So you've done your research and settled on buying an Instant Pot multi-cooker to make cooking more fun, meal times less stressful, and your food way more tasty, all while saving on your energy bills.
Your sleepless nights are over, and your hard work playing kitchen Sherlock Holmes is done. It's time to load up Amazon and click 'Buy Now' to change your life forever.
Then it hits you.
What size Instant Pot do I need?
A quick Google later, you're elbow-deep in Instant Pot models with different-sized inner pots, baskets, and accessories, all promising you the world.
You're overwhelmed once more, you can't think straight, and you decide to jack in this futile endeavor and stick with what you've got. After all, you haven't starved to death yet, right?
Pump those brakes. Don't drive off into the sunset just yet.
If you've got a spare ten minutes, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect Instant Pot to pressure cook for you and your nearest and dearest.
Jump to:
- Why Do I Need an Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Anyway?
- What Size Instant Pots Are There?
- What Size Instant Pot Model Do I Need?
- Understanding the 3-Quart Instant Pot
- Understanding the 6-Quart Instant Pot
- Understanding the 8-Quart Instant Pot
- Understanding the 10-Quart Instant Pot
- Assessing Your Needs
- The Best Instant Pot Multi-Cookers By Size
- Key Takeaways
Why Do I Need an Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Anyway?
If you've become disillusioned in your quest to buy a new Instant Pot electric pressure cooker or Duo Crisp, here's a quick recap of why Instant Pots (is that a word? It is now!) are the must-have small kitchen appliance of the century.
Versatility: An Instant Pot can replace multiple kitchen appliances such as a pressure cooker, crockpot, rice maker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker. This multi-functionality makes it a valuable tool for various cooking tasks.
Time Management: It significantly reduces cooking time for dishes that typically take a long time to prepare. For example, it can cook a pot roast in about an hour, which would usually take several hours in a conventional oven.
Ease of Use: The Instant Pot is designed with user-friendly controls and pre-set programs for various types of meals, making it accessible even for those who are not very experienced in cooking.
Energy Efficiency: It uses less energy than traditional cooking methods due to its shorter cooking times and efficient design. This can help reduce energy bills and environmental impact.
Flavor Development: The pressure cooking process intensifies and develops flavors more effectively than other cooking methods, making meals more flavorful and satisfying.
Related: How To Boil Water In Instant Pot - 7 Quick & Easy Steps!
What Size Instant Pots Are There?
When you're looking for the Instant Pot pressure cooker that suits you best, it's easy to become bogged down by the massive selection of different Instant Pots.
It can be incredibly daunting, and buyers paralysis can ensue.
However, when you're looking at the different sizes, there are only four to choose from. If you can nail down which size pot will best suit your needs, that will significantly thin out the herd and make your selection that much easier.
But first, I need to answer the question (especially for our British readers) ...
What is a Quart?
A quart is a unit of measurement used to calculate the volume of a container, in this case, an Instant Pot inner pot, and the amount of space there is for food.
Each quart of a pot is equal to:
- 2 Pints
- 4 Cups
- 0.9 Liters (Because why not?!)
So, what are your Instant Pot size choices?
The 3-Quart Instant Pot
Also known as 'the Mini', any Instant Pot model with a 3-quart inner pot will have the smallest cooking volume out of the entire range.
The 6-Quart Instant Pot
Instant Pot models that sport the 6-quart are super popular thanks to their perfectly balanced footprint-to-cooking-capacity ratio.
The 8-Quart Instant Pot
Instant Pot has sold more 8-quart units than any of their other electric pressure cookers and slow cookers because of its ideal cooking capacity for families of 3 to 4 members (coincidentally, the average family size in America).
The 10-Quart Instant Pot
These behemoth multicookers are the largest appliances from the brand. Their cavernous inner pots are excellent batch cookers and have a target market of massive families or small catering businesses.
What Size Instant Pot Model Do I Need?
The time has come to answer the question that's plagued your every waking moment or, y'know, that's been on your mind for an hour or two.
Unfortunately, it's not as easy as saying, "You need the 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp." It's all relative. It depends on your cooking intentions, family size, kitchen space, and so on. So, I'm going to take a little time to explain the pros and cons of each Instant Pot size and who they are for.
Understanding the 3-Quart Instant Pot
Instant Pot 3-quart multicookers were designed for small families, people living alone, or as supplemental cooking appliances.
