Buying an Instant Pot Multicooker: A Practical Guide

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Finished a busy week and don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen? You're not alone. The desire to cook quick, easy, and nutritious meals is a daily challenge for many households. An Instant Pot multicooker can be the perfect solution. This all-in-one kitchen appliance combines the functions of multiple devices, saving you not only time but also counter space.

But with various models on the market, making a choice can be overwhelming. Which capacity is right for your family? Do you need a multicooker with an air fryer function? In this guide, we'll help you get started. We'll show you what to look for and highlight a few popular choices, so you can find a model that's truly right for you.

What to Look for When Buying an Instant Pot

Before you buy an Instant Pot, it's wise to consider a few practical factors. This will help you avoid buyer's remorse and get the most out of your new kitchen assistant.

1. Capacity: How Many Litres Do You Need?

The capacity of the inner pot, expressed in litres, is one of the most important decisions. This determines how many people you can cook for.

• 3 to 4 litres: Perfect for singles, couples, or small households (2-3 people). Also handy for making side dishes.
• 5.7 litres: This is the most common size. The Instant Pot 5.7L is ideal for an average family of 4 to 6 people. You'll have enough space for a whole chicken, a large pot of soup, or meals for several days.
• 7.6 litres or more: Suitable for large families (6+ people), those who like to cook in batches (meal prep), or regularly entertain guests.

2. Functionality: More Than Just an Electric Pressure Cooker

Every Instant Pot functions as an electric pressure cooker, but most models can do much more. Think of the functions of a slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, and yoghurt maker. Consider which features are essential for you.

A key consideration is whether you want a multicooker with an air fryer. Models like the Instant Pot Pro Crisp come with a special lid that allows you to fry, bake, and grill with hot air. This makes it a highly versatile all-in-one kitchen appliance, but it also takes up more storage space.

Recommended Instant Pot Models

To help you with your choice, we've highlighted three models with different features.

Instant Pot Classic 5.7L Multi-Cooker

Why It Stands Out: The reliable all-rounder for most households. This model is a modern successor to the popular Duo series and offers an excellent balance of functionality, size, and price.

Advantages:

• 7-in-1 functionality: Combines a pressure cooker, sauté pan, slow cooker, steamer, yoghurt maker, egg cooker, and warmer.
• 5.7-litre capacity: Spacious enough for meals for up to six people.
• Energy-efficient: According to the manufacturer, this appliance cooks up to 70% faster and uses up to 80% less energy than traditional cooking methods.
• Simple controls: Clear buttons for the various smart programmes.

Who Is It For? Ideal for families of up to six people looking for a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance to simplify daily cooking.

View the Instant Pot Classic 5.7L

Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 with Airfryer (7.6L)

Why It Stands Out: The ultimate all-in-one kitchen appliance. With two interchangeable lids, this model combines all standard multicooker functions with the capabilities of an air fryer.

Advantages:

• 11-in-1 functionality: Includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, sous-vide, baking, grilling, roasting, and air frying.
• Large 7.6-litre capacity: Perfect for large families, parties, or preparing meals for the entire week.
• Two lids: One for pressure cooking and one for the Airfryer functions, allowing you to give your dishes a crispy finish.
• High-quality inner pot: Made of stainless steel with silicone handles for easy use.

Who Is It For? For the home cook who seeks maximum versatility and loves to experiment. If you want to both pressure cook and give dishes a crispy finish without buying a separate appliance, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp is a strong contender.

View the Instant Pot Pro Crisp 7.6L

Instant Pot Rio 3.8L Multicooker

Why It Stands Out: Compact and efficient for smaller kitchens. This model offers the core functions of an Instant Pot in a space-saving design.

Advantages:

• 7-in-1 functionality: Despite its compact size, it features the same 7 basic functions as the larger models.
• 3.8-litre capacity: Ideal for 1 to 3 people, or for preparing side dishes like rice or vegetables.
• Compact design: Takes up significantly less counter space, perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments.
• User-friendly: With 12 built-in smart programmes and a clear digital display.

Who Is It For? Perfect for singles, couples, students, or as a supplementary appliance in a larger household. If you want the benefits of an Instant Pot without sacrificing much space, this is a logical choice.

View the Instant Pot Rio 3.8L

Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

The Instant Pot is a popular choice, but there are other brands and models worth considering. If you're curious about other options or want to compare the models above with alternatives, you can browse our wider selection.

View more electric pressure cookers

Frequently Asked Questions about the Instant Pot Multicooker

Is an Instant Pot energy-efficient?

Yes, generally it is. Because an Instant Pot cooks in a sealed pot under high pressure, the cooking time is significantly shorter than cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. According to the manufacturer, this can save up to 70% in time and energy. This makes it a more efficient choice for stews, soups, and beans.

What is the difference between an Instant Pot and a slow cooker?

A slow cooker cooks dishes slowly at a low, constant temperature. An Instant Pot can also do this (with its slow cook function), but its primary feature is cooking under high pressure, which is very fast. Therefore, an Instant Pot is more versatile: you can use it for both fast and slow cooking.

Is the inner pot of an Instant Pot dishwasher-safe?

Yes, the stainless steel inner pot of most Instant Pot models is dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning up after cooking very easy. The lid and sealing ring can also often go in the top rack of the dishwasher, but to be sure, always check the user manual for your specific model.