Instant Pot Duo Mini 3QT Review – What Real Users Say
4.6/5 (130,000+ Amazon Ratings) – Here’s the Truth
After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3QT is a beloved but imperfect kitchen hero. Below, we break down exactly what owners love, hate, and wish they’d known before buying.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, …
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook …
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessori…
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- PERFECT SIZE: Cook for up to 3 people – perfect for smaller families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles.
What Customers LOVE
1. “It Cooks Unbelievably Fast!” (The #1 Praise)
- “My 8-hour pulled pork was done in 1.5 hours!” – Many users rave about 70-80% faster cooking vs. slow cookers.
- “Perfect for weeknight dinners—no more waiting!” – Great for rice (12 mins), hard-boiled eggs (5 mins), and soups.
2. “The Sauté Feature is a Game-Changer”
- “I brown meat directly in the pot—no extra pans!” – Saves cleanup time and enhances flavor.
3. “Stainless Steel Pot Cleans Like a Dream”
- “No non-stick peeling—just toss it in the dishwasher!” – Users prefer this over coated pots that degrade.
4. “Makes the Best Yogurt & Rice”
- “My homemade yogurt costs pennies vs. store-bought!” – A hit with health-conscious buyers.
- “Fluffier rice than my dedicated rice cooker.” – Many retired their single-use appliances.
5. “Tiny but Mighty—Fits in My Apartment!”
- “I have no counter space, and this is perfect.” – Ideal for RVs, dorms, or small kitchens.
What Customers HATE
1. “Too Small for Families”
- “I can’t even fit a whole chicken.” – The 3QT size frustrates some (but it’s marketed for 1-2 people).
- Solution: Many suggest the 6QT model for bigger households.
2. “The Learning Curve is Real”
- “My first meal was mush because I didn’t know the settings.” – Newbies recommend watching YouTube tutorials.
- Tip: Use the free Instant Pot app (1,900+ recipes) for guidance.
3. “Lid Doesn’t Fit in Dishwasher”
- “Hand-washing the lid is annoying.” – A minor but frequent complaint.
4. “Not as Durable as Expected”
- “Mine died after 2 years.” – A few reports of electrical issues, but most say it lasts 3-5+ years.
The Verdict: Should YOU Buy It?
YES, If You Want:
- Speed – Cooks meals up to 8x faster than traditional methods.
- Versatility – Replaces 7 appliances (rice cooker, slow cooker, etc.).
- Small-Space Living – Fits tight kitchens effortlessly.
NO, If You Need:
- Large batches (Get the 6QT instead).
- Set-and-Forget Simplicity (Some prefer basic slow cookers).
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Review (6 Quart) – What Real Users Say
4.6/5 (42,000+ Amazon Ratings) – The Honest Truth
After analyzing thousands of customer reviews, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT stands out as a versatile, powerful, and mostly user-friendly multicooker. But is it perfect? Here’s what real owners love, dislike, and wish they’d known before buying.
- 9-in-1 Versatility: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, egg cooker, sterilizer,…
- Effortless Cooking: 15 customizable Smart Programs for everything from ribs to yogurt, rice, and even desserts
- Real-Time Cooking Progress: A full cooking progress bar keeps you informed every step of the way
- Improved Steam Venting: New easy-release steam switch makes venting simple and stress-free, automatically resetting when…
- Premium Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Tri-ply bottom ensures even cooking, and anti-spin design locks the pot in place for …
- User-Friendly Design: The redesigned control panel makes it easier to monitor cooking status and adjust settings
What Customers LOVE
1. “Cooks Meals in Half the Time!” (The #1 Praise)
- “Beef stew in 35 minutes instead of 4 hours!” – Most users rave about 70% faster cooking vs. traditional methods.
- “Perfect for busy weeknights—no more waiting!” – Great for rice (12 mins), beans (30 mins), and soups.
2. “9 Functions in One—Saves So Much Space!”
- “Replaced my rice cooker, slow cooker, and yogurt maker!” – Users love the all-in-one convenience.
- “Makes perfect yogurt, steamed dumplings, and even cheesecake!” – The versatility is a huge selling point.
