The Best Instant Pots in Canada

The Instant Pot is a brand of multicookers which first entered the market in 2010. This Canadian invention combine multiple cooking appliances into one pot. With the Instant Pot, you can make dishes like mac and cheese, chili, ribs, chicken and various soups in a matter of minutes. With some models, you can even make cakes or your own yogurt. The versatility of the Instant Pot is a reason why it has become so popular.

Knowing which Instant Pot is the best can be tricky since most come with similar features. That’s why we’ve created this buying guide to list the best Instant Pots in Canada.

Note: For those new to Instant Pots, there are some important things to know. First, using an Instant Pot for the first time can be tricky. There can be a learning curve to using an Instant Pot since the cooking methods differ from other kitchen appliances. Overtime, you will get used to cooking with the Instant Pot. The next thing to remember is that it takes time for it to build up pressure, which factors into the overall cooking time. This can throw some people off since the Instant Pot is advertised as quickly cooking food, much faster than traditional cooking appliances.

Size: Instant Pots come in three sizes: three quarts, six quarts, and eight quarts. The size of Instant Pot you buy is influenced by several factors. First is the number of people in your household. If you live on your own or with two other people, then three-quart Instant Pots are the right size for you; these generally serve up to three people. Larger households should stick with the six quart or eight quart sizes. The second factor is the space available in your kitchen. If you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, then the eight quart or six quart sizes may be too big. In that case, the three quart Instant Pot would be the perfect size for you. And lastly, if you want to travel with your Instant pot, the smaller version is the recommended size.

Functions: Instant Pots come with many features, which differ between models. However, all Instant Pots have the pressure cooker, slow cooker, and rice cooker features. We recommend you check the various Instant Pot models to see what features they have.

Integrated Programs: Instant Pots come with integrated programs, which vary from model to model. Here are some notable examples:

• Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity: enables you to control your instant pot via your phone or tablet.
• Recipes: Several Instant Pots come with built-in recipes which you can program to cook through the Instant Pot app.
• Safety: Instant Pots come with several safety mechanisms like temperature control, lid locks, and release valves. These mechanisms make Instant Pots much more safer than regular pressure cookers.

During our research, we spent over eight hours looking at various Instant Pot models. We only considered products rated four or more stars by customers. Our team consulted articles and videos when we needed information about the Instant Pot. In the end, we selected Instant Pots that provided consumers with the best cooking experience.

How does an Instant Pot work?

For most of its programs, the Instant Pot cooks food by building up a pressurized environment inside the pot. It will then cook the food at the required temperature for a set amount of time. There are three main cooking stages:

1. Pre-heating and pressuring stage: First, the Instant Pot will begin to heat up and build up pressure.
2. Cooking Stage: Once the desired temperature and pressure have been reached, the Instant Pot will cook the food for the set time limit or by the selected program’s setting.
3. Depressurizing Stage: Once the cooking has finished, the temperature will lower, and the pot will depressurize. The Instant Pot will release the pressure itself through the steam release valve. You can also lower the pressure yourself using the quick release feature. If you use this feature, make sure to keep your hands and face away from the steam.

Some of the cooking programs operate differently. The Slow Cook program does not use pressure to cook food. Instead, it operates like a traditional slow cooker/crockpot. The pot is sealed and then heated to the desired temperature. The cook time is set to Less, Normal, or More (you may have to adjust the time). The Sauté setting is another non-pressure cooking program. With this program, you’ll cook food just like you would with a frying pan or grill.

Is an Instant Pot worth it?

Buying an Instant Pot can seem like an expensive investment, but it is well worth the money. Instant Pots are valued for their efficiency and convenience. They can also save you money; for example, you don’t have to buy extra cooking appliances. For these reasons, we feel that it is definitely worth it to buy an Instant Pot.

What Instant Pot size should I get?

The answer to this question depends on the size of your household. As mentioned earlier, single people or smaller families should stick with three quart Instant Pots. The six quart and eight quart Instant Pots are suited for larger households. Another factor is the space you have in your kitchen. You can buy the larger sized models if you have the room. If not, then you should buy the smaller sized Instant Pot.

What’s the average Instant Pot Price?

The average price for an Instant Pot is between $100-$300.

Are Instant Pots safe?

Instant Pots are safer compared to traditional pressure cookers. Explosions are a common accident with pressure cookers. This occurs when the high-temperature steam that has been built up within the cooker is suddenly released. To combat explosion, Instant Pots come with several safety mechanisms. All Instant Pot models have a valve that releases the steam from inside the pot. The pressure will decrease and eventually it will be safe to open the lid. Instant Pots also come with lid locks, which prevent the lid from shooting off.

Still, there are some safety steps to follow when using the instant pot. First, do not overfill your Instant Pot. Too much food or liquid inside the pot can create dangerous pressure levels. Make sure you fill up the pot to the recommend measurement levels. Second, make sure the steam release valve is clean. Some foods like noodles, rhubarb, or cranberries can sputter or foam inside your Instant Pot. This can clog the steam release valve, which results in the steam not being properly released. Third, double check that the pot’s lid is fully sealed. You can do this by checking if the sealing ring is properly placed under the lid and is clean of any food debris. An off-kilter lid can explode off the pot, potentially causing burns. The Instant Pot will display “Lid” if it isn’t sealed correctly.

What are the easiest Instant Pot recipes?

You can find hundreds of Instant Pot recipes online. The easiest ones tend to use minimal ingredients, and the cook times are fairly short. Here are some links to easy Instant Pot recipes:

17 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (tasteofhome.com)

59 Easy Instant Pot Recipes – Food.com

50 Easy Instant Pot Recipes (Beginner Friendly) | Tested by Amy + Jacky (pressurecookrecipes.com)