When you’re just starting to cook with an Instant Pot it can be hard to decide which one to get. There are many options and each has its own features which can be overwhelming at first.
It doesn’t mater if you’re new to cooking or new to Instant Pot you want one that’s easy to use, affordable and quick to make meals.
Instant Pot has several models that are simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough to make delicious meals with minimal effort.
An Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan and yogurt maker all in one.
It saves you time, reduces cooking effort and lets you make everything from hearty stews to fluffy rice, so it’s perfect for anyone new to cooking.
So if you’re wondering which one is best for beginners, keep reading to find out which Instant Pot is for you and your cooking style.
5 Best Instant Pot Models for Beginners
Choosing an Instant Pot for beginners is hard with so many options.
We’ve simplified it down to a few models that are perfect for those new to cooking or new to Instant Pot. Each of these models is user-friendly, affordable, and versatile.
1. Instant Pot Duo: The Original
The Instant Pot Duo is the most popular model and for good reason. It’s simple, affordable and great for beginners who want to try out all the basic functions of an Instant Pot without feeling overwhelmed.
The Duo has everything you need to get started, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, and even making yogurt.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Easy to Use: The Duo has a simple interface with clear buttons and settings. Perfect for those who are not familiar with fancy cooking gadgets.
- Affordable: One of the top priority for beginners is the price. The Duo is very budget friendly especially for all the features it has.
- Rice Cooking: Many beginners struggle with cooking rice but the Duo is known for making perfect rice every time which is a great starting point for anyone new to Instant Pot.
Pros:
- Good for basic cooking.
- Affordable and compact.
- Easy to use and clean.
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time for pressure to release naturally which can be a bit frustrating for beginners who are not used to waiting.
The Instant Pot Duo comes in 3, 6 and 8 quart sizes so it’s perfect for singles, couples or small families. If you’re just starting to cook or trying out a new kitchen gadget, this model is a good choice.
2. Instant Pot Duo Plus: More for Beginners Who Want to Get More
It’s almost the same as the Duo but it has extra settings for making delicate dishes like cakes and eggs which adds a new layer of fun to cooking. The Duo Plus also has a larger, easier to read display which is more beginner friendly.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- More Features Without the Extra Fuss: While the Duo Plus has more cooking settings it’s still easy to use which is perfect for those who want to try more recipes without feeling overwhelmed.
- Larger Display: The bigger screen is easier to read which makes setting the right cooking functions easier especially for those who are new to digital appliances.
- Quiet Steam Release: If you’re worried about the noise when using an Instant Pot the Duo Plus has a quieter steam release which is a bonus for beginners who want a more peaceful cooking experience.
Pros:
- More cooking settings than the Duo.
- Bigger, brighter display.
- Quiet steam release.
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than the Duo.
Available in 6 and 8 quart.
3. Instant Pot Rio Wide: For Bigger Batches
If you cook in bulk—maybe for a family or for meal prep—the Instant Pot Rio Wide might be the way to go. It’s designed for bigger batches so if you want to make a lot of food at once,.
The Rio Wide isn’t just about size though; it’s also shallower so you can brown larger cuts of meat.
Why It’s Good for Beginners:
- Larger Meals: Great for beginners who want to cook for bigger groups, family dinners or meal prep.
- Simple: Even though it’s bigger, it’s still easy to use, clear buttons and settings for beginners.
- Even Cooking: The wide design helps with even cooking, especially for stews or big chunks of meat.
Pros:
- Large meals or meal prep.
- Easy to use even with the bigger capacity.
- Great for big chunks of meat.
Cons:
- Shallower depth might limit some cooking tasks like big batches of soup or stews.
Available in 6- and 7.5-quart sizes, the Rio Wide is for anyone who cooks bigger portions often.
4. Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid: Air Frying + Pressure Cooking
If you’re a beginner but want to try something a bit more advanced, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid is the way to go.
This model has the functions of a pressure cooker and air fryer so you can pressure cook your ingredients then switch to air frying for a crispy finish. This two-in-one function is great for beginners who want to try different cooking methods.
Why It’s Good for Beginners:
- Air Frier and Pressure Cooker in One: You get two appliances in one so you can try different cooking styles without buying multiple gadgets.
- Easy Function Switching: Switching between pressure cooking and air frying is easy and the appliance will guide you through it step by step.
- Multiple Cooking Options: Whether you’re making a stew, frying chicken or roasting vegetables the Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid has options for beginners who want to try different things.
Pros:
- Air frying and pressure cooking for versatile meals.
- Step by step instructions so it’s easy to follow.
- Saves space by combining two appliances in one.
Cons:
- More expensive than the basic models but worth it for the extra features.
This one comes in 6.5-quart size which is good for average family size or for those who want to try different types of cooking.
5. Instant Pot Pro Plus: Smart Cooking for the Tech Beginner
For tech lovers, the Instant Pot Pro Plus is the way to go. It’s a fully connected multicooker so you can control it via an app on your phone.
You can also access over 800 recipes and follow step-by-step instructions so it’s perfect for tech beginners who want to learn how to cook from their phone.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Smartphone Control: You can control the cooking from anywhere in your home.
- Lots of Recipes: With over 800 recipes to choose from, you’ll never run out of new things to try and the app will walk you through each step.
- User Friendly: Pro Plus has a clean and simple interface perfect for beginners who like clear instructions and controls.
Pros:
- Fully app connected to guide you through cooking.
- Lots of recipes to choose from.
- Inner pot is stovetop and dishwasher safe for easy clean up.
Cons:
- Meat in some recipes may come out drier than other models.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is 6 quarts and for tech beginners.
Conclusion
Finding the best Instant Pot for beginners doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you want something simple and cheap like the Instant Pot Duo or something more advanced like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid, there’s one for everyone.
For beginners, you just need to choose one that’s easy to use, fits your cooking needs and not too many settings.
The Duo is the best for most beginners but if you want more features the Duo Plus or Pro Plus are also good options.
And if you cook big meals, the Rio Wide has extra space without sacrificing ease of use. Whatever you need, there’s an Instant Pot for you! Happy cooking
Source: 5 Best Instant Pot Model for Beginners

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