My jumbo Instant Pot is here!
I’ve only had it since last Friday, but I want to share my excitement. The Instant Pot IP-DUO80 is the big brother of my favorite pressure cooker, the IP-DUO60. The main difference between the two cookers is size - they look almost exactly alike, but the 80 is scaled up. This is a good thing - the 80 has all of my favorite extras from the 60, including the one piece lid and silicone gasket holder, and the lid holder built into the handles. The only visible difference is the fancy red pressure valve, marked with lines so it is easier to tell when the cooker is pressurized. (With the 60, I had to use it a few times to know just by looking if the pressure valve was up or down.)
Dimensions:
Size differences
8 quart dimensions: 15 inches wide x 14.5 tall x 13 deep
6 quart dimensions: 13.5 inches wide x 12.75 tall x 12.25 deep
(Width is from side handle to side handle. Height is from counter to top of top handle. Depth is from front of control panel to back of drain.)
8 quart inner pot: 7.25 inches high x 10.3125 diameter
6 quart inner pot: 6.25 inches high x 9.5 diameter
(Size includes lip)
Why is bigger such a big deal? The extra large pot makes my favorite cooker even easier to use. That extra width has already come in handy; I store used chicken carcasses in the freezer, after we’ve picked all the meat off of them; when I want to make chicken stock, I pull the zip-top bag out of the freezer, open it, and dump the frozen bones into the cooker. This is where the size comes in - a lot of times, the frozen bird is just a little too long for my pot - the chicken’s pygostyle 1 is poking up above the max-fill line. I have to break apart the frozen carcass to get it to fit. As a test, I grabbed my bag of frozen carcasses from the freezer and made stock. The bones fit well under the max fill line in the wider pot of the IP–80.
The other advantage, of course, is I can fill the 8 quart cooker with more stuff when I’m cooking. That really helps when I’m making a big batch of broth, but…most of my other recipes fit just fine in a 6 quart cooker, even cooking for my family of five. If you already have the 6 quart cooker, and it’s working for you, don’t rush out and get the 8 quart. If you’ve been eyeing a second pressure cooker for side dishes, or you’re looking at your first cooker (and cook for bigger groups), get the 8 quart. I have multiple cookers, and in a couple days the 8 quart replaced my 6 quart as the “keep under the kitchen island for easy access” cooker. 2
One more difference I noticed: the IP-DUO80 remembers your last timer setting. For example, the first thing I did with the cooker was do a water test - 2 cups of water, set it to Manual, 5 minutes under pressure. Everything worked fine, so I took it apart, cleaned it, and put it in the dish drain to dry out. The next day, I wanted to make some beef broth. When I hit the Manual button, 5 minutes was back - not like the old DUO60, which always reset back to 30 minutes as the starting time. I think this will be a change for the better…but I’m not sure. If I cook in the same general range of temperatures this feature is a good thing - but if I jump around, cooking a 4 minute mac and cheese one day, then a 75 minute beef broth the next, this won’t be as useful. (Both options - remembering the last time set, or defaulting to 30 minutes, work better for me than some other pressure cookers that always start at zero and force you to count up. I make a lot of 30 to 60 minute recipes, so starting higher than zero means less button pressing.)
I have a new day-to-day pressure cooker.
I’ve used the IP-DUO80 every day since it arrived3, and I love it. I’ll keep using it, and report back if anything changes, but my old DUO60 has been rock solid, and I expect the same from this one. Highly, highly recommended.
[Update 2016-09-29...]
I still use my 6 quart IP-DUO60 day to day
I was excited about this cooker when it first came out, but over time, I drifted back to my 6 quart Instant Pot. Turns out, I don't need the extra space (in my day to day cooking for a family of 5.) The 8 quart now lives on my pressure cooker shelf in the basement4, where I go get it if I need the extra space. I still recommend the 8 quart if you're cooking for larger crowds on a regular basis. Or, if you want a second PC, then it's great to have the flexibility of the larger size. (That's what I use it for, primarily - when I want to pressure cook two things at once.) But, for most people, the 6 quart IP-DUO60 is a better fit.
