Best Instant Posts for Effortless Food Prep 2026

Instant Pots make an excellent addition to a busy family’s kitchen, saving a fair bit of time and effort when it comes to getting dinner on the table. The best Instant Pots are so much more than just pressure cookers and can work as slow cookers and even air fryers as well. They can sauté and steam your food and you can even make yoghurt and desserts in them, making them truly multi-purpose.

If you find your kitchen cupboards getting crowded with every gadget under the sun – whether it be the best food processor or a lockdown-bought bread maker – Instant Pots can help save you space in the kitchen too, combining up to 11 cooking modes in one device. Picking the best Instant Pot for you and your family can be tricky though as they all have something slightly different to offer. To help you choose the right one we’ve searched through honest recommendations from real parents in our Mumsnet community to find the Instant Pot models and ranges that they’ve tried and tested and would happily buy again in the future.

Their trusted views and feedback, along with expert picks and authentic customer reviews, have helped us build this list of the best Instant Pots in the UK that you can buy right now. So you can pick the right one to take some of the stress out of feeding your family.

Best Instant Pot UK: at a glance

Best overall: Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-Cooker, £180
Best budget: Instant Pot Duo 60 7-in-1 Smart Cooker, £89
Best with an air fryer: Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 11-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker, £95

1

Best Instant Pot overall

Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-Cooker

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Instant

What we like

Wi-Fi connectivity
Sleek, modern design
Versatile gadget

What we don't like

No air fryer capabilities
Pricey

Key specs

Price on writing: £180 | Pressure levels: Low, high and max | No. of pre-programmed settings: N/A | Cooking modes: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning, sous vide, and NutriBoost | Dimensions: 33.5 x 33.1W x 32.3H centimetres | Capacity: 5.7 litres

What Mumsnet users say

MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson · Tried & Tested

Part slow cooker, part pressure cooker, and with heaps of other impressive features, I was blown away by this high-tech gadget. While it took a bit of time to work through the online instructions and get to grips with the different settings, once I'd mastered it, it was very easy and intuitive to use. The results were delicious too – think crowd-pleasing, hearty dishes ideal for autumn.

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Our verdict

Reviewed by MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson: Read our full Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-Cooker review

The ultimate in all-in-one cooking gadget for the home chef, the Instant Pot Pro Plus lets you cook so many different things quickly and easily. We found the cooking modes you get with this handy device are ideal for family favourites, and it functions as a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yoghurt maker, sauté pan, sous vide, and steamer, plus more. The only thing that’s missing from the Pro Plus is the option to air fry.

However, what really sets this gadget apart from other models from the brand is the ability to control it through your phone via Wi-Fi. While initially, we expected this to be a gimmicky feature, it was genuinely useful to check on the status of our meals and even be able to start or pause the cooking from a different room. It also takes the top spot on our best multi-cooker page, so it really is the crème de la crème.

2

Best budget Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Smart Cooker

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Great value
Good built-in safety features
Dishwasher-safe inner pot and lid

What we don't like

No air fryer capabilities

Key specs

Price on writing: £89 | Pressure levels: Low and high | No. of pre-programmed settings: 13 | Cooking modes: Rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yoghurt maker, sauté, steam, and warm | Dimensions: ‎34 x 31 x 32 cm | Capacity: 5.7 litres (3-litre option also available)

What Mumsnet users say

N0tfinished · Recommended product

I got a Pot DUO 60 Duo 7-in-1 Smart Cooker, 5.7L [...] Instant Pot last year and I've used it loads. It will boil, saute, pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, etc. I did a large ham in it yesterday in an hour! Definitely good for bolognese, curry etc.

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TicTac80 · Recommended product range

Instant Pot Duo - I've had it for eight years, and it's great. I use it to make yogurt, pressure cook stuff in and slow cook. [...]

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Our verdict

If you know you don’t need all 10 functions of the Instant Pot Pro Plus, then the Duo makes a great budget alternative. It still has seven different cooking modes including rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, and yoghurt maker, which is more than enough to keep most family cooks happy. And with 10 built-in safety features like overheat protection and a safe locking lid, it offers quick, worry-free, 'set it and forget it' cooking.

