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Your Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Rice Cookers
When it comes to multi-cookers, Instant Pot has always been ahead of the game. Their models have featured new Instant Pots smart programs, premium pressure cooking functions, slow cooking, and even smart wifi. They’re versatile and fit for every household size too, with models in varieties of 6-quart and 8-quart capacities. You can also pick between the 6-quart and 8-quart sizes depending on each occasion too. Instant Pots don’t just pressure cook or slow cook, they’re also made to create a wide array of dishes and meals that range from breakfast to dessert.
In this guide, we cover the top Instant Pots in the market today.
Which Instant Pot is the Best?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Advanced |  Best Cheap |
Instant Pot Duo Evo PlusOur top pick for the best Instant Pot is the new model, the Duo Evo Plus, which has all the makings of a perfect Instant Pot multi-cooker. | Instant Pot ProIf you’re an experienced home cook that wants to upgrade their kitchen equipment, then the Instant Pot Pro can be your ideal kitchen addition. | Instant Pot Lux MiniOur pick for the best affordable Instant model may seem simple at first glance. It is also the smallest cooker in Instant’s lineup. |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
Let’s Go Over Each Instant Pot Rice Cooker
#1: Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Our top pick for the best Instant is the new model, the Duo Evo Plus. This Instant Pot model is quite the multicooker because it has ten cooking programs at your disposal. Among these include settings to prepare beans, soup, rice, ribs, and cake (yes, that’s right!). You can also delve into sous vide cooking and yogurt making with a few tips from the product’s manual. And if you’ve run out of ideas, simply go to the Instant Pot site and download the Recipe App, where you can find more tips and tricks on how to pressure cook and make the most out of your Instant Pot appliance.
The Duo Evo also features a bright LED display and a flat inner cooking pot that can be used on stovetops. Aside from these, it also has functions and features such as a preset timer and a keep warm function that help add to a speedy, convenient experience in the kitchen, and there’s nothing more we love than an instant pot that helps us go about with our schedules while still letting us enjoy a warm meal.
Pros and Cons of the Duo Evo Plus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 10-in-1 cooking appliance ✔️ Big, bright display ✔️ Stainless steel inner pot that can stand on stovetops | ✖️ Pricier than other instant pots ✖️ Instructions might be complicated to beginners |
#2: Instant Pot Pro
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re an experienced home cook that wants to upgrade their kitchen equipment, then the Instant Pot Pro can be your ideal kitchen addition. The unit has 28 preprogrammed settings that include options for white and brown rice, beans, pasta, beef, risotto, and even baked goods like cheesecake and bread. The 6 quarts capacity of this unit is ideal for medium-sized families or for small households that love to cook for guests. In terms of functionality, this Instant Pot can be used as a:
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Food warmer
- Sous vide
- Slow cooker
- Pressure cooker
- Sauté pan
- Sterilizer
- Yogurt maker
This Instant Pot also comes with a dishwasher-friendly lid and a stainless steel inner pot, making it easy for you to clean up after every meal. Worried about safety? The unit also comes with more than 11 proven safety features, which include overheating protection, an upgraded steam release switch, a diffusing cover, and a safety locking lid. Since it cooks up to 70% faster than conventional cooking methods and can function with minimal supervision, you don’t have to put in as much effort and don’t have to wait long until your meal is done.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 28 programmed settings ✔️ Multiple cooking functions ✔️ Dishwasher-safe lid ✔️ 11 safety features | ✖️ Doesn't come with a cooking guide ✖️ Not ideal for beginners |
#3: Instant Pot Lux Mini
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Our pick for the best affordable Instant model may seem simple at first glance. It’s the smallest cooker in Instant’s lineup, weighing only 8.49 lbs with one of the brand’s smallest sizes (3-quart capacity). Don’t be fooled, however—the Lux Mini is anything but a simple Instant Pot. We even named this model one of the best small rice cookers of all time.
Any home chef would be delighted to know that instant pots like this model can make anything from beefsteak to white rice, to your favorite soup. Designed not only for rice or pressure cooking, Lux Mini also includes 10 built-in smart programs for soup/broth, meat/stew, eggs, fried rice, porridge, and rice. From breakfast to dinner, this multi-cooker makes the perfect dish each time.
Each component of this cooker is safe to use, from its stainless steel cooking pot with no chemical coatings to its steam rack-safe lid. Plus, cleaning this appliance is easier than ever: just remove each part and pop it in the dishwasher.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Lux Mini
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact and portable ✔️ Innovative functions despite small build ✔️ 6 appliances in 1 ✔️ 10 smart programs that offer more food versatility ✔️ Very affordable | ✖️ Users complain about the pressure cooking function having a weak steam valve ✖️ Tends to burn the rice at the bottom because of the lack of an induction heating feature |
#4: Instant Pot Duo Nova 100
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If the Lux Mini is built for single-family households and the independent homeowner, this model, the Instant Pot Duo Nova, is simply perfect for large gatherings or a big household. Have a dinner party with the extended family and want to impress them with a unique recipe? No problem! This electric pressure cooker has got your back. This Instant can cook up to 10 cups of rice in one go, so your guests won’t have to wait for overtime for their perfectly cooked food. Duo Nova 100 also shares the versatile cooking presets of its Instant family members.
