Best overall
Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart
~$90–$150 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's top pick
- Intuitive controls; 7 functions including pressure, slow cook, sauté, rice and yogurt
Keep in mind
- 6 quarts can be tight for big batches
Best upgrade
Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart
~$170 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's upgrade pick
- 10 functions
- Inner pot has handles and works on the stovetop (maker)
Keep in mind
- Costs more than the Rio
Best budget
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart
~$79 (list $110) at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's former top pick, still a solid buy
- Works with Instant's air fryer lid
- 186,000+ Amazon owner ratings (Oct 2026)
Keep in mind
- Dated controls
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Best for searing big cuts
Instant Pot Rio Wide Plus 7.5-Quart
Price varies see current price at the retailer
What we like
- Wide pot with 35% more cooking surface (maker)
- Room to brown large roasts in one layer
Keep in mind
- Takes a lot of counter space
Best for big families
Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart
~$200 at time of writing
What we like
- Larger version of Wirecutter's upgrade pick
- 8 quarts fits big batches of stock and chili
Keep in mind
- Heavy and bulky
Best extra presets
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart
Price varies see current price at the retailer
What we like
- 9 functions, including sterilize
- Wirecutter suggests it when it is on sale
Keep in mind
- Often costs more than the Rio
Best pressure cooker + air fryer
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid 6.5-Quart
~$220 at time of writing
What we like
- One lid both pressure cooks and air fries
- 13 functions
Keep in mind
- Wirecutter found it too expensive for what it adds
Best large 2-in-1
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Quart
~$220 at time of writing
What we like
- Pressure cooker plus air fryer lid
- 8-quart pot for families
Keep in mind
- Second lid is awkward to store
Best premium
Breville Fast Slow Pro (BPR700)
~$330 at time of writing
What we like
- Automatic altitude adjustment
- Nonstick inner pot
Keep in mind
- Expensive
- Nonstick coating wears over time
Best Breville value
Breville Fast Slow Go (BPR680)
~$250 at time of writing
What we like
- Breville build and controls for less than the Pro
Keep in mind
- Pricier than Instant Pot equivalents
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart | Best overall | ~$90–$150 | — |
| 2 | Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart | Best upgrade | ~$170 | — |
| 3 | Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart | Best budget | ~$79 (list $110) | — |
| 4 | Instant Pot Rio Wide Plus 7.5-Quart | Best for searing big cuts | See retailer | — |
| 5 | Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart | Best for big families | ~$200 | — |
| 6 | Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart | Best extra presets | See retailer | — |
| 7 | Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid 6.5-Quart | Best pressure cooker + air fryer | ~$220 | — |
| 8 | Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Quart | Best large 2-in-1 | ~$220 | — |
| 9 | Breville Fast Slow Pro (BPR700) | Best premium | ~$330 | — |
| 10 | Breville Fast Slow Go (BPR680) | Best Breville value | ~$250 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: Wirecutter's best Instant Pot and electric pressure cooker guide (updated Feb 24, 2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices checked on Amazon Oct 19, 2026; approximate and change often. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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Instant pots: frequently asked questions
What is the best Instant Pot in 2026?
Our #1 pick is the Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart (best overall), at ~$90–$150 at time of writing. Wirecutter's top pick.
What is the best budget Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is our best budget pick at ~$79 at time of writing. It ranks #3 of 10.
What is the best premium Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart is our premium pick at ~$170 at time of writing. It ranks #2 of 10.
How did Rank the Rest rank these Instant Pots?
We compared published expert testing, public review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test these products, we never invent ratings, and affiliate commissions never change the order.
Are the prices current?
Prices are approximate as of October 19, 2026 and change often, especially during sales. Use the price buttons to see today's price at the retailer.
