We tested the best Instant Pots of 2025 – here are the five that truly delivered

As a trained cook who loves spending time in the kitchen, I have to admit I never understood the Instant Pot hype. I enjoy the hands-on process of traditional cooking too much. However, people often ask me for Instant Pot recommendations, so I decided it was time to really get to grips with them. I tested all the top-rated models and found three that I absolutely loved, along with two that came with such rave reviews from our expert testers that I couldn't ignore them.

I quickly realized that the best Instant Pot can improve your cooking, well, instantly. With an Instant Pot, you can cook risottos and curries in ten minutes, slow cook ragus, steam rice, make yogurt, and even air fry just as well as the best air fryers. If you're not a fan of cooking, you won't have to stand over the stove, and you'll have wholesome, healthy dinners on the table much faster, too.

That said, if you haven't tested the range yourself, the choice can be overwhelming. It's an expansive line, with various models and functions under vague names, such as the Rio, Duo, Pro, Max, and Crisp.

After reviewing all the best Instant Pots, we think that the very best is the Instant Pot Rio. It's simple to use, versatile, great value, and will suit most people. Here's everything you need to know about our other favorites, too.

The quick list

Best Instant Pots 2025

Best Instant Pot overall

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There are a lot of Instant Pots on the market, and if you're overwhelmed by the confusing model names, codes and numbers, just go with the Instant Pot Rio. It's a simple but brilliant machine that can perform all the functions any foodie will ever need.

With a sleek, easy-to-use display panel, you can sauté, pressure cook, slow cook and steam, as well as make homemade yogurt and rice. In the test kitchen, I made a great chilli con carne. I was looking for a nice, golden sear on the meat when using the sauté function, and a rich, deep flavor in the sauce after pressure cooking for 14 minutes. I was very impressed on all fronts.

I was also pleased that the pot kept my food nice and warm for a couple of hours. Everybody commented on how delicious it tasted. I also used the Instant Pot Rio to make a very creamy sweet potato risotto, lentil soup, plain brown rice, and a beef ragu sauce. Each dish turned out equally well.

In terms of cleaning, the stainless steel cooking surface requires a quick soak and a gentle scrub with a soft sponge. After I cooked the ragu, I noticed a lingering smell of onions and garlic in the pot and I think this was because I put the lid back on after cleaning, which trapped in the odor. I was able to remove the smell with by pressure cooking with 1 cup water, 1 cup white wine vinegar and a few lemon peels, which is a useful trick to remember.

Best smart design Instant Pot

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I love the sleek design of this Instant Pot. It is available in black or pearly white, with a premium touchscreen panel that is easy to use. If you want an Instant Pot that won't jar with your home aesthetic, this is the choice for you. The white version in particular will blend beautifully into a modern kitchen.

The word 'Max' in the name might lead you to believe it's bigger than the basic Instant Pot Rio above, but it's still the average six quarts. That doesn't mean it's lacking in other areas though, with plenty of turbo-charged features. First, it comes from the increased wattage; Instant says this gives a 20% increase in power and shortens cooking time. I cooked my chilli recipe in 11 minutes, and achieved impressive results.

The Pro Max also has a few more functions than other models in the Instant line. It can sous vide, bake and sterilize, which is handy if you have baby bottles to clean or you want a 'do-it-all' appliance. The only disappointment is that it can't air fry, like some other Instant Pots.

The other bonus feature is the WiFi connection. At first, I had some issues getting my phone linked up to the pot. After a few attempts, it suddenly worked, and I had great fun controlling the pot from the app.

Best Instant Pot for air frying

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The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is the most versatile multi-cooker you can buy from Instant. It offers everything you could possibly want and more, from slow cooking to air frying and pressure cooking to roasting.

Our expert tester and home economist, Helen McCue, reviewed the Instant Pot Duo Crisp for us – and the results were impressive. She roasted a full chicken, pressure-cooked mashed potatoes, simmered bone broth, chillies, curries, and mac-and-cheese complete with a crispy topping.

Helen says, 'I used the air fry setting to cook some bacon and it worked just as well as my usual standalone air fryer. The preheat only took two and a half minutes and the bacon was ready to eat with crisp, rendered fat in just seven minutes – a great result. It’s a fantastic appliance that’ll not only be a useful addition to your kitchen, but it’s also likely to revolutionize your cooking. I’ve already used it a lot and yet I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface in terms of what it’s capable of. I can’t wait to try out more meals in mine.'

Best large Instant Pot

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If you want to make enough food to feed eight people, but you don't want to stand over the stove for hours and cook in multiple saucepans, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp will be your new best friend. It is generously sized but not too heavy, and it has tons of functions to please even the pickiest eaters.

Our expert tester, Millie Fender, reviewed the Instant Pot Pro Crisp for us in her own home kitchen, making an enormous chilli con carne and even a full roast chicken. She thought the chicken could have been crispier and more golden in color, but Millie was impressed by how quickly it cooked. She was also pleased with the simple controls and very clear LCD display panel, which was extremely easy to navigate. There are no illustrations that require guesswork, as everything is spelled out for you. It's a win for busy families who don't have time to faff around with fancy dials and buttons, and simply want food on the table quickly.

