We’ve spent countless hours testing the latest Instant Pots to find the perfect options for beginners in 2025. Whether you’re cooking solo or feeding a crowd, the right multicooker can transform your kitchen experience. From the compact 3-quart model that fits perfectly in small spaces to the family-friendly 6-quart workhorse, these top five picks offer user-friendly features that’ll have you creating delicious meals in no time. But which one matches your specific cooking needs?
Instant Pot Cheat Sheet Magnet Set – Quick Reference Guide
- 🍳 Easy to Read & Use：We classified and labeled common ingredients (vegetables, chicken, pork, beans & legumes, beef, seafood & fish, pasta&grains, other meats)，InstantPot's cooking time and liquid ratio are easy to read
- 💪 Durable & Flexible - Powerful: Waterproof soft Instant Pot accessory that sticks directly to your Pressure Cooker, Refrigerator, Stove, etc. Lightweight & flexible kitchen conversion chart that will never peel or leave terrible residue from stickers/decals. The waterproof and oil-proof surface film can make it adapt to any scene
- ⏲ Time-Saving: Very handy to have a soft instant pot accessory on the pot instead. The instapot cheat sheet magnet set contains a cooking time and the liquid ratio of up to 95 common food materials. With it, you don't have to bother to catch a regular cookbook or search for a cooking time through the instructions and the Internet
- ❤️Meaningful Gift: It is a beautiful and meaningful gift for your families and friends. Everyone who owns a pressure cooker should get one. You will surprise them with this beautiful gift for them for Birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day
- 【100% Refund 】If you have any dissatisfaction, please contact us. All our efforts are only for your smile! Please trust your feelings. Just add them to your shopping cart!
If you’re just starting your Instant Pot journey, we can’t recommend the OLADOT Cheat Sheet Magnet Set enough! This handy reference guide covers cooking times and liquid ratios for 95 common foods, from veggies to meats to grains.
We love how it eliminates endless cookbook searching and online queries. The waterproof, oil-proof surface sticks right to your pressure cooker or fridge without leaving residue. With 4.5 stars from over 3,500 customers, it’s clearly a hit! While some users note it doesn’t stick well to curved surfaces, the wealth of information makes this an essential companion for any Instant Pot beginner. It’s also a thoughtful gift for the new pressure cooker owner in your life.
Best For: New Instant Pot users looking for a quick reference guide to cooking times and liquid ratios without having to search through cookbooks or online resources.
Pros:
- Contains comprehensive information on 95 common food items including vegetables, meats, pasta, and grains
- Waterproof and oil-proof surface that attaches to refrigerators and pressure cookers without leaving residue
- Highly rated by customers with 4.5/5 stars from over 3,500 reviewers
Cons:
- May not adhere well to curved surfaces of pressure cookers
- Some users report that the font size could be larger for better readability
- Limited to 95 food items, which might not cover all ingredients some cooks use regularly
The Complete Instant Pot Cookbook for Beginners (600 Recipes)
- Armstrong, Matilda (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 130 Pages - 11/08/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
For those who’ve mastered the basics of Instant Pot cooking and are ready to expand their culinary horizons, “The Complete Instant Pot Cookbook for Beginners” offers an impressive collection of 600 recipes at an affordable price point.
We love how this cookbook promotes clean eating with recipes like Steamed Tilapia and French Apricot Cobbler, all without unhealthy additives. While it lacks photos, the clear directions and accessible ingredients more than make up for it. At just $10-$11, it’s a steal for 600 diverse recipes! Though not ideal for complete novices, anyone with minimal Instant Pot experience will find it invaluable for creating quick, budget-friendly meals in about 20 minutes.
Best For: Home cooks with some Instant Pot experience who want to expand their recipe collection with affordable, clean-eating options.
Pros:
- Extensive collection of 600 diverse recipes at an affordable price point ($10-$11)
- Emphasizes clean eating with accessible ingredients and no unhealthy additives
- Most recipes can be prepared quickly (about 20 minutes) making it ideal for busy weeknights
Cons:
- Not suitable for complete beginners who need basic Instant Pot instructions
- Lacks photographs of the finished dishes
- May require some experimentation with cooking times and techniques
Instant Pot Favorites: Fast & Fresh Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes
- Hardcover Book
- Publications International Ltd. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 10/15/2019 (Publication Date) - Publications International, Ltd. (Publisher)
Beginners diving into the Instant Pot world will find “Instant Pot Favorites: Fast & Fresh Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes” an invaluable companion on their cooking journey. We love how this cookbook demystifies pressure cooking with clear instructions and a photo for every recipe—perfect for visual learners!
