TL;DR
The Kitchn’s Julie Laing named the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8QT the best overall model in a review of the brand’s multicookers. The review also recommends options for lower budgets, smaller kitchens and app-controlled cooking; its picks are editorial recommendations, and the publisher says it may earn a commission from purchases.
The Kitchn has named the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8QT its best overall Instant Pot in a product review by longtime food writer Julie Laing, citing its range of functions, accessible controls and redesigned steam release. The review also recommends three alternatives for shoppers seeking a lower price, a smaller footprint or phone-based controls; the prices listed are those reported at publication, not confirmed current prices.
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Laing’s top pick, the 8-quart Duo Plus, was listed at $159.99. It has nine cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sautéing, yogurt, sous vide and cake. The review highlights its control dial, cooking progress bar and message bar, which displays instructions during cooking. Its capacity is described as suitable for meals serving six to eight people.
The review also points to a quieter steam-release design, with the vent positioned farther from the release switch than on older versions. The inner pot, lid and accessories are dishwasher-safe, and the package includes a steaming rack and an extra sealing ring. Laing lists one drawback: the cooker has no handles for removing the hot inner pot.
For a lower-cost option, the article recommends the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo, listed at $109.99, with seven cooking functions and capacity for four to six people. The 4-quart Rio Mini, listed at $89.99, is the compact pick, while the 6-quart Pro Plus, listed at $229.95, is the smart model. The source describes the Pro Plus as controllable by phone, but does not provide a comparative test score or detailed test results for all four models in the supplied material.
Choosing a Cooker by Kitchen Needs
The recommendations give readers a way to compare multicookers by capacity, price and features rather than treating every Instant Pot model as interchangeable. The largest recommended cooker may suit households making bigger batches, while the 4-quart model addresses limited counter or storage space. The budget Duo offers a simpler route for buyers who want core multicooker functions without paying for the more expensive smart model.
These distinctions matter because multicookers combine tasks often handled by separate appliances, including pressure cooking, slow cooking and rice cooking. The review’s practical points—such as the location of the steam release and whether accessories can go in the dishwasher—also speak to day-to-day use, not just the number of settings. Still, the recommendations are editorial judgments, not a guarantee that one cooker will suit every kitchen or recipe.
Products Worth Considering
Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart 10-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 1800W, 8-in-1, Stainless Steel
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Programmable Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, Black Truffle
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How the Four Picks Differ
The Kitchn frames its guide for people buying a first multicooker, replacing an older cooker or changing capacity. It notes that Instant Pot sells multiple models and updates established product lines, which can make a choice difficult. Laing says she has worked as a writer and editor for more than 25 years and has focused on recipes and kitchen tools since 2016.
The supplied review describes multicookers as appliances that can pressure-cook, slow-cook, steam, sauté and prepare foods such as rice, yogurt and hot cereal. More specialized settings vary by model. The Duo Plus adds sous vide and a cake program, while the Pro Plus is singled out for smartphone control. The article also discloses that The Kitchn independently selects products but may earn a commission if readers buy through its links.
““With a full array of functions, easy-to-follow control panel, and well-designed pressure release system, the Duo Plus hits all of the high points at a mid-level price.””
— The Kitchn, summarizing its review of the Duo Plus
Price and Testing Details
The source says its prices were accurate at the time of publication, but the supplied material does not establish whether they remain current or whether the products are available at those prices now. It also does not provide a full account of testing methods, side-by-side performance measurements or a date for the review’s publication. The recommendations should be read as the reviewer’s assessments, not as independently verified rankings. Buyers should check current product specifications, prices and warranty terms before purchasing.
Check Current Models and Prices
No follow-up test or product announcement is described in the source. For readers considering a purchase, the next step is to compare current listings against the review’s stated capacities and functions, and confirm what is included in each package. The review reports a one-year limited warranty for the Duo Plus, but the supplied details do not establish warranty coverage for every recommended model. Current pricing, availability and specifications may change.
Key Questions
Which Instant Pot did The Kitchn rank best overall?
The review names the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8QT as its best overall pick, citing its functions, controls and steam-release design.
What are the listed prices for the four recommended models?
The review lists the Duo Plus 8QT at $159.99, the Duo 6QT at $109.99, the Rio Mini 4QT at $89.99 and the Pro Plus 6QT at $229.95. The source says prices were accurate at publication; current prices are not confirmed.
Which model is recommended for a small kitchen?
The article recommends the 4-quart Rio Mini for small kitchens. Its smaller capacity may also suit people who cook smaller portions, though the review does not provide a detailed serving estimate for this model in the supplied material.
Which recommended Instant Pot can be controlled by phone?
The review identifies the 6-quart Pro Plus as its smart-cooker pick and says it can be controlled from a phone. The supplied source does not specify app compatibility details or whether all functions can be operated remotely.
Source: thekitchn.com
