Update 9/4/22: These are the Instant Pots I currently recommend: Instant Pot Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro. You’ll get most efficient heating plus ease-of-use with the Pro, but they all offer both high and low pressure controls as well as a yogurt function (two essentials). We recommend the 8-quart over the 6-quart for all families and anyone who batch cooks or cooks larger food items like spaghetti squash or multiple whole chickens at a time. I am still using my Duo Evo and Duo Evo Plus machines; if I ever get a new one, I would get the Duo Plus or the Pro. The information below is still helpful to help you sort through options, giving you things to think about. 🙂
What’s the best Instant Pot to buy for you and your family?
Everyone’s talking about the Instant Pot and you’re fairly certain you need one, too. Right?!
Only… what model and what size do you get?
Deanna is asking this as well: “Everyone I know has an Instant Pot! I know I want one, too, but the trouble is… when I go to order one, I get overwhelmed by which model to choose and whether I should get a 6 or 8 quart? Can you help?”
I understand; this is a big choice. You’ll see if you keep reading that it wasn’t easy for me, either.
Yet now… I’ve been around the block with our Instant Pot. And we have 2 different sizes in our home, so I’m happy to share my advice and from my experience to help you choose the model and size for you and your family.
That’s what’s on tap for today’s #AskWardee!
Both the podcast and video replay of this week’s show are below. Enjoy!
Original Episode From October 2016 (Podcast)
Updated Episode From December 2018 (Podcast)
Updated Episode From January 2020 (Podcast)
Subscribe to #AskWardee on iTunes, Stitcher, YouTube, or the Podcasts app.
Original Episode From October 2016 (Video)
Updated Episode From December 2018 (Video)
Updated Episode From January 2020 (Video)
The Question: What Size Instant Pot Should I Buy?
Deanna asks:
Everyone I know has an Instant Pot! I know I want one, too, but the trouble is… when I go to order one, I get overwhelmed by which model to choose and whether I should get a 6 or 8 quart? Can you help?
And after I originally created this episode, Carmen followed up with these questions:
Could you open both of the pots [6 qt and 8 qt] and actually hold them up together (the inner/liner pots) side by side? And talk about the dimensions and space required for each, the weight, etc…. And show some of the foods you were talking about like the chickens, spaghetti squash, etc.
Would you please consider amending episode #048 to include you showing the inner pot liners side-by-side? And getting more into the differences of the physical attributes and space required to store the 8 quart? Not everyone has the type of kitchen space you did your presentation in and it makes it extremely difficult to assess how I could store the 8qt in an apartment sized kitchen w/o more visual/physical handling of the pot…Would really appreciate it if you would.
My Answer: Which Instant Pot Is Best?
So you want an Instant Pot but don’t know which model or size to choose. I’m happy to help!
Update 9/4/22: These are the Instant Pots I currently recommend: Instant Pot Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro. You’ll get most efficient heating plus ease-of-use with the Pro, but they all offer both high and low pressure controls as well as a yogurt function (two essentials). We recommend the 8-quart over the 6-quart for all families and anyone who batch cooks or cooks larger food items like spaghetti squash or multiple whole chickens at a time. I am still using my Duo Evo and Duo Evo Plus machines; if I ever get a new one, I would get the Duo Plus or the Pro. The information below is still helpful to help you sort through options, giving you things to think about. 🙂
What Is The Instant Pot, Anyway?
It’s a multi-purpose electrical appliance. Think like a Crock Pot or slow cooker, except it can also do other things — it’s a pressure cooker, a yogurt maker, and more. What features you get depends on what model you choose.
In other words… it’s a plug-n-play machine that can replace a bunch of your kitchen appliances! And it’s amazing!
We have 2 Instant Pots and use them both multiple times each day. In fact, I love it so much that we have an entire class on pressure cooking featuring the Instant Pot.
For more info, check out the Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package or our Pressure Cooking eCourse (the eCourse is included with all Traditional Cooking School memberships).
Yet I use the Instant for much more besides… like it’s my favorite way to reheat leftovers. Or if you want to see 11 creative (and surprising!) uses for an Instant Pot, go here. They’re fun!
What About Other Brands?
Often people ask me to compare the Instant Pot to other brands. I’m sorry; I’m not familiar with other brands.
The Instant Pot won me over because of its high ratings, the stainless steel insert, all the recipes out there written for Instant Pot (including mine), its safety features, and friends’ recommendations. I chose it and have not been dissatisfied in the least, nor inclined, at this point, to test out any others.
So, while I can’t comment on other brands, I do know the Instant Pot in and out and can highly recommend it. I don’t think anyone could regret choosing it.
When you choose your Instant Pot, you need to select both the model (Lux, Duo, Smart, or Ultra) and size (5-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart). Let’s go over the choices now.
Which Instant Pot Model Should You Choose?
The Instant Pot (currently) comes in Lux, Duo, Duo Evo Plus, Smart, and Ultra models.
#1 — The Lux
Discontinued.
The Lux boasts 6 functions (Pressure Cooker, Sauté/Browning, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Warmer).
It lacks both the yogurt function (which I love — see my recipe here) and its pressure cooking function offers only high (not high and low).
