Before settling on an Instant Pot or multicooker, there are some considerations to make regarding size, price, functions and cooking programs.

Consider features and programs

Food-specific methods and options can make all the difference when it comes to choosing the best Instant Pot for your cooking needs. If you want to venture into making your own yogurt, or if you like hard-boiled eggs, it’s worth paying a bit more for an Instant Pot model that can do those things.

Choose the right size Instant Pot

When it comes to choosing the right size, Instant Pot recommends a 3-quart model for one or two people. Families of six or less will likely be happy with the 6-quart multicooker. If you have a large household or often host large groups, consider splurging for an 8-quart model.

Price and value

You can find multicookers and Instant Pots for hundreds of dollars, but even budget-friendly models do most of what you’d ask an Instant Pot to do and do it well. More expensive models may include additional cooking programs, more user-friendly release valves or brighter exteriors, but how well they pressure-cook, slow cook or steam won’t change much. even when you go up in price.

If you’re not sure which Instant Pot model is best for your kitchen, take a look The Instant Pot product comparison chart or guide it to choose the right cooker. At the end of the day, all of these models offer the basic pressure-cooking and slow-cooking modes Instant Pot is known for its excellent performance.

Other multicooker brands to consider

There are options from other brands, too. We reviewed a good one Wi-Fi multicooker from ChefIQfor example. It does more than the Wi-Fi model of the Instant Pot and has an integrated scale, nonstick pot and a helpful iOS or Android app. It costs $200, so if you’re not ready to graduate to a high-end model, the cheaper Instant Pot option is great for beginners. Ninja also makes several multicookers that performed well in our testing. the Ninja Foodi 6.5-quart with SmartLid (out of stock) and just one of many options from the brand’s extensive line.