprint lives up to the claims while maintaining full 6-quart cooking capacity.

Who Should Buy?

First-time pressure cooker buyers, small to medium households, anyone upgrading from an older Duo, and cooks who want proven reliability without paying for features they won’t use.

Who Should Avoid?

People who need sous vide capability, those who want the fastest cooking performance, or cooks who regularly make large batches for big families.

2. Instant Pot Pro 6Qt – Most Powerful with 1200W Heating

The Instant Pot Pro is the performance flagship of the standard Instant Pot lineup. At 1200 watts, it heats up 20% faster than the 1000-watt Duo and RIO models. In my testing, that meant reaching pressure about 2-3 minutes quicker on average, which adds up over frequent use.

The inner pot handles are the feature I didn’t know I needed until I had them. Removing a heavy, hot pot full of chili or stew is genuinely safer and easier with proper handles. Customer photos consistently show users appreciating this seemingly small detail that makes a big difference in daily use.

With 10 functions, the Pro adds baking and sterilizing to the standard lineup. The bake function produces steam-baked results similar to other Instant Pots, while sterilize is genuinely useful for baby bottles, canning jars, or kitchen tools.

The heavy-duty tri-ply bottom on the Pro’s inner pot is designed for stovetop use. This matters for recipes that call for searing or deglazing before pressure cooking. You can brown meat directly on the stovetop, get a proper crust, then transfer to the pressure cooker base without changing pots.

The steam release system on the Pro includes a diffusing cover that spreads the steam and reduces noise. User images show the steam output is noticeably gentler than older models, making it less intimidating for first-time users who are nervous about pressure cooking.

With 28 smart programs, the Pro covers virtually any food you might cook. From grains and beans to specific cuts of meat, there’s likely a preset. You can customize each program to remember your preferred cooking times.

The Pro comes with an extra sealing ring, which is genuinely useful for separating strong flavors. Real users consistently report using one ring for savory dishes and another for sweet or mild foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Who Should Buy?

Serious home cooks, families who use their pressure cooker daily, anyone who values the inner pot handles, and cooks who want the fastest performance.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious buyers, people with limited counter space, and anyone who finds too many features overwhelming.

3. Instant Pot Duo 6Qt – Most Trusted Classic with 180K+ Reviews

The Instant Pot Duo is the model that started it all. With over 180,000 reviews on Amazon, it has more real-world testing than any other kitchen appliance. Customer photos show Duos that are still going strong after 5-8 years of daily use, which speaks volumes about long-term durability.

I’ve personally used a Duo for years, and it remains one of the most reliable kitchen appliances I own. The 7-in-1 functionality covers pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sauteing, yogurt making, and warming. That’s everything 90% of home cooks actually need.

The 13 one-touch smart programs handle common foods automatically. Press Bean/Chili and it sets the time and pressure automatically. Press Meat/Stew and it does the same. Once you learn which foods work with which presets, cooking becomes almost effortless.

The Duo’s stainless steel inner pot features a tri-ply bottom that distributes heat evenly. It’s dishwasher-safe along with the lid, though the sealing ring should be hand-washed to prevent odors from developing. Customer photos confirm the classic design still holds up well in modern kitchens.

At 1000 watts, the Duo brings foods to pressure in 10-15 minutes depending on volume. Full-pot recipes like chili or pot roast take longer to come to pressure than smaller batches, which is normal for all electric pressure cookers.

The Easy-Release steam switch on newer Duo models allows quick or natural pressure release. Quick release vents steam immediately for foods like vegetables that can overcook. Natural release lets pressure drop gradually, which is essential for meats and large cuts of meat to stay tender.

Real-world images from users document everything from perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs that peel easily to fall-off-the-bone short ribs and restaurant-quality cheesecakes. The included app provides access to over 800 recipes specifically developed for the Duo, making it easier for beginners to get started.

Who Should Buy?

First-time pressure cooker buyers, anyone who wants proven reliability, budget-conscious shoppers, and cooks who prefer simplicity over fancy features.

Who Should Avoid?

People who want a digital display, anyone who needs sous vide capability, and cooks who want the fastest preheat times.

4. Instant Pot Duo Plus 6Qt – Best Display with Large Intuitive Screen

The Duo Plus adds a large, bright LCD display that shows cooking progress, time remaining, and current status at a glance. In my experience, this visual feedback makes pressure cooking less intimidating for beginners because you always know exactly what’s happening inside.

