Written By 
Reviewed By Stike William
Review: Best Instant Pots for Quick Meals
Instant Pots have revolutionized home cooking by offering a versatile, time-saving solution for preparing quick and delicious meals. These multi-cookers combine several kitchen appliances into one, allowing you to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more. With so many options on the market, choosing the best Instant Pot can be overwhelming. This article reviews the top Instant Pots for quick meals in 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and what sets them apart.
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
Overview: The Instant Pot Duo is one of the most popular models, known for its versatility and ease of use. It combines seven functions into one device, making it a great all-rounder for quick meals.
Features:
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, warmer, and yogurt maker.
- Smart Programs: Pre-set programs for common dishes like rice, beans, and soups.
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Durable and easy to clean.
- 10 Safety Features: Includes overheat protection, safety lid lock, and more.
Benefits:
- Versatile functionality allows for a wide range of cooking methods.
- Smart programs simplify meal preparation with pre-set settings.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Customer Review:
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
- “The Instant Pot Duo is incredibly versatile and easy to use. It’s perfect for making everything from soups to rice quickly and efficiently.”
- Instant Pot Pro Plus
Overview: The Instant Pot Pro Plus builds on the classic Duo with added features, including a more powerful heating element and an upgraded interface.
Features:
- 10 Cooking Functions: Includes additional features like sous vide and sterilize.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Control the Instant Pot remotely using the Instant Pot app.
- Enhanced Display: Large, easy-to-read LED screen with a modern interface.
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Premium quality for improved durability.
Benefits:
- Added functions like sous vide and sterilize expand cooking possibilities.
- Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote control and monitoring.
- Enhanced display makes it easier to navigate settings and programs.
Customer Review:
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- “The Pro Plus offers excellent features and the ability to control it from my phone is incredibly convenient. The added functions are great for experimenting with new recipes.”
- Instant Pot Ultra
Overview: The Instant Pot Ultra is designed for those who want maximum control over their cooking. It offers advanced settings and customization options.
Features:
- 10-in-1 Functionality: Includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and more.
- Customizable Settings: Allows for adjustments to cooking time, temperature, and pressure levels.
- Altitude Adjustment: Automatically adjusts cooking times for altitude changes.
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Durable and easy to clean.
Benefits:
- Advanced customization options provide greater control over cooking.
- Altitude adjustment ensures consistent results regardless of location.
- Versatile functionality covers a wide range of cooking methods.
Customer Review:
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- “The Instant Pot Ultra is perfect for those who like to fine-tune their cooking. The customization options are fantastic and it performs well across different cooking methods.”
- Instant Pot Duo Nova
Overview: The Instant Pot Duo Nova is an updated version of the Duo, featuring a new lid design and additional safety features.
Features:
- 7 Cooking Functions: Includes pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more.
- New Lid Design: Features a streamlined, easy-to-use lid with an integrated handle.
- Upgraded Safety Features: Enhanced safety mechanisms for added peace of mind.
- Easy-to-Read Display: Large display with clear indicators and controls.
Benefits:
- Improved lid design enhances ease of use and safety.
- Upgraded safety features provide extra security during operation.
- Simple interface and clear display make it user-friendly.
Customer Review:
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- “The Duo Nova is a great upgrade from the classic Duo. The new lid design and safety features make it more convenient and secure to use.”
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
Overview: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp combines the functionality of a traditional Instant Pot with an air fryer, offering a versatile cooking experience.
Features:
- 11-in-1 Functionality: Includes pressure cooking, air frying, roasting, baking, and more.
- Air Fryer Lid: Provides crispy, golden results without the need for extra oil.
- Dual-Functionality: Easily switches between pressure cooking and air frying.
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot: High-quality and durable.
Benefits:
- Combines two appliances in one for versatile cooking options.
- Air fryer lid adds the ability to make crispy foods with less oil.
- Dual-functionality provides flexibility in meal preparation.
Customer Review:
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
- “The Duo Crisp is an amazing all-in-one appliance. The air fryer function works perfectly and it’s great to have both pressure cooking and air frying capabilities in one device.”
- Instant Pot Max
Overview: The Instant Pot Max is designed for those who need advanced features, including a higher pressure setting and canning capabilities.
Features:
- 15-in-1 Functionality: Includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, canning, sautéing, and more.
- 10-Cup Capacity: Larger capacity for family-sized meals.
- High Pressure Setting: Up to 15 psi for faster cooking times.
- Canning Function: Suitable for preserving fruits, vegetables, and more.
Benefits:
- High pressure setting accelerates cooking times for faster meal preparation.
- Canning function adds an extra layer of versatility for home preservation.
- Larger capacity is ideal for cooking larger batches.
Customer Review:
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- “The Instant Pot Max is perfect for those who need extra features and higher pressure settings. It’s great for making large meals and preserving food.”
Competitive Table
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Rating (Out of 5) |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | 7 cooking functions, smart programs, stainless steel inner pot, 10 safety features | $80 – $120 | 4.8 |
| Instant Pot Pro Plus | 10 cooking functions, Wi-Fi connectivity, enhanced display, stainless steel inner pot | $150 – $200 | 4.7 |
| Instant Pot Ultra | 10-in-1 functionality, customizable settings, altitude adjustment, stainless steel inner pot | $130 – $180 | 4.6 |
| Instant Pot Duo Nova | 7 cooking functions, new lid design, upgraded safety features, easy-to-read display | $90 – $130 | 4.7 |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | 11-in-1 functionality, air fryer lid, dual-functionality, stainless steel inner pot | $180 – $230 | 4.8 |
| Instant Pot Max | 15-in-1 functionality, 10-cup capacity, high pressure setting, canning function | $200 – $250 | 4.6 |
Analysis Table
| Product | Pros | Cons |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | Versatile with multiple functions, durable construction, user-friendly | May lack advanced features of higher-end models |
| Instant Pot Pro Plus | Advanced features, remote control via app, enhanced display | Higher price, may have more functions than needed for some users |
| Instant Pot Ultra | High level of customization, altitude adjustment, versatile functionality | More complex to use, higher price compared to basic models |
| Instant Pot Duo Nova | Improved lid design, additional safety features, simple interface | Limited to basic functions compared to advanced models |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | Combines pressure cooking and air frying, versatile cooking options | Higher price, bulkier design |
| Instant Pot Max | High pressure setting, canning function, large capacity | Higher cost, may be more than necessary for smaller households |
Conclusion
Selecting the best Instant Pot for quick meals involves considering your specific cooking needs and preferences. The top Instant Pots for 2024 offer a range of features that cater to different culinary requirements, from basic functionality to advanced settings and multi-functionality.
When choosing an Instant Pot, consider factors such as the number of cooking functions, ease of use, capacity, and any additional features that may enhance your cooking experience. Investing in the right Instant Pot can significantly simplify meal preparation, making it easier to create delicious, quick meals with minimal effort.
