Buying Guide for the Best instapot
Choosing an Instant Pot, or any electric multicooker, can make your cooking process much easier and faster by combining several kitchen appliances into one. To pick the best one for your needs, start by thinking about how many people you usually cook for, the types of meals you like to prepare, and which features would actually be useful for you. Identifying your cooking habits—whether you want to make quick stews, yogurt, rice, or slow-cooked meals—will help you focus on what's most important when selecting your device.Size (Capacity)The size or capacity of an Instant Pot is measured in quarts and tells you how much food you can cook at once. This is important because a pot that's too small will require multiple batches for bigger meals, while an oversized one may take up unnecessary space. Sizes usually range from around 3 to 8 quarts. Smaller models (up to 3 quarts) are great for singles or couples, medium sizes (6 quarts) suit most families of 3 to 6, and larger models (8 quarts or more) are ideal if you often cook for a crowd or meal prep ahead. To choose the right size, think about your household size and whether you like to have leftovers.
Functions and Cooking ProgramsFunctions refer to the preset cooking programs built into the multicooker, like pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, and more. Each function automates the time, temperature, and pressure for different foods. More programs can increase versatility, but can also be overwhelming if you don’t plan to use them. Basic models have common settings like pressure and slow cook, while advanced ones include extras like sterilize, cake, and sous vide. Consider your regular cooking habits—if you mainly want to speed up stew or soup prep, stick to core functions; if you want to explore new techniques, look for additional programs.
Ease of Use and ControlsEase of use covers everything from the display to the buttons and menu layouts. Some Instant Pots offer simple button interfaces with clear labels, while others feature digital touch screens and more advanced control panels. A straightforward control panel is easier for beginners, while seasoned cooks may appreciate the ability to customize or manually adjust settings. Choose a button layout and display style that feels intuitive to you and keep in mind how comfortable you are with technology.
Safety FeaturesElectric multicookers like Instant Pots have various built-in safety mechanisms to prevent accidents, such as lid lock systems, pressure release valves, and overheating protection. These are important to keep operation worry-free, especially for pressure cooking. While all modern units meet basic safety standards, some offer extra visual cues or reminders. If you’re new to pressure cooking, features that simplify release and locking can boost confidence.
Cleaning and MaintenanceEasy cleaning is vital, given how often you might use your Instant Pot. Removable inner pots (usually stainless steel) and dishwasher-safe lids and accessories streamline cleanup. Some models have simpler lids that can be taken apart for thorough cleaning, while others have more components. If you know you dislike hand-washing or will use your multicooker frequently, opt for appliances with dishwasher-safe parts and smooth surfaces that wipe down easily.