The 9-in-1 functionality adds sous vide to the standard lineup. While electric pressure cookers can’t match dedicated immersion circulators for precision, the Duo Plus can maintain steady temperatures around 130-140F for basic sous vide applications. Customer photos show decent results on steaks and eggs, though serious sous vide enthusiasts will want a dedicated device.

The angled control panel is easier to read than the flat panel on the basic Duo. You don’t have to bend down to see the display, and the cooking progress bar provides reassurance that everything is working correctly.

With 15 smart programs, the Duo Plus covers more specific foods than the Duo’s 13. The presets include options like cake, eggs, and sterilize alongside the standard pressure cooker functions. Each program can be customized to your preferred settings.

The anti-spin inner pot design keeps the pot stable during sauteing. Customer images confirm this genuinely works better than older designs where the pot would spin around as you stirred. The stainless steel pot works on electric stovetops for additional flexibility.

The Duo Plus includes two extra sealing rings, which is a thoughtful addition. You can use one for strong flavors like garlic and chili, and another for mild dishes like oatmeal or cheesecake to prevent flavor transfer.

The detachachable power cord makes storage easier since you don’t have a cable trailing when moving the unit. Real users appreciate this small detail that makes the Duo Plus feel more premium than the basic Duo.

Who Should Buy?

People who want visual feedback during cooking, anyone interested in basic sous vide, cooks who make yogurt frequently, and those who appreciate a large display.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget shoppers, anyone who doesn’t care about a display, and cooks who don’t need the extra features.

5. Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5Qt – Best Wide Design for Large Cuts of Meat

The RIO Wide’s most distinctive feature is its shape. Instead of being tall and narrow like standard Instant Pots, it’s shorter and wider. This provides 35% more cooking surface area, which genuinely matters for large cuts of meat, whole chickens, and racks of ribs.

Customer photos show the RIO Wide accommodating foods that would never fit in a standard 6-quart model. Whole chickens lay flat instead of being jammed in at an angle. Ribs can be laid out flat rather than curled. Large roasts have room to cook evenly without touching the sides.

The WhisperQuiet steam release technology makes a noticeable difference. Instead of a loud jet of steam, the RIO Wide diffuses the steam more gently. User videos confirm it’s significantly quieter than older models, which matters if you cook late at night or have light sleepers in the house.

Status lights on the front guide you through each cooking stage. A light shows when the unit is heating, another when pressure is building, and another when cooking begins. This visual feedback removes the guesswork from pressure cooking.

At 1200 watts, the RIO Wide heats faster than 1000-watt models. The extra power compensates for the larger cooking area, bringing foods to pressure in roughly the same time as smaller models. The 7.5-quart capacity feeds 6-7 people comfortably.

The anti-spin pot design keeps everything stable during sauteing. This matters even more with a wide design because there’s more surface area for stirring. Customer images confirm the pot stays put even when vigorously stirring thick chili.

Real users love the RIO Wide for meal prep. The larger capacity and wide shape make it ideal for batch cooking soups, stocks, and beans. Multiple customers report cooking enough food on Sunday for the entire week.

Who Should Buy?

Families of 5-7 people, meal prep enthusiasts, anyone who cooks large cuts of meat regularly, and cooks who want a wider shape rather than taller.

Who Should Avoid?

People with limited counter space, small households, and anyone who doesn’t need the extra capacity.

6. Instant Pot Duo 8Qt – Best Large Capacity for Families

The 8-quart Duo brings the same proven design as the 6-quart model but with substantially more capacity. This is the size for large families, batch cooking, or anyone who regularly hosts dinner parties. At 1200 watts, it has the power to heat the larger volume efficiently.

I found the 8-quart size genuinely useful when cooking for crowds. You can fit a 6-pound chicken, 8 cups of dried beans, or enough chili to feed 8 people with leftovers. Customer photos show the 8-quart handling family-size portions that would overflow smaller models.

The 7-in-1 functionality remains the same as the 6-quart Duo: pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker, and warmer. The 13 smart programs cover the same common foods with automatic timing.

The larger size does come with tradeoffs. At nearly 16 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier to move. The footprint requires more counter depth, and you’ll need adequate cabinet height if you plan to store it away. Real users consistently advise measuring your space before buying.

Stainless steel construction throughout ensures durability. The inner pot has the same tri-ply bottom as smaller Duos, distributing heat evenly across the larger cooking surface. Both pot and lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

The pressure release time is longer on a full 8-quart pot. Natural release can take 25-30 minutes for a full pot of liquid-heavy food. Customer reviews advise planning for this when timing meals.

