The best Instant Pots are versatile multi-cookers that combine slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, sautéeing, steaming, and more in one handy appliance. The original Instant Pot was an instant hit, and since its release the brand has brought out a succession of improved models with improved capabilities such as sous vide and even air frying, saving you the trouble of finding one of the best air fryers.
We've tested the very best models on the market today and arranged them so that you can quickly find the option that's best suited to your needs and budget - whether you want to cook dried beans, slow cook a delicious casserole, or make a batch of tasty yogurt. And we're also constantly looking for the best Instant Pot deals so you can get yours for the best possible price.
If you can't see exactly what you want, we've also put together a list of the best multi-cookers we've tested from other brands, including Ninja and Sage, so you can check out your other options.
Once you've chosen your Instant Pot we'd recommend reading two more of our articles: how to cook hard-boiled eggs in an Instant Pot, because the results are so great they'll immediately make you glad you bought your appliance, and how to clean an Instant Pot, because while they're very easy to clean their seals can get a little stinky if you cook a lot of heavily flavored food.
The quick list
Best Instant Pot overall
Replacing 10 cooking appliances in one package, this versatile multi-cooker may offer a lot, but it's also convenient with its one-touch programs as well as easy and safe to use. That's especially with its steam release method to minimizes accidental steam burns.
Best budget Instant Pot
This reasonably-priced option is our best value pick due to its slew of functionalities that you'll find in its pricier counterparts. That includes a safe steam-release method and customizability of its preset buttons. Just bear in mind that it has fewer recipe presets than others.
Premium Instant Pot
If you can never figure out what to cook, this is the Instant Pot for you. The most expensive option in the range, it's a souped-up version of the Pro with an accompanying app that provides over 1,400 recipes as well as remote control via your smartphone.
Best Instant Pot for beginners
Offering seven cooking methods and 14 pre-defined programs, there's a lot here that novice users can do. It's also easy to use, thanks to features that make it effortless and safe. The lid even automatically seals for you before cooking starts.
Best Instant Pot with air fryer
On top of its ability to pressure cook, this multi-cooker can also air fry, roast and bake, thanks to its air fryer lid, which we found works just as well as a standalone appliance. It has a big capacity as well, perfect for bigger groups, and cuts down on the space needed on your kitchen counter.
Most versatile Instant Pot
With 13 cooking functions, including sous vide and bread proofing, this Instant Pot impressed us with its ability to handle everything from a generous pot of chilli to crispy fries. It has a smaller capacity than most other Instant Pots we've tested, but that is hardly a deal-breaker for us.
Meet the expert
Michelle is TechRadar's former Buying Guides editor, and an expert when it comes to picking the best tech to improve your home. She's a pro with kitchen appliances, putting everything from Instant Pots to espresso machines through rigorous testing to help you make the right choice.
The best Instant Pots 2024
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The best Instant Pot overall
The Instant Pot Pro is the best Instant Pot you can buy right now. It sets out to replace ten kitchen appliances including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, saute pan, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and warmer, and has 28 cooking modes for preparing different dishes. There's a version that can air fry too, known as the Instant Pot Pro Crisp.
We were impressed the Instant Pot Pro also has five buttons that allow you to store your favorite settings for recipes you make regularly, giving you the convenience of the one-touch programs but for your own custom recipes.
The inner pot can be used on the stovetop to sear food before cooking, too, and has handles, so you can take the pot straight to the table. On top of that, the steam release switch is one of the easiest and safest steam release methods we’ve used when testing the pressure cook function on a multi-cooker and the steam valve has a cover to reduce splashes and noise too.
However there’s no recipe book or cooking charts included, which means using the Instant Pot does require some experimentation and in our tests, broccoli florets fell through the steaming rack, so to steam vegetables, you'll need to buy an additional accessory. But overall we found it easy to use and it can produce a great meal.
Read our full Instant Pot Pro review
The best budget Instant Pot
While not necessarily the cheapest Instant Pot out there, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is still very reasonably priced while offering a lot of functionality, making it one of the best options out there for people on a budget. But, beyond the multiple cooking modes and presets, we really appreciated the safety features, particularly the fact that you can release steam with a flick of a switch. No need to put your hand near a hot valve.
We also liked the fact that it’s available in multiple sizes, so different sized households can make the most out of this model’s combination of price and performance. However, we do find it a bit light on presets compared to a lot of Instant Pots, though at least they’re easily customizable. Also, be aware that there’s no air fryer functionality on here. So, if you want a multi-cooker to replace all your other kitchen appliances, this might not be the one.
That said, the results of what the Instant Pot Duo Plus can do, whether it’s rice, Thai curry, or chili, are as good as its price tag is low.
Read our full Instant Pot Duo Plus review
The best premium Instant Pot
The Rolls-Royce of Instant Pots, if you can imagine such a thing, is the Pro Pot Plus. The priciest option in the current Instant Pot line-up, coming in at $199.95 / £199.99, this top-end model stands out thanks to its smart app functionality that not only enables you to control it via your smartphone, but which also gives you access to a database of over 1,400 recipes so that you should never be stuck for ideas on what to cook.
