In this Instant Pot Viva review and comparison post, you'll learn more about this model and how it stacks up compared to other Instant Pot pressure cooker versions.
There are quite a few versions of the Instant Pot on the market now, and size or Bluetooth capabilities aren't the only things to consider. Even if you've got your eyes set on the standard 6-quart capacity, there are multiple options to choose from. One of those is the 6-quart Instant Pot Viva. Today, we're sharing what we love about this version, what sets it apart from others, and everything else you need to know about it.
In terms of weight and size, the Instant Pot Viva is comparable to almost all other 6-quart versions at around 12 lbs or 5 kg. With the exception of the slightly bulkier Max and Smart BT versions, the Viva is a rather lightweight choice.
When it comes to safety features, most versions of the Instant Pot feature ten unique safety features while others include 11-13. The Viva is perfectly safe to use and intuitively so. These features include steam release, an anti-block shield, the safety lid lock, lid position detection, automatic temperature control, overheat protection which prevents burning, automatic pressure control, electrical and thermal fuses, and leaky lid detection.
The Viva has 15 built-in settings for simple cooking that even the most amateur chef can figure out. Both the Lux and the Duo have 10-14 built-in settings, making the Viva a great choice for someone who wants a little more easy functionality. Only the Ultra, Max, and Smart BT outdo it in this regard. The settings included with the Viva include soup, meat/stew, chili, cake, egg, slow cook, saute, rice, multigrain, steam, sterilise, porridge, warm, yoghurt, and pressure cooking. The cake and egg buttons are fairly unique to this version.
The Lux series features only high pressure while the Viva and other options include the ability to cook at both high pressure and low pressure. This flexibility is great for cooking delicate items like vegetables or seafood.
For cooking time, the Instant Pot Viva cooks for up to four hours at a time. This is suitable for most needs - even roasts and bone broth - so it's a solid choice for any cook. If you're looking for longer cooking time potential, you should check out the Instant Pot Ultra which can cook for up to six hours.
Additional notable features of the Instant Pot Viva include its ability to remember three customised settings per program, the functionality of turning sound on or off, and delayed start cooking time by up to 24 hours. Overall, this model is incredibly versatile, functional, and comparable to most other models.
If you're looking for where to buy your Instant Pot, the only place to purchase the Instant Pot Viva is from QVC. The main benefit is the ability to make payments on the Instant Pot which can help you bite the bullet on a bigger purchase if you don't have the cash to spend up front. Now that's a good enough incentive to go for Viva!
Shirley J Abele
Most yogurt recipes say 8 hrs for yogurt. Since Viva only has a 4 hour limit how do I make yogurt in my Viva? It actually does have a yogurt setting.
Laurie
Just restart it manually when the 4 hours is over.
Camille
I bought my Instant Pot Viva just after QVC quit selling the Viva, about a year ago. I got it at Best Buy. They had it on a special 2 or 3 day sale and I paid 49.95 and no shipping. I got it in two days. I had already purchased a Duo from Walmart, which did not work well. It wouldn't get hot enough to hard cook an egg in under 20 minutes and a potato or beans in under an hour. I really like the Viva. The version I have is the one with the Sous Vide program instead of the Steam program. I have been using it about a year. I'm not sure if Best Buy still sells the "Viva". Walmart's online price is $68.00 now.
Lisa R.
The Instant Pot Viva is currently available at Walmart. I ordered mine a couple of weeks ago from their website (for just under $50). I haven't used it yet, so I can't give a review just now.
Instant Pot Eats
That's an amazing price! Enjoy the Instant Pot journey 🙂
Cheryl
Thank you for the review. The link to QVC doesn't take you to the item, and searching for Instant Pot on QVC only results in a couple of accessories.
Lea Lyons
I purchased my Instant pot Viva at Walmart online on march 2020. I love it! There is a separate button to push not turn to release pressure.
Pat Dejesu
I just bought 2 Viva Instant Pots this week.
