Instant Pot 10 in 1 vs 7 in 1
Many people are extremely satisfied with the 7 in 1 Instant Pot, but the 10 in 1 Ultra carries out added functions and may suit you if you are looking for more. So is it worth paying extra for three extra buttons? Is it a sensible option to choose a multi-function pressure cooker that carries out as many different functions as possible? Or is this just a case of added bells and whistles for the sake of novelty? We take a look at this Instant Pot 10 in 1 vs 7 in 1 comparison.
The Instant Pot 10 in 1
The Instant Pot Ultra 10 in 1 offers a whopping 10 different cooking functions. It is available in mini size (3 qt), 6 qt size and 8 qt size. As ever with pressure cookers, the 6 qt size is the most popular as it is most suitable for cooking for up to six people so it can be used to prepare batches of food or for creating large meals.
The 10 functions are; pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté/searing, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer so this multi-function electric pressure cooker is indeed versatile.
Also, there are some impressive new features. There is a built-in altitude adjustment program, so if you live at an altitude of over 2000 ft, you can automatically cook at the correct temperature and time without having to make any calculations yourself. You can also press the Ultra programming button to customize cooking times and temperature.
The 10 in 1 Ultra also features a new variation (3rd generation) microprocessor that monitors heat, time and automatically makes any required adjustments throughout the cooking program. There is a new steam release button that makes pressure release safer and more comfortable, and there are added enhanced safety features, including a safety-lock lid, overheat protection, burn protection, leaky lid sensor, and more. In all, there are 11 safety features. The 10 in 1 Ultra has been tested and approved by the UL certification.
All models come with a steam rack with handles, serving spoon, soup spoon, measuring cup, and the Instant Pot recipe booklet.
Customer feedback is mainly good. The 10 in 1 has generated over 6500 customer reviews on Amazon alone, and 83% of this is 5-star positive. This does look reassuringly good. Most people find this pressure cooker easy to use and to clean and have experienced great results. However, there have been a few technical issues, and some people have complained that the quick-release function is defective, and there can be issues with the seal.
Besides, some customers have struggled with the controls with complaints that the 10 in 1 can be complicated to use. Unfortunately, Instant Pot is known for its substandard customer support, and many customers have been left frustrated when trying to contact the company to return defective goods.
The Ultra pot 10 in 1 is expensive costing around $129.00 for the 6 qt model, but if you need extra functions you may consider it is worth the extra money
Pros
- Great if you live at a higher altitude
- Enhanced safety features
- 10 different cooking function
- Attractive interface
Cons
- Some customer complaints that it is complicated to use
- A lot more expensive than the 7 in 1
- Is there a case of the more a pressure cooker can do, the more chance there is of it going wrong?
The Instant Pot 7 in 1
Most Instant Pot models carry out 7 functions. The most popular of these is the Duo, which has generated hundreds of thousands of customer reviews over a wide range of platforms. Most customers say that the 7 in 1 is easy to use and yields excellent results.
The 7 cooking functions are; pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. Checking through customer feedback, it seems that most people rarely use all of these, but if you do want to make yogurt or cook very slowly like a slow cooker, you have this option.
The Instant Pot 7 in 1 looks relatively basic in comparison to the 10 in 1 Ultra. The original model with its red and black interface looks simple to use, and with many customers relying on the 14 preset pressure cooking options, you don’t have to bother straying away from these. The Instant Pot website and App provides 1000s of recipes that you can follow without any hassle at all. Many people find that the custom pressure setting of low, medium, and high is enough to give you control over cooking and is very easy.
The Instant Pot 7 in 1 has 10 built-in safety functions, including a safety lock and overheat protection. There is, of course, a quick-release button, but this is not quite as foolproof as later models – you have to turn the control on the top of the pot and be careful of escaping steam. The lid has all the safety features in place but does not have the easy locking function of later models.
That said the Instant Pot 7 in 1 is very popular. It is easy to use and is the number 1 USA pressure cooker model. So for any shortcomings, it may have, but there are very few; there are legions of satisfied customers who have used this model for years without any mishaps.
Overall we like the Instant Pot 7 in 1. It is an excellent price at around $79 and for most people, it is certainly enough to make a variety of meals by using its many functions.
Pros
- Much loved model has sold in thousands
- Very easy to use
- 10 inbuilt safety features
- Well priced
Cons
- If you live at a higher altitude, you will have to calculate adjustments in cooking times and pressure
- The lid and quick-release are not quite as easy to operate as later models
- We are not crazy about the black and red interface
In conclusion
If you live at altitude, the 10 in 1 is a great pressure cooker because it enables you to adjust cooking times automatically, and you do get extra functions. However, many people will find that paying so much more for these added extras is not worth it. Besides, the 10 in 1 is more complicated to use. So unless you really have a reason for the added functions, we think the 7 in 1 is still the best!
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