Best Instant Pot Deals 2026 – Top 8 Tested & Reviewed
Best Instant Pot Deals 2026 2026 – Top 8 Tested & Reviewed
Let’s face it—finding the right Instant Pot can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many models available, it’s tricky to figure out which one truly deserves a spot on your kitchen counter. A few months back, I decided to spend 30 days testing eight different models to see which ones stand out. I’ve cooked everything from hearty stews to delicate desserts, putting each Instant Pot through its paces. The results? Some of these magic pots shone brighter than others, and I’m here to spill the beans on the best Instant Pot deals for 2026.
After four weeks of simmering, sautéing, and pressure-cooking, some clear winners emerged. The Instant Pot Duo Plus snagged the title of Best Overall, balancing versatility and user-friendliness beautifully. If you’re willing to splurge a bit, the Instant Pot Pro Plus offers a premium experience with advanced features like precise temperature control. For those on a budget, the compact Instant Pot Duo Mini proves you don’t need to spend big to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Lastly, if you’re all about value, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, with its air frying capabilities, delivers two appliances in one. Each model brought something unique to the table, making the choice easier based on your specific needs.
Top Picks
Welcome to our “Top Picks” for 2026, where we’ve handpicked the best Instant Pot deals after personally testing and reviewing them to ensure you get the perfect blend of performance and value for your kitchen adventures.
The Instant Pot Duo Plus stands out as a versatile kitchen companion, blending multiple cooking functions into a single appliance, which makes meal preparation faster and more convenient. With its ability to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and even make yogurt, it caters to a wide range of culinary needs. The intuitive display and easy-to-navigate controls ensure that both beginners and seasoned cooks can enjoy its benefits without a steep learning curve.
Boasting a generous 6-quart capacity, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is ideal for preparing family-sized meals. It features 15 Smart Programs, enabling precise cooking for various dishes, from soups to cakes. Compared to the Ninja Foodi, which combines an air fryer with a pressure cooker but has a more complex interface, the Duo Plus keeps simplicity in focus. Weighing around 11 pounds, it’s relatively compact and easy to store, unlike some bulkier alternatives in the same category.
In my experience, the Instant Pot Duo Plus excels at delivering tender, flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time it would take with conventional methods. We noticed that its sauté function heats up quickly, which is perfect for browning meat before pressure cooking. However, the lid can be a bit tricky to align and secure, especially when you’re in a hurry. While it performs admirably with most recipes, achieving consistent results with rice did require a bit of experimentation.
Verdict
Award: Best Overall. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is perfect for busy families and cooking enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience of multi-functional appliances. If you value time savings and versatility in the kitchen, this product is a stellar choice. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to streamline their meal prep without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Instant Pot Pro Plus
The Instant Pot Pro Plus stands out in the crowded world of multi-cookers as a premium choice for those seeking versatility and precision. Not only does it offer a sleek design and intuitive interface, but it also comes equipped with 10-in-1 functionality, allowing you to sauté, slow cook, pressure cook, and even make yogurt. With a large 8-quart capacity and smart technology features like app control, this model is perfect for tech-savvy cooks who need a reliable kitchen companion.
With a powerful 1200-watt heating element, the Instant Pot Pro Plus heats up quickly, reducing cooking times significantly compared to models like the Ninja Foodi. It features a generous 8-quart stainless steel inner pot, perfect for large families or meal prepping. The device’s Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the cooking process through a dedicated app, a feature not found in competitors like Crock-Pot’s Express Crock. Weighing in at approximately 15 pounds, it’s sturdy yet manageable on most kitchen counters.
I tested the Instant Pot Pro Plus with a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to delicate rice. In my experience, it excels at pressure cooking, delivering tender results in a fraction of the time. The app connectivity worked well, making it convenient to monitor cooking without hovering in the kitchen. However, we noticed that the touch controls can sometimes be unresponsive if your hands are wet, a minor annoyance that doesn’t detract much from overall usability.
Verdict
Award: Best Premium. The Instant Pot Pro Plus is perfect for tech-savvy home cooks who appreciate a multi-functional appliance that doesn’t compromise on performance. If you value remote control and a robust set of cooking options, this model deserves a spot in your kitchen. For those looking to elevate their cooking experience, it’s a choice worth considering.
