There are so many Instant Pot models that it can be downright confusing. If you’re stuck between the 6 and 1 and the 7 in 1, but don’t quite understand the differences, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will provide…
- The main differences between the Instant Pot 6 in 1 and 7 in 1.
- A handy comparison chart that summarizes ALL the features.
- Why would you use an Instant Pot in the first place.
- The pros and cons of each model.
Time to get started!
What are the Main Differences Between the 6 in 1 and 7 in 1?
The main differences between the 6 in 1 and 7 in 1 are the sizes and programmed functions. The 6-in-1 Instant Pot comes with 10 programmed functions while the 7 comes with 14. The 7-in-1 also comes with more pre-set temperatures.
The 7-in-1 Instant Pot is also manufactured in a wider variety of sizes.
**Update 3/23 2018 — both models now have 3 qt, 6 qt and 8 qt sizes.
List of 7-in-1 Programs: Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual, and Pressure Cook.
List of 6-in-1 Programs: Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Cake, Egg, Sauté, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam and Slow Cook
Features such as the Smart Programs will vary by the size of each model.
See the handy comparison chart below for full details.
Handy Comparison Table
We’ve taken the liberty of summarizing all of the similarities and differences so that you don’t have to!
Please note that there are also certain variations between the 6-in-1 and 7-in-1 size models.
For example, the Lux Mini has 10 smart programs while the Lux 6 has 12.
Why Use an Instant Pot
- Quicker than slow cookers
- Easier to use than pressure cookers
- More versatile than almost any other kitchen appliance
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Can do the functions of rice cookers, pressure cookers, slow cookers, and more.
Rather than using a slow cooker and taking all day to make dinner, an Instant Pot can be used to make dinner in a matter of minutes. Of course, pressure cookers can cook quickly as well, but they can be fickle. All too often people buy pressure cookers, only to realize that monitoring the temperature can be more difficult than originally thought.
Pressure cookers also have a much smaller range of dishes that they can cook. Whereas Instant Pots can take on all types of dishes, from soups, to pasta, and even several desserts. Instant Pots are widely known for their versatility, although some can do more than others, and that alone is reason enough to buy one.
However, on top of their versatility, they are also way easier to clean than pressure cookers. Pressure cookers can be pretty cumbersome and awkward to wash, but you do not face this problem with an Instant Pot. Now, let’s take a look at a couple of different Instant Pots to help give you a better idea of what they can do, and how they differ from one another.
Other models that perform similarly are the Cuisinart CPC and Power Pressure Cooker XL.
You Might Also Like: Instant Pot Smart vs. Duo vs. Duo Plus vs. Lux vs. Ultra | What’s the Difference?
Instant Pot LUX60 V3 6-in-1 Overview
This Instant Pot is extremely versatile with 6 distinct functions. The food grade, stainless steel pot, rack, and lid, can all be used to pressure cook for up to 4 hours, and keep your food warm for up to 10! And best of all, they are all dishwasher safe.
This Instant Pot is great for anyone who doesn’t have lots of spare time each day to cook. It reduces the amount of time you spend cooking by up to 600%.
This Instant Pot, with 10 built in programs, takes the guess work out of cooking. You can easily select one of the programs by pressing the large, easy to use buttons on the exterior of the Instant Pot.
The 6-in-1 is great for families of all sizes. It comes in 6 or 8 quart sizes, so if you have a large family, the 8 quart can make plenty of food for your small army.
Speaking of the exterior, the beautiful stainless steel is fingerprint resistant, so there won’t be those ugly smudges every time you use it. This comes in extremely handy if you have children, since their little fingers seem to find anything and everything. But how does this Instant Pot measure up to a 7-in-1?
Instant Pot DUO80 7-in-1 Overview
This 8 quart, stainless steel Instant Pot, has all the same functions of the 6-in-1, plus it can make yogurt. Glue and Glitter has a great recipe for vegan yogurt you can make right in the Instant Pot, so feel free to check that out. This just goes to show that this sleek, well built Instant Pot is great for people who want to make healthy foods that actually taste good, too.
The DUO80 7-in-1, has a large, easy to use user interface as well. There are no tiny buttons, or dials, or really any programming that you have to do, the Instant Pot pretty much does it all for you.
Read Next: Instant Pot vs. Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker (CPC-600)
If the thought of a machine doing so much, makes you a little apprehensive, we are here to ease your nerves. There are 10 unique, patented safety mechanisms to ensure that the Instant POT is always functioning correctly. For example, the Instant Pot can detect when the steam release is open, causing leaks while cooking. It also has an anti blockage vent and a high heat monitoring system, which helps ensure that pieces of food will not block the vent and that the temperature does not get too high, burning your food.
Adding to its safety, the pot is totally chemical free and has an air tight seal. This provides protection from from the outside environment and keeps all of the flavors trapped inside. The 3-ply bottom also allows for even heat distribution and ensures that your food is always cooked perfectly and on time.
Like the 6-in-1, this one is also manufactured in various sizes. You can choose from the 3 quart, 6 quart, or 8 quart Instant Pot.
**Click any of the links above to check customer reviews and prices on Amazon.
What’s Included in Each One
On top of the Instant Pots themselves, when you buy one, it also will come with:
- Stainless steel steam rack
- Rice paddle
- Soup spoon
- Measuring cup
- Condensation collector
Recommended Article: Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker vs. Rice Cooker (The Key Differences)
Are There Downsides to Instant Pots?
Overall, the Instant Pot works as promised. They tend to last a very long time and they have been very well received by people all over. As with everything, there may be a small manufacturing error here and there, but that is why it also comes with a 1 year warranty.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
Both Instant Pots are pretty great, so there is no, one definite answer to this question. You must assess your needs first. Do you plan on making a lot of yogurt? If the answer is no, you will probably be fine getting the 6-in-1. However, if you love yogurt and really want to make your own, the 7-in-1 Instant Pot is is a great way to do that.
Regardless of which Instant Pot you choose to purchase, you will get an incredibly durable and reliable piece of cookware that that is going to last you years. The guarantee is backed by a one year manufacturer’s warranty, so if your machine malfunctions, you haven’t wasted your money.
A really cool feature that both Instant Pots also have, is a 24 hour delayed start. This means you can set the Instant Pot to turn on at a certain time. This can be incredibly useful if you work all day and don’t have time to cook every night, but still want to eat healthy. You can easily program the Instant Pot to turn on a couple of hours before you usually get home, depending on what you’re making, and by the time you get home your dinner will be done and ready to eat.
With both Instant Pots, you can also download the Instant Pot recipe app to go along with your new Instant Pot. The app has hundreds of more recipes, so you’ll never run out of things to make. For us plant based folks – the Vegan Richa has a ton of specifically Instant Pot vegan recipes to check out! But, the only way to really find out about all of the great features and life changing benefits of the Instant Pot, is to buy one for yourself.
Further Reading: Power Pressure Cooker XL vs Instant Pot (Easy to Follow Comparison)
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
