The Best Instant Pots for Slow-Cooking, Sautéing, and Steaming
The Best Instant Pots for Slow-Cooking, Sautéing, and Steaming
Unless you’ve been living on a deserted (kitchen) island, you’ve heard about the Instant Pot—everyone’s favorite all-in-one appliance that does everything from sauté veggies to slow cook chili to quickly cook up big cuts of meat (keto pulled pork FTW). And if you haven’t rushed out to the store already (alright, added it to your Amazon cart), chances are you’re seriously considering it.
But, there are so. many. different kinds. Which one do you choose?! Don’t panic. Most of the Instant Pot models are super similar—they all have: a stainless steel inner pot and steam rack, heat-resistant silicone sealing ring, safety mechanisms, delay start time option, at least 12 smart built-in programs, and functions that replace a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and rice cooker, in addition to steam, sauté, and warmer modes. But they do differ when it comes down to size, number of settings (i.e. does it have a “yogurt” button?), and display appearance.
To help find your Instant Pot soul mate, the Women's Health test kitchen put together this carefully crafted starter guide. Check it out, and you’ll be one step closer to understanding what everyone’s obsession is really about (and to making ALL the best Instant Pot recipes).
Instant Pot Lux V3
Instant Pot
amazon.com
$59.00
With fewer bells and whistles (read: fewer buttons to figure out), this basic version still sautés, steams, and quickly cooks up broths, rice, meats, and stews. Take note: It does not have a “low” pressure setting, meaning you’re a bit limited on experimenting with cooking eggs, cake, pasta, and seafood.
(P.S. Walmart is selling a pretty, floral version from The Pioneer Woman, in case you can’t even imagine a stainless steel appliance on your counter.)
Instant Pot Duo 60
Instant Pot
amazon.com
$49.99
If you want to DIY homemade yogurt with the press of a button, this top-selling option is a no-brainer. Essentially just one-step up from the Lux, this model offers two pressure cooking settings (low and high), plus programs to cook up a big batch of beans, broths, rice, porridge, meats, and poultry.
Instant Pot DUO Plus
Instant Pot
amazon.com
$69.99
This upgraded version of the Duo also has a designated program to sterilize baby bottles and kids’ toys. You can also now “bake” a cake with the press of a button, if that’s really something you’re into. Take note: The Sterilize program is *not* recommended for canning or preserving (so don’t risk it!).
Instant Pot Ultra
Instant Pot
amazon.com
$150.56
With 16 smart built-in programs, plus an upgraded interface that has an easy-to-navigate spin dial, this pricier model does it all. As with the Duo, you can switch up the pressure between high and low, and cook up batches of beans, rice, broths, porridge, and meats—but now you can customize the temperature and pressure settings, to really control how your food turns out. P.S. The steam program also now has the option to steam without pressure, which means you can say goodbye to mushy veggies once and for all.
Instant Pot Smart WiFi
Instant Pot
amazon.com
$149.95
If clicking a button on your Instant Pot isn't quite high-tech enough for you, consider the Wi-Fi enabled version. This appliance pairs with your iPhone or Android device, and connects you to over 1,000 pre-programmed Instant Pot recipes. Plus you can check on the status of your food through the app.
Yep, there’s more than one type of Instant Pot.