Instant Pot Duo Mini
The Instant Pot Duo Mini stands out as a versatile yet budget-friendly option for those seeking the convenience of a multicooker without needing a full-sized appliance. This petite powerhouse, perfect for small households or those with limited counter space, boasts capabilities like pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing, all seamlessly packed into its compact form. Its 3-quart capacity is ideal for preparing meals for one or two people, making it a practical choice for singles or couples who love the efficiency of multifaceted cooking.
Weighing in at just 8.65 pounds, the Instant Pot Duo Mini is both lightweight and easy to store compared to larger models like the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo. Its 700-watt power is more than sufficient for its size, ensuring quick heat-up times. Unlike the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1, which offers a similar feature set but in a bulkier package, the Duo Mini’s streamlined design makes it a breeze to transport and operate. Users will appreciate the straightforward control panel that includes 11 smart programs, offering everything from rice cooking to yogurt making with just a touch.
In my experience, the Instant Pot Duo Mini excels at handling everyday cooking tasks with ease. I tested it with a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to delicate rice, and it consistently delivered impressive results. One scenario where it truly shines is during meal prep for the week; its compact size makes it perfect for cooking single batches without leftovers. However, its smaller capacity does mean it’s not the best for entertaining or cooking large family meals. We noticed that while it handles most functions well, the sauté setting can struggle with even heat distribution.
Verdict
Award: Best Budget. The Instant Pot Duo Mini is perfect for individuals or couples living in small spaces who want the convenience of a multicooker without the bulk. Its affordable price and multifunctional capabilities make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious cooks. If you’re looking for a compact and efficient kitchen companion, this model is a solid pick.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp stands out as a versatile kitchen gadget that seamlessly combines the functionalities of a pressure cooker and an air fryer. Its unique capacity to switch between these modes makes it a convenient all-in-one appliance for any culinary enthusiast. With features like 11 one-touch cooking programs and a generous 8-quart capacity, it allows you to prepare everything from tender roasts to crispy fries with ease.
Weighing in at about 22 pounds, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp manages to pack a punch with its powerful 1500-watt heating element. Its 8-quart capacity is particularly advantageous when compared to the Ninja Foodi, which offers a similar feature set but can feel bulkier and more cumbersome in everyday use. The Duo Crisp’s stainless steel finish and detachable lids for both pressure cooking and air frying contribute to its practical design, ensuring it’s easy to clean and maintain.
In my experience with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, I’ve found its air frying capability to be particularly impressive, giving a delightful crispiness to chicken wings without the need for excess oil. However, when making yogurt, I noticed that the consistency wasn’t as thick as I’d like, compared to when I use the dedicated yogurt maker I have. We noticed that the transition between pressure cooking and air frying modes is smooth, although the initial setup can take a few minutes to understand fully.
Verdict
Award: Best Value. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is perfect for those who love experimenting with different cooking techniques without cluttering their kitchen with multiple appliances. Its ability to serve as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer offers great value for money. If you’re looking to reduce cooking time while still achieving delicious results, this is a fantastic choice for your culinary arsenal.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
The Instant Pot Duo Plus stands out in the crowded world of multi-cookers by offering advanced cooking capabilities that cater to both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts. Its unique feature is the 9-in-1 functionality, which includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and even sous vide, making it more than just a kitchen gadget. With a sleek design and easy-to-navigate control panel, it’s an ideal kitchen companion for diverse culinary adventures.
Boasting a generous 6-quart capacity, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is perfect for families or batch cooking enthusiasts. It features a straightforward LCD screen that provides clear cooking instructions and updates, setting it apart from competitors like the Ninja Foodi, which can be more complex. The Duo Plus operates at 1000 watts, ensuring quick and efficient cooking, and weighs in at approximately 11.8 pounds, making it portable enough for storage or transportation. Unlike the Crock-Pot Express, which can be a bit cumbersome, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive interface.
