It's just me most of the time, and this 3-quart IP couldn't be more perfect. The maximum capacity is actually 2 quarts because, as you know if you've used one before, you can't fill it to the top of the pot. I verified this using water and a big measuring cup before I used for the first time.
The very best feature of the 3-quart is the size ... you can actually give it a spot on the counter if you use it often as I do (it's not much larger than a 5-lb bag of flour). When you figure out how versatile it is you WILL want to leave it out because you'll use it every day. My 6 and 8 quart IPs don't get used anywhere near that much, mostly because I cook for one, but also because I don't have to drag the unit out of the closet and put it back when I'm done (first world problems, I know).
The recipe book that comes with will get you off to a good start if you haven't used an IP before. The numerous settings allow you to cook anything, and even the presets can be customized for time and temperature. Customizing isn't necessary, but it surely is nice when you find out that a preset doesn't give you the results you want. Found out last night when making some hamburger steaks in brown gravy that the IP will warn you if something is burning or beginning to stick to the pot. It stopped cooking and gave an alert. I manually released the pressure and opened the unit, thinned the gravy a bit, stirred and finished the cook cycle with no further problem. The alert indicated "burned", but it was actually just beginning to stick to the bottom of the stainless steel pot a little. It would have certainly burned had the IP not told me.
My favorite regular use is to make yogurt. With this size IP, I don't even mess with the yogurt cups or jars. I make it right in the pot, strain it most of the time but not always, and then store the pot in the fridge with the IP brand silicone lid. The nonstick ceramic inner pot works best for making the yogurt in the pot itself. The yogurt setting is one that I had to customize because the preset temps were incorrect for my needs. My IP also seems to heat just about 2* lower than it’s set for, so I compensate for that.
I vacuum sealed some NY strip steaks with seasoning and used the IP to sous vide them to 135* then finish them off with a quick sear in a skillet or on the grill. Superb - juicy - flavorful.
Along with the 3-quart model, I also invested in a few extra inner pots, both stainless steel and the nonstick ceramic, IP silicone lids, a springform pan, as well as an accessory kit that included the egg rack, silicone egg bite mold, glass lid (for using as a crock or sauce pot) and steamer basket. I've included links to all of those at the end of this review and they may save you some time :)
So many meals taste better as leftovers and, if you have extra inner pots with lids, you can make meals for the entire week in one day and put them in the fridge. That's the other great thing about the 3-quart size ... the covered pots fit easily in the refrigerator. I love to be out in the yard in the evenings, and making meals ahead of time gives me the freedom to do just that and still have fabulous eats.
Bonus: I can take this setup in the RV and need almost nothing else besides a frying pan. It doesn't get easier.
If you haven't, join a couple or more IP groups on Facebook. Lots of recipes and tips get shared in these groups! The official IP page is good too.
If this review helped tou and gave you info you needed, please help others see it by pressing the “yes” button on “helpful”. Thanks!
Silicone lids: https://smile.amazon.com/Genuine-Instant-Pot-Silicone-Quart/dp/B071JST5RY/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_3_1/147-6044504-6726666?pd_rd_w=xRrjs&pf_rd_p=26d392db-8b78-4d00-b33d-2981cba34f91&pf_rd_r=Z28CQF0W6W9S6MDJA0GC&pd_rd_r=08c2caff-48aa-4b31-af7f-5dc31b816662&pd_rd_wg=9PUxd&pd_rd_i=B071JST5RY&psc=1
Ceramic inner pot: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B072QLPDKC?psc=1&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp
SS inner pot: https://smile.amazon.com/Genuine-Instant-Pot-Stainless-Cooking/dp/B072K19MQV/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_3_2/147-6044504-6726666?pd_rd_w=xRrjs&pf_rd_p=26d392db-8b78-4d00-b33d-2981cba34f91&pf_rd_r=Z28CQF0W6W9S6MDJA0GC&pd_rd_r=08c2caff-48aa-4b31-af7f-5dc31b816662&pd_rd_wg=9PUxd&pd_rd_i=B072K19MQV&psc=1
Accessory set: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H6N4RRK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Springform pan: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DIX7U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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From the manufacturer
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Central DialA simple turn and press for easier and more precise cooking program selection and adjustment. |
Ultimate Custom ProgrammingFor the home chef looking for a greater degree of customization and control for even greater precision cooking. |
Altitude AdjustmentEliminates the guesswork from a recipe conversion to provide a more precise cooking time. |
Cooking Progress IndicatorAllows you can monitor the cooking states: Preheat, Cook and Keep Warm. |
Cook rice and steam veggies in the same pot
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Quick Release ButtonThe Quick Release Button allows you to perform both continuous and pulse steam release manually. Once the Quick Release Button is in 'venting' position, it will automatically reset to the 'sealing' position when you open or close the lid. |
ExteriorBrushed stainless steel finger print resistant with lid holder for left and right handed users. |
Stainless Steel Cooking Pot, Steam Rack & LidHealthy, food grade 304 (18/8) – no chemical coatings with inner pot markings at ½ and 2/3 for pressure cooking safety. The cooking pot, lid and steam rack are dishwasher safe. |
Alexa SkillAlexa guided cooking, over 1000 Recipes, Getting Started Videos, Favorite Recipe List, Personalized Grocery List and more. |
UL & ULC certification
Instant Pot has been designed with 11 safety mechanisms and patented technologies. *Authorized by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Issued 2017
11 Safety Mechanisms
Instant Pot has been carefully designed to eliminate many common errors that may cause harm or spoil
1. Steam Release, 2. Anti-Block Shield, 3. Safety Lid Lock, 4. Lid Position Detection, 5. Automatic Temperature Control, 6. Overheat (Burn) Protection, 7. Automatic Pressure Control, 8. Electrical Fuse, 9. Thermal Fuse, 10. Leaky Lid Detection, 11. Quick Release Button
Quick start your mornings with a nutritious breakfast in minutes
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Instant Pot Ultra 3 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer, Silver |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -13% $60.99 List: $69.99 | -29% $119.95 List: $169.99 | -25% $149.95 List: $199.99 | $99.99 | -18% $139.43 Typical: $169.95 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Safety Features | ||||||
| Versatility | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Lock Feature | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | CUCHEN | Amazon.com |
| capacity | 3 quarts | 3 quarts | 6 quarts | 6 quarts | 6 quarts | 8 quarts |
| operation mode | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| control method | touch | touch | touch | touch | touch | touch |
| material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | — | Stainless steel |
| dishwasher safe | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| weight | 9 pounds | 8.55 pounds | 6 kilograms | 15.54 pounds | — | 15.83 pounds |
Reviews with images
Love my 3qt Instapot
Now this 3 qt Instapot has been a game changer and life savor many times. I have the 8qt and added the 3qt to utilize as my rice cooker and smaller portions, such as collard greens, to include eggs. This Instapot is very versatile, keeps items like queso warm and it is easy to travel with, such as to friends or even to work. I use it at least once a day and it sits nice and neatly on my kitchen counter.
