The 6 Best Instant Pot Products for Meal Prepping
Although Instant Pot is best known for their multi-cookers, the brand makes plenty of other innovative kitchen appliances. In this list, we’ll focus on:
From Tosca
Instant pots make eating clean easier and tastier
Generally, I’m a supporter of slowing down and enjoying the little things. But when it comes to healthy eating, I want quick and easy every time. That’s why I’m such a fan of Instant Pots—they make meal-making much easier. And with the time I save cooking, I can enjoy the things that matter most.
I hope the items on this list help you unlock a little extra time and a lot of clean deliciousness in your day.
Instant Pot Pressure Cookers
A pressure cooker works by building up steam pressure. The pressure helps food cook faster than it would with heat alone.
Instant Pot pressure cookers are technically multi-cookers, including several presets and functions to give you more versatility in the kitchen. Plus, they’re equipped with safety measures to ensure you create your dinner without incident.
Instant Pot RIO
$99
Pros
- 7 unique functions
- Anti-spin inner pot
- 13 customizable programs
Cons
- Interface may be a bit intimidating for beginners
Formerly known as the Instant Pot DUO, the RIO is the updated version of an Instant Pot classic. This pot features 7 functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, steaming, sautéing, and warming. With a capacity of 6 QTs, the RIO is a savvy choice for growing families.
Instant Pot Pro Plus
$199
Pros
- 10 unique functions
- Mobile app controls pot via wifi
- Large & easy-to-read display
Cons
- Slightly more expensive option
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is a top-of-the-line kitchen appliance with all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. Thanks to its wifi capabilities, you can operate the Pro Plus wirelessly from your phone. On top of pressure cooking, this pot also acts as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide, and NutriBoost.
Instant Pot Air Fryers
Air Frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying. While a deep fryer involves submerging food in oil, air fryers quickly circulate hot air, using very little oil or no oil at all.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1
$129
Pros
- 6 unique functions
- One-Touch smart programs
- Little to no preheat time
Cons
- Back of the unit tends to get hot
The Vortex Plus is a programmable air fryer that offers 5 additional functions: broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat. Its 4-quart capacity works best for groups of 2-4 people. Plus, the Instant Pot app provides free recipes with step-by-step instructions.
Instant 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer
$199
Pros
- 6 unique functions
- Includes an odor-reducing filter
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
Cons
- A somewhat expensive option
No more waiting for the perfect weather: this model makes any season grilling season. In addition to air frying and grilling, this Instant Pot device bakes, reheats, roasts, and dehydrates. The clear lid allows you to keep an eye on your food while it cooks, and the grill plate even leaves authentic grill marks!
Other Instant Pot Devices
More and more, Instant Pot is expanding their brand into different types of appliances. Here are two great examples of what they have to offer.
Instant Pot Zest
$49
Pros
- 4 smart programs
- Includes warming feature
- Comes with overheat protection
Cons
- Really only offers one function
The Zest is a classic rice cooker, but with the performance you’d expect from Instant Pot. This 8-cup rice cooker includes handy presets for quinoa, oatmeal, white rice, and brown rice. The steam setting can be used for cooking vegetables, fish, and more.
Instant Pot, 6-Quart 1500W Electric Round Dutch Oven
$119
Pros
- 5 unique functions
- Dishwasher-safe cooking pot & lid
- Lid contains self-braising grid to maintain moisture
Cons
- Pricier than many dutch ovens
The Electric Dutch Oven is the perfect fusion of old-school cooking techniques and modern culinary technology. This enameled cast iron pot can braise, slow cook, sear, cook, and warm. When you remove the pot from the electrical component, it becomes like any other dutch oven and even looks nice on your table.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Buying an Instant Pot
With all the hype around the Instant Pot, it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon. Before you do, make sure you’re getting the best option for your needs. You can start by asking yourself these questions:
Functions
What would you use it for most? Would you just want the pressure cooker functionality? Or do you want the self-stirring NutriBoost function too?
Of course, if you’ve never had the tools to prepare certain kinds of dishes, you may not even know what you’re looking for in terms of functions. If that’s the case, try looking at some Instant Pot recipes. If you find things you’re dying to try, you’ll want to get the model with the right settings.
Capacity
Do you typically make food for only yourself? Or are you feeding friends, family, and potluck attendees? Instant Pots come in multiple sizes, so be sure to get the version that best suits you. Consider quart size and look at how many servings that size typically produces.