(More thoughts on this: Longer Term Testing Notes: Instant Pot IP-DUO60 vs IP-DUO80)
What do you think?
Questions? Other ideas? Leave them in the comments section below.
Related Posts
Which Pressure Cooker Should I Buy?
Instant Pot FAQ
My pressure cooker recipe index
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sahmpaw
My husband dropped our 6qt instant pot so I have to replace it. The 8qt is cheaper so it has me thinking maybe we should size up, but we have a family of 5. What are you currently using the most 6 years later?
Mike Vrobel
I use the 6 quart the most, still. I still have the 8 quart, when I need to size up - usually chili for a potluck, or turkey stock after thanksgiving - but the 6 quart is the one I use 90+% of the time.
Arletta
I think I spent quite a while trying to find out what size an 8 quart Insta Pot is, so as to better plan how to fix up my kitchen. And, I thank you kindly for telling me!
Diane
Mike,
Love your site. I've had my 6qt for a while and got the 8qt last year. I use both regularly so neither one has been relegated to the basement cabinet. I'm late to the party, but here's my imput:
I like the 8qt for pot-in-pot cooking. I got the stainless steel two-tiered steamer pans with the rack and while they do fit the 6qt, they have to be placed just so-not an issue with the 8qt. The wider inner pot allows me to use more of my existing bakeware for PIP, especially springform for cakes.
Chicken stock is easier in the 8qt as you mentioned, but I don't worry if the bones stick up past the max fill line-that's just for liquid. For me, the bones always settle into the broth once everything thaws but I can see being cautious, especially when advising new users.
Ham stock requires an 8qt, at least with the bones I have, as well at a turkey carcass.
Large whole squash is a given in the 8qt, same for giant cauliflower.
Oh, and I like the extra headspace for a controlled quick release for pasta. I can release the pressure faster without the starchy liquid reaching the valve.
And don't forget stacked/combo meals. I did a whole spaghetti squash and baked potatoes together in 12 minutes (at pressure).
Even though I only cook for two, both sizes have become indispensable. Then again, I'm one of those where-have-you-been-all-my-life users.
Thanks for your recipes and thoughtful reviews and advice.
Leah
Love, love, love your website and comments. I left the store empty handed yesterday because I too cannot decide between the 6 and 8 qt. I cook for my husband and me but like cooking in volume for left overs and to freeze. I typically buy 3 - 4 lb. roasts and cook 6 to 8 chicken breasts at a time. I'm afraid if I buy the 6 qt. I will need more room. Thoughts?
Mike Vrobel
Those sizes will fit in the 6-quart, but if you’re really worried, go with the 8-quart. It doesn’t hurt to have the extra space.
Jennifer K
This is my first visit to your site - can’t wait to look around. I’m a new 8 qt user and love the IP so far. My only complaint is the amount of time it takes to depressurize on natural release. (Frankly, even quick release takes a long time...30-45 min.) This has led to a lot of late meals for my family of 6 as I learn to anticipate the full cooking time. I’ve read that the 6 qt takes less time to depressurize. Since you have both sizes, have you noticed a difference? My family is not so impressed with the Instant Pot when dinner is 60-90 minutes later than I anticipated, no matter how delicious the end result is!
Mike Vrobel
30 to 45 minutes for quick pressure release is way too long. I haven't timed it, but...five minutes sounds right to me?
The timing on a Natural pressure release depends on the amount of liquid in the pot, not the size of the cooker. If you cook the same size recipe in a 6 quart and an 8 quart, they'll take about the same time. But, if you're filling the 8-quart up to the max fill line, it will take longer, because there's more thermal mass to cool down.