#2 — The Duo
The Duo boasts 7 functions (Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté/Browning, Yogurt Maker, Steamer, and Warmer) — all the ones that the Lux has PLUS the yogurt setting.
Additionally, its pressure cooking setting allows you to choose low or high. The low pressure is handy with more delicate foods.
Read more about this model (6-quart size) here.
#3 — The Duo Evo Plus
Discontinued.
The Duo Evo Plus boasts 9 functions (Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté/Browning, Yogurt Maker, Steamer, Warmer, Sous Vide, and Bake) — all the ones the basic Duo has plus the sous vide and bake.
Its pressure cooking settings allow you to choose low or high. And it has 48 customizable programs, a step up from the 14 in the basic Duo.
#4 — The Smart
Discontinued.
The Smart model has the 7 functions of the Duo, plus additional downloadable recipe programs and 3 temperature choices on the Keep Warm function.
The main draw on this model is the “smart” BlueTooth functionality that allows you to run it from your phone or tablet. It has other things as part of the “smart” features, too.
#5 — The Ultra
Discontinued.
The Ultra has some extra features that the others do not have: nearly unlimited programming via a dial that allows you to set the temperature and time you desire (high and low pressures), essentially creating your own programs, a dial interface to navigate through all the options and then you push to select, a screen that shows you more what’s going on inside the machine and where it is in the “program”.
It also has new sterilize, cake, and egg settings (bringing the 6 or 7 functions up to 10 total), a settings “memory” that remembers what you did last time, a self-closing weighted valve, ability to turn sounds off, altitude adjustment, dual sensors for more accurate temp and pressure readings, and 11 safety settings instead of 10 that the other models have (it has a quick-release button so you can avoid scalding yourself when releasing pressure).
Update: What About The New Duo Evo Plus? (Discontinued)
My friend Vickilynn, and co-teacher of our Pressure Cooking I and II eCourses, introduced me to the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. Otherwise, I might not have considered it. I’m so glad she spoke up!
Here are the bullet points of why the Duo Evo Plus beats out the Duo. Watch the “January 2020” update video above to see all these features in action!
- overall faster and easier to use
- it’s a 9-in-1 over the Duo’s (7-in-1) because it has two additional functions… sous vide and bake (more coming on the programs when Vickilynn and I do an indepth review for TCS premium members)
- it has 48 customizable settings (as opposed to the Duo’s 14)
- the pre-heating time is up to 70% faster; due to the 1200w heating element which reduces preheating time, allowing you to make meals faster (Duo has 1000w heating element)
- the pressure release time is shortened with updated “quickcool” technology
- the screen dialogue shows you the stages of pre-heating, program/cycle, and then warm time/pressure release time afterward
- the insert pot has a flat bottom so you can evenly brown foods (the Duo’s insert pot is slightly curved, preventing even heating and browning)
- the insert pot has handles! — they fit right into the base to lift the pot in and out easily
- the handles have cool-to-touch easy grip handles… no need for a potholder!
- the insert pot’s handles fit into the base so the post doesn’t spin around when stirring (a common issue with the Duo)
- the insert pot is an upgraded “cookware grade” 18/10 stainless steel… it’s dishwasher safe and can be used on your stovetop, too!
- the lid automatically sets to sealing position when lid is closed (see photo below of the “sealing” and “venting” positions)
- the steam vent and cover are separate from the venting switch… so no worries of getting a steam burn when flipping the switch
- the condensation cup is larger… which is helpful if you’ve ever overfilled one before!
- you get a clear and a red silicone ring… making it now even easier to tell which one is for your sweet and which one is for your savory dishes
- the glass lids from the Duo still fit on this machine, too!
I only have 4 cons:
- the new manuals have reduced the amount of water for rice… I prefer to go with my old amounts of 1 cup grain to 1.25 or 1.5 cups water. 1:1 is not enough!
- the Duo Evo Plus more expensive than the Duo — the 6-quart is $20 more and the 8-quart is $40 more (at this time)
- the steam rack is designed differently and I like the wider one from the DUO best… but the handles are still both as tall for easy lifting and insertion
- no insert pots sold separately at this time
If you like the sound of the Duo Evo Plus (discontinued), then you’ll love its replacement: the Pro.
Update: What About The New Ultra Instant Pot?
From reading about the ULTRA, while I could see myself choosing it if I didn’t already have machines, I am not sure I could justify the additional expense.
Why?
Although it boasts that you can “dial in” any temp setting you want, the available range only goes down to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, while the low yogurt setting can go as low as 91 degrees Fahrenheit. So if I needed a low culturing temp, I’d just choose the low yogurt setting which the DUO already has.
I would also LOVE to be able to turn the sounds off… but would I spend nearly double for that feature? Probably not.
And anyway, the version 2 of the LUX and DUO allow you to turn the sound off by pressing the + or – key for 3 seconds. – turns sound off, while + turns sound back on. (You know you have version 2 of these machines if your machine “remembers” your last cook time on any given program.)
If I lived at high altitude, I might seriously consider the ULTRA, even though Laura at Hip Pressure Cooking says the adjustment algorithm uses “fuzzy logic”.
