When Instant Brands first came out with the Instant Pot multi-cooker, there were a handful of models so you didn’t have a lot of choices. In the years since that initial introduction, they’ve put out many new models and sizes and discontinued a few. Show
You’re probably here because you’ve decided you want a new Instant Pot and are having trouble deciding on a size. There are so many models and sizes of Instant Pot that it’s perfectly understandable why you might be confused. In this article, I’ll tell you about all the Instant Pot sizes and the differences between them. To help you decide on which model to get, please read my guide on which Instant Pot to buy. What is an Instant Pot?Instant Pot is a multi-cooker from Instant Brands. A multi-cooker is an appliance that has many functions including pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, etc. The functions that are offered in each model can vary. Some models have additional functions such as air fryer and/or sous vide. All these functions are also known as smart programs. Also mistakenly referred to as Insta pot, Instant Pot has become so popular in recent years that the word Instant Pot is used as a generic name for pressure cookers of any brand. Although the Instant Pot multicooker has many different functions, the most commonly used is the Pressure Cook function. Pressure cooking allows you to cook foods in a fraction of the time it would take in a pan or in an oven. If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, here are my guides on how to use some popular Instant Pot models:
Instant Pot sizesThe Instant Pot comes in 4 different sizes: The 3 qt is the Instant Pot smallest size. The 6 qt is the most popular size, the 8 qt is the next size up and finally, the 10 qt is the Instant Pot largest size. The Instant Pot 5 qt model is no longer being manufactured. The sizes that are available vary by model. For example, some models have a 10 quart available and some models only come in a 6 quart. Some of the sizes (especially the 3 quart and 10 quart) don’t have all the features that the other sizes have. For example, the 10 quart doesn’t have the ability to prop the lid open. The 3 quart has fewer smart programs or functions than the larger sizes. What sizes are available in each model?Instant Brands is continuously introducing new models of the Instant Pot and discontinuing other models. I try to keep the information current but the information below is subject to change. MODEL3 QUART6 QUART8 QUART10 QUARTDUO✔✔✔DUO CRISP✔✔DUO EVO PLUS✔✔DUO GOURMET✔DUO NOVA✔✔✔✔DUO PLUS✔✔✔LUX✔✔✔MAX✔PRO✔✔PRO CRISP✔PRO PLUS✔SMART WIFI✔What are the specifications of each size?The dimensions and specifications in the Instant Pot size chart below are courtesy of Instant Brands. Get more detailed information about Instant Pot dimensions, including inner pot dimensions, space required to store the Instant Pot and accessories that will fit the in each Instant Pot. MODELDIMENSIONS *with pressure cooker lidDIMENSIONS * with air fryer lidTOTAL WEIGHT3 Quart **11.4 x 10 x 11.2_8.6 lbs6 Quart **13 x 12.2 x 12.6_14.8 lbs8 Quart **14.8 x 13.3 x 14.2_18 lbs10 Quart16.8 x 15.3 x 16.3_25 lbsDUO CRISP 6 Quart13.6 x 13.6 x 13_23.6 lbsDUO EVO PLUS or PRO 6 Quart13 × 12.7 × 12.8_13 lbsDUO EVO PLUS or PRO 8 Quart14.4 × 13.9 × 14.2_15.8 lbsDUO CRISP 6 Quart13.6 x 13.6 x 1313.6 x 13.6 x 1419.6 lbsDUO CRISP 8 Quart14.8 x 13.6 x 14.2 14.8 x 13.6 x 15.322.2 lbsPRO CRISP 8 Quart 14.8 x 14.2 x 14.2 14.8 × 14.2 × 15.4 26.1 lbs* Length x Width x Height in inches ** Includes most models, unless listed separately What size Instant Pot do I need?Below you’ll find out the pros and cons of each size and for whom each size is best. 3 Quart (Mini)Best for:
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Most recipes are written with the 6 quart in mind. A 3 quart might require modification of some recipes including the quantity of liquid and the pressure cooking time. Minimum liquid requirement: 1 cup 6 QuartBest for:
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I own numerous 6 quarts and love this size. For my family of five, this size is large enough to cook a whole meal with some leftovers. It’s the size I recommend for most people provided they have the space to store it. I keep mine on my countertop. Minimum liquid requirement: 1 1/2 cup 8 QuartBest for:
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I own an 8 quart and I find it’s most useful when I want to double or triple a recipe. It also comes in handy when I’m cooking for guests or during the holidays. It easily fits larger food like a whole chicken or roast. If you’re debating between a 6 quart and 8 quart and you’re cooking for 5 or more, you may want to go with the 8 quart. Minimum liquid requirement: 2 cups 10 QuartBest for:
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Most Instant Pot recipes are written with the 6 quart in mind so you will need to tweak recipes for the 10 quart since it requires more liquid. Getting this size for everyday needs for a smaller family may be excessive. Minimum liquid requirement: 2 1/2 cups What is the maximum size of pressure cooker?Pressure cookers with 4-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart liquid capacities are the most popular sizes. 4-QUART: A good size for singles or couples; or for making one course for a family, such as potatoes or vegetables. Whole meal recipes for one or two persons can usually be accommodated in a 4-quart pressure cooker.
What is the best large pressure cooker to buy?Best electric pressure cooker overall: Instant Pot Pro Plus, 6-Quart. ... . Best budget electric pressure cooker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 8-Quart. ... . Best splurge electric pressure cooker: Breville Fast Slow Pro, 6.3-Quart. ... . Best stovetop pressure cooker: Kuhn Rikon Duromatic pressure cooker, 8.5-Quart.. Is 8 quart pressure cooker too big?Instant Pot 8 qt – This slightly bigger pot is perfect if you have a large family or do a lot of cooking. If you're the person who spends Sunday making giant batches of food for the week, this might be your pot! What is this? If you are cooking for more than four people, this is probably a safe bet.
What happened to the pressure cooker XL?Tristar's Power Pressure Cooker XL can explode, causing numerous hospitalizations for severe burns. The company faces multiple lawsuits. Pressure cookers have a bad reputation for exploding, turning a simmering soup into a kitchen catastrophe.
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