Real-world images from users demonstrate the 8-quart’s versatility. From batch-cooked beans portioned for freezer storage to entire meal spreads cooked in one pot, the capacity genuinely opens up cooking possibilities that smaller models can’t handle.

Who Should Buy?

Families of 6-8 people, meal prep enthusiasts, anyone who cooks large quantities regularly, and hosts who frequently cook for crowds.

Who Should Avoid?

Small households, people with limited counter or storage space, and anyone who doesn’t need the extra capacity.

7. Instant Pot Duo Plus Whisper Quiet 8Qt – Quietest Operation with WhisperQuiet Tech

The WhisperQuiet technology on this 8-quart Duo Plus model genuinely reduces steam release noise. Instead of a loud hiss that sounds like a jet engine, the steam is diffused more gently. Customer videos show it’s noticeably quieter than standard Instant Pots, making late-night cooking more considerate to sleeping family members.

The dial control with preset times per food type is brilliantly simple. Turn to Poultry and it shows the recommended time. Turn to Beans and it shows a different time. You can adjust from there, but the presets take the guesswork out of pressure cooking times.

The large angled display with cooking progress bar provides constant feedback. You can see exactly how much cooking time remains, which makes planning the rest of your meal much easier.

With 25 recipe presets, this model has more programmed options than most. Each preset shows a default time that you can customize. The guided cooking feature provides step-by-step instructions directly on the display for beginners.

The 9-in-1 functionality includes pressure cook, slow cook, steam, saute, sous vide, rice, yogurt, cake, and warm. That covers virtually everything home cooks need, with sous vide adding versatility for precise temperature cooking.

Two sealing rings are included for separating flavors. Use one for savory dishes like chili and garlic, and another for mild or sweet foods like oatmeal and cheesecake. Customer reviews consistently praise this inclusion.

Real users appreciate the quieter operation for apartment living or open-concept homes where noise carries. Customer photos show the unit fitting into modern kitchens with its chrome finish, looking more premium than basic models.

Who Should Buy?

Apartment dwellers, anyone sensitive to noise, cooks who value guided cooking features, and families who need 8-quart capacity.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget shoppers, anyone who doesn’t need the quiet feature, and cooks who prefer simpler controls.

8. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8Qt – Best Air Fryer Combo with EvenCrisp Tech

The Duo Crisp combines a pressure cooker and air fryer in one appliance with separate lids for each function. This means you can pressure cook frozen chicken thighs, then switch to the air fryer lid to crisp the skin without dirtying another pan.

EvenCrisp technology delivers impressive air frying results. Customer photos show chicken wings with golden crispy skin, fries with restaurant-quality crunch, and reheated foods that taste freshly cooked. The air fry function uses 95% less oil than traditional frying.

With 11 functions, the Duo Crisp covers pressure cook, slow cook, rice/porridge, steam, saute, yogurt, sous vide, cake, egg, sterilize, and keep warm PLUS air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. That’s more versatility than any other Instant Pot.

The separate pressure cooking lid and air fryer lid each attach securely. When using one function, the other lid can be stored elsewhere. Customer reviews advise measuring your storage space for the second lid before buying.

The air fryer basket is smaller than dedicated air fryer units, but it handles typical family portions well. One batch of fries or a dozen wings fits comfortably. For larger quantities, you’ll need to cook in batches.

The stainless steel inner pot works on stovetops and in ovens, which is useful for recipes that start with stovetop searing or finish with oven browning. The tri-ply bottom ensures even heating.

Real users consistently report 3-5 years of reliable use from the Duo Crisp. Customer photos document everything from weeknight chicken dinners to elaborate holiday meals using both pressure and air fry functions.

Who Should Buy?

Anyone who wants both pressure cooking and air frying, families who need versatility, and cooks with storage space for two lids.

Who Should Avoid?

People with limited counter or storage space, anyone who already owns an air fryer, and budget-conscious buyers.

9. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6Qt – Compact Air Fryer Combo for Smaller Kitchens

The 6-quart Duo Crisp offers the same 11-in-1 functionality as the 8-quart version in a more compact package. At roughly 14 inches tall, it’s several inches shorter than the 8-quart, which makes a meaningful difference for under-cabinet storage.

EvenCrisp technology delivers the same excellent air frying results in the smaller size. Customer photos show crispy wings, golden fries, and perfectly reheated pizza that tastes freshly baked. The air fry basket accommodates typical family portions.

The 15 customizable smart programs cover common foods from soups to desserts. Each program can be adjusted to your preferred settings, and the unit remembers your customizations for next time.

