Best Instant Pot for Beginners Under $100 in 2024

Most beginner guides tell you to buy the cheapest Instant Pot. After testing three models under $100 with actual beginners, I found that the cheapest option is often the worst choice for new cooks. It's not just about price and capacity—ease of use and cookbook availability make or break the experience.

The Contenders

For this head-to-head, I tested three models that regularly land under $100:

• Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart (~$89) – The classic, best-selling model. 7-in-1 functions.
• Instant Pot Lux 6-Quart (~$69) – The entry-level, 6-in-1 model (no yogurt or sauté adjust).
• Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart (~$99) – Updated version with extra settings and a clearer display.

All three are 6-quart, perfect for 2-4 people. I bought them at current retail prices (not sale) for fairness. For price timing tips, check out our Best Time to Buy Instant Pots (2026 Guide).

What We Tested

I recruited three beginner cooks—one had never used a pressure cooker, two had limited experience. Over two weeks, each used every model to make:

• White rice (basic pressure cook)
• Chicken soup (sauté + pressure)
• Beans from dried (soak and cook)
• Steel-cut oats (slow cook alternative)

We scored:

• Ease of Use (setup, control panel, cleaning)
• Cookbook Availability (included recipes, online support, app integration)
• Cooking Consistency (did the food come out right?)

Design & Build

All three feature stainless steel inner pots and similar footprints. Key differences:

Feature	Duo	Lux	Duo Plus
Display	Red LED, basic	Red LED, basic	Blue backlit, larger font
Buttons	Program presets, no custom	Fewer presets	More presets, includes cake and egg
Steam Release	Quick twist turn	Same	Same
Weight	11.5 lbs	10.8 lbs	11.9 lbs

For beginners, the Duo Plus’s clearer display and egg setting (no guesswork for soft vs hard) made it easier. The Lux’s stripped-down panel confused one tester—“Where’s the yogurt button?” It doesn’t have one. The Duo strikes a balance: enough presets without overwhelming.

Performance

Ease of Use

• Setup: All three require a simple rinse and a ‘test steam’ of water. Took 10 minutes each.
• Control Panel:
  • Lux: Adjustable pressure with +/- buttons, but no specific preset for beans. Testers had to Google cook times.
  • Duo: Presets for rice, soup, beans, etc. Adjust with +/-. Intuitive enough.
  • Duo Plus: Same as Duo but added ‘Egg’ and ‘Cake’ which beginners loved. “I don’t have to look up how long to hard-boil eggs.”
• Cleaning: All inner pots are dishwasher safe. Condensation collector on Lux is smaller—spilled once.

Cookbook Availability

• Included: Duo comes with a 32-page recipe booklet; Duo Plus has 48 pages; Lux has only a 20-page manual.
• Online/App: Duo and Duo Plus get full access to Instant Pot’s app with 1000+ recipes. Lux only has limited online resources.
• Community: All models benefit from the huge Instant Pot recipe community, but the Lux lacks specific presets, so beginners must convert generic pressure cooker recipes—confusing.

When we made rice: Duo Plus’s preset gave perfect results first try. Duo was close (slightly overcooked). Lux required manual pressure time—two of three testers got mushy rice. For beans, the Lux didn’t have a preset; we used manual high pressure for 40 minutes—worked but required note-taking.

Cooking Consistency

• Duo Plus: Consistent across all dishes. No learning curve.
• Duo: Reliable after one or two tries.
• Lux: Good results if you know what you’re doing, but beginners struggled with timing.

Price & Value

Prices fluctuate. At time of testing:

• Lux: $69 (often on sale for $49)
• Duo: $89 (occasionally $59)
• Duo Plus: $99 (rarely below $80)

If you can wait for a sale, the Duo often drops near $60. See our Best Time to Buy Instant Pot Pro Plus (2025 Guide) for timing on higher-end models.

The Lux is tempting at $69, but the lack of presets and cookbook support adds hidden costs (time searching for recipes, wasted ingredients). For $20 more, the Duo is a massive upgrade. The Duo Plus adds another $10 in value with a better display and extra presets—worth it for absolute beginners.

Price isn’t everything. In other budget categories we’ve reviewed—like Budget Wireless Earbuds and Budget Wireless Mice—the cheapest option often disappoints. Same here.

Who Should Buy Which

Instant Pot Duo – Best for Most Beginners

If you want a reliable, well-supported pressure cooker without breaking $100, the Duo is the sweet spot. Good presets, huge cookbook base, and easy to resell if you upgrade. Not ideal if you want the absolute cheapest or need an egg preset.

Instant Pot Lux – Only If Budget Is Critical

If you can’t spend over $70, the Lux works. But be prepared to research cook times and use third-party recipes. Not for cooks who want a turnkey experience.

Instant Pot Duo Plus – Splurge for New Cooks

If you’re nervous about pressure cooking or want the friendliest interface, the Duo Plus is worth the extra $10–$20. Egg, cake, and clearer display make it the most beginner-friendly.

Final Verdict

After two weeks of testing with real beginners, the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart wins hands down. It hits the perfect balance: under $100, easy presets, excellent cookbook support, and a massive online community. The Lux is too bare-bones for newbies, and the Duo Plus, while excellent, isn’t necessary if you’re comfortable with a little learning.

Bottom Line

Forget the cheapest. If you’re a beginner buying an Instant Pot on a budget, get the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart. It’s the best combination of ease of use, cookbook availability, and price. Save the Lux for experienced users who just need a pressure cooker, not a coach. And if you can stretch to $99, the Duo Plus is a luxury that pays off in confidence.

Start your pressure cooking journey with the model that will actually get used. The Duo won’t collect dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest Instant Pot for a beginner to use?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is the easiest for beginners due to its extra presets like Egg and Cake, a clearer blue backlit display, and a comprehensive 48-page recipe booklet. It requires minimal guesswork, making it ideal for first-time users who want consistent results without searching for cook times.

How do I cook rice in an Instant Pot for the first time?

For perfect rice, use the Duo or Duo Plus with their dedicated Rice preset. Add rinsed rice and water in a 1:1 ratio, select Rice, and let it cook. For the Lux, use manual high pressure for 6 minutes followed by natural release. The Duo Plus gave perfect results first try in our tests, while the Lux required more experience.

Why is the Instant Pot Duo Plus recommended over the Lux for beginners?

The Duo Plus offers a better display, more presets including Egg and Cake, and a larger recipe booklet. The Lux lacks a yogurt button and bean preset, forcing beginners to look up manual times, which can lead to inconsistent results. For just $30 more, the Duo Plus eliminates frustration and hidden learning costs.

Who should buy the Instant Pot Lux instead of the Duo?

The Lux is suitable for experienced cooks who already know pressure cooking times and don't need presets or a yogurt function. It's also a good choice for those on a tight budget who plan to learn manual control. However, most beginners will benefit more from spending a bit extra on the Duo or Duo Plus.