Review: The Best Instant Pots of 2020

The Instant Pot Duo is the brand's best selling model and for a good reason. This model offers the most common features needed in the kitchen without the extras that come with the higher-end models that add on an additional cost. The Duo combines the work of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer and conveniently incorporates them into one device. This model is one of the only that features a preset for "poultry" which is a big win for this model, and seemingly a miss for others. You get all of the tried and true Instant Pot brand quality for less than other models.

The Lux model is a 6-in-1 appliance designed to act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and warmer while also being able to sauté. As the base model, the Lux has a non-detachable cord and has only a high pressure mode unlike other models that also include a low pressure mode and will pressure cook for up to four hours. If you are not that adventurous in the kitchen and don't need the added features of the other models, you can save some money and get all of the primary benefits out of an Instant Pot with the Lux.

The Smart WiFi model is unique in that it is designed to partner with either Alexa or WiFi for on-the-go families who may need to start their cooker while away from the kitchen. The 8-in-1 works to replace the following appliances: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, sauté pan, steamer, and warmer. The price point for this WiFi enabled option is similar to that of the Duo Plus and the Ultra. Multiple users have expressed concern with the ease of connecting the device to WiFi and recommend simply buying another model with similar features for less and using the delayed start feature.

The Ultra 10-in-1 is designed to replace the following appliances: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sterilizer, and warmer. This model includes all of the features of other models with the exception of WiFi compatibility, canning, and sous vide making it a great value for the money IF you don't need one of those features. The variable temperature control is great for pros who want to experiment with their meals and portion sizes rather than relying on preset configurations. Features a sterilize option which is only found on this model and the Duo Plus which is highly useful for cleaning baby bottles. The only real difference between the Ultra and the Duo Plus is that the Ultra comes with the adjustable temperature control, otherwise the units are mostly the same.

The Duo Plus is an upgraded version of the Duo with the added features of a cooking progress indicator on the new LCD display and an easy seal lid. The Duo Plus can do the work of the following appliances: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer, adding an egg cooker and sterilizing setting that the Plus model does not have. The LCD screen allows more detail to be shown compared to the base Duo model. If you would like an upgraded screen and additional preset options, then the Duo Plus may be a good fit for your kitchen.

The Max 9-in-1 is a highly specialized device designed for a user looking to use it for canning and sous vide. This is the only model designed for these two functions. In addition to these two functions, the Max will act as an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. For the cost, if you do not plan on using these two functions, it would would be wiser to go with the Ultra which is less expensive and will fulfill the needs of most kitchens shy of these two very specific tasks. The touchscreen is a nice feature as are the unlimited built in cooking programs that do set it apart from other models however.