Best Instant Pot Under $100

Introduction

You don't need to spend a lot to get a great Instant Pot. Under $100, there are solid options that handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more. Here's what to look for and the best picks at this price point.

What to Look for in an Instant Pot Under $100

• Capacity: 4–6 quarts covers most households. 4 qt for 1–3 people; 6 qt for families of 4+
• Number of functions: 7-in-1 is the sweet spot — pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, and warm
• Safety features: Look for overheat protection, lid lock, and automatic pressure release
• App connectivity: Some models include recipe app access — useful for beginners

Best Instant Pot Under $100

Best Compact Option: Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1

The Instant Pot RIO Mini is the best Instant Pot under $100 for smaller households. The 4-quart capacity is perfect for 1–3 people and fits comfortably on most countertops. It includes 7 functions: pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice maker, yogurt, and warmer. The Sea Salt color gives it a clean, modern look.

• Capacity: 4 quarts
• Functions: 7-in-1 (pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, warm)
• Best for: Singles, couples, small families, or anyone with limited counter space
• Safety features: Overheat protection, safety lid lock, pressure regulator

Check Instant Pot RIO Mini price on Amazon →

Best Full-Size Option: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Quart)

If your budget stretches slightly, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is the best full-size Instant Pot for most households. It adds sterilizer function and app access with 800+ recipes on top of the standard 7 functions. The 6-quart capacity handles meals for families of 4–6 comfortably.

• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Functions: 9-in-1 (adds sterilizer and more precise controls)
• Includes: App access with 800+ recipes
• Best for: Families of 4–6, anyone who wants maximum versatility

Check Instant Pot Duo Plus price on Amazon →

Instant Pot Size Guide

• 3 quart: 1–2 people, side dishes
• 4 quart: 1–3 people, everyday meals
• 6 quart: 4–6 people, most popular size
• 8 quart: Large families, batch cooking

Tips for First-Time Instant Pot Buyers

• ✅ Start with the 6-quart if you're unsure — it's the most versatile size
• ✅ Do the water test before your first real recipe to confirm everything works
• ✅ Always add at least 1 cup of liquid before pressure cooking
• ❌ Don't buy a size that's too small — you can't pressure cook with less than the minimum liquid requirement

Final Thoughts

Under $100, the Instant Pot RIO Mini 4QT is the best value for smaller households — compact, capable, and genuinely useful for everyday cooking. If you cook for a family, the Duo Plus 6QT is worth the slight price difference for the extra capacity and functions.