The 3 Best Instant Pots, Tested & Reviewed

Instant Pots have become kitchen heroes—saving time while handling pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yogurt, and more.

But not all models are created equal. I tested the most popular Instant Pots of 2025 to find out which ones are worth the counter space.

Here are the 3 best Instant Pots you can buy on Amazon U.S.

best instant pots

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

  • 7 cooking functions: pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, rice, steam, yogurt, and keep warm
  • 6-quart capacity, perfect for families
  • Easy-to-use control panel with one-touch cooking programs

Why I like it: The Instant Pot Duo is a top-seller because it’s incredibly versatile, easy to use, and consistently delivers great results. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for everyday meals, and you’ll often find it at up to 40% off on Black Friday.

Best for: Families and anyone who wants an all-in-one cooker for everyday meals.

Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker

  • 10 cooking functions with custom settings
  • Advanced microprocessor technology for precise cooking
  • Large 6-quart capacity, great for big families or meal prep

Why I like it: The Instant Pot Ultra takes versatility to the next level, with a sleek touch screen and custom settings that let you fine-tune every recipe. Perfect for home chefs who want full control over their cooking, this model sees major discounts on Black Friday.

Best for: Cooking enthusiasts and those who love customizing their meals.

Instant Pot Whisper, 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Whisper, 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

  • 7 functions, including sauté, slow cook, rice, and pressure cook
  • Easy-seal lid for safe, mess-free cooking
  • Automatic keep-warm function for meal prep

Why I like it: The Instant Pot Duo Nova is perfect for anyone new to pressure cooking. The easy-seal lid makes it hassle-free, and the one-touch cooking programs ensure perfect results every time. Black Friday deals can offer up to $50 off this model.

Best for: Beginners or anyone who wants a simple, reliable pressure cooker.

How to Choose the Right Instant Pot

  • Capacity: 3-quart for singles/couples, 6-quart for most families, 8-quart for meal prepping.
  • Features: Stick with Duo for basics; Pro/Ultra for advanced control; Duo Crisp for air frying.
  • Ease of use: Button-based models are simpler; dials and screens give more customization.
  • Budget: Entry models are under $100; premium ones cost $150–$250.

FAQs

Do I really need an Instant Pot?

If you want faster meals, yes. They cut cooking time for stews, beans, rice, and meats in half while also working as a slow cooker and steamer.

What size Instant Pot should I buy?

A 6-quart fits most households. Go smaller (3-quart) if you live solo, or 8-quart if you batch cook or feed big families.

Can Instant Pots replace an air fryer?

Only the Duo Crisp model includes air frying. Other Instant Pots focus on pressure cooking, steaming, and slow cooking.

The Bottom Line

For beginners, the Duo 7-in-1 is perfect. Want more features? The Duo Plus or Pro are solid upgrades. For versatility, go with the Duo Crisp or Max depending on your needs.

 

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