Choosing the Best Instapot for a Pressure Cooking Newbie – Rio Wide vs. Base Model

Be aware that the manufacturer has made NO parts available for the Rio Wide or the Rio Wide Plus despite the fact that it's been on the market for many months now. There are no replacement sealing rings or anything else available for it and the manufacturer, in the customer questions for those two Instant Pots on its own website will not provide a simple yes or no answer as to whether those parts will ever be available.
 
I'm not counting on that. Seals and other parts were available long before now for previous models. It's also the principal of this issue that irks me - the total refusal to simply answer yes or no when asked if seals or any other parts will ever be available. When I factor in the fact that they are in deep financial doo doo, I come away feeling zero confidence in this company. Sad because I like their products but this is no way to treat their customers. Had I known that after this many months no parts would be available along with what I already mentioned, I wouldn't have purchased my Rio Wide Plus. I'm not alone in my feelings about this.
 
I think the Duo is the best for what I actually use on a pot. I have a few upgraded pots (Duo Evo Plus, Duo Crisp w/ Ultimate lid), but the features I use are the ones on the Duo. I actually prefer the 8qt size because for cheesecakes and pot in pot cooking it's better sized. As far as air frying, I have found a separate air fryer is more useful.
Edit to add that after a few years all 3 of my Duo Evo Plus pots started throwing C8 errors. After reading about it, I think the pots with the handles warp. Buying a $40 pot every 2 years isn't something I want to do.
 
I have an 8qt fo duo and the 6qt duo plus and I love them both. My best advice is to decide exactly what features you want to use, how big of one you'll need, what's the most you will spend and choose the one that fits your needs and wants best.
 
@candyfloss28 - Just a few questions so we can help you find a great Instant Pot (IP)! Answer per how you cook now. (1) How many people do you usually cook for? (2) Any teenagers? (3) Do you occasionally cook for larger groups? (4) Do you like to have some or a lot of leftovers? (5) Do you want a basic, but up-to-date, workhorse or one with all the bells and whistles?
 
@easymore 1) mostly just 2 but will freeze or can leftovers 2) empty nesters however son/DIL & baby have moved back in-lol so I guess answer 1 should be 5🤣 (they usually make all their own stuff though), 3) not often 4) I always double soups for left overs (can or freeze them if I over cook so not concerned with leftover- don’t mind them at all), 5) I guess not really- guess I should put a recipe book together on what I’d like to make and then process this decision more— thanks so much- this has made me self reflect a bit. Maybe I should look on market place for a “a like new” one- it’s been mentioned- was concerned about buying a “used” pressure cooker due to not sure how it was kept- banged around in a cabinet or dropped- not sure if that actually makes a difference.
 
@candyfloss28 - Thank you for the info. I think a 6 quart IP would be best for your needs (my opinion)! Most recipes for the IP are developed for that size and usually make enough for 4-6 servings. Makes it easier because you don’t have to try to adapt the recipes you want to try to a smaller or larger pot! Yes, FB Marketplace can be a good source. Sometimes you might even find a “like new” because someone is scared to use it. So, here are some recommendations and links to info for each. Hope they are helpful!-
LOWER COST
I recommend the 6 quart Duo/RIO - https://www.instanthome.com/.../instant-pot-rio-6-quart... It is a major workhorse and good for a beginner! It has the Yogurt function button (for yogurt and proofing bread dough) and the EasySeal lid.
GREAT POT
I recommend the newest version (v.4-Jun 2022) of the 6 Quart DUO PLUS - https://www.instanthome.com/.../6-quart-pressure-cooker-v4 - has some nice bells & whistles like the Yogurt function button (for yogurt and proofing bread dough), Sous Vide function, an anti-spin cooking pot and the EasySeal lid.
 