Our reviewer found the recipe library to be a game-changer thanks to its ability to help her find uses for random ingredients she had to hand. She was also impressed by its 10 cooking functions, including a NutriBoost setting designed to lock in vitamins and enhance flavor, and she found it to be super-fast at pressure cooking.
The Pro Pot Plus looks good on your countertop with a sleek and unobtrusive design, and it'll cook up to six portions at once; its stainless steel cooking pot is dishwasher-safe, too. If you have the budget and feel you'll get a lot of benefit out of its smart features, it's well worth the investment.
Read our full Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart Multi-Cooker review
The best Instant Pot for beginners
If you’re looking for an Instant Pot that makes releasing the pressure at the end of cooking as easy and as safe as possible, then the Instant Pot Duo Nova is worth considering. It has a quick steam release switch, which is separate from the steam valve, and ensures you can force the pressure to be released in a safer way - perfect if you're new to pressure cooking. On top of that, the steam release valve automatically closes when you secure the lid. On test, we felt these features made pressure cooking uncomplicated and safe, so if pressure cooking makes you nervous, this is the Instant Pot for you.
With seven different cooking methods and 14 programs offering pre-defined cooking times, it’s very similar to the Instant Pot Duo (above) and while it speeds up lengthy cooking times, it’s not quite as quick as the Instant Pot Pro or the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. However the pot and lid are dishwasher safe, and it even comes with an additional sealing ring too.
The stainless-steel cooking pot doesn’t have handles, so we found it fiddly to lift in and out of the main body, and when steaming vegetables we found the florets of broccoli tended to slip through the gaps in the steaming rack, meaning they ended up soggy.
Read our full Instant Pot Duo Nova review
The best Instant Pot with air fryer
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer builds on the Instant Pot’s ability to pressure cook, slow cook, and steam with the addition of an extra lid that provides an air frying function that can roast and bake too.
It has a large 8-quart/8-liter capacity, making it great for those feeding several mouths or planning to batch-cook, and is simple to use, with 11 presets for different dishes.
On test, we were impressed by some of the dishes we cooked in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer, however, when we followed Instant Pot’s recipe for chunky fries, they weren’t crisp enough for our taste. However, its pressure and slow cooking functions were impressive.
"Slow-cooked beef chili was a success," said our tester Helen McCue. "After six hours on the Lo setting the chili had a great flavor and the meat was soft and tender. Again we used the sauté function to brown the meat and vegetables before slow cooking and this means you don’t use any extra frying pans."
The cooking pot isn't non-stick, so you will need some elbow grease when cleaning and if you want a rack for steaming vegetables on, you will have to purchase this separately, as it doesn't come bundled with the Instant Pot.
Read our full Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer review
The most versatile Instant Pot
While it’s not particularly cheap, especially for its smaller capacity, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is one of the most versatile Instant options out there. To start, it has thirteen cooking functions on tap, including air frying and bread proofing. And, it does a wonderful job with most of them as well, though its steam function can be a bit too intense for some ingredients.
More than that, we found it to be easy to use, not to mention that it’s pretty stress-free when pressure cooking due to three different options for automatic pressure release. There are plenty of other safety features including some pretty thick sliding locks that need to be secured before using any cooking functions.
After preparing a Thai red curry using the pressure cooking function, our tester Helen McCue said: "...the best bit is that in that 47 minutes, we were able to leave it completely unattended. When it was done, the chicken was thoroughly cooked through and falling off the bone. It was the perfect texture."
Clean-up is easy as well as the parts are dishwasher safe. However, we’re still surprised by the fact that the cooking pot isn’t non-stick, so you might have to give it a good soak between uses.
Read our full Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid review
The best Instant Pot alternatives
We review multi-cookers from all brands here at TechRadar, so if you can't see an Instant Pot that's quite right for you, take a look at these alternatives:
Ninja Foodi Max 15-in-1
Cook the perfect meats and other meals with this multi-cooker from Ninja that not only offers a lot of cooking options but also has a large 8-qt capacity - perfect for bigger families. It's a little on the pricier side, but it's worth every penny.
Breville/Sage The Fast Slow Pro
One of the better-looking options on the market, this boasts a brushed stainless steel finish and a neat, streamlined design, making it a great option for those who like to keep a nice aesthetic. Looks-aside, it delivers tender and succulent results, making it a well-rounded package.
Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker
Couples and individuals who want to cook small batches of dishes might prefer this multi-cooker from Ninja. It's loaded with features, however, thanks to its wide range of cooking techniques and a decent number of accessories included in the box.
Lakeland Mini Multi Cooker
A straightforward multi-cooker with the simplest operation may be the best option if you want something no-nonsense. Though stripped back to the bare essentials, it can still do a number of things including making yogurt and bread proving.
How to choose the best instant pot for you
With such a wide array of models available when it comes to Instant Pots and multi-cookers, choosing the right one for you can be confusing.
