A few years ago there were just 3 different Instant Pot models you could choose from. That number has skyrocketed. Below you will find a summary of each model, followed by a chart that allows you to easily compare one model against another to ascertain which machine will best meet your needs. At the end of the article you will find my “honest opinion” summary.
I am including all models that can be found on store shelves, including the Duo Crisp Air Fryer. I also include notes on two models that aren’t actually pressure cookers at all, as well as a few “fun” options that are out there. Pampered Chef’s Quick Cooker is also included. An average price is listed whenever possible. Each price reflected represents the price for the 3, 6, 8 or 10 quart models respectively (if available) in Canadian dollars.
No matter which multi cooker machine you choose, it begs to be said that basically they all cook pretty much the same way. As you progress along through the various models you will see some interesting added features. I will also continue to update this page to reflect new models as they come out.
If you are trying to determine the size of pressure cooker that will best meet your needs, guidelines can be found in the Q & A section of my website.
If you are curious about what model of Instant Pot you currently own the name can usually be found just to the right of the words “Instant Pot” above your digital display on the front of your machine.
Lux (3 qt – $80, 6 qt – $110, 8 qt – $140)
This model is the most basic and comes with the lowest price point of all the models. It offers pressure cook (high pressure only), sauté, steam, rice, slow cook, and keep warm programs. You cannot hook the lid of the pot on the side of your machine with this model.
Duo (3 qt – $100, 6 qt – $130, 8 qt – $170)
This model would be considered a mid-range machine. The yogurt function becomes available with this unit. It also offers the ability to switch between high and low pressure.
Viva (6 qt – $180, 8 qt – $225)
This is the model where a favorite feature of mine makes its appearance. The Easy Seal Lid means that your cooker is automatically sealed as soon as you lock the lid. You will no longer realize that you forgot to turn the knob to the seal position a half an hour after you turned your pot on (guilty!). In addition, there is a separate button to release the pressure that is located away from the pressure release valve.
Colour choices are available in this option. Canadian Tire for example, offers a red one and donates a portion of the sale proceeds to their Jump Start program.
Duo Nova (6 qt – $130, 8 qt – $170, 10 qt – $190)
With this model you get the larger easy to read LCD screen. This larger screen shows what stage of the cooking process your pot is currently in.
This is also the only model that comes in a 10qt size. The lid does not hook on the pot in the 10 qt size. The size and weight of it are too great for that.
Duo Plus (3 qt – $120, 6 qt – $160, 8 qt – $200)
This model offers a few extra functions to the Duo machine such as cake, egg and sterilizing options. It also adds 15 built in programs.
The Duo Plus also has a larger LCD display that includes status icons to show the progress of your machine through the cooking stages.
This model has been replaced by the Duo Evo Plus
DUO SV (6 qt – $90)
The Duo SV adds the sous vide function to your machine. The only size option to this model is 6 qt’s.
Duo Evo Plus (6 qt – $150, 8 qt – $200)
This model is a fairly new release and it is loaded with new features. The first is a steam diffusing cover. This diffuses the steam when it is released, so you have more of a cloud effect instead of a geyser.
This model is quicker to come to pressure. This is nice, but its total cook time is then different from all other models and the recipes that are designed for them. You will need to add a few minutes to your cook times. Some experimenting will be required.
This model offers the same large blue display screen as the Ultra models.
Another new and unique feature, available only on this model, are the handles on the inner pot. The handles stick out from the pot and drop down into a slot on the unit itself. This does two things. It makes the inner pot very easy to remove. It also means that when you are stirring and browning items you no longer have that inner pot spinning around as the handles are holding it secure. There is also a flat bottom on this pot. The oil you place in it for sautéing no longer runs to the sides. This allows the pot to be removed and used on your stovetop.
For this model they advertise Quick Cool Technology. They state it allows your machine to release pressure naturally up to 50% faster. You are to pop a shield off the top of your machine, add a part that is sold separately and put ice in it. I honestly do not feel this is of use. Recipes are also geared to set amounts of time for pressure release. If you alter this, as mentioned above, you will need to increase cook time.
Nova Plus
This model has the same LCD display as the Duo Plus but the buttons are the same as the Duo. This model is exclusive to Costco.