Brenda Clark
Hi there. I just got an 8 qt Instant Pot for Christmas. I’ve been using a 6 qt for a year now. All the recipes I have are for 6 qt size. Can I use them in the 8 qt? Do I have to make adjustments?
I decided to get the larger size to use it mostly as a slow cooker.
Thanks for the information.
Mike Vrobel
6-quart recipes work the same in an 8-quart cooker - no changes necessary!
Mike Vrobel
Yes, 6 quart recipes work the same in an 8 quart cooker.
Kristen
Just received the Instapot for Christmas! Looking at it and I see it is the 8 quart. I've been wondering whether or not to use the 8 qt and see how it goes, or whether it might be too big. It seems that you and another reviewer have both said that the 6 qt one is adequate for a family of 5. We have huge eaters that are almost teens, so I'm hesitant to downsize only to have to upgrade again in a few years. Feeling confused in Canada.
Mike Vrobel
That advice is for someone who does not have a cooker already. If you have the 8 quart, keep it! They work the same, and with a family of 5, it doesn’t hurt to have the extra space.
Daniel Goldberg
So I know this must be a beginners question, but having just received the 8qt for my birthday, am I crazy in wondering why the internal pot only goes up to 6 litres?
Mike Vrobel
Just added this to my Instant Pot FAQ: https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/instant-pot-frequently-asked-questions/
Q: Why does my pressure cooker come with a max fill line? I can only use 2/3rds of the 6 quarts?
A: Pressure cookers need headspace to build pressure – don’t fill them past 2/3rds full. Pressure cookers are measured by total volume of the pot – how much it can hold if you fill it to the brim. But you can only use 2/3rds of that.
Why can you only use 2/3rds? Because pressure cookers need headspace to come up to pressure. The cooker needs space for the steam to build up, which is what pressurizes the pot. Also, this is a safety feature – if the bubbling ingredients in the pot get into the pressure valve, it can clog, and that’s when your pressure cooker can get into trouble with over-pressurizing.
Why don’t they measure the pressure cooker as 2/3rds of the pot volume? I don’t know, but every pressure cooker I’ve seen measures their size this way. I know it can be frustrating to find out your brand new 6 quart cooker can only cook 4 quarts of food. I’ve got the angry comments to prove it. If anything, I think the Instant Pot, and other modern, electric multi-cookers have a better argument for using the total volume – if they can also work as a slow cooker or a normal, electric powered pot, then you actually can use the entire pot.
Daniel Goldberg
Thank you so much for the quick and detailed reply!
SV
Great site. Am smiling seeing the posts because I am also stuck deciding between the 6 and 8 qt models. We have 3-4 in the house, but I do like leftovers and freezing batches, so am leaning toward the 8 qt....
What do you recommend for accessories for the newbie? I see a tempered glass top and an innerpot for the 8 qt model. I don't want to break the bank, but I've also heard that a steamer is a must-have. ??
I'm going to use your link to purchase my IP so you get credit. Thanks!
Mike Vrobel
Sounds like you want the 8 quart. I use the lid and the inner pot all the time, so I recommend getting them. I use my collapsible steamer basket occasionally - it's the same one I've used for years - so you can put that off until you need it. You'll love it!
Laura
Can you cook smaller amounts in the 8qt pot. Only want to buy one and would vary cooking for 4 to 10 people. Would I need to adjust times if I cook a smaller portion in the 8qt.
Mike Vrobel
Yes, you can - it works fine with smaller amounts!
Joan
I just got the 8 quart today. I ordered it partly because the 6 quart was showing as shipping in one to two months on Amazon and I didn't want to wait that long. I haven't done anything with it yet but take it out of the box.
I'd kind of like to keep it since returning it would be a pain and maybe it's good to have the extra space? It is big though.
I probably am only going to have one of these things. Is there a real downside to having my only one be an 8 quart?
Mike V
There's no real downside to the 8 quart - my only complaint about it is it is a little bigger, which makes it hard to fit in the cabinet under my island. Keep the 8 quart - you'll love it!