Instant Pot Sizes - What Is The Perfect Size For You?

Hello, Instant Pot fans! Today, we are discussing different Instant Pot sizes and models and determining which size is best for you.

Since its inception in 2010, the Instant Pot brand has increased the size and cooking functions of the subsequent models. While choosing the correct one for you may appear daunting, the process will be simple with the information we will give you.

An Instant Pot ranges from 3-10 quarts, and picking the right size for your cooking needs is important. Grab a cup of coffee, and let's see what these sizes are and how to pick the perfect one for you.

Jump to:

What Is An Instant Pot?
Different Model Sizes And Types
Model Specifications
How Many People Does Each Instant Pot Model Feed?
Different Cooking Functions On Different Instant Pot Models
Which Size Instant Pot Is Right For Me?
Instant Pot Accessories
Recipe Conversions For Different Size Instant Pots
Wrapping Up

What Is An Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is an electric multi-cooker. It is an electric pressure cooker at its core, but the various models do so much more. The Instant Pot makes perfectly cooked food and only uses one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Depending on your Instant Pot model, you can use them to saute, dehydrate, slow cook, sous vide, and more. I use mine often throughout the week, especially for Sunday batch cooking to prepare for the week ahead.

Different Model Sizes And Types

I have owned many Instant Pots, and currently, I own the Duo With Ultimate Lid. It is a larger Instant Pot, but I find the size perfectly compatible with my cooking style, especially air frying.

Instant Pots range from 3-quart minis to 10 quarts, and each size has different cooking features. The first Instant Pot models had four cooking methods, while the newer ones have up to 13 different cooking options.

The quart size refers to the inner pot, but when choosing the correct Instant Pot, you must consider counter space. The bigger the quart size, the more space the Instant Pot will occupy.

Best Instant Pot For Beginners

I have used Instant Pots for years and I am quite comfortable with them. However, I have noticed that when I teach someone how to use them for the first time, they are intimidated by them.

Some folks are intimidated by older pressure cookers' bad reputation. They are mostly intimidated by them because there are so many cooking features and various settings for releasing pressure.

With this in mind, I recommend the Instant Pot Duo Mini for beginners who only cook for one to three people. It has seven cooking methods, most of which are used in everyday cooking.

The Mini's interface is easy to use and great for cooking daily meals. You can cook in batches, but the size limits the amount of food you can cook at one time. Still, this has always been my go-to Instant Pot, and I still own one.

Smallest Size Instant Pot

As mentioned above, the Instant Pot Duo Mini is the smallest size Instant Pot. It is three quarts and costs less than a hundred bucks. It takes up little counter space and is easily portable, as it is very lightweight.

The Mini includes seven popular cooking methods: saute, pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooker, yogurt making, steamer, and food warmer. It has a one-touch interface and a wide array of safety features.

Largest Instant Pot Size

When I opened the Instant Pot Duo With Ultimate Lid, I was stunned at its size: 6.5 quarts. That seemed daunting initially, but I have the counter space to hold it, and it has exceeded expectations.

This model only offers 6.5 quarts, and I am sure it is because of its air-frying capabilities. Any size smaller would be inefficient for air frying.

However, there are bigger Instant Pot sizes. The 6-quart is the most common, but the Dua Nova comes in 8 or 10-quart sizes.

Model Specifications

Model Dimensions w/pressure cooking lid Dimensions w/air fryer lid Weight

3 quart	11.4 x 10 x 11.2	N/A	8.6
6 quart	13 x 12.2 x 12.6	N/A	14.8
8 quart	14.8 x 13.3 x 14.2	N/A	18
10 quart	16.8 x 15.3 x 16.3	N/A	25
Duo Crisp	13.6 x 13.6 x 13	13.6 x 13.6 x 14	23.6
Duo Evo Plus or Pro 6 Quart	13 x 12.7 x 12.8	N/A	13
Duo Evo Plus or Pro 8 Quart	14.4 x 13.9 x 14.2	N/A	15.8
Duo Crisp 6 Quart	13.6 x 13.6 x 13	13.6 x 13.6 x 14	19.6
Duo Crisp 8 Quart	14.8 x 13.6 x 14.2	14.8 x 13.6 x 15.3	22.2
Pro Crisp 8 Quart	14.8 x 14.2 x 14.2	14.8 x 14.2 x 15.4	26.1

How tall are Instant Pots?