Ultra (3 qt – $140, 6 qt – $190, 8 qt – $230)
This particular model would be considered an upper level machine. It offers 10 functions, the most of any unit. You also have a dial that toggles you through the various options. The large screen that shows your cooking progress is terrific. It is shown as a chart. There’s no need to stand and watch if your numbers are counting up or down anymore.
Smart Wifi (6 qt – $200)
Many interesting options open up with this model. You are required to download the Smart app. Through the use of this app you choose the recipe you are interested in. The programming for your pot is sent directly to your pot. The app gives you the ability to modify the temperature and cook time for your recipes and you also have the ability to see on your phone, if the pressure cooking cycle has started and what time is left.
The pot also has the ability to interact with Alexa and Google Assistant to react to your voice commands.
This model replaced the previous Bluetooth version.
Many report the inability of the app to work with their phones. For those with limited internet coverage or limited amounts of data usage (such as myself) this pot may not be for you. For some though this may be a ‘techie’s” dream cooking tool.
Max (6 qt – $200)
This model is loaded with features and functions geared towards the professional or very avid cook. It is the only unit that allows you to customize programs. It offers the ability to cook at a higher pressure opening up the possibilities for canning. As such, it offers additional safety features (13 instead of the 10 that other pots have). It also has the same steam diffusing cover as the Duo Evo Plus.
One unique feature, only available on the Max, is the ability to set the machine to automatically release the pressure when your cook time is up. I am a huge fan of this. I would love to see it recognize when a set natural release time has elapsed and then release the pressure (such as 10 minutes for meats) but this extra step is not available yet.
This unit also controls the amount of air in your pot and releases as much air as possible to give you optimum cooking results.
It is only available in 6 qt.
Duo Crisp & Air Fryer (8 qt – $250)
The Duo Crisp is an 8qt pressure cooker with an additional lid that allows it to be used as an air fryer. If you are looking to try air frying without investing in an additional machine this would be a great way to do it. The volume of items that you would be able to air fry would be limited compared to some of the larger stand-alone units, but a nice option if you have limited space.
This particular model also has the smaller display screen.
Instant Pot does offer a lid that can be purchased separately to allow many of the existing 6 qt machines to act as air fryers. The lid works on the Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, Nova Plus and Duo Nova models.
Star Wars & The Pioneer Woman
There is an entire line of Instant Pot’s based on Star War’s characters. Cleverly the pots range in size and decoration based on the character they represent: The full series of pots can only be found at William Sonoma stores in the US. In Canada we are limited to the R2D2 model at present.
Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman) has a line of Instant Pot’s. These pots are Lux models and are found in a variety of floral patterns in both Canada and the US.
Pampered Chef Quick Cooker
The Pampered Chef Company has their own brand of multi-cooker machine known as the Quick Cooker. The Quick Cooker offers many of the same programs and features of the Instant Pot but the layout and use of the buttons are more user friendly than many of the Instant Pot models. It comes to pressure faster than most of the Instant Pot models (this may require you to add a minute or two to your cook time if using other than Pampered Chef recipes). I personally love that the handles to move the machine around are recessed in the lower part of the machine and it was the first to have a pressure release button well away from the location the pressure releases from.
The accessories available for the Quick Cooker through Pampered Chef are fantastic and worth a look. That being said both Pampered Chef and Instant Pot state that your warranty will be voided if you use other manufacturers products in their machines. However, if you are out of your warranty period a whole host of additional accessories from both companies opens up to you.
The con to the Quick Cooker is that you are not able to hook the lid of the pressure cooker onto the pot as you can with most of the Instant Pot models. It is also available only in 6 qt.
The Instant Pot Gem and Aura models are classified as multi cooker’s, but be aware that they do not include a pressure cooking function.
The models that I have had the opportunity to work with are:
Lux
Duo
Duo Plus
Duo Evo Plus
Duo Nova
Ultra
Max
Pampered Chef Quick Cooker
Honest Opinion
The one feature that I believe should be standard on all pots, is the automatic seal feature. You put the lid on, turn it and you know it is sealed and ready to go. Luckily, an added bonus of this feature is the fact that the models that have this, also have the pressure release button located apart from the steam release location.
I welcome your thoughts and questions.