Since this multi-cooker serves multiple people at once, safety is of the utmost importance. That’s why it comes with more than 10 safety features, including the steam-release valve that automatically releases excess pressure in the middle of the cook cycle, a safety lid lock that prevents the cooker from opening, automatic temperature control, burn protection, and so much more.
Pros and Cons of the Duo Nova 100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Comes with a steam rack to help cook complete meals ✔️ 7 appliances in one ✔️ Cooks food 70% faster than other models ✔️ Fool-proof controls | ✖️ May be difficult to navigate without studying the user manual ✖️ May not be best for beginners and busy individuals |
#5: Instant Pot Max
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Another distinguished model from this brand is the Instant Pot Max. While certainly having all the cool functions of previous Instant Pots, the Max is focused on faster rice cooking as well as a better pressure cooking function. With a sustained 15psi for pressure canning, you can now easily preserve your favorite meats, poultry, seafood, or veggies. With convenient features such as a delay timer, a keep warm function, temperature adjustment settings, and a huge touchscreen display, you’re not lacking in anything. This product is here to make your time in the kitchen easier and more convenient.
And if you’re feeling more experimental in the kitchen, the Instant Max can accommodate whatever recipe you’re craving for, all while preserving the nutrients of each ingredient. Gourmet-style steak, pork, and fish are just a few presses away with Max’s sous vide option. Not to mention you can cook white rice, vegetables, eggs, and more by using the quick cooking settings.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Max
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Fast cooking speeds ✔️ Multiple settings including sous vide and pressure cooking ✔️ Comes with 13 safety features | ✖️ Expensive than most instant pots ✖️ Cook settings might not be easily understood |
Core Features of Instant Pot Rice Cookers
Instant Pots are some of the most versatile rice/pressure cookers in the industry. Read on to find out their signature functions and see which one best suits your needs.
Multiple Cooking Functions and Features
These multi-cookers usually pressure cook, slow cook, or cook regular rice. It also doubles as a rice washer, steamer, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and cake maker all in one smart package. What’s impressive is how well these features are able to operate. Whether you’re craving pork stew or fish fillet, this cookware can help you recreate each of these recipes perfectly each time. You can even purchase a steamer basket to use with your appliance.
Advanced, Intuitive Technology that is Easy to Use
From a quicker cooking time, to preset timers and voice navigation down to an Instant Pot App, much of this technology may come unnoticed, but it’s what enhances the overall experience. Most of these settings can be controlled via the LCD screen which has a bright display. A great example of the brand’s intuitive technology can be seen in the Instant Pot Smart Wifi model, a product whose settings can be controlled straight from your phone — you don’t even have to be in the same room to check how your rice is doing.
High-Quality Materials
Instant Pots doesn’t only have the fanciest technology, but it actually works hard to make sure this technology is fully-functional and refined so there are no issues when your product arrives at your doorstep. With these cookers, you’re getting a high-grade stainless steel exterior as well as an inner bowl. Most models can come in a 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart size variant.
Is an Instant Pot as Good as a Rice Cooker?
Instant pots provide you with a cooking preset for your rice dishes, just like any dependable rice cooker does. Rice can be cooked by simply rinsing it, placing it in the pot, and turning on the settings.
It also provides a wide range of cooking possibilities and replaces numerous kitchen gadgets. Plus, it cooks effectively. With instant pots at home, you can pressure cook or prepare most foods in a very short amount of time and save a ton of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each electric Instant Pot pressure cooker has a preset setting for cooking rice. The more recent models such as the Duo Evo Plus and the Instant Pot Pro offer distinct presets for brown rice and white rice.
Conclusion
Instant Pot has long been changing the way rice is prepared in every home. The brand has grown rapidly in the past few years, and consumers are incredibly satisfied. Thanks to their intuitive features and user-friendly technology, preparing meals has never been easier. No matter who you are or what you do, this is one appliance that will adjust to your needs and your schedule — you won’t have to worry about preparing quick and healthy meals, or preparing a full dinner for five in one go.
Editor’s Choice
Instant Pot Duo Evo
Our pick for the best among Instant Pots is the Duo Evo. Housing multiple smart programs including sous vide setting and pressure cooker slow cooking, this new model is sure to liven up your kitchen. Built for making the process easier, this pot comes in 6-quart and 8-quart size capacities.
There’s no shortage of kitchen appliances that claim to do what this multi-cooker does, but the Duo Evo is a pioneer. With technology that has been constantly improving since 2009, the Duo Evo offers stability and high-grade materials that only years of refinement could offer. With its built-in smart programs, enhanced security features, automatic temperature adjustment, and many more, this is an appliance that won’t give up on you. If you want an efficient method of cooking rice, Instant Pot Duo Evo is definitely the one to go for.
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