10 Best Instant Pots 2026 in the United States

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 Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that delivers a wide range of cooking functions, making it a great fit for anyone looking to simplify meal preparation. With its capability to pressure cook, slow cook, and even make yogurt, this model truly shines in its multifunctionality. The included 28 customizable cooking programs and 5 programmable favorites mean that users can easily prepare their go-to meals with minimal hassle. Its 6-quart capacity is perfect for larger families or for meal prepping, allowing you to cook enough food for multiple servings at once.

One of the standout features is its advanced safety system, which includes overheat protection and a gentle steam release to minimize mess. This added safety is beneficial for those who may be new to using pressure cookers, making it less intimidating.

While it excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks. The size and weight (13.2 pounds) may not be ideal for everyone, especially those with limited counter or storage space. Additionally, while the user interface is touch-controlled and generally straightforward, some may find it a bit overwhelming given the variety of functions available. Cleaning is made easier since the components are dishwasher safe, but some might still find it a bit cumbersome to navigate around the various parts after cooking. For those who enjoy cooking and want a reliable, multifunctional appliance that caters to diverse meal options, the Instant Pot Pro is a strong contender, provided they have enough space and are willing to invest a little time in learning its full range of capabilities.

The Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini is a compact and versatile multi-cooker designed for small households or individuals, with a 4-quart capacity that comfortably serves up to four people. It covers seven essential cooking functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice making, yogurt preparation, and warming, making it a handy all-in-one kitchen tool. Its size is perfect for those with limited counter space or who want something easy to store, yet it maintains a cooking surface similar to a small pan, which is great for everyday meals.

The cooker features an intuitive touch control panel and a progress indicator, so you can easily monitor cooking status without guesswork. Safety is well-addressed with over 10 built-in features like overheat protection and an auto-sealing locking lid, providing peace of mind during use. Cleanup is simple thanks to the dishwasher-safe stainless steel pot and lid, which saves time and effort. Powered by 800 watts, it cooks meals significantly faster than traditional slow cookers, helping save time in busy schedules. The anti-spin design keeps the pot stable during stirring or sautéing, adding to its convenience.

This Instant Pot model does not offer detailed pressure level customization, which might limit more advanced pressure cooking needs. Also, while 4 quarts is ideal for singles or small families, it may be too small for larger groups or meal prepping in bulk. The colorful Sea Salt finish adds a modern look but might not suit every kitchen style. In summary, it is a great fit for those seeking a compact, easy-to-use, and multi-functional cooker primarily for small meal portions. It balances efficiency, safety, and ease of cleaning well, though those needing larger capacity or more precise pressure control might want to consider other options.