These dinky little cookers are fantastic for singletons, college students, people just starting out on their own, people on the go, and those with tiny kitchens. If you enjoy freshly cooked meals without extra food or require a convenient cooking option, the 3-quart Instant Pot is just what you need.
Here are some groups who might find the 3-quart models particularly useful:
- Small families or couples
- Individuals living alone
- College students in dorms
- Frequent travelers
- Those with small kitchens
- Busy individuals needing quick meals
- Temporary housing residents
- Elderly or diet-restricted individuals
Benefits of the 3-Quart Size for Small Households
The 3-quart Instant Pot's small footprint makes it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited countertop space. Whether you have a small kitchen or own a ton of kitchen gadgets (like me, I own three air fryers), its tiny size won't take up too much real estate.
It cooks just enough for a meal without leftovers to help you reduce food waste and save energy. It’s portable, ideal for travel or potlucks, and easy to clean and handle. The most notable benefit of buying the smallest Instant Pot multicookers is the incredibly wallet-friendly price point.
Limitations of the 3-Quart Instant Pot
The most significant limitation of a 3-quart appliance is its miniscule cooking capacity. Unless you're only cooking for yourself or a small romantic meal (it doesn't have to be romantic, but I hope it is!) for two, you'll need another cooking appliance to create a complete dish.
Is the 3-Quart Instant Pot Right for You?
The right Instant Pot size depends on your cooking habits and household size. The 3-quart Instant Pot is a fantastic choice for couples, individuals, or someone who wants a separate appliance for veggies who values compactness and energy efficiency and helps you cook foods quickly. It’s cost-effective, versatile, and practical.
Also read: Who Makes Instant Pot?
Understanding the 6-Quart Instant Pot
If you're part of a medium-sized family or share an abode with a few other people, the 6-quart cooker is a sound plan to help you prepare meals. This multicooker size is an accomplished kitchen companion with a cooking capacity to cook entire meals (with not much left over) or to team up with your regular range to cook massive meals.
6-quart models strike a decent balance between cooking capacity and storage space.
Here are some groups who might find the 6-quart Instant Pot particularly useful:
- Medium-sized families or couples
- People looking for a supplementary device
- Households that entertain guests occasionally
- Individuals who like batch cooking
- Those with moderate kitchen space
- People who need a versatile and efficient cooking appliance
Benefits of the 6-Quart Size for Medium Households
The 6-quart Instant Pot is perfect for medium-sized kitchens. It’s large enough to cook meals for families without being too bulky. This size is also more energy-efficient compared to larger models and is easy to clean and handle. You'll find a decent-sized selection of cooking features on these Instant Pot sizes, too.
Limitations of the 6-Quart Instant Pot
While it’s perfect for most young families, those who entertain large groups regularly might find it limiting. Instant Pot 6-quart models have a very specific target market.
If you fall outside those boundaries (one way or the other), you'll be disappointed that you didn't spend a little more on a bigger model or sad you didn't save a few bucks and get a smaller multicooker.
Is the 6-Quart Instant Pot Right for You?
If you have a small family of two to three members, you'll have no problem slow-cooking stews, steaming fish, or air-frying chicken wings. Alternatively, if you're a single person, maybe a bit of a health fanatic, who likes to batch cook, you'll definitely be able to batch cook a few days' worth of meals in this multi cooker.
You'll also need a decent amount of space on your kitchen surfaces as a 6-quart multicooker probably won't squeeze into your kitchen cupboards.
Understanding the 8-Quart Instant Pot
In my humble yet expert opinion (OK, maybe not so humble), Instant Pot 8-quart models are where the culinary party is at. The Instant engineers hit the nail smack dab in the middle of the head in terms of the cooking capacity-to-footprint-to-cost ratio of these multicookers. 8-quart Instant Pots strike the perfect balance for most home chefs.
Here are some groups who might find the 8-quart Instant Pot particularly useful:
- Large families or households
- Regular entertainers or hosts
- Individuals who meal prep extensively
- Those with ample kitchen space
- People who cook large batches of food
Benefits of the 8-Quart Size for Large Households
The 8-quart Instant Pot is ideal for large kitchens. Its capacity is perfect for families and social gatherings, reducing the need for multiple cooking sessions. Despite its size, it remains energy-efficient and is manageable for cleaning and handling.
Limitations of the 8-Quart Instant Pot
Many of the 8-quart models can take a significant price jump over their smaller siblings. While the extra 2 quarts can make all the difference when cooking complete meals, it can be tough to stump up the extra readies for those on a tighter budget.
