7-in-1 vs. 9-in-1 Instant Pot: Which is Best for You?

When I started using the Instant Pot 7-in-1, I thought it covered everything I needed, until I tried the 9-in-1. Both deliver on core functions, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, warming, and yogurt making.

But the 9-in-1's added sous vide and sterilize options opened up even more cooking possibilities for me. Based on my first-hand experience with both, I've put together this comparison to help you figure out which Instant Pot will suit your kitchen and cooking style best.

Review 7 in 1 Instant Pot.

What I Like

• Super versatile with 7 core functions in one appliance
• Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking time.
• Reliable slow cooker and rice cooker performance
• Easy-to-use interface with clear one-touch buttons
• Consistent results with soups, stews, and meats
• Compact enough to fit easily on my countertop

What I Don't Like

• No sous vide or sterilize function like the 9-in-1
• The learning curve for pressure cooking if you're new
• Inner pot is not nonstick, so some foods may stick if not careful

I've been cooking with the Instant Pot 7-in-1 for quite a while, and now I can confidently say it's become one of my most-used kitchen tools. It combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, steaming, yogurt making, and warming—all in one unit. The pressure-cooking function alone has saved me countless hours on busy weeknights, allowing me to make tender pot roasts and soups in a fraction of the usual time.

While I occasionally wish it had the extra functions of the 9-in-1, such as sous vide or sterilization, the 7-in-1 still covers 90% of my everyday cooking needs. It's especially great for making large batches of chili, shredded chicken, or perfectly cooked rice. The interface is straightforward once you get the hang of it, though it may feel a bit intimidating for first-time users.

Cleanup is pretty simple, though I recommend soaking the stainless-steel pot for easier washing. Overall, the 7-in-1 is an excellent balance of versatility, performance, and size, making it perfect for everyday home cooking.

Type: 7-in-1 Multi-Use Cooker | Capacity: 6 Quart | Functions: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, Keep Warm

Review 9 in 1 Instant Pot.

What I Like

• Extra functions like sous vide and sterilizing expand the versatility
• Still offers all the core Instant Pot functions.
• Consistent and reliable pressure cooking results
• Great for meal prepping with one-pot recipes
• Easy-to-navigate control panel
• Saves time and energy on busy days

What I Don't Like

• Slightly bulkier than simpler models
• The sous vide function takes longer than standalone sous vide machines.

Using the Instant Pot 9-in-1 over the past few months has shown me just how much it can streamline cooking, especially when juggling busy schedules. In addition to the usual pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté, yogurt, and keep warm options, the inclusion of sous vide and sterilize functions sets it apart.

I've used the sous vide for perfectly cooked chicken breasts and the sterilization function for baby bottles and canning — things my older 7-in-1 simply couldn't do.

The pressure cooking remains as reliable as ever, turning tough cuts of meat into tender dinners in record time. I often use it for stews, shredded chicken, and even cheesecake. The interface is user-friendly, and once you get the hang of the timing, it's a real time-saver.

Though the extra features add a bit of bulk, the expanded functionality more than makes up for it. If you want an Instant Pot that covers both every day and specialty cooking, the 9-in-1 is absolutely worth it.

Type: 9-in-1 Multi-Use Cooker | Capacity: 6 Quart | Functions: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Sterilize

7 in 1 vs 9 in 1 Instant Pot: Detail Comparison

If you're stuck between the two, here's my detailed, side-by-side comparison based on real use.

Functions & Cooking Modes

Both models cover the Instant Pot basics extremely well. The 7-in-1 includes:

• Pressure Cook
• Slow Cook
• Rice Cook
• Steam
• Sauté
• Yogurt
• Keep Warm

The 9-in-1 includes all the above, plus:

• Sous Vide
• Sterilize

In my daily cooking, I handled everything from stews and rice to soups and yogurt without any issues. However, the 9-in-1's extra sous vide function has allowed me to cook steaks, chicken breasts, and fish at precise temperatures with amazing texture. The sterilize function is also helpful for canning and sterilizing baby bottles, which the 7-in-1 can't do.

Performance

Pressure Cooking:

Both models deliver equally great pressure cooking results. Whether I'm cooking beef stew, shredded chicken, or dried beans, the results are tender, consistent, and reliable every time.

Slow Cooking:

Again, I noticed no performance difference between the two. Both slow cookers perform well for soups and stews. I personally still use pressure cooking most of the time because it's faster.

Sous Vide (Only 9-in-1):

This is where the 9-in-1 stands out. The sous vide mode maintains precise water temperature. I used it multiple times for sous vide salmon and chicken, and the tenderness was outstanding—far better than traditional cooking methods.

Sterilization (Only 9-in-1):

Though I don't use this feature daily, it's beneficial for sterilizing glass jars, canning equipment, or baby bottles. The 7-in-1 lacks this, so if you plan to sterilize, the 9-in-1 is clearly better.

Ease of Use

Both models share a similar control panel and user interface. Once you get familiar with Instant Pot cooking times and functions, both are easy to operate.

• The buttons are clearly labeled.
• The display is easy to read.
• Switching between cooking modes is simple.

However, the 9-in-1 has slightly more options, so it may take longer to explore everything fully if you're new to Instant Pot.

Size & Design

Physically, both models look very similar.

• I use the 6-quart versions of both, and they take up about the same space on my countertop.
• Both models are pretty bulky but manageable.

The additional functions on the 9-in-1 don't significantly affect its size, but if you're extremely limited on space, you may prefer the simpler 7-in-1 slightly more.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both versions are equally easy to clean:

• The stainless-steel inner pot cleans up well.
• The lid and sealing ring are dishwasher safe.
• I usually soak the pot after heavy meals for easier cleanup.

The extra sous vide and sterilize functions on the 9-in-1 don't add any extra cleaning steps.

Price & Value

In my experience:

• The 7-in-1 is more budget-friendly and often found at a lower price.
• The 9-in-1 costs a bit more, but you get the added sous vide and sterilize features.

If you're just getting started or on a tight budget, the 7-in-1 is a fantastic value. If you want maximum versatility for more advanced cooking, the 9-in-1 is worth the extra investment.

Final Verdict: 9 in 1 vs 7 in 1 Instant Pot

Without a doubt, the Instant Pot 9-in-1 is the winner. The extra functions take home cooking to a new level, letting me try recipes I never thought possible. It's like having multiple appliances in one: a pressure cooker, slow cooker, sous vide machine, and sterilizer.

Check the latest price

• Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
• Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

From perfectly tender meats to sterilized jars, it handles everything with ease. If you're investing in an Instant Pot, why settle for less? The 9-in-1 gives you more flexibility, more control, and more value for your kitchen.

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