I never thought a kitchen gadget could change how I cooked, but the Instant Pot completely changed my routine. After trying both models — the 7 in 1 and the 9 in 1 — I realized how much one small upgrade can shift the way we make meals at home. If you’ve been torn between the two, like I was, this guide will help. I’ve tested them side by side, made mistakes, tasted wins, and figured out what actually matters.
If making food faster, fresher, and simpler speaks to you, keep reading — I’ve got some real talk to share that might just change your dinner game.
Table of Contents
Instant Pot 7 in 1 Review
I’ve been regularly using Instant Pot appliances for a long time now, both for quick weekday meals and slower comfort cooking. Over time, it has quietly become one of those tools I reach for without even thinking.
What I Like
Quick note: These are the things that genuinely made me appreciate the Instant Pot brand more the longer I used it.
- It saves me real time, not just “marketing time.”
Meals that once took hours now finish while I’m doing something else. That freedom alone feels like getting part of my day back. - One pot does the job of many.
I can sauté, pressure cook, and keep food warm without changing cookware. Fewer dishes. Less mess. More peace. - Pressure cooking feels safe and calm.
Older pressure cookers always made me nervous. Instant Pot feels controlled and predictable, which builds trust fast. - It helps me cook things I avoided before.
Dried beans, tough cuts of meat, even desserts. The brand removes fear from cooking and replaces it with confidence. - It fits real life, not chef life.
Whether I’m tired, busy, or distracted, it still delivers good food with minimal effort.
What Could Be Better
Quick note: These points don’t ruin the experience, but they are worth knowing so expectations stay realistic.
- Rice can be hit or miss depending on taste.
It cooks rice, but not everyone loves the texture. I still use it, just with small tweaks. - The learning curve exists at the start.
The buttons look simple, but it takes a few meals to feel fully comfortable. After that, it’s smooth sailing. - It takes counter space.
Not huge, but noticeable. I solved this by giving it a permanent spot because I use it so often. - Some functions feel like bonuses, not stars.
A few modes are nice to have, even if I don’t use them daily. The core functions still shine.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using Instant Pot products regularly for over two years now, across different cooking styles and seasons. From rushed dinners to slow weekend meals, it has seen it all in my kitchen.
Design
Quick note: This is about how it feels to live with, not just how it looks.
The design is simple and honest. Nothing flashy. And I like that.
The controls are clear. The lid locks with confidence. It feels like a tool, not a toy.
Compared to other brands I’ve tried, Instant Pot feels more thoughtful. It respects the cook. That makes daily use less stressful and more enjoyable for anyone at home.
Performance
Quick note: This is where the brand quietly wins people over.
Performance is where Instant Pot really impressed me.
Pressure cooking is fast, even, and repeatable. I get the same results again and again, which builds trust.
It doesn’t rush food in a bad way. It shortens time without killing flavor. That balance is rare, and it benefits anyone who wants good food without standing by the stove.
Build Quality
Quick note: This section matters because long-term use tells the real story.
The build feels solid and dependable.
The stainless steel inner pot handles heat well and cleans easily. Buttons still respond well after years.
I’ve used cheaper brands before, and they felt tired fast. Instant Pot hasn’t embarrassed itself once. It still feels reliable, and that reliability is what makes it worth owning.
Final Thought
The Instant Pot brand isn’t about perfection. It’s about making cooking easier, safer, and less stressful.
If you value time, consistency, and confidence in the kitchen, this brand quietly earns its place.
Instant Pot 9 in 1 Review
I’ve been regularly using Instant Pot multi-cookers in my own kitchens and rental properties for years. For quick, clean, and stress-free meals, the Instant Pot 9 in 1 has become one of those appliances I quietly rely on almost every week.
What I Like
After using Instant Pot products in real life, these are the things that genuinely stand out to me and make cooking easier day after day.
- It replaces many appliances at once
I love that I don’t need a pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, or slow cooker anymore. One machine does it all, and my kitchen feels less crowded and calmer. - Cooking feels faster without feeling rushed
On busy days, this is a lifesaver. I can put ingredients in, press a button, and walk away. Dinner still feels homemade, not hurried. - Very beginner friendly
Even if you have never used a pressure cooker, Instant Pot makes it feel safe and simple. The buttons are clear, and the steps feel guided, not confusing. - One-pot cooking means easy cleanup
I really enjoy not dealing with piles of dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, which saves time and energy after a long day. - Consistent results
Rice comes out fluffy. Beans cook evenly. Stews taste rich. That kind of consistency builds trust, especially when cooking for family or guests.
What Could Be Better
I like to stay honest, so here are a few things that could improve. None of these are deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing.
- There is a small learning curve at first
The first few uses can feel a bit slow while you learn the buttons. Once you get used to it, though, it becomes second nature. - It takes up counter space
Like most multi-cookers, it is not tiny. I solved this by storing it when not in use, which keeps my counter clear. - Pressure release needs attention
Steam release works well, but you do need to be mindful at first. After a few uses, it feels safe and controlled.
I see these more as adjustments, not flaws. With a little time, they fade into the background.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using Instant Pot cookers for over two years across different homes and kitchens. From quick weekday meals to batch cooking for busy weeks, this brand has proven itself reliable and practical.
