Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Let me guess – you’re staring at your old, dented slow cooker wondering if it’s finally time for an upgrade. Or maybe you’ve burned one too many pots of rice and are ready to join the pressure cooking revolution. Either way, you’re eyeing the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 and wondering: Is this thing actually as good as everyone says?

After six months of testing (and accidentally pressure cooking my dignity along with a few failed meals), I’m here to give you the real, unfiltered scoop. No corporate fluff, just honest opinions from someone who’s used this thing more than my microwave.

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First Impressions: Out of the Box

When my Instant Pot Pro arrived, I’ll admit – I did a little unboxing ceremony. The stainless steel finish made it look like a luxury car compared to my old plastic slow cooker. At 6.7 pounds (empty), it’s got some heft, but not so heavy that you’ll throw out your back lifting it.

What’s in the box:

• Main cooker unit
• Stainless steel inner pot (no more nonstick coating flaking into your food – hallelujah!)
• Steam rack & rice paddle
• Soup spoon (a nice touch)
• Condensation collector (because nobody likes puddles on their counter)

First WTF Moment: The lid handle has a lock/unlock slider that confused me at first. Pro tip: Make sure it’s fully locked before pressure cooking, or you’ll get the dreaded “Lid” error like I did on my first try.

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10 Functions Tested (Which Ones Actually Work?)

The marketing says “10-in-1,” but let’s be real – some modes are more useful than others. Here’s my brutally honest take after testing them all:

1. Pressure Cook (The MVP)

“Can it really cook frozen chicken in 20 minutes?”
The Test: I threw in a rock-solid frozen chicken breast with 1 cup of broth.
Result: Edible in 25 minutes (not quite 20, but close enough). The EvenHeat system prevented the dreaded burnt bottom.

2. Slow Cook (Better Than a Crock-Pot?)

Spoiler: It works, but runs hotter than traditional slow cookers. My 8-hour chili was done in 6. Adjust recipes accordingly.

3. Yogurt Maker (Surprisingly Useful)

I made Greek yogurt with just milk and a spoonful of store-bought yogurt. 10 hours later: thick, creamy perfection. Way cheaper than store-bought.

4. Cake Function (Wait, Really?)

Attempted a 3-ingredient Nutella cake. Verdict: Shockingly decent texture, but don’t expect a golden crust. More like a steamed pudding vibe.

(The other 6 functions – Sauté, Steam, Rice, etc. – all worked as expected. The “Sterilize” mode is niche but great for baby bottles.)

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Side-by-Side Showdown: Pro vs. Duo vs. Ninja Foodi

Feature	Instant Pot Pro	Instant Pot Duo	Ninja Foodi
Build Quality	Stainless steel exterior	Plastic + steel	Plastic
Control Panel	Dial + buttons (best)	Buttons only	Touchscreen (glitchy)
Pressure Release	Auto & manual	Manual only	Auto & manual
Real-World Use	Least steam splatter	Messy release	Loudest release
Price	$129-$169	$79-$129	$159+

My Take: The Pro justifies its higher price with better controls and build quality. The Ninja Foodi does air frying, but its pressure cooking isn’t as polished.

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The Learning Curve: 3 Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To

1. Overfilling It
   The Disaster: Lentil soup volcano.
   The Rule: Never fill past the 2/3 line (1/2 for foamy foods like beans).
2. Ignoring Natural Release
   The Disaster: Quinoa sprayed all over my ceiling.
   The Fix: Always wait 10 minutes before quick-releasing starchy foods.
3. Assuming “Keep Warm” Was Optional
   The Disaster: Gummy rice.
   The Fix: Let it sit on “Keep Warm” for 5 mins after cooking for perfect texture.

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Deep Dive: Safety Features That Matter

Unlike my sketchy old pressure cooker (RIP, 1980s model), the Pro has real safety tech:

• Burn Protection: Automatically adjusts heat if food sticks.
• Lid Lock: Won’t open under pressure (tested this… aggressively).
• Overheat Shutoff: Saved me when I forgot to add water (oops).

Fun Story: My cat jumped on the counter and pawed at the steam release. The automatic pressure regulator prevented a disaster. 10/10, cat-proof.

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Weeknight Dinner Hacks (Real Meal Tests)

1. “Dump and Go” Chicken Tacos

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
  Method: High pressure 12 mins + quick release. Shred.
  Result: Juicy, flavorful meat in 15 mins total.

2. Risotto Without the Stirring

• 1.5 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups broth
• 1 tbsp butter
  Method: Sauté onions, add rice, pressure cook 6 mins.
  Result: Creamy perfection with zero babysitting.

3. Emergency Dessert: Lava Cakes

• 1 box brownie mix
• 1 cup water
  Method: Pour into small pans, steam 10 mins.
  Result: Gooey centers, happy kids.

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The Cons (Because Nothing’s Perfect)

• No Air Fryer Lid: Unlike the Duo Crisp, you can’t air fry.
• Beeps Are Loud: The “done” alert scared my dog.
• Accessories Cost Extra: The official glass lid (for slow cooking) is $20 more.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?

✅ Meal Preppers: Cooks grains + proteins simultaneously.
✅ Sous Vide Fans: The low-temp “Slow Cook” mimics sous vide.
✅ Small Kitchen Owners: Replaces 4+ appliances.

❌ Air Fryer Fans: Get the Duo Crisp instead.
❌ Tech-Haters: The dial might frustrate analog cooks.

My Rating: 4.8/5 – The best all-around pressure cooker I’ve tested in 5 years of reviewing kitchen gear.

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FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. Can it replace my rice cooker?

Yes, but use the “Rice” mode (not Pressure Cook). Fluffier results than my $50 Zojirushi.

2. How’s the cleanup?

The stainless pot is dishwasher-safe, but the lid needs hand-washing (annoying, but standard).

3. Is the upgrade from Duo worth it?

Only if you want:

• The stainless steel body
• Auto pressure release
• More precise controls

4. Worst food to cook in it?

Pasta (gets mushy) and fried chicken (just… no).

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Where to Buy & Final Thoughts

After 6 months of near-daily use, my Instant Pot Pro has earned a permanent spot on my counter. It’s cut my cooking time in half and survived my worst kitchen mishaps.

👉 Get the Instant Pot Pro on Amazon (Check for Prime Day deals!)

Final Tip: Pair it with stackable pans (sold separately) to cook entire meals at once. Game. Changer.

So, is it worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a 10-minute cheesecake to attend to…

Alternatives: Dedicated Rice Cookers on Amazon