The self-closing lid? This reminds me of self-parking cars!
It appears that it’s helpful for people who might otherwise forget to close the sealing valve on the other machines and therefore the machines won’t ever come to pressure. On the flip side, it appears that releasing pressure takes longer and is harder to achieve because of this self-sealing mechanism.
This would annoy me. I’d rather train myself to check that the value is sealed each time I run the cooker… which I have and it’s not a problem. 🙂
(I see on Laura’s Hip Pressure Cooking Ultra Review that Instant Pot has updated the wording/directions on the lid so it’s more clear how to release pressure now.)
I don’t need the new programs, especially since I hardly ever use the programs on the DUO as it is.
Here’s what I use: High and Low pressure, Slow Cook, Saute, Keep Warm, and Yogurt. If I don’t already use what I’ve got and I don’t feel the lack of anything essential, then I don’t think it’s worth it to upgrade.
My Favorite Instant Pot Model
Update 9/4/22 since this was recorded: These are the Instant Pots I currently recommend: Instant Pot Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro. You’ll get most efficient heating plus ease-of-use with the Pro, but they all offer both high and low pressure controls as well as a yogurt function (two essentials). We recommend the 8-quart over the 6-quart for all families and anyone who batch cooks or cooks larger food items like spaghetti squash or multiple whole chickens at a time. I am still using my Duo Evo and Duo Evo Plus machines; if I ever get a new one, I would get the Duo Plus or the Pro.
Of the 5 options, my favorite is the Duo Evo Plus, pictured just above — the machine that’s “lit up” in front of me.
(Formerly, my recommendation was the Duo, and I still recommend that machine, but the Duo Evo Plus is better — see the January 2020 update video or the bullet points above for details.)
I regularly use both the yogurt and low pressure (that are lacking on the Lux). The Duo Evo Plus works better than the Duo for all the reasons stated above, though the Duo’s functions are perfectly adequate for my needs.
I stay away from Smart appliances… I’m home all the time, I prefer to be hands-on with my appliances, and I just find no need to spend extra money on bells and whistles like this. (My opinion.)
So… it really comes down to the Duo and the Duo Evo Plus.
Because of the actual functional and design differences of the Duo Evo Plus — better browning, the handle on the insert pot, the additional durability of the insert pot, the auto sealing valve, the faster pre-heating and pressure release time, and the way you can SEE what the pot is doing by the progress meter — I prefer it over the Duo.
Agree Or Disagree?
At least now you know the main differences between the models. 🙂
Moving on… which size???
Which Size Instant Pot Is Best For You?
Ok, this part is not as cut-and-dry as the model choices. You’ll have to follow some gut instincts. 🙂
I went around and around for many months before buying my second Instant Pot, simply because I didn’t know whether to get another 6-quart or to get a larger 8-quart.
Let’s talk through it.
First of all, keep in mind that as with any pot that’s advertised as holding a certain volume, you cannot use all of it. Advertised 6-quart volume means up to the top of the pot.
Which of us ever fills a pot to the top? No one… at least not if we don’t want a mess!
You need room for expansion, boiling, stirring, putting your foods up on a rack, etc.
Once I bought a stainless steel pot for making cheese and I made a mistake. I wanted to make cheese with 3 gallons of milk, so that’s the size of pot I bought.
Then it arrived and I realized my error. I couldn’t use the entire 3-gallon capacity; I could use only 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 gallons or so. Oops.
I sent it back and got the 4-gallon stainless steel pot. And now I use it to about the 3-1/2 gallon capacity.
See what I mean? Your pot needs more capacity than you’ll use.
Same thing with the Instant Pot. If you’re pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, you cannot overfill it or you’ll have a problem. The max fill line is a little more than 3/4 full.
So…
…when you’re choosing your Instant Pot, choose a higher volume capacity than you think you need. You probably won’t regret bigger (unless it’s just waaaayyyyyy too big), but you certainly will regret too small.
It Helps To Consider What You’ll Be Cooking
I know it’s hard to think of what a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot can hold. Let me give you some examples.
(By the way, I’m not discussing the 5-quart option because in my opinion, it’s too small and a no-brainer to get the 6-quart when cooking whole foods, even if you’re family of 1 or 2.)
Whole chickens — The 6-quart will fit a 5 to 6-pound whole chicken comfortably. The 8-quart fits (2) 5 to 6-pound whole chickens comfortably side by side.
Yogurt — The 6-quart will make 4 to 5 quarts of yogurt comfortably (see my recipe here) while the 8-quart will make 6 to 7 quarts of yogurt comfortably.
Spaghetti squash — A medium-size or 2 smaller will fit in the 6-quart Instant Pot; 2 medium or even a large spaghetti squash (depending on how long it is) will fit in the 8-quart.
Batch cooking — If you batch cook at all, whether rice, beans, pre-cooked chicken, etc., you will fit more in the 8 quart, making your efforts stretch farther.
