One of the main reasons this model is best for beginners is because it has so many safety features. You can just turn on the setting you need and go about your other tasks — without having to constantly check on it or fiddle with it. Plus, cleanup is a breeze because the cooking pot is dishwasher-safe and highly durable.
So we don’t think this will factor into many people’s decisions. Of course, with higher price comes more advanced features. Here is all the information you need to better understand instant vortex these models’ functions and other details. The number in each Instant Pot’s title, e.g. “6-in-1” describes the number of kitchen appliances it claims to replace.
The Aura serves a similar purpose shape-wise to the Precision Dutch Oven, but has more appliance functions. The original customizable Instant Pot lets foodies experiment with settings and then remembers those settings. The best-selling Duo Plus keeps the classic Instant Pot interface but adds more cooking variety and detail to those buttons. If you’re replacing an old model, go all in on the XL version of most expensive Instant Pot, which is just the Pro with an air-frying lid. A best seller, the Duo offers the best combo of features while keeping the price and learning curve down.
It keeps the stuff we loved about the original — like straightforward buttons and seven cooking methods for an affordable price — and made some small convenience upgrades. The same best-selling Duo that everyone loved, now with a steam release valve that you can’t forget to close. The robust Instant Pot Pro is the best-priced Instant Pot over $100, offering 10 cooking functions . If you already have an air fryer, the Instant Pot Pro covers bases from yogurt-making to sous vide to baking for just over $100.
Each Instant Pot model combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you counter and storage space. You also save money by using one appliance for multiple cooking methods. If you’ve purchased previous Instant Pot models, you’re probably used to receiving one sealing ring, a steam rack, a measuring cup, and a few stirring spoons.
The Duo Plus also lets you edit the cook time and pressure level while the machine’s in use , and gives you the option to silence its alarms. Another reason we love the Duo so much is for its user-friendly add-ons. Unlike the Lux, this model has a large handle on top that makes opening and closing it quick and easy, and the extra slots on both side handles can be used to prop up the lid when it’s not in use. Plus the cord’s detachable, which you’ll love if you’re planning on storing your new toy in a tight cabinet. Of the three, the Duo60, which cooked decently and was simple to use, is the most similar to the instant pot duo nova that’s on sale here.
The Instant Pot Pro also comes with 28 one-touch smart cooking programs, which blows the 15 of the Max out of the water. It’s a close race instant pot duo nova between these two models, so it will definitely boil down to your priorities. You can control it with your phone via the Instant Pot app.
It also comes with more than 750 pre-programmed recipes that you can peruse via the Instant Pot app. With endless options for customization, the Ultra is packed with extra features for the home chef who loves to experiment. It offers 21 pre-set temperature options, more than any other Instant Pot model on our list.