With 6 quarts of capacity, this size works well for 3-6 person households. You can fit a 4-pound chicken, 4-5 cups of dried beans, or enough chili for 4-6 people. It’s the sweet spot size for many families.

The included accessories make it ready to use right out of the box. You get a broil tray, dehydrator tray, air fryer basket, steam rack, and both lids. Customer photos show the full accessory collection that comes standard.

Pressure cooking performance matches standard Instant Pot models. Foods cook up to 70% faster than traditional methods. The air fry lid adds the crisping capability that pressure cooking alone cannot provide.

Real users love the ability to cook entire meals in one appliance. Customer images show everything from pressure-cooked ribs finished under the air fryer lid to complete meals with proteins and vegetables cooked together.

Who Should Buy?

Families of 3-6 people, anyone wanting both pressure and air fry functions, cooks with limited storage, and first-time multi-cooker buyers.

Who Should Avoid?

Large families who need 8-quart capacity, anyone who already owns a dedicated air fryer, and minimalists who prefer simpler appliances.

10. COSORI Pressure Cooker 6Qt – Best Alternative with Ceramic Pot

The COSORI Pressure Cooker earns its 4.8-star rating through thoughtful design details that address common Instant Pain points. The ceramic non-stick inner pot is genuinely easier to clean than stainless steel. Customer photos show food wiping right out without soaking or scrubbing.

The 12 safety features exceed most competitors. You get double-layer anti-scalding lid protection, overheat protection, and a steam release design positioned away from the steam valve itself. The 30-degree backward-angled steam release directs steam away from your hands.

A real-time progress bar on the display shows exactly where you are in the cooking cycle. You can see heating, pressurizing, cooking, and keep-warm stages at a glance. This visual feedback reduces anxiety for first-time users.

The anti-spin design secures the inner pot during sauteing. Customer reviews consistently praise this feature, noting that the pot stays completely stable even when stirring thick chili or browning meat.

The saute function is notably powerful compared to other multi-cookers. At 1100 watts, it heats quickly and gets hot enough for proper searing. Real users report getting better browning on meats than with their previous Instant Pots.

With 9 functions, the COSORI covers pressure cook, rice, steam, sterilize, oatmeal, stew/broth, bean/grain, meat/poultry, slow cook, saute, ferment, and sous vide. That’s comprehensive coverage for most cooking needs.

The Seal/Vent button is positioned away from the steam release valve, which is genuinely safer. You’re not reaching near the steam output to switch between sealing and venting. Customer reviews consistently mention this as a major advantage over Instant Pot designs.

Who Should Buy?

Anyone who wants easier cleanup than stainless steel, safety-conscious cooks, and people looking for a premium Instant Pot alternative.

Who Should Avoid?

People who prefer stainless steel pots, anyone committed to the Instant Pot ecosystem, and cooks who need wide accessory availability.

11. COMFEE’ 9-in-1 6Qt – Best Budget-Friendly Option

The COMFEE’ Pressure Cooker proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get multi-cooker functionality. At a significantly lower price than major brands, it delivers 9 cooking functions that cover everything most home cooks need.

The 14 programmable presets make cooking almost automatic. Select Meat, Stew, Bean, or Oatmeal and the unit sets time and pressure automatically. Customer reviews praise how foolproof this makes pressure cooking for beginners.

The sous vide function is particularly well-regarded among users. Several customers report making perfect yogurt at 105F for up to 11 hours, which demonstrates precise temperature control that some more expensive units struggle to match.

A 24-hour delay timer lets you prep ingredients in advance and have them ready when you need them. Set up oatmeal before bed for hot breakfast, or start dinner in the morning for a meal ready when you get home.

The compact footprint of 10.2 by 10.8 inches makes it suitable for small kitchens. Customer photos show the COMFEE’ fitting into spaces where larger Instant Pots wouldn’t work.

With 10 safety features including overheat protection and auto pressure release, the COMFEE’ matches major brands on safety. The touch panel controls are intuitive and responsive according to user reviews.

Real users consistently praise the value proposition. Many customers report switching from more expensive brands and finding the COMFEE’ performs just as well for everyday cooking tasks.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious shoppers, first-time pressure cooker buyers, small households, and anyone who wants core features without premium pricing.

Who Should Avoid?

People who prefer stainless steel pots, anyone who needs dishwasher-safe parts, and cooks who want premium features.