Accessories — Many of the accessories I chose (cheesecake pans, stackable pans, etc.) fit in both the 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots. An exception is the stackable pans I showed you in the second video above. Those ONLY fit the 8-quart Instant Pot. However, there is a greater capacity for stacking and using larger containers inside the 8-quart Instant Pot. Wondering what I’m talking about? Like making this sourdough cornbread in a 7-cup Pyrex bowl — it will fit in either size Instant Pot.
See the second video above for real-life examples of how these foods fit in the 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot!
If you’d like more ideas for using your Instant Pot, be sure to check out 11 Creative & Surprising Things To Make In The Instant Pot. I think some will astound you!
Back To Size, Though…
6qt vs 8qt Instant Pot
Let’s draw out some of these criteria and help you apply them to your family and needs:
What are you cooking?
No matter what your family size is if you batch cook or cook larger sized whole foods, get an 8-quart.
How big is your family?
If your family is larger (4 or more persons), get the 8-quart Duo, Duo Plus, or Pro. If your family size is 1 to 2 and you also do batch cooking, get the 8-quart.
Or, if your family size is 1 to 2 but you rarely do batch cooking nor cooking of larger whole foods (like whole chickens or medium/large spaghetti squash), get a 6-quart Duo, Duo Plus, or Pro.
Which Size Is My Instant Pot? (The Best Instant Pot For My Family)
This was tough for me!
When I purchased our first Instant Pot, the 8-quart wasn’t even available. So I chose a 6-quart (rather than the 5-quart). That was a no-brainer.
Then the 8-quart came out. I knew I wanted to get another Instant Pot, but I hemmed and hawed for months because the 6-quart was working pretty well for me.
My thought process was: Should I get another of the same size so they match? Should I even get another one? Should I get a bigger one? (And they don’t match? Matching is kind of important to me — perhaps too important sometimes!)
Anyway, finally, I decided I would get an 8-quart Duo as my second Instant Pot. I don’t regret it in the least! I’m so happy to have the larger one! In spite of them not matching. 😉
If I knew then what I know now, and I was purchasing my first Instant Pot all over again, I would actually choose the 8-quart because the extra room makes a significant difference in batch sizes for batch cooking or large family cooking.
And even with normal size meals, there’s not much extra room in it. Which means it’s not too big.
So… bottom line for us I’d pick the 8-quart no matter what.
Currently, we have two 8-quarts and one 6-quart. They are all used and loved.
Bottom Line — My Picks, My Opinion
Update 9/4/22: These are the Instant Pots I currently recommend: Instant Pot Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro. You’ll get most efficient heating plus ease-of-use with the Pro, but they all offer both high and low pressure controls as well as a yogurt function (two essentials). We recommend the 8-quart over the 6-quart for all families and anyone who batch cooks or cooks larger food items like spaghetti squash or multiple whole chickens at a time. I am still using my Duo Evo and Duo Evo Plus machines; if I ever get a new one, I would get the Duo Plus or the Pro. The information below is still helpful to help you sort through options, giving you things to think about. 🙂
You need to choose the best Instant Pot for you, and that’s a very personal choice. Still, you’re here and wanting my opinion, so here it is:
My pick for the small family that does not do batch cooking or cooking of larger whole food items: an 6-Quart Duo, Duo Plus, or Pro Instant Pot.
My pick for the small or larger family who does batch cooking or cooking of larger whole food items: an 8-Quart Duo, Duo Plus, or Pro Instant Pot.
Helpful Links:
- Shop Instant Pot Duo, Duo Plus, or Pro
- Instant Pot Raw Milk Yogurt
- 11 Creative & Surprising Things You Can Make In The Instant Pot
- 6 Lessons Learned From 2+ Years Of Pressure Cooking
- 7-cup Pyrex Bowl
- TCS Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package
- TCS Pressure Cooking I and II eCourses
- Free Instant Pot Sourdough Cornbread Recipe
- Use code 10OFF4WARDEE to get 10% OFF these stackable pans from seller Me’n Lily
More Helpful Instant Pot Articles:
- How To Use A Pressure Cooker 101
- How to Use Your Instant Pot (+ Easy Instant Pot Instructions)
- Is Pressure Cooking Healthy? #AskWardee 019
- Is The 8 Quart Instant Pot Ever Too Big? #AskWardee 126
- How To Clean Your Instant Pot — Naturally & Easily! #AskWardee 087
- How Do I Reheat Food In The Instant Pot? #AskWardee 047
- How To Reheat Frozen Food In The Instant Pot {Instant Pot Freezer Meals} #AskWardee 079
- How To Convert Slow Cooker Recipes To Pressure Cooker
What Is The #AskWardee Show?
The #AskWardee Show is the live weekly show devoted to answering your niggling questions about Traditional Cooking: whether it’s your sourdough starter, your sauerkraut, preserving foods, broth, superfoods or anything else to do with Traditional Cooking or your GNOWFGLINS lifestyle.
I share tips and resources, plus answer your questions about Traditional Cooking!
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When: Wednesdays at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern
Where: Right here at AskWardee.TV or on social media: Traditional Cooking School on Facebook Live or @TradCookSchool on IGTV
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Which Instant Pot is best for YOU? Which size Instant Pot do you have? Are you happy with it? Do you have more than one Instant Pot?
