Which Instant Pot Is Right for You? A Gardener’s Guide to the Best Model

I bought one of the very first Instant Pot models years ago, and it’s been a constant companion in my kitchen ever since. Over time it has become my go-to for so many things—hearty stews and soups in the winter, fluffy rice and quinoa year-round, and even homemade yogurt. What I love most is how it helps me use the fresh ingredients I grow in my own garden. Onions, peppers, beans, carrots, tomatoes—most of what I harvest can be transformed into comforting meals with just one pot.

Instant Pot has also become such a trusted brand. The name itself is almost shorthand for pressure cooking, and for good reason—their models are reliable, versatile, and built with home cooks in mind. I know when I reach for mine, I’ll get consistent results without the guesswork.

When I decided it was time to look at upgrading, I was surprised at how many new Instant Pot models are on the market. Each one has different features, sizes, and price points, and it can get overwhelming quickly. So I dug in, did the research, compared them side-by-side, and sorted through reviews to figure out which models make the most sense for different types of cooks. My goal with this guide is to help you skip the overwhelm and find the Instant Pot that fits your kitchen, your family, and your cooking style.

Quick picks (tap to jump):

• Best for most home cooks (6‑qt): Duo Plus
• Best for cooks who like control: Instant Pot Pro (6‑qt)
• Best for large families & batch cooking: Duo (8‑qt)
• Best for singles/small spaces: Duo Mini (3‑qt)
• Best pressure cooker + air fryer combo (family‑size): Pro Crisp (8‑qt)
• Best space‑saving air‑fryer combo (single lid + Wi‑Fi): Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid Wi‑Fi (6.5‑qt)
• Best for tech‑savvy cooks (Wi‑Fi): Pro Max Wi‑Fi (6‑qt)
• Budget modern look (read caveats): RIO (6‑qt)
• New compact option: RIO Mini (4‑qt)

Instant Pot Duo Plus — 9‑in‑1, 6‑Quart

Pressure Cook • Slow Cook • Rice • Steam • Sauté • Yogurt • Warmer • Sterilize • + App

Why it’s good for you: The best "first upgrade" from older models—balanced features, simple controls, and a sweet‑spot 6‑quart size for 3–4 people. Great value without overcomplicating dinner.

What reviewers say: A versatile, time‑saving workhorse that simplifies weeknights. Stainless pot is easy to clean; meats turn out very juicy. A solid, worthwhile upgrade from older models.

Best for most home cooks Great value 6‑qt Easy cleanup

• Size: 6‑qt
• Functions: 9‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop Duo Plus

Instant Pot Pro — 10‑in‑1, 6‑Quart

Pressure • Slow • Rice/Grain • Steam • Sauté • Sous Vide • Yogurt • Sterilize • Warmer • + App

Why it’s good for you: For the cook who loves control—more programs, favorites memory, and sous vide. If you use your pot several times a week, the little upgrades feel big.

What reviewers say: Surprisingly simple to operate with excellent results (even tamales in ~45 min). Loved for saving favorite settings and overall speed. Some say it’s pricier—but worth it for control.

Best for cooks who like control Great everyday 6‑qt

• Size: 6‑qt
• Functions: 10‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop Instant Pot Pro

Instant Pot Duo — 7‑in‑1, 8‑Quart

Pressure • Slow • Rice • Steam • Sauté • Yogurt • Warmer • Sterilize

Why it’s good for you: Cooking for 5+ or love meal prep? The 8‑quart capacity fits big roasts, double batches of soup, or next‑day lunches without crowding the pot.

What reviewers say: Fast, reliable, and easy to clean. Rice comes out consistently perfect, and it performs well even at elevation. One‑pot cleanup is a weeknight win.

Best for large families Great for batch cooking

• Size: 8‑qt
• Functions: 7‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop Duo 8‑Qt

Instant Pot Duo Mini — 7‑in‑1, 3‑Quart

Pressure • Slow • Rice • Steam • Sauté • Yogurt • Warmer • Sterilize

Why it’s good for you: Perfect for singles, couples, dorms, or RVs. Ideal for sides (rice, beans, potatoes) or smaller mains without hogging counter space.

What reviewers say: The right size for one person or tight spaces. Great for quick meals (russets in ~25 min) and yogurt. Easy to use and clean; rice is spot‑on.

Best for singles & small kitchens Easy cleanup

• Size: 3‑qt
• Functions: 7‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop Duo Mini

Instant Pot RIO — 7‑in‑1, 6‑Quart

Pressure • Slow • Rice • Steam • Sauté • Yogurt • Warmer

Why it’s good for you: You want a clean, modern‑looking Instant Pot at a budget‑friendly price for everyday basics. Best if you’re comfortable following rice/water ratios and deglazing to avoid sticking.