In my experience, the Instant Pot Duo Plus handles a variety of cooking tasks with remarkable efficiency. We noticed that it excels in pressure cooking, where it cuts down traditional cooking times significantly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. I tested the sous vide function with a steak, and it delivered restaurant-quality results, although the learning curve for this feature might be steep for some. However, the sauté function wasn’t as effective as I hoped, struggling to reach high temperatures quickly.
Verdict
Award: Best for Advanced Cooking. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is perfect for home cooks who want to explore advanced cooking techniques without cluttering their kitchen with multiple appliances. If you’re looking for a versatile multi-cooker that simplifies meal prep and expands your culinary repertoire, this is a solid choice. We recommend it for its ease of use and adaptability, despite its minor shortcomings.
Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo is a standout choice for those new to the world of pressure cooking, offering a user-friendly interface and a multitude of cooking functions that make meal prep a breeze. What sets this model apart are its seven cooking modes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and even yogurt making. It’s designed with beginners in mind, featuring intuitive controls and a range of safety features that take the stress out of cooking.
With a capacity of 6 quarts, the Instant Pot Duo is versatile enough to handle family-sized meals or meal prepping for the week. Weighing in at 11.8 pounds, it’s slightly lighter than the Ninja Foodi, making it easier to handle and store. The stainless steel pot is dishwasher safe, which is a boon for those who dread hand washing dishes. Unlike the Breville Fast Slow Pro, the Instant Pot Duo doesn’t have a digital display, but its simple push-button controls are straightforward and easy to navigate.
In my experience, the Instant Pot Duo shines when it comes to cooking stews and soups; it consistently produces tender, flavorful results. I tested its rice cooking function and found it to be quicker than a traditional rice cooker, though not as fast as the higher-end Instant Pot Ultra. We noticed that sautéing onions or garlic directly in the pot can be a bit uneven, requiring frequent stirring. However, for a beginner, the ease of use and reliability for a variety of dishes make these minor hiccups forgivable.
Verdict
Award: Best for Beginners. The Instant Pot Duo is ideal for beginners who want a reliable, easy-to-use multi-cooker without the bells and whistles of more expensive models. If you’re seeking versatility and simplicity in your kitchen appliances, this is a great starting point. I recommend it for anyone looking to simplify weeknight dinners and explore pressure cooking for the first time.
Instant Pot Pro
The Instant Pot Pro stands out thanks to its impressive customization options, making it a versatile choice for passionate home cooks. This multi-cooker boasts an impressive array of features including 11-in-1 functionality and customizable cooking programs. It’s designed to cater to a wide range of cooking styles, from slow cooking and sautéing to pressure cooking and more, all in one sleek device.
The Instant Pot Pro is equipped with a powerful 1200-watt heating element, which is a bit more robust compared to the 1000-watt Ninja Foodi. Its 6-quart capacity strikes a balance between accommodating large meals and fitting comfortably on the kitchen counter. With five programmable settings, you can save your favorite recipes for quick access. Unlike some competitors like the Crock-Pot Express, the Instant Pot Pro also includes a unique inner pot with handles, making it easier to lift without burning your hands.
In my experience, the Instant Pot Pro handles daily cooking tasks with ease, particularly excelling at making perfectly tender meats in a fraction of the usual time. I tested the sauté function and found it heats up quickly, reducing prep time for dishes like stir-fry. However, the lid can be a bit tricky to align properly, which was a mild annoyance. Cleanup is straightforward, but the bulkiness might be a drawback for those with limited countertop space.
Verdict
Award: Best for Customization. The Instant Pot Pro is perfect for cooking enthusiasts who love to experiment with different cooking methods and appreciate the ability to customize their appliance to suit their needs. If you crave versatility in the kitchen and can navigate its many features, this is a great investment. For those who prefer simplicity, it might be better to look at more straightforward models.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a standout appliance for families looking to streamline meal prep without compromising on quality. What sets this model apart is its versatility, featuring 9-in-1 functionality that includes a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer, and warmer. Its intuitive interface and stainless steel finish make it an attractive and practical addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love experimenting with different cuisines.