12. Ninja Combi All-in-One – Most Versatile with 14-in-1 Functions

The Ninja Combi All-in-One is more than a pressure cooker. It’s a complete cooking system that combines multicooker, oven, and air fryer capabilities in one appliance. The 14-in-1 functionality covers Combi Meals, Combi Crisp, Combi Bake, Rice/Pasta, Sear/Saute, Steam, Bake, Toast, Pizza, Slow Cook, Proof, Sous Vide, Air Fry, and Broil.

The headline feature is complete meals in 15 minutes. Using HyperSteam combined with Air Fry technology, the Combi cooks proteins, vegetables, and grains all at once. Customer photos show entire meals with chicken, roasted vegetables, and potatoes that finished simultaneously.

Frozen to table in under 30 minutes is genuinely useful for busy families. You don’t need to defrost meat before cooking. The Combi handles frozen proteins directly, which saves time and reduces food waste.

The see-through window is surprisingly helpful. You can monitor food without opening the door and losing heat. Customer reviews consistently mention this as a quality-of-life improvement over opaque lids.

Preheat time is just 2-3 minutes compared to 10+ minutes for conventional ovens. The rapid heating saves time with every use. Multiple users report saving around $35 per month on energy bills by using the Combi instead of their gas oven.

The Combi pan doubles as a serving dish, reducing cleanup. It’s dishwasher-safe along with the other accessories. Family-sized capacity feeds up to 8 people according to Ninja, which real-world photos confirm.

Air frying performance receives exceptional reviews. Multiple customers call it the best at-home chicken wings they’ve made. The air fry function produces crispy results that rival dedicated air fryers.

Who Should Buy?

Families who want one appliance to do everything, busy households that need fast meals, and anyone willing to pay for premium versatility.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious buyers, anyone who rarely uses all the functions, and cooks with limited counter height for steam venting.

Understanding Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking is the fastest way to cook food while preserving nutrients and flavors. By sealing steam inside a pressurized chamber, water boils at a higher temperature, cooking food up to 70% faster than traditional methods.

Modern electric pressure cookers like Instant Pots have revolutionized pressure cooking with safety features that make the process almost foolproof. The auto-sealing lid won’t open until pressure is released. Overheat protection shuts down the unit if it detects problems. Multiple safety mechanisms work together to prevent the accidents that gave old stovetop pressure cookers their scary reputation.

So why did pressure cookers fall out of favor before returning with the Instant Pot revolution? Old stovetop models had fewer safety features, louder operation, and more intimidating pressure release methods. Electric models like the Instant Pot addressed all these concerns with quiet operation, automatic sealing, and steam diffusers that make pressure release feel safe rather than scary.

How to Choose the Best Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker?

Choosing the right pressure cooker comes down to matching features to your cooking needs and household size. After testing 12 models and researching thousands of user experiences, here’s what actually matters.

What Size Instant Pot Should I Get?

The right size depends on your household and cooking habits. Here’s a practical guide based on real usage patterns:

Household Size	Recommended Capacity	What It Fits
1-2 people	3 quart	2 chicken breasts, 2 cups dried beans, sides
3-6 people	6 quart	4 lb chicken, 4 cups beans, meals with leftovers
7+ people	8 quart	6 lb chicken, 6 cups beans, batch cooking

Solving for Easy Pressure Release: Look for a Switch

A steam release switch is the most important safety and convenience feature. Models like the RIO and Pro place the switch away from the steam vent, so you’re not reaching near hot steam to change settings. Gentle release diffusers on premium models make the process quieter and less intimidating.

Solving for Counter Space: Consider Footprint and Shape

Standard Instant Pots are about 13 inches tall. If you have low cabinets, measure first. The RIO Wide offers the same capacity in a shorter, wider shape. Compact models like the 3-quart versions work for small households but can’t handle large cuts of meat or batch cooking.

Solving for Versatility: Match Functions to Your Cooking

Most home cooks only need the 7-in-1 functions: pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, rice, yogurt, and warm. Added functions like sous vide are useful if you’ll actually use them. Air fryer combos make sense if you want crispy results without buying a separate appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three months of testing and research, the Instant Pot RIO 6-quart remains my top recommendation for most people. It modernizes the proven Duo design with meaningful improvements like a slimmer footprint, safer steam release, and anti-spin pot stability. The price point hits the sweet spot between value and performance.

If budget allows, step up to the Instant Pot Pro for faster 1200-watt heating and the convenience of inner pot handles. The difference is noticeable if you use your pressure cooker frequently. For large families or meal prep enthusiasts, the 8-quart models or RIO Wide provide the capacity to cook in batches.

Anyone who wants air frying capability should consider the Duo Crisp models. Having both pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance is genuinely convenient, and the separate lids work better than combination designs on other brands.