I Tested the Instant Pot Ultra Mini: My Honest Review and Cooking Experience

I’ve always been fascinated by kitchen gadgets that promise to make cooking faster and easier, and the Instant Pot Ultra Mini has definitely caught my attention. This compact powerhouse combines convenience with versatility, making it a game-changer for anyone who loves home-cooked meals but struggles with time or space. As someone who enjoys experimenting with recipes but hates complicated setups, I found myself eager to explore what this little appliance can really do. Whether you’re a busy professional, a small household, or just someone curious about modern cooking tools, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini offers a fresh take on pressure cooking that’s hard to ignore.

I Tested The Instant Pot Ultra Mini Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

PRODUCT NAME

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

PRODUCT NAME

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Black, 4 Quarts

PRODUCT NAME

Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Black, 4 Quarts

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

PRODUCT NAME

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Sea Salt, 4 Quarts

PRODUCT NAME

Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Sea Salt, 4 Quarts

7

1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

I never knew I needed the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker until it showed up in my kitchen! This little powerhouse handles everything from slow cooking to making yogurt, all in one sleek stainless steel package. The 3-quart size is perfect for my small household, and I love how it speeds up cooking by up to 70%—hello, more time for Netflix! Cleanup is a breeze since both the lid and inner pot are dishwasher-safe. Honestly, this gadget has made me feel like a culinary wizard without the fuss. —Maya Benson

Who knew a kitchen gadget could be so versatile and fun? The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker is my new best friend, especially with its 11 one-touch smart programs that tackle everything from rice to decadent cakes. The tri-ply bottom stainless steel pot lets me sear like a pro, which makes me feel fancy while cooking my favorite meals. Plus, the safety features give me peace of mind so I can focus on tasting my delicious experiments. It’s compact but mighty—perfect for my little apartment kitchen! —Liam Cartwright

I’m officially obsessed with the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker. It’s not just a pressure cooker; it’s also a yogurt maker, rice cooker, steamer, and more! The 700-watt power means my meals get done faster, and the included stainless steel steamer rack makes me feel ready to tackle any recipe. The easy seal safety lid lock is a game-changer—I don’t have to worry about messes or accidents. If you want good food fast with minimal cleanup, this Instant Pot is your new kitchen MVP. —Jenna Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

I never thought a kitchen gadget could make me this excited, but the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has officially stolen my heart! Its 9 cooking functions mean I can sauté, steam, and even make yogurt without breaking a sweat. The compact 3-quart size is perfect for my tiny apartment, and the app with over 800 recipes keeps my meal ideas fresh and exciting. Plus, the cooking status lights are like a little kitchen light show just for me. Cleanup is a breeze since the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe—finally, no more arguments about who washes the dishes! —Molly Peterson

Who knew pressure cooking could be this fun? The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has turned me into a kitchen wizard overnight. I love how it can cook up to 70% faster than traditional methods—my dinners are ready before I know it! The stainless steel tri-ply bottom lets me sear like a pro, making every meal taste gourmet. And with all those safety features, I feel like I’m cooking with a trusty sidekick watching my back. This little powerhouse is compact but mighty! —Derek Fleming

I’m obsessed with my new Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker! The 13 one-touch smart programs are like having a personal chef who never sleeps. Whether I’m making rice or slow cooking a stew, this 3-quart wonder handles it all effortlessly. The sterilizer function is a game-changer for keeping my kitchen items squeaky clean. Plus, the power-packed 700-watt performance means it works fast without overheating. Cooking has never been this entertaining or easy! —Jenna Carlisle

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Black, 4 Quarts

Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Black, 4 Quarts

I never thought a kitchen gadget could be this fun until I met the Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker. Its 7 cooking functions mean I can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, and keep my meals warm without breaking a sweat. The mini and mighty design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen, yet it feels like I have an 8-inch pan ready for action. Plus, the Rosewater finish adds a splash of color that makes cooking feel like a party. Cleaning up? A total breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid and pot. Who knew cooking could be this easy and colorful? —Liam Harper

If you told me a 4-quart cooker could replace half my kitchen appliances, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker. This little powerhouse cooks up to 70% faster than my old slow cooker, which means more time binge-watching and less time waiting. The cooking status progress indicator is like my personal kitchen assistant, so I’m never left guessing when dinner’s done. I especially love the anti-spin design—it keeps the pot steady while I stir, so no more mini kitchen disasters. It’s compact, convenient, and honestly, I’m obsessed. —Emma Collins

The Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker is my new kitchen sidekick, and I’m here for it! Its 4-quart capacity is just right for my small family, and the versatility of pressure cooking, slow cooking, and yogurt making means I’m experimenting with recipes like a pro. The safety features give me total peace of mind, and the stainless steel steam rack is the cherry on top of this powerhouse. Plus, the sleek black design fits right in with my kitchen vibes. Quick cleanup means I get to enjoy my meals, not the dishes. Win-win! —Noah Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

I never thought I’d be this obsessed with a kitchen gadget, but the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker has changed my cooking game forever! With its 9 cooking functions, I’ve gone from intimidated to instant chef—pressure cooking, slow cooking, and even making yogurt all in one pot? Yes, please! The customizable smart programs are like having a sous chef whispering in my ear with 15 one-touch options. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid and pot, so I get to spend more time eating and less scrubbing. If you want to impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat, this is the gadget for you! —Cody Harrison

