Ranked across Reviewed.com, CNN Underscored, and Tom's Guide. From the $90 entry-level Rio to the app-connected Pro Plus β every major Instant Pot and multi-cooker model ranked by value, features, and real-world reliability.
Instant Pot dominates the multi-cooker category so thoroughly that this list is almost entirely their lineup β and that's for good reason. Their pressure cookers are fast, reliable, and well-supported, with a massive recipe community behind them. The core question isn't whether to buy Instant Pot, but which model. We've ranked every major current model to help you find the right one for your kitchen.
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is the definitive Instant Pot. At $100 with 50,000+ reviews at 4.6 stars, it's the most validated multi-cooker on Amazon by review count among the 9-function models. Its nine cooking programs β pressure cook, slow cook, rice/grains, steam, sautΓ©, yogurt, sterilize, warm, and sous vide β cover more territory than the base Duo without adding complexity. The rotating display is cleaner than older models and the altitude adjustment feature is a practical touch often overlooked. For most households buying their first (or replacing an old) Instant Pot, this is the one to buy.
The original Instant Pot Duo has 180,000+ reviews β more than any other multi-cooker on Amazon, period. That's not a typo. It's been the best-selling Instant Pot model for over a decade because it delivers everything most people need: 7 functions (pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sautΓ©, yogurt, warm) in a reliable, easy-to-use package. The Duo Plus technically has more features at $10 less, but the Duo's review legacy and proven track record make it worth mentioning. If you value sheer validation over incremental features, this is it.
The Instant Pot Rio is the newest entry-level model and the cheapest Instant Pot currently available at $90. It has the same 7 core functions as the classic Duo with a cleaner, more modern design β a simplified control panel that strips away confusion for first-time Instant Pot users. If you've been on the fence about whether pressure cooking is right for you, the Rio is the lowest-risk way to find out. Review count is still building as a newer model, but it comes with full Instant Pot quality and warranty backing.
The Duo Crisp is the Instant Pot that does it all: pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sautΓ©, and yogurt β plus air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate with the included air fryer lid. Two lids in the box means you get a full Instant Pot and a full air fryer in one appliance. At $170 it costs more than a standalone Instant Pot + a basic air fryer separately, but the single-appliance convenience and counter space savings make it compelling. With 7,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, its reliability is well established.
The Instant Pot Pro is the middle ground between the Duo Plus and Pro Plus β 10 functions, 5 customizable settings, and a stainless steel exterior that looks notably more premium than the standard Duo line. The brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints and scratches far better than the painted models, making it a better fit for open kitchens where aesthetics matter. The inner pot has an extra-thick bottom that distributes heat more evenly for sautΓ©ing and slow cooking. With 12,800+ reviews at 4.6 stars, it's one of the better-validated models in the lineup.
The Chef iQ is the one non-Instant Pot model on this list, and it earns its place through software. Its companion app has over 1,000 guided recipes that control the cooker automatically β set time, temperature, and pressure based on your recipe without any manual input. The built-in scale weighs ingredients directly in the pot, and the step-by-step cooking guidance is genuinely useful for new pressure cooker users. At 4.4 stars with 2,747 reviews it's well-validated, though the app dependency is a legitimate concern for those who prefer simple standalone appliances.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the connected version of the Pro β it adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and monitoring via the Instant Pot app. You can start, monitor, and adjust cooking from your phone, receive notifications when pressure is reached or cooking is done, and access the app's recipe library. The same premium stainless exterior as the Pro, same 10 functions, same thick inner pot β just with the added convenience of remote control. At $190 it's the most expensive standard Instant Pot on this list, and the connectivity features are only valuable if you'll actually use the app.
The 8 Qt Duo Crisp is the family-size air fryer + pressure cooker combo. At 8 quarts it handles roasts, whole chickens, and large batches that the 6 Qt can't accommodate, and the 30,000+ reviews make it one of the most validated Duo Crisp options available. If you're cooking for 6+ people or regularly meal-prepping large quantities, the extra capacity justifies the slight price premium over the 6 Qt version. The 8 Qt air fry basket also crisps larger portions more evenly in a single batch.
The 8 Qt Duo Plus is the large-capacity version of our top pick β same 9 functions, same reliable performance, but in a size that handles Sunday roasts, bone broth, and large batches without straining. At $160 it's $60 more than the 6 Qt version, which is reasonable for the capacity jump. Ideal for families of 6β8, frequent entertainers, or anyone who meal preps in large quantities. Review count is lower than the original Duo Plus because fewer households need the 8 Qt size, not because of quality concerns.
The Ultimate Lid attempts to replace the two-lid system of the Duo Crisp with a single EvenCrisp lid that does everything β pressure cook and air fry through one mechanism. In theory it's the ultimate convenience. In practice, the 3.8-star rating across 2,000+ reviews reflects real-world frustration with the lid mechanism's complexity, cleaning difficulty, and reliability. The 13 functions are impressive on paper, and some users love it for the convenience. But the honest picture is that the simpler two-lid Duo Crisp outperforms it overall. Listed here for completeness β consider the Duo Crisp (6 Qt or 8 Qt) instead unless the single-lid design specifically appeals to you.
| Product | Capacity | Functions | Air Fryer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt) π | 6 Qt | 9 | No | ~$100 |
| Duo 7-in-1 (6 Qt) | 6 Qt | 7 | No | ~$110 |
| Rio 7-in-1 (6 Qt) | 6 Qt | 7 | No | ~$90 |
| Duo Crisp 11-in-1 (6 Qt) | 6 Qt | 11 | Yes | ~$170 |
| Pro 10-in-1 (6 Qt) | 6 Qt | 10 | No | ~$130 |
| Chef iQ Smart Cooker (6 Qt) | 6 Qt | 10 | No | ~$160 |
| Pro Plus Wi-Fi (6 Qt) | 6 Qt | 10 | No | ~$190 |
| Duo Crisp 11-in-1 (8 Qt) | 8 Qt | 11 | Yes | ~$176 |
| Duo Plus 9-in-1 (8 Qt) | 8 Qt | 9 | No | ~$160 |
| Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid (6.5 Qt) | 6.5 Qt | 13 | Yes | ~$200 |