3. “Easy to Use—Even for Beginners”
- “The touch controls are intuitive, and the manual is clear.” – Many say it’s easier than stovetop pressure cookers.
- “The free app (800+ recipes) is a lifesaver!” – Helps newbies avoid under/overcooking.
4. “Stainless Steel Pot is Durable & Dishwasher Safe”
- “No flaking like non-stick pots—just toss it in the dishwasher!” – A major plus for cleanup.
5. “Great for Meal Prep & Large Batches”
- “I cook a week’s worth of chicken in one go!” – The 6QT size is ideal for families or batch cooking.
What Customers DON’T LOVE
1. “Sauté Function Could Be Hotter”
- “Doesn’t sear meat as well as a stovetop pan.” – Some wish it had higher heat for browning.
- Workaround: Use a cast-iron skillet for searing before pressure cooking.
2. “Warm Mode is Too Warm”
- “Sometimes overcooks food if left too long.” – A few users say it dries out rice/soups if left on “Keep Warm.”
- Tip: Turn off “Keep Warm” for delicate dishes.
3. “Heavy & Bulky”
- “Takes up a lot of counter space.” – At 12.35 lbs, it’s not as portable as the 3QT Mini.
4. “Learning Curve for First-Timers”
- “My first batch of rice was mush!” – Some struggled with water ratios and timing initially.
- Solution: Follow the app recipes or YouTube tutorials for foolproof results.
Instant Pot Duo 8QT Review – The Honest Truth from 50,000+ Users
4.7/5 (51,000+ Ratings) – Is It Worth the Hype?
The Instant Pot Duo 8QT is a powerhouse for large families and meal preppers, but it’s not without flaws. Here’s what real owners love, hate, and wish they knew before buying.
- 11-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sa…
- THE INSTANT POT THAT AIR FRIES: From the makers of the best-selling Duo series comes a pressure cooker and air fryer com…
- EVENCRISP TECHNOLOGY: The included air fryer lid delivers all the crunch and tenderness of deep-frying with 95% less oil…
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 11 customizable Smart Programs for air frying, pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poult…
- VERSATILE INNER COOKING POT: Food-grade stainless-steel cooking pot with a tri-ply bottom offers more even cooking and a…
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook …
What Customers LOVE
1. “Cooks Massive Meals in Half the Time!”
- “Feeds my family of 6 in 30 minutes!” – Most users rave about 70% faster cooking vs. stovetop methods.
- “Meal prep for the week takes 1 hour now, not 4.” – Perfect for soups, stews, and whole chickens.
2. “13 Smart Programs Make Cooking Foolproof”
- “Even my teenager can use it!” – The one-touch presets (soup, rice, yogurt) are beginner-friendly.
- “The ‘Yogurt’ setting is a game-changer.” – Health-conscious buyers love homemade yogurt.
3. “Stainless Steel Pot is a Tank”
- “No flaking or scratches after 2 years!” – The tri-ply bottom ensures even heating.
- “Dishwasher-safe everything = easy cleanup.” (Except the lid—more on that later.)
4. “Perfect for Batch Cooking & Parties”
- “I make 10 lbs of pulled pork at once!” – Great for potlucks, holidays, and freezer meals.
What Customers DON’T Love
1. “Lid Issues – Handle Breaks, Seal Wears Out”
- “My lid cracked after 18 months.” – A common complaint (but Instant Pot often replaces it under warranty).
- Fix: Buy a replacement lid (~$20) or handle with care.
2. “Huge – Takes Over My Counter”
- “It’s wider than my microwave!” (Dimensions: 14.8″ x 13.2″).
- Not ideal for small kitchens unless you store it vertically.
3. “Sauté Function Could Be Hotter”
- “Doesn’t sear steaks as well as my cast iron.” – Better for soft browning than crisping.
4. “Learning Curve for Newbies”
- “My first chili was watery—took 3 tries to get ratios right.”
- Pro Tip: Use the free Instant Pot app (800+ recipes) for foolproof cooking.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
BUY If You Want:
- To feed a crowd (or meal prep for days).
- Set-and-forget convenience (13 presets + app recipes).
- Durability (stainless steel beats non-stick).
SKIP If You:
- Have a tiny kitchen (it’s massive).
- Want pro-level searing (use a skillet first).