Joybuy Insights

Buying an Instant Pot multicooker: which size and functions suit your everyday life?

An Instant Pot multicooker can combine a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and steamer in one appliance. This saves space and can make preparing soups, rice dishes, casseroles or meal-prep portions easier. However, having a wide range of functions does not automatically guarantee the right purchasing decision.

Many buyers first look at the number of programmes or advertising claims about saving time. In practice, three questions are more useful: How much capacity do you actually need? How easy is the appliance to use safely? And how much effort is involved in cleaning it?

Common buying mistakes when choosing an Instant Pot multicooker

1. More programmes do not automatically mean more benefits

A 7-in-1 multicooker often offers functions such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, cooking eggs, making yoghurt and keeping food warm. If you mainly cook rice, soups or stews, you may not need every function.

What matters is whether the programmes suit your usual meal plan. For Korean or Chinese dishes, for example, pressure cooking, keeping food warm and sautéing can be useful. For crispy food, however, an Air Fryer with a separate hot-air lid is more suitable.

2. The stated capacity cannot be used in full

An Instant Pot 5.7 l does not automatically hold 5.7 l of finished food. When pressure cooking, part of the pot must remain empty. Liquids or foods that foam heavily must not be filled to the brim. The markings inside the pot and the instruction manual are therefore more important than the stated capacity alone.

An Instant Pot 3.8 l is more suitable for individuals, couples or smaller meal-prep quantities. A 5.7-litre appliance is often a good fit for several portions, while an Instant Pot 7.6 l, or a comparable XL model, is worth considering for families, larger batches and entertaining guests.

3. Advertising time estimates do not always cover the entire cooking time

With an electric pressure cooker, the set cooking time is supplemented by the heating and pressure-building phases. Controlled steam release can also take time. The actual duration depends on the quantity of ingredients, the temperature and the recipe.

If you are looking for particularly quick meals, do not focus solely on a number of minutes. Also look for automatic programmes, clear displays and an easily accessible steam-release control.

Technical parameters to check before buying

Capacity and space required

The following guidelines may help you choose:

  • 3.8 l: suitable for one to around four portions, smaller kitchens and couples.
  • 5.7 l: a practical choice for family meals, guests or regular meal prep.
  • 7.1 to 7.6 l: suitable for larger households, batch cooking and large stews.
  • 2.8 l: an interesting option as a rice cooker and steamer if rice and grains are your main focus.

As well as the pot’s capacity, consider its width, height and the space above the appliance. The lid must be able to open safely, and the steam outlet must not be positioned beneath wall cupboards or directly next to a wall.

Functions, controls and power supply

A 7-in-1 multicooker should offer programmes for the dishes you actually plan to prepare. A manual time and temperature setting, keep-warm function and clear display are also useful.

German households should check the EU version, 220-volt compatibility and a suitable mains plug. The relevant product page provides the technical specifications for the particular model. App control can be convenient, but it does not replace checking the lid, steam valve and fill level.

Materials and cleaning

A removable stainless-steel pot is practical for many dishes and is often dishwasher-safe. If the appliance has coated components, follow the care instructions, as intense heat, abrasive sponges or unsuitable cleaning products can damage the surface.

A sealing ring that can be fitted cleanly, an accessible steam valve and a lid that can be cleaned according to the instructions are also important. Before cleaning, disconnect the appliance from the mains and allow it to cool down completely.

Product selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Instant Pot Multicooker Mini Black 3.8 l

Instant Pot, Multicooker, Mini Black, 3.8L - 140-8000-01-EU

Why this product suits the profile: The compact 3.8-litre model is designed for smaller households, simple everyday meals and limited kitchen space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The smaller capacity reduces the risk of buying an oversized appliance that takes up a lot of space permanently.

Main benefit & strengths

7 functions, stainless-steel inner pot and dishwasher-safe components according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Instant Pot Multicooker Classic EU 5.7 l

Instant Pot, Multicooker Classic EU, 5.7L, Black - 112-2000-01-EU

Why this product suits the profile: The 5.7-litre model combines several cooking methods with a stainless-steel inner pot and an EU version suitable for German households.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 7-in-1 design brings the functions together in one appliance, rather than requiring separate pots for pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming.

Main benefit & strengths

Pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, yoghurt and egg programmes, plus a keep-warm function.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 7.6 l with Air Fryer

Instant Pot, MultiCooker, Pro Crisp 220V EU, 7.6L - 140-0027-01-EU

Why this product suits the profile: Two removable lids combine pressure cooking and hot-air cooking in one 7.6-litre appliance. This makes it a good choice for families, large quantities and users with varied meal plans.

How this product avoids the pitfall

If you want to prepare both tender stews and crispy dishes, you do not need to make room for a separate Air Fryer as well.

Main benefit & strengths

Pressure-cooking and Air-Fryer lids, a temperature range from 21 to 232 °C according to the product description, plus dishwasher-safe parts.

Suitable for: Rice- and steaming-focused households
Instant Pot rice cooker and steamer 2.8 l

Instant Pot 2.8L Rice Cooker & Steamer, 600W Multifunctional Rice & Grain Cooker, White

Why this product suits the profile: This appliance is aimed at households that regularly prepare rice, grains and steamed side dishes and do not need a pressure cooker.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its more focused design helps prevent buyers from paying for pressure-cooking functions they rarely use in everyday life.

Main benefit & strengths

2.8-litre pot, rice cooking, steaming and dishwasher-safe accessories according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Instant meals as a complement for quick dishes

A multicooker is designed for fresh ingredients, but it can be complemented with long-life instant products. According to the product description, the NongShim Instant Pot Instant Potato Noodle Soup 100g is prepared with 500 ml of water and a cooking time of around three to four minutes. The noodles contain 49% potato starch; wheat and soya are listed as allergens. You can find a product page here.

Fans of Korean and Chinese cuisine may also be interested in self-heating hot pots. They do not require a kitchen appliance, but because of the hot heating packs, the steam produced and the allergen information, they must be used exactly as stated on the packaging. The Shoo-Loong-Kan products mentioned list soya and sulphites, among other allergens.

Instant Pot multicooker FAQ

How long does an Instant Pot multicooker last?

Its lifespan depends on how intensively it is used, how it is cleaned and the condition of the sealing ring, steam unit and coating. Wear parts should be checked according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replaced when necessary. A damaged lid or a valve that does not close reliably should not be used again.

Is an electric pressure cooker cheaper to run than a hob?

There is no universal answer. Electricity consumption, cooking time, quantity and tariff all affect running costs. Manufacturer claims about possible energy savings are based on specific comparison conditions. For a realistic assessment, buyers can compare the wattage, actual usage time and quantity prepared.

What must not be put in an Instant Pot?

Not every food is suitable for pressure cooking. Ingredients that foam heavily, very large quantities and foods that expand considerably must be handled according to the instructions. The steam area must not be blocked, and the maximum fill line must be observed. For crispy results, an Air Fryer or a model with an Air-Fryer lid is the more suitable option.