Start by considering the different cooking methods offered by the best Instant Pots and multi-cookers, and the dishes you prepare most. While some offer a handful of cooking modes including pressure cooking and slow cooking, others including the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus have as many as 48 different ways of cooking and can do everything including proving bread and making yogurt.
Next look at the capacity the Instant Pot can hold and whether it's sufficient for the number of people you have to cook for. Multi-cookers with a 6 quart / 5.7-liter capacity and above are ideal for those with a large family to feed, or those that want to batch-cook, while a smaller Instant Pot can hold around 3.2 quarts / 3 liters should suffice for an individual or couple.
On top of that, look out for Instant Pots and multi-cookers that have inner pots that can be used on the stove, when browning meat before slow cooking and are dishwasher safe to make sure you have as few utensils to wash up as possible.
Frequently asked questions about Instant Pots
Is an Instant Pot really worth it?
There’s no denying an Instant Pot is a great kitchen appliance but you may be wondering if it’s really worth it? Or will it simply end up as another kitchen gadget that languishes on your countertop gathering dust?
It’s important to remember that while Instant Pots offer a multitude of cooking methods, many of which means you no longer need to use an oven or a hob, they can’t cook everything. For example, they’re not an option if you regularly prepare pasta, noodles, or stir frys. And while some do come with lids that can air fry, we found making fries in an Instant Pot wasn’t as good as using one of the best air fryers.
At the same time, you can’t just pop the lid off and check the dish you’re cooking, as you would when using the hob, the oven, or a slow cooker. You’ll need to release the pressure, effectively stop cooking, and detach the lid. Then if the dish isn’t ready, you’ll need to start cooking again.
Similarly, an Instant Pot can certainly shave a few hours off cooking stews, ribs and other dishes that usually take the best part of a day to cook, however with dishes like rice or steaming vegetables the time saving is minimal, which may mean an Instant Pot isn’t worth the investment.
However, if you’re looking to save space in your kitchen by replacing several gadgets with just one, or you are looking to broaden the repertoire of dishes you cook, without having to research and learn new cooking skills, an Instant Pot will more than prove useful.
What's the best size instant pot?
Instant Pots and other multi-cookers come in an array of different capacities ranging from 3 quart / 3 liters right up to 8 quart / 7.5 liters, so knowing which size Instant Pot is best for you can be confusing.
For most people, the 6 quart / 5.7-liter size Instant Pot will prove to be the most useful. Instant say this capacity is enough to feed between three and size people depending upon your appetite, so will be ideal for families or those looking to batch cook meals for a handful of people.
The larger 8 quart / 7.5-liter size will be a better fit for bigger families, or anyone cooking on a large scale, such as creating chilies, stews, or curries for a party. Meanwhile, for one or two-person households the smaller 3-quart / 3 liter, Instant Pot will ensure you're not using additional energy by cooking a small quantity in an Instant Pot that's just too large for your needs.
It's worth remembering that not all models of Instant Pot are available in all sizes, so do check before deciding on the best model for you.
What can I cook in an Instant Pot?
The best Instant Pots offer a range of different cooking methods, which means there are a plethora of different dishes that can be created in Instant Pots and multi-cookers. Slow cooking means you can use cheaper but tougher cuts of meat and cook them low and slow to make casseroles and stews, while pressure cooking speeds up cooking times, making it great for ribs and chicken wings. However, you can even bake cakes - in particular, we found making cheesecake in an Instant Pot was very good, air fry foods like fries, and even hard-boiled eggs. You can find an extensive variety of recipes at instantpot.com.
Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi
Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are two of the biggest names in the multi-cooker world and are regularly compared to see which is best. Both brands create a wide number of appliances including everything from air fryers to blenders.
As you might expect, the larger and more feature-heavy appliances from Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are more expensive, but generally speaking, Ninja models are normally more expensive.
It’s also worth comparing how easy these machines are to clean. Ninja Foodi machines feature a cooking pot with a non-stick coating so you shouldn’t need to scrub for hours to get rid of any food. Instant Pots have stainless steel pots but both of the brands’ pots can be placed in a dishwasher.
We’ve compared these brands in detail, to find out which came out on top, read our Ninja Foodi vs Instant Pot feature.
How we tested these Instant Pots
To see how Instant Pots and multi-cookers stack up, we’ve spent hundreds of hours whipping up curries and chilies, preparing batches of rice, and even steaming portions of vegetables, comparing the end results. We’re looking for meat that falls off the bone but is still tender and succulent, rice that’s fluffy but still with some bite, and crisp vegetables. We’ve also compared how easy they are to use and just how much they speed up cooking.
We evaluate each model on how many different cooking methods it offers, how durable and easy to clean the body and parts are, how loud it is in use and when releasing pressure, and how hot the exterior casing gets. We’re also assessing how simple each multi-cooker is to use and whether you need to read the instruction manual before cooking, whether recipe inspiration is provided and the useful accessories such as racks and trays it comes with.
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