10 Best Instant Pots 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines seven functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, warming, and sterilizing. Its 8-quart capacity is generous, making it well suited for larger families or anyone interested in batch cooking. The stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom ensures even cooking and durability. It offers 13 smart, customizable cooking programs which simplify preparing different meals with just one touch, saving time and effort.

Safety is a strong point here, with more than 10 safety features like overheat protection and a secure locking lid, which should give peace of mind during use. The user interface uses push buttons and touch controls that are intuitive, even for beginners. Cleaning is convenient as the lid, inner pot, and accessories are dishwasher safe, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior helps keep it looking neat.

One minor drawback is that while the appliance offers many preset modes, those looking for very specialized or manual pressure settings might find it somewhat limited. Also, the unit is fairly large and weighs over 10 pounds, so it requires adequate counter space and may not be ideal for very small kitchens. The free companion app with over 800 recipes can be a helpful tool for inspiration and guidance, which is great if you want to try new dishes. This Instant Pot model represents a solid choice for anyone seeking an all-in-one cooker with robust safety, easy cleaning, and user-friendly operation, especially if cooking for multiple people or wanting to streamline meal prep.

The Instant Pot RIO Wide Base is a versatile 7.5-quart multi-cooker suitable for families or anyone preparing large meals. Its standout feature is the wide sauté area, offering more cooking space than a typical 12-inch skillet, which makes browning meats or cooking bigger dishes like a 5-pound chicken or ribs easier. The 7-in-1 functionality includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and warming, providing flexibility for many meal types.

It includes 13 smart recipes that adjust cooking automatically, helping beginners start without guesswork. The whisper-quiet steam release contributes to a less noisy kitchen experience, and safety is enhanced by controlled steam release via a remote button, reducing burn risks. The cooking progress indicator and guided assistant on the display simplify monitoring and following recipes step-by-step, which benefits users seeking a more hands-off approach. Cleaning is convenient thanks to a dishwasher-safe cooking pot and lid, while the heavy-duty stainless steel pot with a tri-ply bottom supports good heat distribution and durability.

On the downside, the Instant Pot RIO is relatively heavy and bulky, which might be difficult for small kitchens or frequent moving. It is not stovetop or oven safe, so some cooking techniques requiring those methods are not possible. Additionally, while the guided display is helpful, users wanting very simple button controls might initially find it a bit more complex. This Instant Pot is ideal for those looking for a large, feature-rich multi-cooker with smart cooking guidance and quiet operation, especially useful for preparing family-sized meals with less hassle.

The Instant Pot RIO, with its 6-quart capacity, is designed to cater to the culinary needs of growing families or meal-prepping for singles. Its versatility allows it to function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. The RIO offers 13 customizable Smart Programs, making it easy to prepare a wide range of dishes with just a touch of a button. The cooking progress indicator on its advanced control panel keeps you informed and ensures that your cooking stays on track.

The RIO's modern design, with a matte black finish and ANTI-SPIN inner pot, enhances both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. It boasts over 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, which provide peace of mind during cooking. The Instant Pot RIO is also user-friendly, with dishwasher-safe parts that make cleanup quick and easy. One of the standout features is the Instant Brands Connect App, which offers over 800 recipes, perfect for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire.

However, the RIO has a few drawbacks. Despite its impressive functionality, it may be overwhelming for those who prefer simpler cooking appliances. The 6-quart size, while suitable for larger meals, might be excessive for smaller households. Additionally, while the control panel is advanced, it might take some time for new users to become accustomed to its features. The Instant Pot RIO is a versatile and modern multi-cooker, ideal for families and those who enjoy experimenting with different recipes. It offers a range of cooking options and safety features, although its complexity might not appeal to everyone.