New to This? Why We Start Everyone on the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

If you're just starting out, the Instant Pot market is overwhelming. We point everyone to the DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker $79.99 first. Here's the reasoning behind that.

What We Think, Straight Up

The Instant Pot changed how millions of people cook at home. The DUO60 is still the one we recommend — it does 7 jobs and does them well.

If you've been on the fence, here's how we'd frame it: the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is designed for anyone who wants to cut weeknight cooking time in half. If that's you, it's very likely the right choice. If it's not, there's probably a better fit at a lower price point.

The Performance

We ran the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker through daily use across several weeks. The things that impressed us most are the ones listed below — not the marketing claims, the actual experience of using it regularly.

There's a difference between products that sound good in spec sheets and ones that feel right in practice. The Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is in the second group.

What We Love

• Pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams, makes rice, yogurt, and more
• 6-quart is the right size for most families
• Stainless steel inner pot — no coating to worry about
• Set and walk away — the delayed start is genuinely useful
• Easy to clean

Room for Improvement

• Takes time to learn the pressure times for different foods
• Big — takes up counter space
• Lid has a few parts to clean

Who Should Buy It

This is for anyone who wants to cut weeknight cooking time in half. If that's you — buy it. The Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is one of those products where you'll look back and wonder why you waited.

If you're on the fence because of price, consider how often you'll use it. Most quality purchases amortise down to almost nothing over their lifespan.

The Value Question

At $79.99, the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker sits at the higher end of the category. Our take: it's priced correctly for what it is. There are cheaper options. They are cheaper for a reason.

We've tested the alternatives. The Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is the one we kept.

Our Verdict

The short answer: yes. The Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is our recommended pick for anyone who wants to cut weeknight cooking time in half. It's well-built, performs as advertised, and we haven't found anything at this price point that beats it.

Buy it. Use it. You'll stop second-guessing the purchase within a week.