This post was originally published and written by Wardee Harmon on 10/26/16. It was updated and republished on 12/5/18, then again on 1/8/20.
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Excellent break down thank you Wardee. All I would add is you can always make less in a large pot but never more in a small pot….
Melissa ~ Yes! 🙂
So just to make sure, as I am sitting here on the fence on the 6l or 8l… there is not a “lower limit” minimum on the 8l to make it work? Meaning, there is no “fill to here” line on the minimum end to make it work properly? So it is true, that you cannot make too little of something?
Melissa ~ That’s correct! You cannot make too little of something. 🙂
I thought that for pressure cooking, there had to be a minimum fill? 1/3 of the pot, I think? that’s the reason I went for the 6 quart, since we’re just two people, even though we do plan to do some bath cooking.
Hi SI,
The pressure cookers with which we are familiar only have a minimum liquid amount not a minimum fill amount. You should check your specific model/manual to see if it indicates differently. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
I’m thinking of getting the 3q. What is your opinion?
Hi JS,
I have a 3, 6 & 8 quart. I love my 3 quart. It’s great for making sides like rice or veggies while my 6 quart is cooking the meat.
One thing to consider is a lot of the accessories won’t fit in the 3 quart.
~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
Hello Wardee,
I have been off your website for quite a while and I was pleasantly surprised to see you again, you are looking fantastic !!!
I have not yet shedded my baby weight (4 pregnancies in 6 years !!!) but I am getting healthier slowly but surely, I have been using lots of your recipes, they have become family favorite recipes.
I love your review of the instant pot, I am not sure if I can get one here in Guatemala but I am looking forward to switching from slow cooker to instant pot as soon as I can find one here and come back to see your recipes !!!!
By the way my favorite warm tea right now is lavender and rosemary straight from our garden!!!! Sometimes plain, sometimes with a little honey, lemon and why not freshly ground pepper …
Keep up the excellent work !!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Claudy De Socop
Claudy ~ Welcome back! Thank you for the kind words! Ooh, your tea sounds yummy. 🙂 Congrats on your births! God bless you. <3
I’ve been researching electric pressure cookers for awhile, and the Instant Pot and the GoWise (both 8 qt.) are my favorites in theory. The GoWise is quite a bit less expensive, but I know the Instant Pot is well loved. Curious if anyone has thoughts on one vs. the other?
Shasta ~ I wish I could help! Hopefully someone coming along here will have some words of experience to share! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I don’t have to figure this one out anymore. My Christmas present was an 8 qt Instant Pot! Now to learn how to use it to the max…. So grateful for all the tips and recipes on the Gnowfglins site. 🙂
I do a lot of canning, mostly quart size jars. Is there any reason why I can’t just reheat the food in the jars? Or are the jars too tall for the 8 qt IP? Seems to me that would be less work, no sling needed, just use a jar lifter or an oven glove. I just bought the 6 qt IP and I love it, but now seeing that I need another because I like to process my yogurt 24 hours. Thank you for all you do
Drema – At least 2* quart size jars fit in the 8 quart Instant Pot, however they go over the max fill line so I would recommend using the slow cooker setting rather than any setting that pressurizes.
*It’s possible 3 would fit but I would have to verify this!
Do you recommend adding the protection plan when purchasing the Instant Pot?
Hi Laura,
Wardee does not usually choose to add a protection plan except for on very high dollar items. That said, you’ll want to do what you are most comfortable with. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School
Hi Wardeh,
I have an instant pot because I learned about it from you! I like that it is stainless steel and not non-stick.
I use my pyrex dish like you do but I put a dessert size correlle plate on it for a lid.
I also make custard with 1 cup wide mouth canning jars.
Last week I made Boston Brown Bread in wide mouth pint jars with recipes from the internet.
I used tattler canning lids on them. 🙂
Thanks for teaching!
I am new to canning, and want to get a pressure caner. If i bought this would i be able to can meat, and other things besides jelly in it ? Thank you.
Hi Nancy,
You won’t be able to can in an Instant Pot. It’s for pressure cooking only and isn’t approved for any canning. For canning you’ll want a pressure canner.
Millie
Traditional Cooking School
Millie…this does not make sense to me. Both items use controlled pressure and heat in a sealed container. I have been using the IPot to can so I would like the technical explanation for why there would be a discrepancy if you would be kind enough to share.
Hi Farmer Brown,
Because the pressure cooker is regulated by a pressure sensor instead of a thermometer, the actual temperature may change based on the elevation of your location.
Even in the Instant Pot Max, which can reach 15 PSI but canning is still not recommended over 2,000 ft.
Water bath canning can be done but pressure canning is not recommended.
I thought what I read that you would he able to can(pressure can) in the IPOT.
Just not several jars at a time.
I am so glad I found your article on the IPOT, and yes I would like to have one. Thank you for the information.
Hey Wardee,
First time poster! I noticed you stated in the video that you made all of the recipes for the 6qt version of the IP. Are the 6qt recipes on here not usable in the 8qt? I’m not familiar with the IP at all and just wanted to ask if it was something I could put a 6qt recipe in and it would come out right or will I have to do a bunch of scaling down/up to make the recipe work?
