Best Instant Pot 2025: Why the Pro Model Beats the Rest

Whether you’re replacing an old pressure cooker or finally giving in to the hype, finding the best Instant Pot can feel like a task worthy of its own recipe. With dozens of models offering similar features but subtle differences, it’s hard to know which one deserves a spot on your countertop. In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with several popular Instant Pot models—what worked, what didn’t, and which one I trust in my own kitchen. We’ll compare features, performance, and practicality to help you choose the best Instant Pot for your cooking needs.

Why I Swapped My Duo for the Pro: My Instant Pot Journey

The Instant Pot Craze Never Left My Kitchen

I’m Ellie Harper, a self-taught cook who now blends Southern comfort food with Moroccan flair in my tiny but hardworking Marrakech kitchen. When I first moved here, I brought my well-worn Instant Pot Duo across the Atlantic. It got me through countless trials—undercooked beans, mushy rice, forgotten timers—but also taught me just how powerful a pressure cooker could be. Still, as much as I loved it, I always felt it lacked a little control, a little customization, a little grace.

The Comfort Quest for the Perfect Instant Pot. I tested newer models and read through honest reviews by cooks like Nicole Russell and Siobhan Wallace. What I found might surprise you—it’s not always the flashiest model that wins, but the one that fits your style. While the Instant Pot Duo remains a solid choice for beginners, the Pro quietly stands out with thoughtful upgrades and consistent performance.

What Makes a Pressure Cooker “The Best”?

In my opinion, the best Instant Pot should feel like a reliable sous-chef. The Instant Pot Pro impressed me not just with its sleek digital interface, but with its intuitive upgrades. Silicone-handled inner pot that doesn’t spin while sautéing? Game changer. A customizable sauté feature with five heat levels meant I could finally brown onions without burning them. Plus, the anti-spin pot locks firmly into place—no more dancing inner pots on the stovetop.

Compared to the Duo and even the RIO, the Pro offered smarter safety features, like an improved steam release button and a real-time 7-stage cooking progress bar. This isn’t just a pretty gadget—it’s a powerful cooking companion. It’s become just as essential to me as my go-to southern-style Instant Pot mac and cheese or the Moroccan lentil stew I batch cook for busy weeks.

Finding the Best Instant Pot for Every Cook

Beginner-Friendly: Instant Pot RIO Keeps It Simple

If you’re new to pressure cooking or don’t want too many bells and whistles, the Instant Pot RIO is the model to beat. It’s lighter than older models, making it easy to store, and it comes with seven cooking functions that cover everything a beginner needs—without overcomplicating things. The new progress bar is especially helpful, giving a visual cue for where you are in the cycle: preheat, cook, or release.

Nicole Russell, an Allrecipes Allstar, praised the RIO for its reliability and manageable size. It also includes a safer steam release button located farther away from the vent—a relief for anyone who’s ever been nervous about releasing pressure.

From a beginner’s perspective, this is probably the best Instant Pot because it teaches without intimidating. You can easily use it for soups, rice, and even desserts like instant pot rice pudding, all without feeling overwhelmed by advanced features.

Pro-Level Perks: Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus

Now, if you’re like me and want more control over your cooking, the Instant Pot Pro (and its sibling, the Pro Plus) is where things get exciting. The Pro offers five sauté temperatures, silicone handles, and customizable presets—ideal for cooks who want to fine-tune their dishes. The Pro Plus ups the ante with a Wi-Fi-connected touchscreen interface, letting you control everything from your phone.

With 1500 watts of power (300 more than the Pro), the Pro Plus preheats even faster. It’s perfect for high-volume cooking or recipe testing. Whether you’re meal-prepping freezer-friendly instant pot freezer meals or perfecting a Moroccan tagine, this model delivers consistently great results with modern convenience.

If you’re aiming for performance, precision, and time-saving automation, these models easily earn their spot as the best Instant Pot for advanced cooks.

Instant Pot Face-Off: Duo vs. RIO vs. Pro vs. Pro Plus

Which Instant Pot Model Stands Out the Most?

When choosing the best Instant Pot, it really comes down to how you cook. Are you a “set it and forget it” weeknight warrior or a tech-savvy home chef? Here’s how the top models compare in real-life use:

Pros and Cons: Instant Pot Duo vs. the Rest

The Instant Pot Duo is the tried-and-true classic. It’s budget-friendly and has all the basic functions like pressure cook, rice, soup, and slow cook. But as someone who uses an Instant Pot daily, I quickly outgrew it. It lacks sauté precision, its steam release feels outdated, and the inner pot is cumbersome to remove when hot.