Is the 8-Quart Instant Pot Right for You?
As long as you have disposable income and kitchen space, the 8-quart Instant Pot is suitable for everyone. Live alone? Cook a week's worth of soup in one go. Small family? Whip up beautiful meals in double-quick time.
Part of a Walton' s-sized family (Google it if you're under 40!)? The 8-quart cooker can effortlessly supplement your traditional range, making meal times less stressful.
Understanding the 10-Quart Instant Pot
10-quart Instant Pots are almost comically massive. It's difficult to imagine a scenario in which I would personally need to implement one into my kitchen arsenal, and I've got a pretty big family.
However, just because I don't need such a sizeable beast doesn't mean there are families and small businesses out there who a 10-quart multi-cooker wouldn't be perfect for ... which is kind of the point of this blog.
Here are some people or groups who might find the 10-quart Instant Pot particularly useful:
- Very large families or households
- Frequent entertainers or event hosts
- Professional caterers or large meal preparers
- Those with very spacious kitchens
- People who cook in extraordinarily large batches
- Giant-sized mythical beasts such as Godzilla or King Kong
- The Rock
Benefits of the 10-Quart Size for Very Large Households
Owning a 10-quart Instant Pot has only one benefit: it allows you to cook stupendous amounts of food in double-quick fashion.
Limitations of the 10-Quart Instant Pot
The primary limitation is its bulk. It’s not suitable for small kitchens or households with limited cooking needs. Its large size can make it challenging to store and handle, and it may be overkill for everyday cooking tasks. Unless you're cooking large meals, you could be wasting energy on needlessly heating the humongous pot.
There is, however, another obstacle to overcome if you think the larger pot is the right device for you: they have been discontinued. While plenty of units are still out there for sale, you won't be able to buy a 10-quart Instant Pot at any official shop, store, or website.
Is the 10-Quart Instant Pot Right for You?
While I may have been facetiously exaggerating the size of 10-quart Instant Pots, my point is valid. These (not so) small kitchen appliances are only warranted if you have a lot of people to cook for, a significant amount of kitchen space, and love leftovers for dinner.
Assessing Your Needs
Though I've covered the pros and cons of each Instant Pot size already, it's always a good idea to sit and proactively assess your needs before you commit to spending a large chunk of change on costly kitchen appliances.
Grab a notepad and pen and answer these questions before cross-referencing your replies with the information you've learned in this blog.
Cooking Habits and Needs
Your cooking habits and needs play a significant role in choosing the right Instant Pot size. Do you often cook for a crowd? Or do you usually cook for one or two? If you often cook large meals, a larger Instant Pot may be more suitable. But a smaller size may be more practical if you're cooking for one or two.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How many people do I usually cook for?
- Do I often cook large meals or small meals?
- Do I want to cook full meals in the Instant Pot?
- Do I like to batch cook or meal prep?
Space Considerations
Another critical factor is the space you have in your kitchen. Instant Pots are not small appliances. Even the smallest size, the 3-quart, takes up a fair amount of your kitchen surfaces.
So, before you decide on a size, ensure you have enough space in your kitchen.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How much counter space do I have?
- Do I have enough storage space for the Instant Pot when it's not in use?
- Will the Instant Pot fit under my kitchen cabinets?
The Best Instant Pot Multi-Cookers By Size
There are so many models to choose from that it can be pretty daunting to find the right one once you've decided what size appliance you need. While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are some of my personal favorite Instant Pot pressure cookers for preparing meals, saving time, and conserving energy.
3-Quart: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Capacity: 3-Quarts
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 11.2"D x 11.4"W x 10"H
The Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart Programmable Pressure Cooker is highly valued for its compact size and versatility. It functions as a 7-in-1 appliance: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt setting, and food warmer.
This pressure cooker is a superb choice for small families, singles, and limited spaces like dorms or RVs; it is praised for its ease of use and cleaning.
The user-friendly control panel with dedicated buttons for various functions simplifies meal preparation. This particular comes with 13 customizable programs so you can save all your favorite recipes once you've nailed down your cooking times and temperatures.
Its stainless-steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom is pretty hefty and durable, which makes it pretty handy for sautéing.
Consistently delivering good results, the Duo Mini excels at making rice, steaming batches of veggies, and pressure-cooking meats. However, the tiny cooking capacity and limited room to breathe make the meat slightly less tender than you'd get in larger models.