Hi CP,
Welcome! You can use 6 quart recipes in an 8 quart. It will not fill it up all the way as written but that is just fine. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School
Extremely helpful video. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Great analysis, Wardee. Thank you! I’m a batch cooker for 1, so I’ll go with the 8-quart. But now how about between the Duo and the new Ultlra? I don’t care about bluetooth and using my phone to control the IP so agree with you about the Smart but the Ultra is a different story. Help!
Hi marge201,
I’m sorry. Wardee isn’t familiar with the Ultra at this time. I wish we could help!
~Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
Thanks, Millie. Yeah, the Ultra is their newest model. Would hate to buy the Duo and start reading rave reviews on the Ultra. I’ll watch and wait a bit.
Marge
I saw your video on the size and just have one critical question! I am already sold on getting a instant pot. but I am still a bit stuck on choosing the 6 or 8 quart pot.
My question is if I get a 8 quart, will small 1-2 people recipes still work fine in a 8 quart?
There are times where I need to cook for 4-5 people, and sometimes just 1-2 for the house.
I just wanna make sure that with the 8 quart, I can cook both small and large servings of meals!
Thank you!
Hi Armando,
Yes, small recipes will still work in the 8-quart Instant Pot. 🙂
There is no minimum amount of food needed in the IP as long as the minimum liquid is used (check your manual for more information).
Plus, you’ll have room for larger batches if you’re serving more people.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Manager
Right now the 8 qt is less expensive on Amazon than the 6 qt.
Thank you for helping me to decide on the larger pot; short of photos showing one/two chickens in them, this is great.
What do you think of the 10 in 1 pot (6 q)
Hi Jan,
Wardee doesn’t have any experience with it, but it looks good. The new functions for customizing pressure levels, for cakes, and other things sound good if you really need them. It has everything the DUO has (Wardee’s current recommendation) but extra things as well if you need those.
Hope this helps!
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
This is great information. Thank you SO much! You have really helped me. It is Christmas time and I was just shopping price and was not aware of their differences. Now I can make a bettter decision other than hurt price.
What size pressure cooker will hold a 3 lb pot roast?
Hi Kathryn,
The 6 or 8 quart will hold a 3 pound roast.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi, this is the first time I’ve been to your website. Thank you for this post! I’ve been pulling my hair out trying to figure out which size to get! There are only 2 in my family, but I do like to cook whole chickens and large turkey breasts to freeze meat (shredded) for recipes. I did not know that you can use 6 Qt recipes in the 8 Qt pot (with increasing the liquid, I’ll read my manual!). I’m off to order an 8 quart Duo. Thanks again!
Wardeh, I have been reading through your replies. What a doll. Thank you for “talking through” the decision on what size pot. That is exactly how I think. Also, I was wondering about canning and that question came up and was answered. Perfect. Thank you!
Hi Anne,
Thanks so much for your kind comment. 🙂 Wardee appreciates it!
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
You have no idea how much time you saved me! I was having a hard time deciding which size to choose. Your review and comments were great!
Well, this helped a bit 🙂 We are a family of 3. Although I usually wind up cooking for just my daughter and myself and my husband does his own thing, depending on what I’m making. Sometimes I batch cook. But usually I just make 1 large-ish batch and we eat the same thing 2 to 4x during the week. Not enormous batches for freezing. I sometimes do that and then find we don’t actually use anything and 12 months go by and I’m clearing out the freezer and realize I have bags and bags worth of stuff I froze and we never ate. My biggest deciding factor is cost. The 6qt Duo is currently on sale for over 40% off and is $59 vs the 8qt being $140. If I wind up not liking or not using the Instant Pot, it will be a lot easier to stomach having spent $59 rather than $140. And with the learning curve involved, I figure I would want to go smaller and spend less initially. I can always upgrade later if I find that I need (or want) the 8qt.
Hi there,
I will be cooking for only myself mostly, and I have decided that I want the Duo model. I’m wondering about size..6 or 8 qt? One thing I like to make is baked beans. I use a 2 pound bag of navy beans and use my Dutch oven at present for baking in the oven. Then I freeze portions as it’s a large batch of cooked beans. What size should I get? 6 or 8 qt?
Also, what do you mean by “batch cooking”?
Thank you,
June
Hi June,
Batch cooking is what you are already do. Cooking large batches of food then freeze in serving portions. 🙂
When cooking foods that expand in the Instant Pot you should not fill more than 1/2 to 2/3 full. So for the 6 qt that would be 6 to 8 cups; the 8 qt would be 8 to 12 cups.
I usually do 1 pound of dried beans in my 6 quart. Hope this helps.
~Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you so much for this information, it is exactly what I needed to know to make the decision as to which Instant Pot to buy.
Thank you so much. I just decided to snag an instant pot since there are some black Friday deals and I have meaning to get one since I have been trying too cook more at home. This video covered everything
Dear Wardee,
Thanks for your clear and practical guide on choosing the right Instant Pot for one’s circumstances. I love my IP Duo60 and it takes much less space to store in a condo kitchen than my rice cooker (very slow) my slow cooker (ceramic liner heavy and hard to lift) and my beautiful WMF stovetop pressure cooker (worked great but had to be babysat.) so nice to set the IP and walk away, even when pressure cooking. I’ve seen some videos of the Ultra in use and have been drooling over some of the new features, like monitoring the progress. Thanks to your comparison I will stop looking for an excuse to upgrade. What I have does more than I need. Just wish I could have bought it at today’s prices.