What reviewers say: Simple and effective for many dishes (especially Indian). Mixed feedback on preheat time and pressure performance. Some report rice burning/sticking—be sure to deglaze and follow rice/water ratios closely.

Budget modern look Read reviews for caveats

• Size: 6‑qt
• Functions: 7‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop RIO 6‑Qt

Instant Pot Pro Crisp — 11‑in‑1, 8‑Quart (Pressure + Air Fry)

Pressure • Air Fry • Steam • Slow • Sauté • Dehydrate • + more

Why it’s good for you: You want to replace multiple appliances with one family‑size machine. Crisp up chicken, fries, or veggies and pressure‑cook soups and roasts without switching devices.

What reviewers say: An “amazing” do‑it‑all appliance. Air fryer performs great, roasts cook fast, and the controls are friendly. Large capacity is a plus, but it can be bulky in small kitchens.

Best for families wanting air fry Great for one‑appliance setups

• Size: 8‑qt
• Functions: 11‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: Yes
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop Pro Crisp

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid — 13‑in‑1, 6.5‑Quart (Single Lid)

Pressure • Air Fry • Sauté • Slow • Bake • Steam • Warm • Roast • Dehydrate • Sous Vide • Proof • + more

Why it’s good for you: Space is tight and you want one lid that handles pressure and air fry. Best for small‑to‑medium households that like versatility—just note the mixed durability feedback.

What reviewers say: Powerful and versatile, but feedback is mixed on slow‑cook performance and lid durability (some reports of sticking/parts breaking). Easy for some, overly complex for others; check the latest reviews.

Space‑saving single‑lid combo Air fry + pressure in one

• Size: 6.5‑qt
• Functions: 13‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: Yes
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid

Instant Pot RIO Mini — 7‑in‑1, 4‑Quart (New)

Pressure • Slow • Rice • Sauté • Steam • Yogurt • Warm

Why it’s good for you: You cook for 1–2 and want a little more room than 3‑quart models provide. Compact footprint without sacrificing everyday functions.

What reviewers say: New product—no customer reviews yet. A compact option when 3‑qt feels too small but you still want a space‑saving footprint.

Compact + a bit more capacity Great for 1–2 people

• Size: 4‑qt
• Functions: 7‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: No

Shop RIO Mini 4‑Qt

Instant Pot Pro Max Wi‑Fi — 10‑in‑1, 6‑Quart

Pressure • Steam • Sauté • Warm • Rice • Yogurt • Sous Vide • Bake • NutriBoost • + App

Why it’s good for you: You like smart control, timers, or notifications and want to check progress from the couch. A modern upgrade path if you love gadgets.

What reviewers say: Easy to use and a great value that can transform weeknight cooking. Wi‑Fi features are handy for some users; feedback on connectivity is mixed.

Best for tech‑savvy cooks Smart features (Wi‑Fi)

• Size: 6‑qt
• Functions: 10‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: No
• Wi‑Fi: Yes

Shop Pro Max Wi‑Fi

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid Wi‑Fi — 13‑in‑1, 6.5‑Quart

Pressure • Air Fry • Sauté • Slow • Bake • Steam • Warm • Roast • Dehydrate • Sous Vide • Proof • + more • App

Why it’s good for you: You want a one‑lid, do‑everything solution with smart control. Great for small‑to‑medium homes that want air fry + pressure in one footprint—just weigh the mixed lid/slow‑cook feedback.

What reviewers say: All‑in‑one convenience with a single lid and smart control. As with the non‑Wi‑Fi Ultimate Lid, feedback varies on slow‑cook performance and lid mechanics—check current reviews before deciding.

Single‑lid air‑fryer combo Wi‑Fi control

• Size: 6.5‑qt
• Functions: 13‑in‑1
• Air Fryer: Yes
• Wi‑Fi: Yes

Shop Ultimate Lid Wi‑Fi

How to choose your Instant Pot

• Household size: 3–4 people = 6‑qt (Duo Plus or Pro). 5+ or meal‑prep = 8‑qt (Duo or Pro Crisp).
• Want air frying? Choose a combo model: family‑size Pro Crisp or space‑saving single‑lid Ultimate Lid Wi‑Fi (note mixed feedback on lid mechanics).
• Tech features: Prefer app control? See Pro Max Wi‑Fi or Ultimate Lid Wi‑Fi.
• Budget & simplicity: The Duo Plus is the sweet spot for features vs. price. For a budget modern look, consider RIO (read reviews).
• Small kitchens & singles: Go compact with Duo Mini (3‑qt) or the newer RIO Mini (4‑qt).

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