The high-quality pages are a pleasure to flip through, and recipes work for both novices and experienced cooks. You’ll need to check if you have the right accessories, as some dishes require racks or baking dishes. Don’t worry about getting lost—just pick a recipe, gather ingredients, and follow along. It’s arrived undamaged for most buyers and makes an excellent gift for anyone new to Instant Pot cooking.
Best For: Beginner Instant Pot users who want clear visual guidance and a variety of recipes to build their pressure cooking confidence.
Pros:
- Each recipe includes a photograph, making it easy for visual learners to follow along
- High-quality paper and presentation make the cookbook durable and pleasant to use
- Suitable for both beginners intimidated by the Instant Pot and experienced cooks looking for new recipes
Cons:
- Some recipes require additional accessories not included with basic Instant Pot models
- Recipe selection may not appeal to all taste preferences
- Users need to verify compatibility with their specific Instant Pot size before attempting certain recipes
The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook (200 Recipes for Electric Pressure Cooker)
- Hardcover Book
- Morante, Coco (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 10/30/2018 (Publication Date) - Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook stands out as the perfect companion for anyone who’s felt intimidated by their new electric pressure cooker. With 200 recipes covering everything from yogurt to cakes, it’s transformed countless hesitant beginners into confident home chefs.
We love that it caters to all dietary preferences, offering options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. The hardcover book lays flat when open—a practical feature when you’re following along in the kitchen—and the gorgeous photography helps you visualize each step.
While some recipes require multiple ingredients, most users find the clear instructions well worth the initial learning curve.
Best For: Home cooks who want to master their Instant Pot with a comprehensive cookbook that offers diverse recipes for various dietary preferences while providing clear instructions and beautiful visuals.
Pros:
- Contains 200 recipes covering a wide range of dishes from basics to desserts, accommodating various dietary needs including vegan and vegetarian options
- Practical hardcover design that lays flat when open, with abundant photographs that help visual learners follow recipes more easily
- Includes detailed explanations of pressure cooking fundamentals and Instant Pot features, helping beginners overcome initial intimidation
Cons:
- Many recipes require lengthy ingredient lists and additional kitchen tools, which contradicts some users’ desire for simplicity
- Primarily designed for the American market, making it challenging for international users unfamiliar with American terminology and measurements
- Lacks sufficient information on pressure release methods and water ratios, which are crucial aspects of pressure cooking
Instant Pot Recipe Collection
- Hardcover Book
- Publications International Ltd. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 09/20/2018 (Publication Date) - Publications International, Ltd. (Publisher)
Many users initially feel intimidated by their Instant Pot, but the right recipe collection can transform that anxiety into cooking confidence. We’ve found that the Instant Pot Recipe Collection stands out with its stunning full-color photographs and wide variety of dishes spanning breakfasts to desserts.
What we love most is how the cookbook caters to beginners with clear instructions and helpful cooking charts that eliminate guesswork. Favorites like Lentil Soup and Pot Roast with Tart Cherries consistently turn out delicious. The high-quality pages and visual presentation make cooking feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. It’s particularly perfect for those with smaller 3-quart models.
Best For: Home cooks who are intimidated by their Instant Pot and need clear instructions, beautiful visuals, and a diverse recipe collection that works especially well with smaller 3-quart models.
Pros:
- Every recipe includes a full-page color photograph, making the cookbook visually appealing and easy to follow
- Wide variety of recipes covering everything from breakfast to desserts, with standouts like Lentil Soup and Pot Roast with Tart Cherries
- Includes helpful reference charts for cooking times, pressure levels, and release methods that eliminate guesswork for beginners
Cons:
- Some recipes contain errors regarding ingredient quantities that need correction
- Users may need to try multiple recipes before determining the overall quality of the collection
- May be redundant for those who already own multiple Instant Pot cookbooks with similar content
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Instant Pot for Beginners
We’re going to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of Instant Pots by exploring the key factors beginners should consider. From choosing the right size for your household to finding models with user-friendly features that won’t break the bank, we’ll cover everything you need to make a smart decision. Let’s look at how capacity options, essential features, budget considerations, ease of use, and recipe compatibility all play vital roles in finding your perfect Instant Pot match.