Design
From a design point of view, Instant Pot keeps things clean and simple. It feels like a quiet helper, not a flashy gadget.
The layout makes sense. Buttons are easy to read, and the lid system feels secure. I appreciate small touches, like handles that help when the pot is hot. Compared to older pressure cookers, this feels calmer and less intimidating. That alone helps people cook with more confidence.
Performance
This is where Instant Pot really shines for me. It performs like a steady engine that never complains.
Meals cook faster, but flavors still develop well. Beans that once took hours are ready in under an hour. Rice cooks evenly. Soups taste deep and rich. Compared to stovetop cooking, I feel less stressed and more in control. For busy families, this performance means more time and less effort.
Build Quality
Instant Pot products feel solid in daily use. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy.
The stainless steel inner pot holds up well and cleans easily. The lid locks with confidence, and the overall unit feels stable on the counter. Over time, this matters. I trust it enough to use it often, which says a lot. Compared to lower-quality cookers, this one feels built to last and designed for real kitchens, not just show.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Instant Pot as a brand delivers reliability, ease, and comfort in the kitchen. It feels like having an extra pair of hands that never get tired. If you want faster meals, fewer dishes, and less stress while cooking, the Instant Pot 9 in 1 experience fits naturally into everyday life without overcomplicating things.
Instant Pot 7 in 1 vs 9 in 1 – Comparison Table
I’ve been testing out both the 7-in-1 and 9-in-1 Instant Pots for a while now. As someone who juggles a busy schedule but loves homemade food, I wanted to know which one truly delivers on convenience, quality, and taste. Here’s a simple and honest breakdown to help you decide which one might work best for you.
| Category | Feature | 7-in-1 Instant Pot | 9-in-1 Instant Pot |
| Material & Durability | Pot Material | 18/8 Stainless Steel | 18/8 Stainless Steel with anti-spin base |
| Lid Type | Basic seal lid | Improved lid with safer steam release | |
| Durability | Very good | Excellent | |
| Rating | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
| Design & Size | Display | Basic digital panel | Blue LCD with more info |
| Controls | Simple buttons | Touch controls, clearer | |
| Look & Style | Classic | Sleek with chrome finish | |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 9/10 | |
| Capacity | 3 Qt | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Qt | Yes | Yes | |
| 8 Qt | Yes | Yes | |
| Rating | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
| Cooking Functions | Main Functions | Pressure, Slow, Rice, Steam, Yogurt, Sauté, Keep Warm | All 7-in-1 functions + Sous Vide & Sterilize |
| Smart Programs | 13 | 15 | |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
| Cooking Speed | Beans (Dry) | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Lamb Stew | 30–35 minutes | 30–35 minutes | |
| Rice | 20–25 minutes | 20–22 minutes | |
| Rating | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
| Keep Warm | Auto Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
| Duration | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | |
| Heat Consistency | Good | Very good | |
| Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
| Inner Pot (Non-Stick) | Coating | No | No |
| Ease of Cleaning | Good | Great (more stable base) | |
| Rating | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
| Wattage & Voltage | Power | 1000 W | 1000 W |
| Voltage | 120V (US standard) | 120V (US standard) | |
| Rating | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
| Ease of Use | Learning Curve | Very easy | Very easy |
| Display Readability | Basic | High contrast, easy to read | |
| Setup | Quick | Even quicker | |
| Rating | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
| Price & Warranty | Price (6 Qt) | $109.99 | $139.99 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | |
| Value | Great for basics | Better for advanced users | |
| Rating | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out or mainly need a pressure cooker and slow cooker, the 7-in-1 Instant Pot is more than enough. It nails the basics and is very easy to use. If you want more, like sous vide cooking or more cooking programs, the 9-in-1 Instant Pot is a step up. It’s smarter, sleeker, and does more with no extra fuss.
If I had to choose just one for most kitchens? I’d go with the 9-in-1—because it’s like having a personal assistant for dinner. But if you’re after value, the 7-in-1 is still a solid choice.
Let your lifestyle and kitchen habits guide your pick. Either way, both offer great value, safe cooking, and less dinner-time stress.
Let me know if you’d like a personal comparison based on your cooking style!
FAQ: 7 in 1 vs 9 in 1 Instant Pot
Is the 7 in 1 Instant Pot good for everyday cooking?
Yes, it’s great for daily meals like soups, rice, and stews. It handles the basics well without extra frills. Learn more about what it can do.
What makes the 9 in 1 Instant Pot different from the 7 in 1?
The 9 in 1 has added features like sous vide and sterilize. It’s built for more versatility. Learn more about how it compares in real use.
Which Instant Pot is better for beginners, 7 in 1 or 9 in 1?
Both are easy to use, but the 7 in 1 is simpler. The 9 in 1 has more tools, which might need some getting used to. Learn more about what suits your needs.
Is it worth upgrading from the 7 in 1 to the 9 in 1 Instant Pot?
If you want more options like sous vide or one-touch settings, yes. But for basic meals, the 7 in 1 still does the job well. Learn more before you choose.
Does the Instant Pot 7 in 1 or 9 in 1 cook faster?
Both cook fast using pressure, saving you hours. Time savings are similar, but extras in the 9 in 1 may save steps. Learn more about their cooking speed.