Which Instant Pot Is Right for You? A Simple Model Comparison Guide of the Classic and Pro Range.

Choosing the right kitchen appliance can feel surprisingly overwhelming. When several models look similar on the surface, it’s not always clear which one will genuinely suit the way you cook day to day.

The good news is that there isn’t a single “best” Instant Pot for everyone. The right choice depends on how many people you cook for, what you enjoy making, and how much flexibility you want from your multi-cooker. This guide breaks things down simply, so you can choose with confidence.

What all Instant Pots have in common

Before looking at individual models, it helps to understand what every Instant Pot is designed to do well.

At their core, Instant Pots combine several cooking functions in one appliance. Depending on the model, these typically include pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming and rice cooking. This makes them particularly useful for:

• Busy households looking to save time
• One-pot meals with minimal washing up, ie., dishwasher-safe
• Batch cooking and meal prep
• Cooking from scratch with less hands-on effort
• A safer way of cooking

Pressure cooking is what sets Instant Pot apart. It allows foods like beans, stews, grains and tougher cuts of meat to cook quickly while retaining flavour and texture.

Choosing the right size: why capacity matters

One of the most important decisions is size. An Instant Pot that’s too small can feel restrictive, while a larger model may take up more space than you need.

Smaller households (1–2 people)

If you  cook for two or solo, a compact Classic Mini 3.8L or Classic 5.7L-size model is usually sufficient. You’ll still be able to batch cook soups, curries and grains, but without excess leftovers.

Families and batch cookers (Up to 4 or more)

For families, or anyone who likes to  batch cook, a larger capacity Classic 5.7L or Classic XL 7.1L model offers far more flexibility. It allows you to cook whole joints of meat, large stews or multiple portions of rice or pasta in one go.

A closer look at the current Instant Pot models

Instant Pot Classic 5.7L

This model is  our best seller for anyone new to multi-cookers.

It offers the essential functions most people use regularly, without extra settings that may go unused. The interface is so simple to use, making it ideal if you want reliable results without a learning curve.

Best for:

• First-time Instant Pot users
• Everyday meals like curries, soups and rice
• Customisable favourite buttons for your most cooked recipes
• Simple, no-frills cooking

Available in 3 colours: Black Pepper, Sea Salt White and DayDream Blue

Instant Pot Pro 5.7L

Designed to give you optimum flexibility when cooking, say hello to the Instant Pot Pro. The innovative 10-in-1 functionality means you’re ready to cook anything life throws at you, even if you’re meal prepping for the week (we’re impressed) or whipping up dinner for the family, do it all and more with this high-performance Instant Pot Pro.

With faster heat-up times, finer temperature control, and advanced safety upgrades, this model gives you the confidence to explore bolder recipes, nail perfect results, and cook more efficiently, every time.

Plus, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor and control your cooking straight from your phone, so dinner can stay on track even when you’re not in the kitchen.

Best for:
• Confident and adventurous home cooks
• Batch cooking, meal prep, and busy schedules
• Recipes that benefit from precise control and consistency

• Can even cook from the comfort of your couch using the Instant Connect™ app

Available in 2 colours: Caviar Grey and Coconut White

Instant Pot Classic Mini 3.8L

For those with a smaller kitchen or who are cooking for 1-2 people. The Instant Pot Classic Mini 3.8L is cute and compact enough to leave on your kitchen counter, say hello to hands-free cooking, giving you delicious homemade meals in minutes so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

Best for:
• First time Instant Pot users

• Cooking for 1-2 people
• Simple, no-frills cooking

Instant Pot Classic XL 7.1L

The Instant Pot Classic XL Multi-Cooker, designed to make cooking simple, easy and convenient. Effortlessly prepare up to 8 portions with its generous capacity, and a 33% larger sauté surface for even cooking results. The wider, lower profile not only makes it easier to stir during cooking,  but also accommodates larger items like whole chickens with ease. It even has customisable favourites buttons where you can easily save and access your top cooking settings with four quick-select options.

Best for:

• Large families or for meal prepping
• Simple, no-frills cooking

How you plan to cook should guide your choice

Rather than focusing on features alone, it helps to think about how you actually cook during a typical week.

If you value speed and convenience

All models handle pressure cooking exceptionally well, but if you often cook after work and want faster pre-heating and cooking cycles, the Pro model may feel more responsive.

If you enjoy experimenting

If you like adapting recipes, cooking grains in different ways or fine-tuning textures, the additional settings on the Pro offer more flexibility.

If you prefer simplicity

If you want dependable results with minimal decision-making, the Classic models do exactly that. They’re intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re new to pressure cooking.

Washing up is a breeze

Save time with easy to clean stainless steel inner pot, lid and steam rack which are dishwasher-safe.

What about air frying and other appliances?

Some people consider whether to replace multiple appliances with one. While Instant Pots are excellent at moist-heat cooking methods, air fryers remain better suited to crisping and browning foods. Check out our Fryer Range HERE.

Making the right choice for your kitchen

There’s no need to choose the most advanced model if you won’t use the extra features. Equally, if you cook often and enjoy variety, a more flexible model can grow with you over time.

A good rule of thumb:

• Choose Classic 5.7L for effortless, reliable everyday cooking
• Choose Pro for remote cooking, faster performance, greater control, and maximum versatility
• Choose Mini 8L for compact kitchens and perfectly portioned meals for 1–3 people
• Choose Classic XL 7.1L for family feasts or meal-prepping champions.

Whichever you choose, an Instant Pot is designed to make home cooking easier – whether you’re feeding a family, cooking meals from scratch, or simply trying to spend less time in the kitchen.

Cooking well doesn’t require more effort, just the right tools to fit how you live and eat.

Because Life is better in an Instant.