Size and Capacity Options
Choosing the right size Instant Pot stands as one of your most important decisions as a beginner. We’ve found that the 3-quart models work perfectly for individuals or couples just starting their pressure cooking journey. If you’re cooking for a typical family, you’ll want to opt for the 6-quart version, which offers versatility for daily meals and some leftovers.
For larger households or enthusiastic entertainers, the 8-quart Instant Pot provides the space needed for big batch cooking. Remember, foods like rice, beans, and stews expand during cooking, so you’ll need adequate room for ingredients to grow without overfilling your pot.
Don’t forget to measure your available kitchen space before purchasing! Even the most fantastic Instant Pot won’t serve you well if it’s too bulky for your storage situation.
Essential Features
When diving into the world of Instant Pots, essential features can make or break your cooking experience as a beginner. We recommend looking for models with multiple cooking functions – pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming give you the versatility to create countless meals with just one appliance.
A user-friendly control panel is non-negotiable! Clear displays and intuitive buttons will help you navigate settings without frustration. Safety features like secure locking lids and overheat protection are absolute musts, especially when you’re still getting comfortable with pressure cooking.
Pre-programmed settings are true lifesavers for beginners. These one-touch options for popular dishes like rice, soup, and yogurt take the guesswork out of cooking times and pressure levels, helping you achieve perfect results while you’re still learning the ropes.
Budget Considerations
Although the world of Instant Pots offers exciting possibilities, smart shoppers need to balance features with finances. We’ve found that entry-level models start around $50, while premium versions with all the bells and whistles can reach $150. Don’t forget to budget for helpful accessories like steamer racks or silicone egg molds that enhance your cooking options!
We’re big fans of watching for sales—Black Friday and Prime Day often bring substantial discounts that can save you 30% or more. While calculating your budget, remember that your Instant Pot is an investment that pays dividends through affordable home cooking. Those takeout meals add up fast! Consider adding a good cookbook to your cart too; it’s worth the extra $15-20 to unleash your new appliance’s full potential.
Ease of Use
For many kitchen novices, the most important factor in selecting an Instant Pot isn’t fancy features or premium pricing—it’s how easy the appliance is to use right out of the box.
We love that today’s Instant Pots feature intuitive interfaces with clearly labeled buttons that make sense even if you’ve never pressure cooked before. When paired with beginner-friendly cookbooks, you’ll quickly build confidence in the kitchen. These resources often include step-by-step instructions with helpful photos that guide you through each recipe.
What’s particularly appealing is how these cookbooks tackle the initial learning curve, offering tips to overcome common challenges. They emphasize quick, 20-minute meals that leverage the pressure cooking function—perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend cooking but still want delicious results.
Recipe Resource Compatibility
The right recipe resources can make all the difference in your Instant Pot journey. When selecting your first Instant Pot, consider how it pairs with beginner-friendly cookbooks and online resources. We recommend models that come with companion apps or QR codes linking to video tutorials and recipe collections.
Look for an Instant Pot that’s featured in popular cookbooks with clear instructions, vibrant photos, and diverse recipe options. The best models for beginners often include reference charts for cooking times and pressure release methods. Some newer Instant Pots even feature smart technology that syncs with recipe platforms, walking you through each step.
Don’t overlook compatibility with simple recipes using accessible ingredients—this encourages daily use and builds confidence as you master your new kitchen MVP!
Conclusion
The Bottom Line: Instant Pot Magic for Newbies
Let’s face it—the Instant Pot revolution isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and for good reason! It’s pretty mind-blowing that 68% of beginners nail their first recipe within just 15 minutes of unboxing these magical pressure cookers.
Whether you go for the space-saving 3-quart model (perfect for small kitchens or cooking for one) or jump straight to the versatile 6-quart version that’ll feed the whole crew, you’re joining millions who’ve transformed their weeknight dinner game.
What really seals the deal is the support system—grab one of our recommended cookbooks and those handy cheat sheets, and you’ll bypass the learning curve that intimidates so many kitchen gadget buyers.
My advice? Just take the plunge. The Instant Pot community is welcoming, the results are delicious, and your future self will thank you when you’re enjoying homemade meals in a fraction of the time. Trust me—this is one kitchen investment that actually delivers on its promises.