Best Instant Pot Rice Cooker
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Your Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot 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 Instant Pot sizes depending on each occasion. 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 best 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 PlusThe Instant Pot Evo Plus is a versatile multicooker with ten programs, an LED display, a stovetop-compatible pot, and convenience-boosting features. | Instant Pot ProThe Instant Pot Pro is an advanced kitchen addition with 28 preprogrammed settings, versatile functions, 6-quart capacity, dishwasher-friendly design, and robust safety features. | Instant Pot Lux MiniThe Instant Pot Lux Mini, our top affordable pick, defies its size with versatile cooking capabilities. Weighing 8.49 lbs, it's compact, efficient, and dishwasher-friendly. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Instant Pot Cooker
#1: Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Our top pick for the best Instant Pot is the Duo Evo Plus. This Instant Pot model is quite the multicooker because it has ten more cooking programs at your disposal. Among these include settings to prepare beans, soup, 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. 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 make the most out of your Instant Pot appliance.
The Instant Pot 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 setting 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 Instant Pot 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: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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If you’re an experienced home chef who wants to upgrade their kitchen equipment, then the Instant Pot Pro can be your ideal kitchen addition. One of the best Instant Pots, the unit has 28 preprogrammed settings that include options for white and brown grains, beans, pasta, beef, risotto, and even baked goods like cheesecake and bread.
The 6-quart capacity of this Instant Pot unit is ideal for medium-sized families or for small households that love to host guests. In terms of functionality, this Instant Pot can be used as a:
- Cooker
- Steamer
- Food warmer
- Sous vide
- Slow cooker
- Pressure cooker
- Sauté pan
- Sterilizer
- Yogurt maker
This Instant Pot also comes with a dishwasher-safe 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 ✔️ Inner pot made with stainless steel ✔️ Dishwasher-safe lid ✔️ 11 safety features | ✖️ Doesn't come with a cooking guide ✖️ Not ideal for beginners |
#3: Instant Pot Lux Mini
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Our pick for the best affordable Instant Pot model may seem simple at first glance. It’s the smallest cooker in the Instant Pot 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 Instant Pot model one of the best small cookers of all time.
Any home chef would be delighted to know that instant pots like this model can make anything from beefsteak to your favorite soup. Designed not only for rice or pressure cooking, Instant Pot Lux Mini also includes 10 built-in smart programs for soup/broth, meat/stew, eggs, and porridge. From breakfast to dinner, this multi-cooker makes the perfect dish each time.
Each component of this Instant Pot 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 ✔️ Stainless steel cooking pot ✔️ Innovative functions despite small build ✔️ 6 appliances in 1 ✔️ 10 smart programs that offer more food versatility ✔️ Very affordable ✔️ Dishwasher-safe components | ✖️ Users complain about the pressure cooking function having a weak steam valve ✖️ Lack of an induction heating feature |
#4: Instant Pot Duo Nova 100
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If the Instant Pot Lux Mini is built for single-family households and the independent homeowner, this model, the Instant Pot 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 Instant Pot electric pressure cooker has got your back. It can whip up to 10 cups of grains in one go, so your guests won’t have to wait for overtime for their perfectly cooked food.
The Instant Pot 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 the Instant Pot Duo Nova 100 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 Instant Pot Duo Nova 100 Pressure Cooker
| 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
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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 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, temperature adjustment settings, and a huge touchscreen display, you’re not lacking in anything.
This Instant Pot 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 Pot Max can accommodate whatever recipe you’re craving, 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 prepare 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 ✖️ Settings might not be easily understood |
#6: Instant Pot Crisp Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Introducing a pressure cooker with air frying capabilities. From the creators of the Instant Pot Duo series, comes the Instant Pot Crisp Cooker and Air Fryer. Now, you can pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
And when you’re feeling that crispy crunch, flip on the air fryer lid and get that deep-fried air-fry goodness with a whopping 95% less oil thanks to its EvenCrisp Technology. You can even seamlessly transition from pressure cooking and slow cooking to air frying with the included removable air fryer lid.
With 11 built-in smart programs, The Instant Pot Crisp can prepare even more of your favorite dishes with the press of a button: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, steam, sauté, sterilize and food warm.
Plus, there’s a free app with over 1900 recipes. Say goodbye to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. For those growing families or anyone into meal prepping, this pot can cook for up to 6 people.