Hi Marilyn,
I’m glad you enjoyed the updated video and were able to make an informed decision. 🙂
~Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi Wardee, where is the best place to purchase an Instant Pot? Really interested in this esp. for making bone broth! Thank you and have a very Blessed CHRISTmas.
Hi Zandra,
The Instant Pot can be found at many top retailers as well as online.
Here are affiliate links on Amazon to the 6qt DUO : https://amzn.to/2eNbOBx and the 8qt DUO: https://amzn.to/2ek0dLZ
~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
Just got the IP Duo 8qt at Meijer for $99.99! So happy. Can’t wait to use it. Thank you for all your help. Love and Blessings in JESUS.
OH! My! Goodness, you are just so sweet to watch!
Your hair is looking great! nice firm curly, shinny!
Thank you Wardee for all your effort.
Inez
Thank you, Inez! How sweet of you! I am very happy with how my hair is doing! It’s a blessing because it was so bad! <3 Have a blessed day! —Wardee
Wardee, thank you for the updated review. I appreciated the size comparisons. I am still on the fence on size, while it is just two of us, I do still entertain family and friends from time to time. (I had the, IDK, 6 qt crockpot, got the smaller maybe 4 qt one, and went back to the larger one, over the past couple of years) The stackable pans fitting only the 8 qt may well weigh into my decision. I am guessing the stackable pans are for cooking two different dishes at the same time, ie, a main dish and a side. Are there no stackable pans that fit the six qt? Is there any way around that?
You had me convinced on the duo from the original video. I don’t need all that connected stuff either!
Your new kitchen looks beautiful! I am glad you all made the move safely, and hope you enjoy your first Christmas in your new homes!
Hi Lee,
The stackable pans we used to recommend fit the 6 quart. They went out of stock and no indication of returning. The new set we recommend does not fit the 6qt, unfortunately.
Yes they are for doing 2 different dishes. Or two of the same of dishes that need to be contained, like 2 cheesecakes or 2 bread puddings, etc.
~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
This was extremely helpful! Thank you for taking the time to break this down. My family is small, but I like to sometimes cook and freeze soups and we like to entertain. So while I had narrowed my choices down to the Duo, your explanation helped me to settle on the 8 quart. I will check out your recipes one our Instant Pot arrives. Thank you!
Hi, Regina,
I am so happy you found this helpful 🙂 You are very welcome, let us know if you have any questions.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Hello, you mentioned that you prefer the DUO model 8 qt size, as it has yogurt function and low and high pressure cooking. Could you please tell me what food or recipe would require the low pressure function?
Thank you so much!
June Mills
Hi, June,
We use the low-pressure function for desserts like cheesecakes.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you for doing this video – it was very helpful!
I’m leaning towards the 8 qt because I love to make large batches of bone broth, but other than bone broth I do not have a need for large volumes. Do you know if there is a minimum fill level for the 8 qt? For instance, can I make only 2 qts of yogurt? Or 3 qts of soup? Thank you again for your help, I really appreciate people like you that do so much to make our daily lives better.
Cheers!
Hi Daniela,
There’s no minimum fill level. When steaming we generally add as little as 1-2 cups of water an so 2 quarts of yogurt would be plenty. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi Wardee! Thank you for the excellent video! It has helped me to make a decision as to what size Instant Pot I will purchase (8 quart). Can the machine also make bread?
Thank you!
Great question, Deborah! Wardee and her daughter have made cornbread, muffins and bundt cakes in the Instant Pot, but not bread. They have made bread, too (as featured in the Pressure Cooking II eBook), but not kneaded bread.
I hope you enjoy your Instant Pot!
Sonya, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you for making clear out of mud. I have been mulling over purchasing which size Instant Pot I should purchase. Your presentation has made up my mind that the 6 qt is the one for our family and with the price on Amazon for the sale days in fits right in my budget. I am so glad I have found you, by accident, but I will continue to watch and use you as a resource.
Sandy, you are very welcome! I’m excited you will be getting one soon. You will love it!! We have a lot of great tips and recipes. Enjoy 🙂
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Is the Duo Plus pot worth it over the Duo? And is a cosmetically damaged one from Amazon worth purchasing?
Thank you
Hi, CS.
We recommend the Duo for price and value.
