This Instant Pot Pressure-Cooked and Sautéed to the Top of Our Tests, and It’s 29% Off

While the mighty Instant Pot is a year-round kitchen appliance, it’s especially helpful during cookout season, when you might want to quickly put together perfectly tender braised brisket or flavorful chili for a crowd. We love our Dutch ovens, but there are certainly moments in our busy lives when the automation of an Instant Pot comes in handy without sacrificing on quality. 

The Instant Pot Pro has been our long-time favorite Instant Pot model for its ease of use and versatility. With 10 different functions, it pressurizes quickly and can sear, sauté, and braise better than the competition. Just in time for park hangouts and beach days, the Instant Pot Pro is currently on sale at $120 at Amazon.

Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6-Quart Pressure Cooker

Why It Won Our Review

The Instant Pot Pro outperformed nine other multi-cookers, impressing editors with its consistency and variety of cooking modes. We found that this model really put the pressure on—and quickly. Despite the high amount of pressure it could cook up, its gentle steam release switch made an easy task of the last (and often scariest) step of using a pressure cooker. “This model in particular is excellent because it has a pressure release switch (no more having to poke the steam valve with a spoon or some such!) and handles on its cooking pot,” says Senior Commerce Editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm. “I hated when my old Instant Pot's cooking pot spun around and around when I stirred, so it's a massive improvement.”

Throughout our tests, the Instant Pot Pro produced delicious beans, delicate risotto, and fall-apart brisket. The stainless steel inner pot can also be used on an electric, ceramic, or induction stovetop, which means you can start recipes off on the stove for more control. “Anytime I want a hands-off meal, I just chuck everything into the pressure cooker and let it do the cooking for me,” says Culinary Editor Genevieve Yam, who’s been known to frequent the pressure cooker pho ga (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup) recipe. Fastrack your own hands-off meals by getting your hands on the Instant Pot Pro, on sale right now at 29% off.

Key Specs

• Weight: 13.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Material: Stainless steel tri-ply bonded bottom inner pot, silicone handle and rings, metal and plastic outer unit with glass display
• Functions: Pressure cooking, rice/grain, steam, sauté, slow cook, sous vide, yogurt, bake, keep warm

FAQs

How does the pressure cooker function on an Instant Pot work?

The Instant Pot uses a high-pressure, high-temperature environment to break down and cook foods that usually would need more time, such as sinewy brisket or dried beans.

What can I make with an Instant Pot?

From wine-braised beef short ribs to chicken enchiladas, we’ve rounded up 31 pressure cooker recipes. Instant Pots are capable of a lot, including stews, rice, beans, pulled pork, and even cake. 

How do you clean an Instant Pot?

The metal insert pot and lid are dishwasher-safe. The base unit should be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge only.

How do I use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has a lot of potential as a multi-cooker that isn’t always harnessed. In our guide to using Instant Pots, we cover the various settings, what works best, and how to get the most out of your Instant Pot. 

Why We’re the Experts

• An Uong is a commerce writer for Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• An got over her fear of pressure cooking with the help of a hand-me-down Instant Pot.