Safety-wise, it’s got you covered with over 10 safety features, overheat protection, and a safe-locking lid. Perfect for busy kitchens or those with little ones running around. Clean-up is a piece of cake as the stainless-steel sides resist fingerprints, and the lid, inner pot, and accessories are all dishwasher-safe.
Redefine cooking and enjoy quick and easy air fry meals anywhere, any time. The Instant Pot Crisp offers the quality, convenience, and versatility you’ve come to expect from Instant Pot.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Crisp Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 11-in-1 features ✔️ EvenCrisp technology ✔️Quick one-touch cooking and speed ✔️Versatile inner cooking pan ✔️Over 10 safety features | ✖️ Pricier models ✖️ May not be suitable for beginners |
#7: Instant Pot RIO Wide
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The majority of Instant Pot units are tall in height but the newest member of the Instant Pot family is shorter in stature and wider in base. Meet the Instant Pot RIO Wide, a cooker that features an inner pot wider than a 12-inch skillet. With a large searing surface, you can easily cook large quantities of food such as a 5 lb. chicken or 3 racks of ribs and more.
According to the brand, RIO stands for Revolutionary, Innovation, and One-Pot Wonder. The RIO was created to celebrate Instant Pot’s 10 years of innovating in the kitchen.
The RIO can act as a pressure cooker and slow cooker in one, delivering quick and easy meals to your table without any hassle. In addition to those two features, the RIO can also deliver fluffy rice, make yogurt, steam, sauté, and keep your food warm for hours, bringing you a total of 7 cooking presets.
The RIO Wide Pressure Cooker comes with a cooking progress indicator, a newly added feature that allows you to quickly monitor the cooking process on an easy-to-use display. It also has a whisper-quiet steam release, diffusing steam without any sound, and is safely controlled using a remote button.
While this model is a new offering from Instant Pot, it’s already making a name for itself and it’ll certainly become one of the best Instant Pots around.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot RIO Wide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Slow cooker and pressure cooker in one ✔️ Has 5 more other cooking functions ✔️ Wide cooking base ✔️ Cooking progress indicator ✔️ Whisper-quiet steam release | ✖️ Wide size not for small countertops |
#8: Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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The Duo is one the best Instant Pots but if you’re looking to step up from the standard models, maybe the Duo Plus Multi-Use Pressure Cooker will be right up your alley.
The Duo Plus sets itself apart from other Duo models with its gray and silver exterior, giving any kitchen a touch of elegance. It comes with clear, intuitive controls that allow you to choose between several presets including pressure cooking, slow cooking, making rice, making yogurt, steaming, sautéing, sterilizing, sous vide, and keeping your food warm.
The cooker’s manual setting lets you have precise control over the entire cooking process as well. With around 25 customizable settings, you can fine-tune your dishes according to your preference.
Not only that, but the display of the Duo Plus Pressure Cooker also lets you see where your food is during the cooking process.
Once done cooking, the Duo Plus Pressure Cooker ensures you stay safe with its whisper-quiet steam release that you can control with a remote button. Clean-up is a simple affair too as its components can be used with a dishwasher.
Pros and Cons of the Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Can slow cook, pressure cook, make rice, and more ✔️ Easy-to-use controls ✔️ Whisper-quiet steam release ✔️ 25 customizable settings ✔️ Can be cleaned in a dishwasher ✔️ Available in two sizes, 6-quarts and 8-quarts | ✖️ Pricier than other Instant Pot units |
#9: Instant Pot Pro Max Multi-Cooker with WiFi
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Integrating Smart Technology in your home? You may want to take a look at one of the latest offerings from Instant Pot, the Pro Max Multi-Cooker with WiFi.
A cooker that seamlessly links up with the Instant Connect App, you can simply select a recipe from the app and follow the step-by-step instructions with automatic appliance control to get perfect results every time. You can also use the app to control the Pro Max, make interactive checklists, and even monitor what’s cooking in the pot.
That’s not all that the Instant Pot Pro Max can do. It features 10 cooking functions, allowing you to slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, steam, sous vide, make rice, make yogurt, warm, bake, and NutriBoost.
The tenth function, NutriBoost, pulses to help mix food during cooking for better results. For example, if you’re using long-grain rice to make a pilaf, all you need to do is put your ingredients in the pot, select the NutriBoost function, and let the Pro Max Pressure Cooker do all the heavy lifting for you. This function is also great for soups, broths, and risotto.