Enter the Instant Pot RIO, which improves on the Duo in small but important ways. It’s lighter, easier to store, and includes a progress bar and safer steam release—making it a perfect upgrade for beginners. That said, it doesn’t offer much more control over cooking settings.

The Pro, on the other hand, is a true multitasker’s dream. Its silicone-handled inner pot doesn’t spin while you sauté, and its digital interface makes timing and heat control much more precise. It’s become my go-to for everything from one-pot Southern chili to a spiced Moroccan chickpea stew.

For those who want it all, the Pro Plus takes things even further. The touchscreen is beautiful, though slightly prone to fingerprints, and the app control makes multi-tasking across the kitchen feel effortless. Its sous vide and canning options are a bonus for anyone ready to explore new cooking frontiers.

Beyond the Basics: Features, Accessories & What Really Matters

Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

When it comes to everyday cooking, the little things can make or break your Instant Pot experience. While all models offer basic pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing, only the higher-end models like the Pro and Pro Plus truly feel complete. Why? Because of small, thoughtful improvements.

The anti-spin pot and silicone handles are standout features that remove daily annoyances like a spinning pot or scalded fingers. I can’t overstate how helpful the 7-stage progress bar is—especially during batch cooking sessions when I’ve got bread rising, salad chopping, and a toddler chasing a cat across the floor.

And let’s talk about the steam release. The old models required wooden spoon acrobatics. Now, models like the Pro Plus allow you to press a button (even from your phone!) and walk away. This isn’t just convenience—it’s safer.

If you’re going all-in on Instant Pot life, these upgrades make a noticeable difference. They reduce stress, boost confidence, and ultimately encourage more home cooking—which is the whole point.

Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

Even the best Instant Pot can benefit from a few key add-ons. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of accessories that seriously expanded what I could cook. Here are my essentials:

• Stackable steamer inserts – Perfect for making rice and vegetables at the same time.
• Silicone egg mold – Great for breakfast bites, mini cheesecakes, or freezer portions of homemade baby food.
• Tempered glass lid – A must-have for slow cooking or keeping food warm on the table.
• Extra sealing rings – Have separate ones for savory and sweet dishes (trust me—no one wants garlic-scented rice pudding).
• Nonstick inner pot – Especially helpful for dishes that tend to stick, like oats or creamy pasta.

These tools aren’t required—but once you have them, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them. They also extend the usefulness of your Instant Pot beyond pressure cooking into a truly multifunctional appliance.

Whether you’re cooking every day or a few times a week, these thoughtful details and accessories elevate the experience—helping even beginners cook like pros.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Instant Pot

What is the highest rated Instant Pot?
Among experts and long-time users, the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus consistently rank as top choices. Siobhan Wallace from Allrecipes calls the Pro her go-to for everyday meals after years of use. These models earn high praise for customizable settings, safer steam release, and durable inner pots—making them strong contenders for the best Instant Pot.

Which pressure pot is the best?
The answer depends on your needs. For beginners, the Instant Pot RIO offers simplicity and safety. For advanced cooks, the Pro or Pro Plus wins thanks to its upgraded interface and performance. If you like versatility in the kitchen, check out recipes like one-pot pastas to see how different models handle real meals.

What is the difference between Instant Pot and Instant Pot Pro?
The Instant Pot Pro includes major upgrades: a locking, anti-spin inner pot with silicone handles, five sauté heat levels, a digital display with a progress bar, and faster preheating. The standard Instant Pot (like the Duo) is a great starter, but the Pro gives you more control and convenience.

Which is better, Instant Pot Duo or RIO?
The RIO builds on the classic Duo with a safer steam release, progress indicator, and lighter build for easier storage. Nicole Russell noted that it performs just as well—if not better—than older models. It’s ideal for beginners looking for their first best Instant Pot experience without feeling overwhelmed

Conclusion: Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?

If you’re cooking often, experimenting with global flavors, or simply want an easier kitchen life, the best Instant Pot for you is one that fits your routine—not just your budget. For beginners or casual use, the RIO is light, intuitive, and reliable. But if you’re looking to upgrade, the Instant Pot Pro stands out with its smart design and cooking precision.

From my own kitchen in Marrakech to busy households across the U.S., one thing is clear: the best Instant Pot isn’t just about features. It’s about how easily it helps you put real food on the table—day after day.

Want to get more out of your Instant Pot? Check out my instant pot desserts or whip up a comforting Southern-inspired stew tonight.