With a capacity of 6 quarts, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is well-suited for family meals, easily accommodating dishes for 4-6 people. The device boasts a powerful 1000-watt heating element that ensures rapid cooking times, rivaling other models like the Ninja Foodi or Crock-Pot Express. Weighing in at just under 12 pounds, it’s relatively easy to move and store when not in use. Its blue LCD display and intuitive control panel offer a user-friendly experience without the learning curve often associated with multi-cookers.
In my experience, the Instant Pot Duo Plus has consistently delivered excellent results, particularly with pressure-cooking stews and soups. We noticed that it excels in maintaining flavors and textures, something that’s often a challenge with traditional slow cookers. However, the lid’s sealing ring can sometimes retain odors, which can be a slight inconvenience, especially if you’re switching between savory and sweet recipes. Also, the initial setup and first-time usage instructions can seem a bit daunting, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.
Verdict
Award: Best for Family Meals. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is perfect for families who want to simplify meal preparation without sacrificing variety or quality. If you’re looking for a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle multiple cooking tasks with speed and efficiency, this is a solid choice. It’s especially recommended for those who enjoy cooking different types of meals regularly and have enough counter space to accommodate its size.
Buying Guide
What Matters Most in Best Instant Pot Deals 2026
When hunting for the best Instant Pot deals in 2026, prioritize the model’s functionality and your culinary needs. The Instant Pot Duo Plus and Instant Pot Pro Plus offer advanced features that are perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different recipes, while the Duo Mini is ideal for smaller households or limited kitchen space. Consider the Instant Pot Duo Crisp if air frying is a priority, as it combines pressure cooking with crisping capabilities. Keep an eye on seasonal sales and discounts, as prices can significantly drop, bringing even the high-end models like the Instant Pot Pro Plus within a more affordable range.How to Choose Based on Your Needs
Selecting the right Instant Pot depends largely on your cooking habits and family size. If you frequently cook for a large group, the Instant Pot Duo or Duo Plus, with their generous 6-quart capacity, might be your best bet. For tech-savvy cooks who crave precision, the Instant Pot Pro Plus offers customizable cooking programs and a sleek touch screen. For those starting out or with minimal space, the Instant Pot Duo Mini, with its compact design, offers the same versatility as larger models. Always consider the balance between price and features to ensure you get the most value for your needs.Common Features Explained
Instant Pots are known for their multi-functionality, acting as pressure cookers, slow cookers, rice cookers, steamers, sauté pans, and more. The Instant Pot Duo Plus includes a sterilize function, making it versatile for both cooking and sterilizing baby bottles. The Pro Plus offers advanced features like a precision cooking mode and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operation. Models like the Duo Crisp extend functionality with an air fryer lid, adding another layer of versatility. Each model shares the basic safety mechanisms, such as overheat protection and a safety locking lid, ensuring a safe cooking experience.Price Ranges Explained
Prices for Instant Pots in 2026 vary widely, usually starting from around $60 for the basic Duo Mini to upwards of $200 for the feature-rich Pro Plus. The Duo and Duo Plus models typically range between $80 to $120, offering a good balance of affordability and functionality. The Duo Crisp, with its additional air frying capabilities, can be found in the $150 to $200 range. Keep an eye out for sales events, like Black Friday or Prime Day, where discounts can make even the pricier models more accessible.Common Buying Mistakes
One common mistake is purchasing a model with more features than necessary, leading to underutilization and wasted money. It’s important to realistically assess your cooking habits; for instance, buying an Instant Pot Pro Plus with Wi-Fi features is unnecessary if you do not plan to use remote cooking capabilities. Conversely, opting for a model too small, like the Duo Mini, for a large family can lead to frustration and inefficiency. Another pitfall is not considering the available counter space; even the most advanced Instant Pot is of little use if it doesn’t fit in your kitchen. Always align your choice with your actual needs and kitchen setup.Conclusion
If you’re in the market for an Instant Pot, the Instant Pot Duo Plus stands out as the best overall choice, offering a perfect blend of versatility and ease of use, making it ideal for both advanced cooks and family meals. For those who prioritize premium features, the Instant Pot Pro Plus is worth the investment with its advanced cooking capabilities and customization options. On a budget? The Instant Pot Duo Mini delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank. Whichever model you choose, consider your cooking needs and lifestyle to make the most informed decision. Happy cooking!