We love the fact that the inner cooking pot and the pressure cooker lid are dishwasher safe for easy clean up, although the inner pot doesn’t have the silicone handles, so you need to take care when you remove it. With 13 one-touch cooking programs to choose from, you can have dinner on the go in minutes and the Duo also lets you program in your own settings for your favourite meals. Mumsnet users who have this model love all the different functions it offers (though, as with any multi-cooker, some are more useful than others!) and how well it cooks their food with minimal mess and fuss.

Read next: The best microwaves for family kitchens

3

Best Instant Pot with an air fryer

Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 11-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos Buy now from Instant

What we like

Versatile air fryer function with EvenCrisp technology
Saves time and energy
Great safety functions
Excellent price (currently on sale)

What we don't like

Instruction manual not that clear
A few report it's not as effective at air frying as standalone models

Key specs

Price on writing: £95 | Pressure levels: Low and high | No. of pre-programmed settings: 11 | Cooking modes: Slow cooker, pressure cooker, sauté pan, steam, sous vide, food warmer, air fryer, roast, bake, grill, and dehydrate | Dimensions: ‎‎34.5 x 34.5 x 35.5 cm | Capacity: 5.7 litres (8-litre option also available)

What Mumsnet users say

greenandgreener · Recommended product range

I love my Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Does everything you mention [air fryer, pressure cooker and slow cooker] and can be found cheaply online - perhaps Prime Day have a discount. There are two sizes. No need to get different versions of each thing if you do get one! And also, crucially, budget friendly.

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Our verdict

You can really step up your game when it comes to home cooking with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer and food steamer, as well as for warming, sautéing, roasting, baking, grilling, dehydrating, and for sous vide cooking. The air fryer function works with EvenCrisp technology to cook food with the perfect crunch using up to 95% less oil than normal frying and the multi-level air fryer basket comes with dehydrating and grilling trays for the best possible results when using those cooking methods.

We love how the Duo Crisp can do so many different jobs in one so you can declutter other appliances from the kitchen and just keep this out on your countertop. It’s also really energy efficient and gets dinner on the table faster than if you use the oven. It does take a bit of time to learn how to use all the functions and the instruction manual that comes with it isn’t all that great, but there are loads of online resources and recipes to get you on your way without too much stress.

Plus, it's currently half price at Amazon - get it now for just £95!

Related: The best budget air fryers for families

4

Best Instant Pot for a small kitchen

Instant Pot Duo 3 Mini Multi Pressure Cooker

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos Buy now from Instant

What we like

Compact size
Perfect for sides or small families
Seven useful functions

What we don't like

Less functions that other models

Key specs

Price on writing: £65 | Pressure levels: Low and high | No. of pre-programmed settings: 11 | Cooking modes: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, yoghurt maker, steamer and food warmer | Dimensions: ‎29 x 25.5 x 28.5 cm | Capacity: 3 litres

What Mumsnet users say

myplace · Recommended brand

[...] I ended up with an Instant Pot. I love it though. Best thing ever. But I don’t do the rice in it anymore. I use a Pyrex jug and do it in the microwave.

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Our verdict

If you’re short on space and don’t need to cook big batches of food at once then the Duo 3 Mini is a great multi-cooker. It’s perfect for making meals for one or two people and great for side dishes like beans and dahl. There aren’t as many functions as some of the other models but it can work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, yoghurt maker, steamer, and food warmer, so for anyone who doesn’t need the fancy options like sous vide it’s perfect.

It has 11 one-touch programs and clear, simple controls to make cooking a breeze. And with a dishwasher-friendly inner pot and lid, clean up is super easy too.

5

Most customisable Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 10-in-1 Multi Pressure Cooker

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Great range of functions
Loads of preset options
Inner pot can be used on the hob

What we don't like

No air fryer function

Key specs

Price on writing: £141 | Pressure levels: Low and high | No. of pre-programmed settings: 48 customisable settings | Cooking modes: Slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steam, sous vide, food warmer, cake maker, yoghurt maker, and stock pot | Dimensions: 33.1 x 32.2 x 32.5cm | Capacity: 5.7 litres

What Mumsnet users say

Haroldwilson · Recommended brand

I've got a combo Instant Pot thing. You can sauté meat and onions in it, add veg and stock, pressure cook for 20 mins then leave to slow cook for when you want it. Slow cookers are good but you need to brown things first and veg goes very soft. They're good for curry, cooking joints of meat etc.

