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Instant Pots & Pressure Cookers

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Instant Pots & Pressure Cookers

Cook meals up to 70% faster with electric pressure cookers. One-pot meals, tender meats, and perfectly cooked grains in a fraction of the time.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)

Instant Pot

Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)

4.7 (123,456 reviews)

The original that started the pressure cooker revolution. Millions of recipes and the largest support community make this the safest choice.

Capacity

6 qt

Functions

9-in-1

Pressure

10.2-11.6 psi

Wattage

1000W

Pros

  • โœ“ Most popular model
  • โœ“ Easy-to-read display
  • โœ“ 9 cooking functions

Cons

  • โœ— Learning curve
  • โœ— Large footprint
  • โœ— Gasket needs replacement

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)
Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt) Best
Instant Pot
4.7
$89 View
Foodi 11-in-1 Pro
Foodi 11-in-1 Pro
Ninja
4.7
$229 View
Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
Duo Crisp + Air Fryer Value
Instant Pot
4.6
$149 View
Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3 Qt)
Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3 Qt)
Instant Pot
4.6
$59 View
Fast Slow Pro
Fast Slow Pro
Breville
4.5
$279 View
Express Crock Multi-Cooker
Express Crock Multi-Cooker
Crock-Pot
4.4
$69 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)

Instant Pot

Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)

4.7 (123,456 reviews)

The original that started the pressure cooker revolution. Millions of recipes and the largest support community make this the safest choice.

Capacity

6 qt

Functions

9-in-1

Pressure

10.2-11.6 psi

Wattage

1000W

Pros

  • โœ“ Most popular model
  • โœ“ Easy-to-read display
  • โœ“ 9 cooking functions

Cons

  • โœ— Learning curve
  • โœ— Large footprint
  • โœ— Gasket needs replacement
Premium Pick
Foodi 11-in-1 Pro

Ninja

Foodi 11-in-1 Pro

4.7 (18,765 reviews)

The best of both worlds. Pressure cook tender meats, then air crisp for a perfect finishโ€”all in one pot.

Capacity

6.5 qt

Functions

11-in-1

Features

Pressure + Air Fry

Wattage

1760W

Pros

  • โœ“ Pressure cook + air crisp
  • โœ“ TenderCrisp technology
  • โœ“ Large 6.5 qt capacity

Cons

  • โœ— Expensive
  • โœ— Very large
  • โœ— Heavy lid
Best Value
Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

Instant Pot

Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

Instant Pot's answer to the Ninja Foodi. Get pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance from a trusted brand.

Capacity

8 qt

Functions

11-in-1

Features

Pressure + Air Fry

Lids

2 included

Pros

  • โœ“ Pressure cooker + air fryer
  • โœ“ Two lids included
  • โœ“ Trusted brand

Cons

  • โœ— Need storage for extra lid
  • โœ— Large footprint
  • โœ— Air fryer lid gets hot
Budget Pick
Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3 Qt)

Instant Pot

Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3 Qt)

4.6 (45,678 reviews)

All the Instant Pot magic in a compact size. Perfect for small kitchens, couples, or as a second unit for side dishes.

Capacity

3 qt

Functions

7-in-1

Pressure

10.2-11.6 psi

Wattage

700W

Pros

  • โœ“ Compact size
  • โœ“ Great for 1-2 people
  • โœ“ Affordable

Cons

  • โœ— Small capacity
  • โœ— Limited batch cooking
  • โœ— Accessories harder to find
Fast Slow Pro

Breville

Fast Slow Pro

4.5 (3,456 reviews)

The premium option for serious cooks. Breville's attention to detail shows in every feature, from auto pressure release to precise controls.

Capacity

6 qt

Functions

11-in-1

Features

Auto release

Material

Stainless steel

Pros

  • โœ“ Premium build quality
  • โœ“ Auto pressure release
  • โœ“ LCD display

Cons

  • โœ— Expensive
  • โœ— Fewer community recipes
  • โœ— Complex interface
Express Crock Multi-Cooker

Crock-Pot

Express Crock Multi-Cooker

4.4 (12,345 reviews)

A solid budget option from the slow cooker experts. Simple operation and large capacity at an excellent price.

Capacity

8 qt

Functions

8-in-1

Pressure

High/Low

Wattage

1000W

Pros

  • โœ“ Great price
  • โœ“ Familiar brand
  • โœ“ 8 qt size

Cons

  • โœ— Fewer smart features
  • โœ— Basic display
  • โœ— Less community support

Buying Guide: How to Choose Instant Pots & Pressure Cookers


How to Choose a Pressure Cooker

Why Pressure Cooking?

Electric pressure cookers cook food up to 70% faster by raising the boiling point of water under pressure. This means:
  • Tough cuts of meat become tender in under an hour
    - Dried beans cook without pre-soaking
    - Stocks and broths develop deep flavor quickly
    - "Set it and forget it" convenience

    ### Size Matters

    3 Qt: 1-2 people, side dishes, dips
    6 Qt: Most popular, 3-4 people, most recipes
    8 Qt: Families of 5+, batch cooking, large cuts

    Tip: Pressure cookers shouldn't be filled past 2/3 full, so buy larger than you think you need.

    ### Key Features

    Multi-Function
    - Pressure cooker (essential)
    - Slow cooker (useful backup)
    - Sautรฉ (for browning before pressure cooking)
    - Steam, rice cooker, yogurt maker (nice extras)

    Air Fryer Combos
    - Pressure cook tender, then crisp
    - Eliminates need for separate appliance
    - Adds cost and complexity

    Safety Features
    - Lid lock during pressure
    - Pressure indicator
    - Anti-block shield
    - Excess pressure protection
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pots & Pressure Cookers

    Are pressure cookers safe?

    Modern electric pressure cookers have multiple safety features making them very safe. They won't open under pressure, regulate pressure automatically, and have anti-block shields. The "exploding pressure cooker" stories come from old stovetop models.

    Natural release vs. quick release?

    Natural release lets pressure drop slowly over 10-20 minutesโ€”better for meats and foamy foods. Quick release vents steam immediatelyโ€”use for vegetables or when in a hurry. Always follow recipe instructions.

    Can I convert slow cooker recipes?

    Yes, but reduce liquid by about 1/2 cup and cooking time by about 1/3 to 1/4. A 6-hour slow cooker recipe might take 20-45 minutes under pressure. Start with less timeโ€”you can always cook more.

    Why won't my pot come to pressure?

    Common causes: lid not sealed properly, silicone ring not seated, valve in wrong position, or not enough liquid. The pot needs at least 1 cup of liquid and a good seal to build pressure.

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