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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker See Full ReviewIf you've been on the fence about getting an Instant Pot, this is the post that'll push you over. Not because of the hype — but because of what it actually does to your weeknight cooking. Meals that used to take 3 hours now take 30 minutes. Tough, cheap cuts of meat come out tender and flavorful. And cleanup is one pot.
Below are 6 recipes that show exactly what the Instant Pot does best — plus an honest breakdown of why the Duo 7-in-1 is the model most home cooks should buy.
Why the Instant Pot Changed How Americans Cook
7 Appliances in 1
Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer — all in one pot that stores in a single cabinet.
Cuts Cook Time by 70%
Tough cuts like brisket, ribs, and whole chickens that take hours in the oven are done in 30–45 minutes under pressure.
Set It and Walk Away
Unlike stovetop cooking, you seal the lid and leave. No stirring, no watching, no boiling over. It beeps when it's done.
One Pot, One Cleanup
Everything cooks in the same stainless steel insert. The lid, insert, and sealing ring are all dishwasher safe.
4.8/5 editor's score. The Instant Pot Duo is our top-rated kitchen appliance for 2026.
See on Amazon6 Recipes That Show What the Instant Pot Does Best
Each one is beginner-friendly and designed to make you wonder how you cooked without it.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a cream sauce that tastes like it took all day. One pot, zero mess.
Pro tip: Use the Sauté function first to brown the chicken — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Fall-Off-the-Bone Beef Ribs
What normally takes 4 hours in the oven takes 45 minutes under pressure. The meat slides off the bone.
Pro tip: Add a cup of beef broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the pot before sealing.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Restaurant-quality Indian curry at home, with pantry spices you already have. Freezes beautifully.
Pro tip: Bloom your spices in the Sauté mode for 60 seconds before adding the tomatoes.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Thick, creamy, and loaded with cheese and bacon. The Instant Pot makes it in a fraction of the time.
Pro tip: Use the Natural Release method for 10 minutes — it keeps the potatoes from turning mushy.
Honey Garlic Salmon
Perfectly moist salmon every time — no more dry, overcooked fish. The steam keeps it tender.
Pro tip: Place salmon on the trivet with 1 cup of water below. 3 minutes on High Pressure is all it takes.
Steel-Cut Oats (Meal Prep)
Make a week's worth of creamy steel-cut oats in 10 minutes. Set it, forget it, reheat all week.
Pro tip: Use a 1:3 oats-to-liquid ratio and Natural Release for the creamiest texture.
Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?
For most home cooks, the answer is the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 in the 6-quart size. It handles everything in this post and more. The 8-quart is worth it if you regularly cook for 6+ people or want to batch-cook and freeze. The 3-quart is great for singles or couples but too small for most family meals.
Skip the fancier models with air fryer lids and Wi-Fi connectivity — they add cost without adding meaningful cooking capability. The Duo does everything you need.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The best all-around pressure cooker for home cooks. Replaces 7 appliances, cuts cook time by 70%, and cleans up in minutes.
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