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Our verdict

Take full control in the kitchen with the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus and make cooking everything from starters to puddings quick and easy. Instant Pot have done everything in their power to take as much effort out of cooking dinner as possible with all the little details in this model. There are 48 customisable presets that take the guesswork out of cooking and give you consistent results every single time whether you’re cooking rice or ribs. And the safety features like the easy-seal lid and improved steam diffuser for easy pressure release mean you can pop your ingredients in and relax knowing the cooking is being taken care of.

We really love the progress indicator on the digital screen which lets you know how far along in the cooking process you are, from preheating to keeping warm. The Duo Plus also has the benefit of an inner cooking pot that has safe easy-grip handles that make it simple to move it from the appliance to the hob if a recipe you’re following requires a bit of hob cooking.

Related: The best mandoline slicer for precise food prep

Is an Instant Pot really worth it?

No-one wants to splash out on another kitchen gadget just for it to sit unused, taking up space on the counter or languishing in a cupboard next to your kitchen scales. So before you invest in one you need to know if an Instant Pot is really worth buying.

If you want to be able to use one appliance for a whole range of things from slow cooking and steaming to baking and yoghurt making, and love the idea of being able to add your ingredients, choose your settings, and then walk away while the food is cooked for you, then an Instant Pot is well worth the investment.

And while they might not be able to actually cook food instantly, they do cut down cooking times on most things so they’re great for busy families who need dinner in a hurry.

Related: The best multi-cookers

What to consider when shopping for an Instant Pot

If you’re trying to decide which model of Instant Pot to go for, here are some things to think about:

Functions: Think about what you’ll actually use your Instant Pot for and what functions you need it to have. Some of the earlier models cover the more standard functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing, while other models have extra functions like sous vide and air frying cooking options.
Size: The standard size for an Instant Pot is 5.7 litres which is perfect for most families’ needs. But if you have more space on your worktop and want to be able to cook up bigger batches of food then a 7.5 litre model might be a better option for you. If you are using your Instant Pot to meal prep in this way, a bento box is a good way to store leftovers for lunch.
Controls: All the Instant Pot models you can buy at the moment have good-sized, easy to use control panels but some of the newer options have extra features like cooking progress indicators and simple dials for selecting from a host of pre-set cooking programs.

What can I cook in an Instant Pot?

Instant Pots are so much more than pressure cookers. You can also use them to sauté and steam and they also act as slow cookers, rice cookers, yoghurt makers, and, depending on the model, air fryers.

All of which means you can cook a huge range of things in them. You can cook up rice dishes including risottos, all sorts of different meat dishes including whole chickens, stews and casseroles, and bean-based dishes.

On top of all that you can also use an Instant Pot to make tasty fresh yoghurt as well as cakes and desserts like cheesecake.

Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: what’s the difference?

Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are the most popular electric pressure cookers out there and there are lots of discussions online about which is the best with people often showing a lot of loyalty to their brand of choice.

Instant Pot came on the market first with their electric pressure cooker and then the Ninja Foodi came along in 2018 and took things to the next level and started the ongoing competition.

The main difference between the two is that the Ninja Foodi is a combination pressure cooker and air fryer, while not all of the Instant Pot models have air fryer capabilities. The other difference between the two is price, with the Ninja Foodi often being more expensive than rival Instant Pot options.

Related: Best soup maker

What's the best size Instant Pot?

For most families the 5.7 litre models are the most practical option when it comes to Instant Pots. This size will be big enough to make dinner for the whole family but not so big that it completely takes over the kitchen worktops.

If you have a bigger than average family though, or love to batch cook to fill up your freezer, then you might be better off opting for an Instant Pot with a 7.5 litre capacity.

How we chose the best Instant Pot

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Mumsnetters spend a lot of time and effort in the kitchen cooking meals for themselves and their families, and they also know a thing or two about finding the most efficient ways to do these things, so they were a great place to start when getting recommendations for the best Instant Pot models and ranges for getting dinner on the table.

Expert opinions

Then we took our list and compared it against the opinion of experts, consumer champions and product review sites, plus other news media. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning, well-regarded products in the marketplace.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the top Instant Pots on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon and John Lewis to get broader consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

The result? A comprehensive, balanced and honest guide to the best Instant Pots to buy in the UK in 2026.

About the author

Madeline is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about family life, psychology, and photography on her blog This Glorious Life.

She is a mum of two who lives in Swansea and loves walking to the beach with her children, eating cinnamon rolls, and having fun with her camera.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

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