@candyfloss28 - Whatever you get, these tips may be helpful … Here are some things that helped me when I first got my IP. Do #1 & #2 at the very least! Use the rest of the info as you need it. Think of it as a mini e-book. You can save it on FB or copy and paste it into your device, print it or delete it if it isn’t helpful!
# 1 - READ THE USER MANUAL, at least one time, all the way through, including the warnings! (If there is a code on the box to download a PDF User Manual, be sure to do so. It is usually more comprehensive than the one that came in the box!)
If you have a significant other and/or older children, please include them too...even if they never intend to use the IP, they will know what you are talking about. Who knows, maybe they will be interested! Have the kids help you find things...make it a game!
If, for some reason, you don’t have the manual, you should be able to find the PDF version here. Your pot info is on the tag on the back of the outer pot, next to the cord. - https://www.instanthome.com/support/instant/resources
# 2 - DO THE INITIAL TEST RUN (WATER TEST) from the User Manual! It may have a different name in your manual but should show all the steps. This will clean the pot and help you understand the process and check to make sure your pot is in working order! - https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/instant-pot-electric.../
# 3 - When you post for help, be sure to provide a link to the recipe you used, mention your Instant Pot’s model, size (quarts) (info on the metal tag on the back of the outer pot) and, if applicable, how many people you cook for. Sometimes, it helps to add a photo of the box, the front display or the trouble area. This info will help us help you!
# 4 - Barbara Schieving’s blog has a great 5-part Getting Started Guide for electric pressure cookers - https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/getting-started.../
If the recipe tells you to press “Pressure Cook” and you do not have that button, you need to use the “Manual” button. They are the same function!
If your IP did not come with a trivet/roasting rack, just get one on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot.../dp/B07WRMFXXJ... That is really all you need for many recipes. You can get other accessories as you get into more complicated recipes.
Meat, such as beef, chicken, pork, etc. always needs to have a minimum 10 minute to full Natural Pressure Release (NPR/NR) at the end of cooking time!
Watch a lot of beginners videos on YouTube! Search “Instant Pot Beginner” and/or look for videos by Sandy Clifton - simplyhappyfoodie.com, Six Sisters Stuff - sixsistersstuff.com, Jeffery Eisner - pressureluckcooking.com, Karen Petersen - 365daysofcrockpot.com, Indigo Nili - indigonili.com and YouTube - https://youtube.com/c/IndigoNili and Ruth McCusker - rootitoot.com. They are my top 6 go-to’s for videos and recipes on their blogs! They have tried and true recipes that many here have used and had good success with. Several now have cookbooks on the authorized IP cookbook list - https://instantpot.com/list-of-authorized-and.../...
The Instant Home website - https://www.instanthome.com/ has a lot of information... (1) Use the search spyglass to look for things. (2) It also has recipes from many proven and respected IP cooks. Check your mobile device’s App Store for the “Instant Pot” recipe app.
If you are interested in making yogurt, this site is the BEST! For your model, click on the first link and scroll down until you see your model. Any special directions are under it........ Frieda is my main go-to about yogurt. She developed the Cold-Start Method of making yogurt in the Instant Pot without having to go through the boiling process. This makes it much easier to make great yogurt! The first link will take you to her Cold-Start Method Recipe. I highly recommend watching the whole video first. It’s long but has lots of info you will need. The video shows her adding sweetened condensed milk...this is an option...you do not have to add it. Also, if you have a LUX model, with no yogurt button, scroll down under the main recipe to the section that says “No Yogurt Button” for directions. If you have a CRISP model (not the CRISP model from Walmart), scroll down to the photo of the Duo CRISP for directions to use the Sous Vide function. The other links are to other resources from Frieda.
Here is the link to Frieda’s yogurt FAQ page - www.friedalovesbread.com/2017/06/cold-start-yogurt-faq.html. Frieda also has a “Yogurt for Newbies” guide page - https://www.friedalovesbread.com/.../instant-pot-dairy...
When I first got my IP, I bought several cookbooks from online. Didn't know what I needed so ended up with some awful cookbooks. Eventually, they went into the trash. I found 3 others that are good ones and use them periodically. They are all “Authorized by Instant Pot”.
For possible cookbooks, check out your local library. You should be able to see what they have on their online catalog. Our library system has many Instant Pot cookbooks available. Again, some are not worth the paper they're printed on but, some are okay and/or can be tweaked. Look at the Instant Pot books you find to see if they have recipes you will use. If you find any that you like, go to see if the cookbook(s) is/are on Amazon. Read the reviews to see if they are helpful. Also, if you use and like the Kindle or the Kindle app on your device(s), you can save a little money by getting the Kindle version of the cookbook(s) if available.
Be sure to use recipes until you feel comfortable experimenting, even if you are a good cook. If you are at a recipe on a blog, be sure to read the full article, the full recipe and all the comments! Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the recipe in the comments...they are always helpful!
Many people suggest Pinterest or Google as a source for recipes. In my opinion, they are not good search places when you are first starting out with an Instant Pot...hundreds/thousands of bad recipes! Yes, there are also many good to great recipes on there too! But, how do you know what’s good and what’s not? As you gain experience in recognizing good recipes through using tried and true recipes recommend by different IP FB groups and food blogs, you will begin to know if a recipe is good or bad or can be tweaked. So, I recommend you be very careful with suggested recipes from those places.
When you are not sure what a term means, this glossary may be helpful - https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-terminology They have great recipes too!
Like learning any new skill, it will take time, study and practice. You will make mistakes but learn from them and carry on! You Can Do It!
 
I have the Duo Nova. I use it regularly. I like that the inner liner has handles so that the liner does not spin when stirring. It’s also much easier to take it out of the IP.
Whichever model you choose, look for one with handles on the inner pot.
Good luck!
 
I am trying to find the Duo Nova but only found the Duo Evo Plus. Could that be what you are referring to? but didn’t see what you mean with the inner pot with handles. Is it bought separately and what size pot? Asking because that may be what I’ll buy next.
 
I have a Bunch of IPs, but my two favorite ones are IP Pro with WiFi and the 7.5 wide model. The 7.5 handles bigger cuts of meat, and my experience is that it doesn’t sputter on pressure release of starchy foods.
 
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