The Instant Pot Pro Max has a premium stainless steel pot with a thick aluminum core for faster and more even heating. This makes it optimal for slow cooking, searing, and sautéing. If you’re worried about cleaning up, fret not as the components of the Instant Pot Pro Max are all dishwasher-friendly.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Pro Max Multi-Cooker with WiFi
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more ✔️ Connects to the Instant Connect App guided cooking, remote appliance control, and real-time monitoring ✔️ Stainless steel pot with a thick aluminum core ✔️ 10-in-1 cooking functions ✔️ Dishwasher-friendly | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Does not come with a rice paddle |
#10: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Instant Pot Crisp is an Instant Pot unit that lets you air fry with ease. While it’s already a great cooker, the Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid takes all your air frying needs to the next level.
This 13-in-1 cooker can be your go-to for everything in the kitchen: use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, air fryer, sauté pan, food warmer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, dehydrator, yogurt maker, sous vide, and even as a bread proofer. No need to have multiple items on your counter!
The air fry function is easier to use in the Duo Crisp Ultimate as you won’t need to switch lids anymore. The single lid works for all cooking programs. Whether you want to slow cook, pressure cook, air fry, or make rice, the one lid is all you need.
Instant Pot made sure that cooking is a breeze with the Duo Crisp Ultimate as it’s equipped with a large LCD display that shows step-by-step cooking instructions. The menu and preset functions are also easy to read and understand. The brand also designed this Instant Pot to have an advanced stream release design for a simple venting experience.
Pros and Cons of the Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Pressure cooker, air fryer, and more in one ✔️ One lid for all cooking functions ✔️ Large LCD display ✔️ Advanced steam release ✔️ Dishwasher-friendly | ✖️ May be complicated for Instant Pot beginners ✖️ Expensive |
Core Features of Instant Pot
Instant Pots are some of the most versatile rice/pressure cookers in the industry. Read on to find out Instant Pot’s signature functions and see which one best suits your needs.
Instant Pot Multiple Cooking Functions and Features
Instant Pot multi-cookers usually pressure cook and slow cook. It also doubles as a steamer, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and cake maker all in one smart Instant Pot package. What’s impressive is how well these features can 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.
Instant Pot 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 Instant Pot’s technology may go 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 grains are doing.
High-Quality Materials
Instant Pots doesn’t only have the fanciest technology, but it 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 Instant Pot, 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. Instant Pot recommends the 3-quart model for one to two people, while families with six people or fewer may be happy with the 6-quart size. The 8-quart capacity is recommended for those who have large households.
Is an Instant Pot as Good as a Rice Cooker?
Most Instant Pots provide you with a cooking preset for your rice dishes, just like any dependable cooker does. Grains can be cooked by simply rinsing it, placing it in the pot, and turning on the settings.
The best Instant Pots also provide a wide range of cooking possibilities and replace numerous kitchen gear products. Plus, they cook effectively. With instant pots at home, you can prepare most foods in a very short amount of time and save a ton of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Instant Pot is best for rice?
Each electric Instant Pot pressure cooker has a preset setting for cooking. The more recent models such as the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus and the Instant Pot Pro Pressure Cooker offer distinct presets for different grains.
What is the number one best cooker?
One cooker that has consistently received praise for its performance is the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy. This cooker uses advanced fuzzy logic technology to adjust cooking time and temperature for different grain varieties, resulting in consistently well-cooked grains. Other reputable cooker brands include Panasonic, Tiger, and Aroma, which offer a range of models catering to different preferences and budgets.
Which cooker is best for cooking rice?
The ideal cooker is one that flawlessly fulfills its basic functions of cooking grains while enhancing the overall cooking experience for the user. It should not only excel in producing perfectly cooked grains but also offer extra features and conveniences that align with the user’s preferences and needs.
Factors such as ease of use, versatility, and the ability to cater to different types of grains can contribute to determining the best cooker for an individual.
Conclusion
Instant Pot has long been changing the way grains are prepared in every home. The brand has grown rapidly in the past few years, and consumers are incredibly satisfied. Thanks to the intuitive features and user-friendly technology, preparing meals has never been easier with the best Instant Pots.
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
We’re crowning the Duo Evo as one of the best Instant Pots ever. Housing multiple smart programs including sous vide setting and pressure cooker slow cooking, this new model is sure to liven up your kitchen. Built to make the process easier, this pot comes in 6-quart and 8-quart size capacities.
No shortage of kitchen gear claims to do what this multi-cooker does, but the Instant Pot Duo Evo is a pioneer. With technology that has been constantly improving since 2009, the Instant Pot 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, Instant Pot Duo Evo is definitely the one to go for.