The Instant Pot Mini 3-quart is just over 11" tall and fits most counter spaces. They are also ideal for RVs and smaller spaces like dorm rooms.

The 6-quart Instant Pot is 12 ¾" tall. It is the most commonly purchased from Instant Pots. It fits under low cabinets and does not take up a lot of space in storage cabinets or pantries.

The 8-quart Instant Pot is pretty big, 14 ½" tall. This and the 10-quart Dua Nova takes up the most space.

The 10-quart Dua Nova is over 16" tall and will not fit under most cabinets. It is best for open-air kitchens with islands or stand-alone counter space.

How Many People Does Each Instant Pot Model Feed?

The biggest consideration when determining which size to purchase is how many people you will feed on average. If you are a family of two but occasionally have dinner guests, you may want to purchase the next size up to be safe.

Instant Pots are great for batch cooking, and the rapid cooking times mean you can cook subsequent batches while serving the first batch of food.

If you're making chili for the big game, the slow cooker function also serves as a great food warmer. You will be amazed at its functionality once you familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Mini (3 quart)

The Instant Pot Duo Mini is perfect for 1-4 people with no leftovers. It is also ideal for tailgating and camping due to its lightweight and portability.

Pros

Takes up little counter space
Great for entertaining

Cons

Cannot fit large pieces of meat due to the small inner pot size
Most recipes will have to be converted to accommodate the smaller size

6 Quart

This is the most popular size and will comfortably feed 4-6 people. It is also good for 1-2 people who want leftovers.

Pros

Versatile size is suitable for most people
The Air Fryer lid fits this size

Cons

It does not hold larger proteins like whole chicken or large roasts

8 Quarts

The 8-quart Instant Pot is ideal for large families or entertaining large groups. It can hold larger cuts of protein, but it is hefty in size.

Pros

Cooks large portions at a time
You may not need to purchase accessories for it as the large diameter will accommodate dishes you already own

Cons

Bulky and heavy
Takes up a lot of counter space

10 quarts

This is the largest Instant Pot available. Like the 8-quart edition, it is intended for 8-10 people with leftovers or for cooking large batches of food at a time.

Pros

Great for entertaining large crowds
Holds most large cuts of proteins

Cons

Very heavy and bulky
Requires a large counter space

Different Cooking Functions On Different Instant Pot Models

When shopping for an Instant Pot, especially for the first time, the cooking functions are an important consideration. Different models have different features, so look for the ones you will use often.

For everyday cooking, saute, pressure cooking, and the slow cooker option, the Instant Pot Duo will suit your needs. If you like specialty cooking like dehydrating or sous vide, opt for the 10 in 1 or the 13-in-one Duo With Ultimate Lid.

The Duo With Ultimate Lid also has an air fryer option, replacing several kitchen appliances. The detachable Ultimate Lid allows users to switch from "wet" to "dry" cooking. I love mine and use it more than any other appliance, including the oven.

Which Size Instant Pot Is Right For Me?

I would opt for the next size up if you have the counter or storage space. For instance, if you cook for one or two people regularly, use the six-quart model. You will have extra space if you need it, and you will also have more cooking functions.

Instant Pot Accessories

Larger Instant Pots usually do not require accessories. They either include them or the pans you already own are suitable. However, the smaller Instant Pot has several accessories to choose from:

Wire rack
Silicone pads (egg holder, sling lifter, etc.)
Trivets

Recipe Conversions For Different Size Instant Pots

According to the Instant Pot website, you do not need to adjust cooking times between the different sizes, but you will need to adjust the liquid.

The inner pot has a minimum and a maximum fill line, which is important for proper cooking. Too little water and the food could burn, while too much water could cause the Instant Pot not to build pressure.

A three-quart size Instant Pot needs only a minimum of ½ cup of liquid, the six-quart needs one cup, and the eight- and ten-quart models require a minimum of two cups.

Wrapping Up

Instant Pot offers different sizes and different cooking methods on different models. These one-pot cooking wonders are among the best kitchen appliances on the market. Knowing which size and cooking functions you use the most will help you determine which Instant Pot is right for you.

A top consideration is how much counter space you have. While the smaller Instant Pots do not take up too much space, the larger ones do. I highly recommend the Mini for smaller spaces and camping.

The Instant Pot brand has gained a wonderful reputation for safety and ease of use. No matter which Instant Pot you purchase, you will surely love its functionality, easy cleanup, and delicious food it consistently produces.