The dishwasher-safe components and thoughtfully designed cooking pot ensure easy cleaning, although the lid’s locking mechanism may require more thorough cleaning.
Overall, the Instant Pot Duo Mini is celebrated for its compact design, versatility, and efficiency, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space, which is kinda the whole point of this tiny cooker.
6-Quart: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Capacity: 6-Quarts
- Color: Black Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13"D x 12.7"W x 12.8"H
The gorgeous Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is as versatile and efficient as it is beautiful. It combines ten functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, sterilizer, cake maker, and sous vide.
The attractive control panel, its user-friendly interface, and its large LCD screen simplify navigation through its generous selection of functions. The quick steam release button and EasySeal lid enhance the safety and convenience of this almost stealth-like slick design.
Performance-wise, the Duo Plus excels in preparing various dishes, delivering perfectly cooked rice, tender meats, and well-executed sautéed ingredients. Long-term users highlight its consistent cooking quality and the usefulness of the sauté function for one-pot recipes.
Cleaning is straightforward, with most parts being dishwasher-safe, although the lid could give you a nasty burn if you're not careful when setting it down immediately after cooking.
Overall, I highly recommend the Instant Pot Duo Plus for its functionality, ease of use, and reliable performance. Not to mention, it's so darn pretty to look at.
Also read: Is the Instant Pot Lid Dishwasher Safe? All You Need to Know
8-Quart: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer Multi-Cooker
- Capacity: 8-Quarts
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13"D x 12.7"W x 12.8"H
If you are looking for some crispy food to go alongside your stews, rice bowls, and casseroles, The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Quart Air Fryer could be your boy. This versatile kitchen appliance combines pressure cooking, air frying, and nine other cooking functions.
Its ability to replace multiple kitchen gadgets, making it space-efficient despite its large size, is unrivaled, though the appliance includes separate lids for pressure cooking and air frying, so if you don't already own one of these devices, you're going to need some extra storage space ... and these lids aren't small.
The Duo Criso is the first Instant Pot to feature an air frying function, and it absolutely steals the show. As someone who has written over 200 articles on air fryers, this air fryer stands up to all the tests I threw at it. Not to mention, it's probably the quietest air fryer I've ever used. Period.
The Duo Crisp is easy to clean, with most parts being dishwasher-safe. Despite its high price, it's definitely worth the investment due to its convenience and the quality of meals it produces.
Also read: Mastering How to Clean Instant Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
10-Quart: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
- Capacity: 10-Quarts
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 15.3"D x 16.8"W x 16.3"H
The Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-Quart 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a highly versatile kitchen appliance, functioning as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker. It's designed to accommodate massive families or meal prepping, with a substantial 10-quart capacity that can serve up to 10 people.
Like most other Instant Pots, its user-friendly interface, intuitive LCD screen, and convenient quick-release steam button enhance safety and ease of use.
The Duo Nova's performance is consistently reliable, delivering well-cooked meals across various functions, from tender meats to perfectly cooked rice and sautéed vegetables.
The improved easy-seal lid and detachable cord add to its practicality, making it easier to use and store. While it takes up significant counter space, if you need an appliance larger than the Death Star, then you probably already have the room in your kitchen.
There is a learning curve with cooking times and recipes, requiring initial trial and error because you'll be cooking massive portions of food. Despite its size and occasional bulkiness, the Instant Pot Duo Nova remains a favorite for its efficiency and multi-functionality.
If none of these Instant Pots tickle your fancy, there are plenty of other models out there, at least one of which will tick all the right boxes for you.
Key Takeaways
At this point, most other blogs would say something like, "Choosing the right Instant Pot size can significantly enhance your cooking experience by providing the perfect balance of functionality and convenience." which is essentially true.
However, the simple fact of the matter is, if you choose a model that's too small for your needs, you'll never use the appliance because it'll just be too frustrating. Buy one too big, and you'll either have nowhere to put it or you'll be needlessly wasting energy on a regular basis.
Figuring out your needs and matching those needs with the right model is paramount to ensuring you spend your money wisely and that you buy a product that will significantly improve your home life, especially if you don't have much time for cooking.
Each size serves unique needs, so consider your cooking habits, family size, and kitchen space before deciding. Get this right and you'll become one of those annoying people who never stops talking about your air fryer or pressure cooker because you love it so much!
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