Verdict
The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hun·May 7, 2026

Best Instant Pot

Top 5 Instant Pot reviewed and ranked.

Quick answer

Instant Pot 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is our top pick for instant pot — an averaged 4.6/5 across 6 published reviews at about $299. Runner-up: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability) (~$99).

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
(6 sources)
$299Best for: budget-conscious users wanting maximum cooking functions
$299 · Check Price on Amazon
(5 sources)
$99Best for: families wanting reliable multicooking without smart features
$99 · Check Price on Amazon
(4 sources)
$299Best for: users wanting maximum sautéing surface and fast cooking
$299 · Check Price on Amazon
(4 sources)
$150Best for: users wanting air frying and multi-function versatility
$150 · Check Price on Amazon
(6 sources)
$299Best for: tech-savvy users who want smart home integration
$299 · Check Price on Amazon
Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Reviews aggregated from
Tom's GuideHousekeepingmasterBakingbakewaresetsLadiesoutfityourhomeReccomendlyRossivoss.blogspotKitchenwaresetsHomecritique

The full ranking

How we rank →
Instant Pot 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
#1 · Top Score
Best for: budget-conscious users wanting maximum cooking functions
Instant Pot 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
from 6 sources$299

The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is a versatile multi-cooker that combines 10 cooking functions into one appliance, saving kitchen space and time. Reviewers praised its faster cooking times, 28 smart programs, and ease of cleanup, with Tom's Hardware calling it a 'culinary game-changer.' However, some users noted that slow cooking doesn't match dedicated appliances, and the device is heavier than previous models. This appliance is ideal for families and meal preppers but may not suit beginners or those seeking budget-friendly basic pressure cooking.

Strengths
  • 10 cooking functions replace multiple appliances including pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and yogurt making
  • 20% faster preheating and up to 70% quicker cooking times than traditional methods
Watch-outs
  • Slightly heavier than earlier models, weighing up to 17.9 pounds
  • Slow cooking performance not as good as dedicated slow cookers with uneven heat distribution
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)
#2
Best for: families wanting reliable multicooking without smart features
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)
from 5 sources$99

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker delivers on its promise of simplifying weeknight dinners with its 1000-watt heating element and 45-minute pulled pork test proving time-saving efficiency. HomeCritiQue rated it 3/5 for value and quality, while Lovable Kitchen praised its 10+ safety mechanisms and tri-ply stainless steel pot. The digital progress bar removes the guesswork from pressure cooking, and the anti-spin pot design prevents annoying spinning during sautéing. However, reviewers noted it's bulky for smaller kitchens and the electric sauté can't match stovetop sear temperatures. This appliance is ideal for busy families seeking versatility but may not suit solo users or those wanting air frying capabilities.

Strengths
  • Robust stainless steel pot with anti-spin design that stays locked in place during stirring
  • Digital progress bar eliminates guessing game of pressure cooking with visual preheating, cooking, and keep warm indicators
Watch-outs
  • Bulky footprint takes up significant cabinet and counter space
  • Electric sauté mode cannot reach stovetop sear temperatures for browning proteins
Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker
#3
Best for: users wanting maximum sautéing surface and fast cooking
Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker
from 4 sources$299

The Instant Pot Rio Wide offers a modern take on multicooking with its wider 7.5-quart pot that accommodates standard kitchen pans and provides 13 smart cooking programs. Tom's Guide praised its 70% faster cooking and 60% energy savings, while reviewer Thas highlighted the tri-ply stainless steel inner pot's superior heat distribution. However, critics noted it's bulkier than other models and lacks advanced features like air frying, app connectivity, and customizable presets. This appliance suits families wanting versatile, fast cooking but may not appeal to users seeking smart home integration or specialized functions.

