Hello hello! Melissa and I just had a wonderful visit together in South Dakota, and chatted all things Instant Pot! You’ll hear from her soon – she’s finishing her degree at the University of South Dakota – yay!!
We’ve received many questions about the differences in the Instant Pot Models, and compiled some information from the official Instant Pot website for a quick reference.
Disclosure: Please note that most of the links included are affiliate links. There is no additional cost if you decide to make a purchase – we will simply earn a small commission that supports our time with Sisters Under Pressure 🙂
We’ve also been asked about the best place to purchase a new Instant Pot. Both of our pots were purchased from Amazon. We also offer you a $10 discount on Instant Pots over on their official page using this link, and coupon code sistersup (this is only valid on the official Instant Page) 🙂 Hooray discounts!! 🙂
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There are both smaller and larger pots, so it will depend on your needs, and what you want to cook. The differences are highlighted below, but the main differences for us were the yogurt function, and pot size. If you’re a techy person, there is a Smart model that features Bluetooth technology, but we have found that many who have this model would have gone with a DUO model. The primary difference between the DUO model and Smart model is merely the Bluetooth capability. If it were me, I’d save a few bucks and get a DUO model, and then pick a few accessories.
*If you love yogurt like we do, you’ll want a model that has a yogurt function. The LUX models DO NOT have a yogurt function.
*The size of the pot – 5 quart, 6 quart, or 8 quart. Melissa and I cook consistently for 2 people with the 6-quart 7-in-1 IP-DUO60, but it easily cooks for more. If you’re hoping to cook large pieces of meat consistently, the 8 quart may be a better option for you. While we haven’t cooked in the 5 quart, I do think it would be too small. We both make yogurt, and often make an entire gallon at a time. A full gallon fits perfectly in the 6 quart.
If you find a model that begins with CSG instead of LUX or DUO, this is an older model and does not have the saute function. We LOVE the saute function. It’s perfect for browning meat prior to pressure cooking, carmelizing onions, and making popcorn (check out this recipe!) 🙂
Take a peek at the chart below and let us know if you have any questions!
-Danielle
PS. If the chart doesn’t show up – please refresh, and let us know if it still doesn’t appear for you 🙂 )
End note:
There are other electric pressure cookers out there and we have listed a few below. Our recipes have only been tried in the Official Instant Pot brand. If you’re here, you’re researching your options – hooray! We are very happy with the Instant Pot, but have included a few more links below to help in your research and consideration. The GoWISE pot is the only other pot we know of that also features a stainless steel inner pot, as opposed to a non-stick pot like the others. These 3 brands were selected because we have heard of others that have purchased them, but we cannot attest to their quality or functionality specifically.
Thank you for the info. What are your thoughts on the ULTRA Instant Pot model?
Hi Barbara! I definitely have some updating to do with the ultra modem and the mini now out. My personal opinion is that if you already have an IP that it’s not a big deal to upgrade. Think of the buttons on the IP like the buttons on a microwave. The programs just make one touch cooking easy, but they are still capable of being done using the manual mode.
Hi Barbara! I haven’t looked into it completely (yet – I’m traveling and it’s on my list to check out 🙂 ), but I tell everyone to think of the pre-program options like the buttons on a microwave – those pizza, popcorn, etc. buttons. They just make everything one-touch, but can easily be done with just entering the time on the microwave manually (much like the manual button on the Instant Pot).
Hi. It seems the coupon has changed from $50 to $10 off on official website? Boo. 🙁
Hi Sue! It has changed – I thought I had updated all of the pages – so sorry for the confusion! Instant Pot changed the prices on their shop website (lowered them significantly! The $50 coupon ended up making them the same price that they will come up with the $10 coupon 🙂 ) so they are more in line to what they are selling it for with other retailers.
OK, thanks!