The Best Instant Pots in 2020 [A Buyer’s Guide]

Getting into the world of pressure cooking and wondering which Instant Pot to buy? Use this comparison to finally demystify the wide range of Instant Pots available, and pick one that you’ll love using for years to come.

There are currently nine Instant Pot models available on the market, with a range of 6-11 functions each. With so many models available, it can be hard to know which is the best Instant Pot, or more importantly, which is the best Instant Pot for you.

If you’re trying to decide which Instant Pot to buy, think about what you’re most likely to use it for. Do you like batch cooking for the week ahead? Or do you prefer quick meals that you can throw together after work? Take these size guides into consideration when you’re choosing which Instant Pot to buy:

Instant Pots that are 6 – in – 1

Instant Pot Lux

The most basic Instant Pot available on the market, this pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté machine, steamer, and warmer is available in 3, 6 and 8 quart versions. It can handle most basic recipes, and is a great budget option. The main downside is that the Instant Pot Lux doesn’t have a yoghurt function or a low-pressure setting (mainly used for cooking eggs).

The Best Instant Pot for

Budget and basic options

Instant Pots that are 7 – in – 1

Instant Pot Duo / Instant Pot Duo Nova

The Instant Pot Duo is the most popular Instant Pot, with all the functions of the Instant Pot lux and the added benefit of yoghurt making and a low-pressure option. It also has some design improvements, like a place to set the lid (more convenient than you think, until you start to use one and realise it’s actually genius) and an improved steam release valve. Steam release can be one of the scariest parts of pressure cooking for beginners and this was further improved with the Instant Pot Duo Nova.

The Duo Nova’s updated lid automatically seals the pressure valve, and features a quick-release button to let the pressure out.

The Best Instant Pot for

Beginners and busy home cooks

Instant Pots that are 8 – in – 1

Instant Pot Smart WiFi

The Instant Pot Smart WiFi is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, sauté, steamer, and warmer. It can be controlled with the Instant Pot Remote Control for Smart WiFi App.

The Best Instant Pot for

Guided, step-by-step recipes

Instant Pots that are 9 – in – 1

Instant Pot Duo Plus / Instant Pot Max

These models feature some extra benefits, and are the perfect Instant Pots to buy for home cooks that like to go the extra mile. The 10-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is a pressure cooker with all the functions of previous Duo models, and is also a sous vide. New parents will also appreciate the sterilizer function.

The Instant Pot Max features all of the above, and combines 15psi pressure cooking along with NutriBoost™ technology to allow for home canning.

The Best Instant Pot for

Foodies and hobbyist home cooks

Instant Pots that are 10 – in – 1

Duo Evo Plus / Instant Pot Ultra

The 10-in-1 Duo Evo Plus has all the previous features (a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sous vide, sauté, food warmer, cake maker and sterilizer.) and the main change is the inner pot. Unlike many other Instant Pots, its inner pot can go on the stovetop, so you can also use it as a stock pot.

The Instant Pot Ultra offers precision ‘altitude’ adjustments to take the guesswork out of recipe conversion. It also covers all the functions of a a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sous vide, sauté, food warmer, cake maker and sterilizer.

The Best Instant Pot for

Advanced home chefs that want extra customization

Instant Pots that are 11 – in – 1

Instant Pot Duo Crisp

One of the downsides to the earlier Instant Pot models was having to transfer dishes like baked potatoes or fish to the grill for a final broil and crispy finish. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp can handle the previous functions with the original lid (pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, sous vide and warm) and uses the game-changing air fryer lid to roast, bake, broil and dehydrate.

The Best Instant Pot for

Home chefs that want to cook a wide-range of dishes, health-conscious people interested in air-frying

Which Instant Pot to Buy?

When you’re trying to decide why you should buy an Instant Pot, take the functions above into account but don’t worry too much about making the wrong choice. All Instant Pots ultimately have the pressure cooking function needed to make super fast hands-free meals at home.

When you’re getting started with a new appliance, knowing what to cook in it can be half the battle. Find free Instant Pot recipes, with step-by-step instructions for your appliance, on the Drop Recipes app.