'It does take up a lot of space, especially because there are two lids to store, but it will save you the space that an air fryer takes up by offering all the capabilities in one smart machine. If you are not deterred by the price and size, and want a high-tech Instant Pot to make meal prep quick and easy, I would highly recommend the Instant Pot Pro Crisp.'

Best mini Instant Pot

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Ostensibly a rice cooker, this mini machine has much more versatility than meets the eye. It has a whopping eight functions, including four different settings for preparing different types of rice and grains, as well as slow cook, sauté, steam and keep warm. If you're looking for a small and simple Instant Pot, you cook a lot of rice, or you want to try the brand for the first time, I highly recommend this model. The only classic function it can't perform is pressure cooking, so you'll want to look at the Instant Pot Rio for that.

The main function is cooking rice and grains, so it's only fair we talk about this first. I made basmati rice, sticky sushi rice, and brown rice in the test kitchen, as well as fluffy quinoa and bulgar wheat. I also steamed salmon and pak choi for a healthy dinner, using the stainless steel inner basket.

I tried the 'carb reduce' function, too, which Instant says 'reduces the carbohydrate and sugar content in rice by up to 40%, without sacrificing taste and texture.' I noticed there was less of that sticky, rice paper residue that you sometimes get when cooking rice, but the rice was a little mushy instead, so I preferred the normal functions.

It's worth mentioning that the main rice pot is made with a non-stick material, which is somewhat of an anomaly in the models we've tested. If this is a concern for you, you might be better off with the Instant Pot Rio or Pro Max, which can also cook good rice with a stainless steel insert – although they are much bulkier appliances.

Other Instant Pots we tested

How to choose the best Instant Pot

Today’s Instant Pots are more versatile than ever. Beyond pressure cooking, the latest models can air fry, steam bake, prove bread, and even dehydrate. In fact, it might be quicker to list what you can’t make in one of these all-in-one kitchen companions.

The best multi-cookers can replace several appliances at once – including rice cookers, slow cookers, and even air fryers – helping you save space and streamline your kitchen setup.

When choosing the right Instant Pot, three key factors should guide your decision:

Capacity: Pick a size that fits your household needs. Smaller models are great for singles or couples, while larger ones are better suited for families, keen hosts, or meal preppers. Six quarts is the average, and this will suit most people.

Budget: Instant Pots range widely in price. Entry-level models often cost less than $100, making them accessible for those wanting to try out the basic features. However, premium models with expanded capabilities can cost significantly more, so decide which features matter most to you before investing. Not everybody will want to make yogurt or sous vide, for example.

Design: Many of the models on this list look quite similar – black, circular, with buttons. If kitchen aesthetic is important to you and you don't want to hide away the Instant Pot when guests come over, you may prefer a sleeker, more modern design like the Instant Pot Pro Max or a mini, basic machine such as the Instant Pot Rice Cooker that can be stored away in a cupboard.

How we tested these Instant Pots

We've personally tested all the Instant Pots in this guide, as well as multiple models that missed the list. We put them through their paces on each of their functions, roasting, sautéeing, pressure cooking, air frying, baking, sous-viding and yogurting with a host of different recipes to see if each multi-cooker is up to the task.

We tested these multi-cookers in our own homes, using them exactly as you would to make sure they stand up in domestic settings. In every small appliance test, we check ease of use, performance, design, taste test, and also assess value for money. We're looking for appliances that make everyday life easier, more beautiful, and enjoyable.

Meet the testing team

Lydia Hayman

Lydia is a trained cook, food writer, recipe developer, and Kitchen Appliances Editor for Homes & Gardens. She leads research, testing, and reviews on the most brilliant kitchen appliances – from the best non-toxic coffee makers to the best air fryers.

Helen McCue

Helen is trained in Home Economics, and has focused on food and cooking throughout her 20-year career. She is a freelance writer specializing in home appliance reviews, and is most at home when trying out the latest kitchen gadgets. She tried several Instant Pots and lots of alternative models, too. She has used these for weeks in her own home, making meals for herself and her husband, as well as batch cooking and filling up the freezer.

FAQs

Which Instant Pot is best?

We think the Instant Pot Rio is the best option for most people. It is simple to use and great value at under $100. It is a classic pressure cooker with enough versatility to please any keen foodie.

Are Instant Pots dishwasher safe?

The Instant brand says that most parts of an Instant Pot are dishwasher safe, including the inner pot, lid, sealing ring, and steam rack. Of course, the electric cooker base should never be placed in the dishwasher. You can wipe it with a damp cloth instead.

How can I find Instant Pot deals?

Our eCommerce Editor, Emilia, is the best person to answer this question. She spends her days window-shopping for the best homeware deals on iconic brands, like Instant. She says, 'I learned to shop the Instant Pot sales to get more functionality for less. I recommend checking my guide to the best Instant Pot deals here, as well as signing up to the Instant Pot mailing list, you get early access to exclusive offers and first dibs on new products, plus recipe round-ups.'