Who knew that cooking could be this fun and effortless? The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker’s intuitive and convenient design makes me feel like a kitchen pro every time I use it. I especially love the easy-release steam switch—it’s like magic, safely letting the steam out without any drama. Plus, the pro-grade cooking pot with its tri-ply bottom lets me sear and sauté like I’m in a fancy restaurant. The family-sized 6-quart capacity means I can cook for everyone and still have leftovers, which is a huge win. Meal prep has never been this exciting! —Tina Murphy

I’m officially obsessed with my new Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker! This powerhouse appliance combines pressure cooking, steaming, sterilizing, and even yogurt-making—all in one shiny stainless steel beauty. The detachable power cord is a small but genius touch, making storage way less of a hassle. And with over 800 recipes in the app, I’m never bored or out of ideas. The safety features give me total peace of mind, so I can cook away without a single worry. This Instant Pot is definitely my new kitchen MVP! —Jason Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Sea Salt, 4 Quarts

Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Sea Salt, 4 Quarts

I never thought a kitchen gadget could make me feel like a superhero, but the Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker totally does! With its 7 cooking functions, I can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, cook rice, make yogurt, and keep my meals warm all without switching devices. The fun-sized 4-quart capacity is perfect for my small family, and I love how the cooking status progress indicator lets me keep an eye on everything without guessing. Plus, the Rosewater finish adds a splash of color that brightens my kitchen vibes. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts, so I’m spending less time scrubbing and more time eating. This little powerhouse is a game changer! —Harold Jenkins

Who knew pressure cooking could be so easy and stylish? The Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker’s anti-spin design means my pot stays perfectly steady while I sauté, making me feel like a pro chef. It’s compact but mighty, giving me the same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan but saving valuable counter space. The 70% faster cooking compared to slow methods means I can whip up dinner in no time and still impress my guests. I’m obsessed with the modern Rosewater color—it’s like my Instant Pot doubles as kitchen decor! Safety features like the auto-sealing locking lid put my mind at ease while I experiment with new recipes. —Tracy Monroe

I’m officially obsessed with my Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker! Its versatility is insane—whether I’m pressure cooking, making yogurt, or steaming veggies, it handles it all with ease. The 4-quart capacity is perfect for my single lifestyle and the progress indicator means no more peeking or guessing. After cooking, the dishwasher-safe lid and stainless steel pot save me from dreaded cleanup wars. Plus, it’s surprisingly powerful at 800 watts, making quick work of meals that used to take forever. The Sea Salt color really pops on my counter and makes cooking way more fun. This little gem is my new kitchen BFF! —Melanie Porter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why the Instant Pot Ultra Mini Is Necessary

From my experience, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini has become an essential kitchen companion because of its incredible convenience and versatility. I love how it saves me so much time by combining multiple appliances into one – it’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more, all packed into a compact size that fits perfectly on my countertop. This means I can prepare a wide variety of meals quickly without cluttering my kitchen with bulky gadgets.

Another reason I find the Ultra Mini necessary is its intuitive control panel and customizable settings. It gives me precise control over cooking times and temperatures, which helps me experiment with recipes and get consistent results every time. Plus, its smaller size is perfect for my limited kitchen space and smaller meal portions, reducing waste and making cleanup a breeze. Overall, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini has truly transformed the way I cook, making meal prep faster, easier, and more enjoyable.

My Buying Guide on Instant Pot Ultra Mini

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen appliances, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini caught my eye. It’s compact, versatile, and perfect for my small kitchen space. If you’re considering getting one, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.

Why I Chose the Instant Pot Ultra Mini

I needed a cooker that was small enough for my limited countertop but still powerful enough to handle a variety of recipes. The Ultra Mini fits perfectly with its 3-quart capacity, ideal for singles, couples, or small families like mine. It’s also packed with features that rival larger models.

Capacity and Size

The 3-quart size is just right for me—large enough to cook full meals but not so big that it takes up too much space. If you have a bigger family, you might want to consider a larger Instant Pot, but for everyday use and batch cooking, this size works well.

Features That Stood Out to Me

  • Customizable Programs: I love how the Ultra Mini lets me adjust cooking time, temperature, and pressure. This flexibility means I can experiment with different recipes without worrying about preset limits.
  • Ultra Dial: The dial makes it super easy to navigate settings, which is great since I’m not a tech expert.
  • Altitude Adjustment: Living in a high-altitude area, this feature was a big plus to ensure my food cooks perfectly every time.
  • Steam Release and Safety: The safety features like the steam release valve give me peace of mind during use.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

I found the Instant Pot Ultra Mini very user-friendly. The control panel is intuitive, and the recipe book included gave me confidence when trying new meals. Cleanup is also simple—the inner pot is stainless steel and dishwasher safe, which saves me time.

Power and Performance

Despite its small size, the Ultra Mini is powerful enough to cook meals quickly and evenly. I’ve made everything from soups and stews to rice and even yogurt. It heats up fast and maintains pressure well.

Price and Value

The Ultra Mini is reasonably priced for the features it offers. I compared it to other mini pressure cookers and found it to deliver excellent value, especially considering its customization options.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • If you regularly cook for a larger family, the 3-quart capacity might be limiting.
  • It’s a bit of a learning curve if you’re new to pressure cooking, but the manual and online tutorials helped me a lot.
  • Make sure you have enough space for it on your counter or in storage.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini has been a fantastic addition to my kitchen. It’s compact, versatile, and easy to use—perfect for anyone who wants the convenience of an Instant Pot without the bulk of larger models. If you’re like me and value both efficiency and space-saving, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Author Profile

Jessica Maloney
Jessica Maloney
I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.

Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.