The Instant Pot is one of those rare kitchen gadgets that actually earns its counter space. Here’s an honest take on whether it’s worth it — and which model to buy.
What an Instant Pot Actually Does Well
The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker first. That means it cooks things in a fraction of the normal time: dried chickpeas in 35 minutes (not overnight), a whole chicken in 25 minutes, beef stew in 45 minutes. It also slow cooks, steams, sautés and makes yoghurt. It’s genuinely 7 appliances in one.
For UK households, the biggest practical benefits are:
- Batch cooking in half the time
- Cheaper cuts of meat (cheaper than chicken breast) become tender and delicious
- Rice, lentils and grains perfectly cooked every time
- Energy efficient — pressure cooking uses less electricity than a hob for long cooks
Is It Worth the Counter Space?
Honestly: yes, if you cook from scratch more than twice a week. If you mostly use ready meals or simple pasta dishes, probably not. The Instant Pot is for people who want to cook real food faster.
Which UK Model to Buy
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6L) — £69.99 ✅ Best Choice
This is the one to buy. The 6L capacity handles 4–6 portions easily. The Duo has all the functions you’ll actually use: pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yoghurt and keep warm. Simple interface, great community of UK recipes online. See on Amazon UK →
Instant Pot Duo Plus (6L) — ~£89.99
Adds a sous vide function and sterilise mode. Unless you specifically want sous vide (and have a vacuum sealer), the extra cost isn’t worth it over the Duo.
Instant Pot Pro (8L) — ~£109.99
For larger families (6+) or serious batch cooking. The 8L handles whole joints and large soups. Overkill for most households.
The Verdict
Buy the Instant Pot Duo 6L for £69.99. It’s been the best-selling pressure cooker in the UK for years for a reason. If you’re sceptical, try it for a month — most people who buy one wonder how they managed without it.