Strengths
  • Wider cooking pot allows more surface area for sautéing and fits standard kitchen pans like 9-inch cake pans
  • 13 customizable smart cooking programs with a cooking progress bar and easy steam-release switch
Watch-outs
  • Larger and heavier than other models, taking up more counter and cabinet space
  • Inner pot is wider and takes up more space in the dishwasher
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, 6-in-1
#4
Best for: users wanting air frying and multi-function versatility
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, 6-in-1
from 4 sources$150

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus offers strong versatility with its six-in-one functionality and user-friendly interface, according to GearLab's review. While it delivers solid cooking performance and is easy to clean, reviewers noted a slight off-putting taste in some foods and a longer preheat time. The large six-quart capacity is appreciated for batch cooking, though the appliance is priced higher than average. This makes it ideal for those seeking a multi-functional kitchen appliance but may not suit budget-conscious buyers or those wanting faster prep times. Tom's Guide and RTINGS.com also highlighted its ease of use and cleaning, though the basket design issues were noted as a minor inconvenience.

Strengths
  • Impressive versatility with six preset functions including air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate
  • Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts and a dedicated how-to video on the website
Watch-outs
  • Higher price point compared to average air fryers
  • Longer 5-minute preheat time than competitors
Instant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1 6 Quart Pressure Cooker
#5
Best for: tech-savvy users who want smart home integration
Instant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1 6 Quart Pressure Cooker
from 6 sources$299

The Instant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1 6 Quart Pressure Cooker combines traditional pressure cooking with modern smart technology. TechRadar praised its Wi-Fi connectivity and app control capabilities, while Tom's Guide noted its 6-quart capacity and 10-in-1 functionality. However, reviewers also highlighted the premium price and occasional app connectivity issues. This appliance is ideal for tech-savvy home cooks seeking convenience and versatility, but budget-conscious users may find it overpriced compared to standard models.

Strengths
  • Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring and control via smartphone app
  • 6-quart capacity is suitable for families and meal prep
Watch-outs
  • Higher price point compared to non-smart models
  • App connectivity can be unreliable or require frequent updates

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecInstant Pot 10-in-1 Pressure CookerInstant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-CookerInstant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, 6-in-1Instant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1 6 Quart Pressure Cooker
Capacity6-8 Quarts6 Quarts7.5 quarts6 quarts6 quart
Wattage1200-1400 watts1000 watts1200W1500W1000W
Inner Pot MaterialStainless Steel18/8 Stainless SteelStainless steel with tri-ply bottomNon-stick basket and trayStainless Steel
Safety FeaturesOverheat protection, auto-sealing lid, easy-grip handlesOver 10 safety mechanisms10+ proven safety featuresAuto-shutoff10+ safety features
Functions10Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté, yogurt, warm, sterilize, cake7-in-1 (pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, keep warm)Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate10-in-1
Displaydigital display and a control knobLCD display with cooking progress indicatorsstep-by-step cooking guidanceDigital screen with knobLCD

Frequently asked questions

What is the best instant pot?
Instant Pot 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is our top pick for instant pot, with an averaged rating of 4.6/5 from 6 published reviews. The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is a versatile multi-cooker that combines 10 cooking functions into one appliance, saving kitchen space and time. Reviewers praised its faster cooking times, 28 smart programs, and ease of cleanup, with Tom's Hardware calling it a 'culinary game-changer.' However, some users noted that slow cooking doesn't match dedicated appliances, and the device is heavier than previous models. This appliance is ideal for families and meal preppers but may not suit beginners or those seeking budget-friendly basic pressure cooking.
Is there a cheaper alternative worth considering?
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability) (around $99) rates 4.2/5 in our analysis. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker delivers on its promise of simplifying weeknight dinners with its 1000-watt heating element and 45-minute pulled pork test proving time-saving efficiency. HomeCritiQue rated it 3/5 for value and quality, while Lovable Kitchen praised its 10+ safety mechanisms and tri-ply stainless steel pot. The digital progress bar removes the guesswork from pressure cooking, and the anti-spin pot design prevents annoying spinning during sautéing. However, reviewers noted it's bulky for smaller kitchens and the electric sauté can't match stovetop sear temperatures. This appliance is ideal for busy families seeking versatility but may not suit solo users or those wanting air frying capabilities.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in May 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

Related guides

Browse all →