Wondering What Size Instant Pot to Get For a Family of Two? Here’s Your Answer
Today our culinary staff takes on another common Instant Pot question:
Q. It’s just the two of us, what size Instant Pot should I get?
The most common Instant Pot sizes are 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. If you’re cooking for one or two, the temptation may be to go with the smallest size, but that may not be the best choice.
First of all, most recipes are based on the most common, 6-quart size, so adjustments will need to be made to cook in the 3-quart size. A 6-quart also allows you to cook larger items like a whole chicken, a small lasagna or a mini cheesecake and gives you more surface area on the bottom to saute.
Learn the Instant Pot and how to cook our favorite recipes in the new Instant Pot Master Class. [Learn More]
However, there are two specific circumstances in which a 3 quart may be the right answer. First is if you simply don’t have the counter or storage space for a 6-quart model. Better a small pot than no pot at all!
Second is power limitations. If you are in an RV or a dorm room with wattage limitations, then the 3-quart, with its < 700 watt rating may be a better choice vs the 6-quart at 1000 watts or the 8 quart that comes in at a whopping 1200 watts.
Learn the Instant Pot and how to cook our favorite recipes in the new Instant Pot Master Class. [Learn More]
And finally, while all Instant Pots models come in the 6-quart size, only select models are available in the 3- and 8-quart sizes. If you go with a 3-quart model, check carefully to make sure it has any special functions you may want to use, like Yogurt or Sterilize.
Our recommendations for Instant Pots in each size are:
You can also check out what Instant Pot has to say about Which Instant Pot Size & Model is Right for Me.
Amaze others by sharing these helpful tips!