The timer would not count down on either pot. Has anyone had this problem with the Viva? It just says "on" throughout the cooking cycle. I've contacted the manufacturer and they are deciding what to do. Yes. It was a very long wait on hold but I was persistent. I hate that I paid $100 for a pot that the timer wont work. Please let me know if anybody has had this problem.
Lea Lyons
It can take up to 20 minutes to build pressure before it starts counting down. If it's still not counting down after 30 minutes it's not building pressure and should probably be replaced. I've learned a lot from six sisters stuff on youtube.
Lindsy
Yes this has been the issue with our instant pot and we have given it a lot of time and sometimes the countdown just doesn’t show up at all and it’s annoying. We have been thinking about a new one instead.
Victoria Mcarthur
I’m not happy ! I have call the company an waiting 20 minutes no help. I need to know about my con
Ann Fabrizio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW6yW1y4xp8
Victoria
No happy! I have call the company 2 times an waited 20 minutes No Help. I need help on condensation collector. How do u put on on? I have 8qt Viva
Ann Fabrizio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW6yW1y4xp8
Cherie
I’m very new to Instant Pot. I have a Carey Smart canner that can also be used for cooking, slow cook & steam, etc. However, I didn’t want to shorten my Carey’s life by using it for other functions. I did want to start cooking with a pressure cooker again & my older model (Cook’s Essentials) just wasn’t as well designed as the Instant Pot.
So, I had decided to get the Instant Pot. Heaven’s, there’s so many models. How does one choose? The "sterilize" feature was attractive to a canner. I could sterilize jars before canning if I wanted. Well, "sterilize" cut my choices in half, good. Next - what size? Even though it’s just my husband & I, we both agreed, go with the biggest. Sterilize & 8 quart, we’re down to 2 models. The 8qt-duo-plus or the 8qt-ultra. So, deciding factor will be the price. The Ultra model is the latest technology so naturally it’s the most expensive, right? No! Amazon listed the Duo-plus @$157 and the Ultra @$179. I stewed around, checking every day because it was December (Christmas). I actually had the Ultra in my cart, but I just couldn’t click the button.
Then one day I looked at my cart & noticed it was priced @ $133. Hmmm. What does this mean? I clicked on the item. It took me to the Instant Pot listing. It was still listed @ $179. But it also had "available from these sellers ". I clicked on the sellers. At the top of the list was the $133 seller. Click on it. The item was described as "used - like new". Next, you have to read the description of the "condition ". The best part was even though the Instant Pot warranty was null, it was covered by Amazon Warehouse. You couldn’t lose. If you ordered it & didn’t like it, send it back. There was the chance it was in perfect condition. So, do you feel lucky punk? Well, do you? I did.
My beautiful, pristine Instant Pot arrived in its original box & packaging. There weren’t any marks on it. It seemed like I was the first to open it. Now, of course, every Instant Pot cooker knows, they’re like potato chips. You can’t have just one! What had come over me? I started out just wanting the Carey. Then I had the burning desire for the Instant Pot— it had to be the biggest & the best. As my addiction grew, I was annoyed that some You-tubers were cooking in Instant Pots that had different colored lids. Some even had flowers! I didn’t want the flowers but I sure wanted a blue top. Quick - hit the Google.
Enter the Instant Pot Viva from QVC. I should have known. QVC has always gone that extra mile to make the latest toy just a little bit cooler to have. The only thing I didn’t like was the colors only came in 6 quart. The Viva has all the features of my Ultra except the control panels are different. I really wanted the blue cooker but I just couldn’t justify spending $139 for it. Then I saw the "as is" Vivas. Hmmmm. The "as is" Vivas @$79 !!! OMG! I spent several minutes reading the reviews about the Viva- "as is". Once again that little voice "Well, do you feel lucky, punk? Well, do you?" And again, the "as is" warranty is void but QVC guarantees the cooker. If I don’t like it, I’ll send it back. I haven’t received my cobalt Instant Pot yet. I’ll let you know if it’s bad. But I’m feeling lucky!