When I bought my first Instant Pot, I thought I’d just press a button and dinner would magically appear.
Spoiler: I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to close the lid.
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The thing is—Instant Pots are actually amazing once you know which one to get. The wrong model can make you feel like you need a YouTube tutorial for every meal. The right one will make you wonder how you ever lived without it.
So, I’m sharing the top Instant Pot picks for beginners in 2025 — the ones that are easy, forgiving, and versatile enough to make everything from soup to cheesecake (yes, cheesecake).
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 — The “First Love” of Instant Pots
This was my starter Instant Pot, and I’ll forever be loyal to it. It doesn’t overwhelm you with a hundred settings you’ll never touch. You’ve got your essentials: pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yogurt, sautéing, steaming, and keeping food warm.
For me, the game-changer was making chicken curry in 20 minutes on a Wednesday night. No hovering over the stove. No panicking that the rice would burn.
💡 Beginner Tip: Leave it on your counter. If it’s hidden in a cabinet, you’ll “forget” it’s there.
2. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 — Same Comfort, More Toys
If the Duo is the classic, the Duo Plus is the upgrade you treat yourself to when you’re feeling fancy. You still get the easy setup, but you also get extras like a sterilizer and sous vide.
I didn’t think I’d use the sterilizer until I needed to clean glass jars for homemade jam. Now it’s my little secret weapon. The display even shows a progress bar so you’re not wondering, is this thing actually cooking?
3. Instant Pot Duo Crisp — For People Who Want Crunchy Fries AND Stew
The first time I used this, I made roast chicken that was fall-apart juicy and had crispy golden skin — all in one pot. No switching pans, no oven preheating. Just magic.
It has a detachable air fryer lid, so you can go from slow-cooked chili to crispy potato wedges without touching another appliance.
Yes, it’s bigger, but if you’ve ever wished your pressure cooker could also give you crunch, this is your match.
4. Instant Pot Lux 6-in-1 — Simple, Cheap, and Does the Job
If you just want to see what the hype is about without dropping a ton of money, the Lux is perfect. It’s like the friendly neighbor who doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but always shows up when you need them.
I used one at my friend’s apartment to make mac and cheese, and honestly, I didn’t miss the extra features at all.
5. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 — For Beginners Who Already Know They’ll Use It a Lot
Some people buy an Instant Pot and use it twice a month. Others use it every day. If you’re the second type, the Pro is worth it.
It’s faster, quieter, and the inner pot is stovetop-safe (meaning you can brown meat right on your stove, then pop it back in to pressure cook).
I use mine for batch cooking on Sundays — soups, rice, shredded chicken for tacos — so I can basically “cook” all week without lifting a pan.
Beginner-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes That Never Fail Me
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Creamy chicken alfredo (takes 15 minutes and tastes like you tried harder)
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One-pot mac & cheese (dangerously easy)
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Chili that tastes like it simmered all day
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Hard-boiled eggs that peel like a dream
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BBQ pulled chicken for sandwiches
My Final Advice If You’re Stuck Deciding
If you want something foolproof and affordable → Get the Duo 7-in-1.
If you like gadgets and want a few extra tricks → Go for the Duo Plus.
If you dream about crispy food → Duo Crisp all the way.
And whatever you do, don’t be afraid to experiment. The Instant Pot isn’t just a tool — it’s the kind of kitchen buddy that quietly makes life easier, one weeknight dinner at a time.
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