Purchasing a cosmetically damaged one may be okay but I would worry about the integrity of the machine. You do not want a pressure cooker that has been damaged and didn’t function properly. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Well, I finally did it! I succumbed and bought an Instant Pot! 🙂 I’ve quickly read some of the #AskWardee posts (no time to watch videos) and don’t know if this has been addressed. I was going to order from Amazon, but with a 30% coupon and a good sale, Kohl’s was the better deal. My husband grabbed a 3 qt for our daughter and a 6-qt for ourselves. I was reading over the material last night and getting excited to try everything this morning. For some reason, I went back to Kohl’s website to look at the model I bought (the Duo Nova – knowing nothing about every single one of the models) and noticed under Product Details is stated this product can expose you to harmful chemicals including Bishphonel-A. (Whaat??) I didn’t see that on the regular Duo model. Do you have any idea why this particular model would give that disclaimer or is this something I should call the company about? I didn’t know how to go about finding an answer but realized, “Ah! Wardee and her team will know the answer to this!” so thanks in advance! 🙂
Hi, Carolyn,
I have not heard of this. I would contact Instant Pot directly.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Can you use 6 quart recipes in an 8 quart pot?
Hi, Kelly.
Yes, you can. Just be sure you have the minimum required amount of liqiud (2 cups according to Instant Pot’s website).
This article may be helpful: https://instantpot.com/the-secret-to-making-the-most-of-a-mini-or-8-quart-instant-pot/
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
So cool that you are a fellow Boise girl too! I live on the Bench. Next week I will have 9 kids over for the winter break and I finally have to break down and purchase one of these. So for a family of 11-12 would the 8qt or 10qt work out best? I have no idea what I’m cooking yet for all of these young humans but I know this may be my saving grace.
Hi, Josephine,
What a blessing to have all those young kids over! You definately will appreciate the Instant Pot. I have the 8 quart and I love it and feel it would be plenty big for your group (although the 10 quart would work as well). I’m thinking if you are going to use it after they are gone the 8 quart may fit you better. You really can not go wrong with either size. I started with the 6 and now I have the 8 and use them for different things.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you for the updated review. I just purchased the 8 qt Duo Evo Plus and am excited to start using an Instant Pot. I am starting out from scratch, having never used one before, so which accessories would you say are essential? I know Wardee mentioned the stackable pans and a mesh basket. I think I have a 7 cup Pyrex dish.
Hi Sarah,
Wardee has an episode of #AskWardee with the must have accessories for the Instant Pot. You can watch the episode here: https://traditionalcookingschool.com/food-preparation/must-have-instant-pot-accessories/
~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
Hello! Thank you so much for this breakdown!
What about the 10 quart Instant Pot? I know it exists but I never see anyone talk about it! (Though honestly I did not read every single comment on here so could have missed mention here.) I have 4 boys and I find even the 8 quart to definitely be limiting on quantity if I want there to be enough for a second meal…I cannot even double all recipes for example. I serve a ravenous crowd on a daily basis but I wouldn’t consider my family huge. I’d love to hear any opinions on the 10 quart especially since it is never discussed anywhere…is it real or just a mythical unicorn that I wont even be able to buy anywhere?! 😉
If there was a 10-quart model Wardee liked she would surely get it! 🙂 She currently is limited to 8 quart being the largest of the DUO or DUO EVO PLUS. She could see a 10 quart being amazing!
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Thanks for the update about the Duo Evo. We used to love to make rice in the Instant Pot, but it’s been inconsistent lately. We usually get the information on water levels from the Instant Pot website, so I wonder if we’ve inadvertently changed the water levels. Does anyone know if the old charts are still out there somewhere?
Thanks, and God bless!
Hi, Elisabeth.
Wardee mentions this above.
The new manuals have reduced the amount of water for rice… we prefer to go with the old amounts of 1 cup grain to 1.25 or 1.5 cups water. 1:1 is not enough!
You may be able to find a copy of the original manual online.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Thanks and God bless, Danielle.
We’re purchasing another Instant Pot today, as our original Instant Pot was worked to death. For my family, the best choice was to purchase 2 six-quart models. We have three different medical diets in the house, so we frequently make meals that are almost the same but not quite cooking side-by-side. As always, TCS’s insight has been invaluable.
Great guide! I have chosen Instant Pot for my family, pleased to use it. Thanks for your sharing
Great post! I love Instant Pot. Thanks for sharing
Initially I hestitated about using up precious counter and cupboard space for ‘yet another’ gadget, and a bulky one at that. Then I saw and smelt what a neighbour was cooking in hers… plus all the ways you use it Wardee, and it became a no brainer. The Instant Pot is earning it’s keep in our house.. especially as I have atendency to wander off when things are cooking… so the fact it switches itself off is marvellous. I can see it becoming an essential for students and newly weds! And it’s also quite popular for those on the Autistic Spectrum like myself.. keeping the smells down, switching itself off etc.
Hi
Thanks for the Article.
I am planning on purchasing an instant pot but still uncertain about the size 3Qt or 6Qt
I plan to cook only for one person – myself with no plans for leftovers.
It seems that the 3Qt is the right decision but I am concerned that it might be too limiting in the future.
So I wonder if it is possible to cook small quantities in the 6QT such as 1 cup of rice with some steamed vegetables and fish..
Or 1-2 cups of oatmeal..
Maybe using pot in pot..
The reason I am thinking about the 6Qt is the option to cook 2 small different dishes at the same time using pot in pot…
I’d be glad to know what you think..
Thanks
Rafael
Hi, Rafael,
Yes you can cook small quantities in the 6 Qt. If you know you will be doing more down the road I think it is best to get the larger one.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team