10 Best Instant Pots 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Pro 8 QT is a versatile multi-cooker that combines 10 different cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sous vide, sautéing, and more. Its 8-quart capacity makes it a great fit for larger families or those who like to prepare meals in advance. One standout feature is the premium cookware-grade stainless steel inner pot with stay-cool silicone handles, which is sturdy and can be used on your stove top for extra cooking options. The pot heats quickly thanks to an efficient aluminum layer and has a flat bottom ideal for searing and sautéing.

This model offers 28 preset programs and 5 customizable settings, so you can easily cook a wide range of dishes without hassle. Its pressure settings are user-friendly and include a gentle steam release with a diffusing cover that reduces noise and prevents splashing, adding a layer of safety and convenience. Speaking of safety, the Instant Pot Pro includes several protections like overheat prevention and a secure locking lid, making it reliable for everyday use.

Cleaning is relatively easy since the inner pot and accessories are dishwasher safe. The user interface combines push buttons and a touch control, which may take a little time to get used to but generally makes programming straightforward. Additionally, the included app with over 800 recipes is a helpful resource for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for inspiration. The cooker weighs nearly 16 pounds, so it might be a bit bulky for small kitchens or those who want something lightweight. Also, while the extra sealing ring and accessories add value, some optional parts like the QuickCool Tray are sold separately, which could increase the overall cost. The Instant Pot Pro is ideal for users needing a large-capacity, multi-function cooker with strong safety features and a durable build, especially those who appreciate having many preset programs and recipe support.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for smaller families, singles, or meal prepping, with a 3-quart capacity that can cook for up to three people. It offers a variety of functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, steaming, sautéing, and food warming, making it a multifunctional tool ideal for a range of cooking needs.

This compact model comes with 13 customizable Smart Programs, allowing for quick, one-touch cooking of various dishes like ribs, soups, and desserts. An attractive feature is the stainless-steel construction with a fingerprint-resistant finish, as well as a dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories, ensuring ease of cleaning. The device incorporates over ten safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, providing peace of mind during use.

Its small capacity might be a drawback for larger families or those needing to cook in bulk. The user interface with push-button controls is designed to be user-friendly, but some users might find the array of functions overwhelming at first. Nonetheless, the included app with over 1900 recipes is a valuable resource for meal planning and inspiration. Weighing 8.65 pounds and requiring 700 watts of power, this compact and efficient appliance is ideal for those with limited kitchen space but who still want to enjoy a variety of cooking methods.

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.