Instant Pot Duo Mini Review
The Instant Pot Company recently released an adorable little 3 quart pressure cooker, and they sent me the Instant Pot Mini to review! The new Instant Pot Duo Mini is perfect for small families, college students and traveling.
The new little 3 quart pressure cooker, officially a Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, arrived at my door a few weeks ago. It’s been on my counter ever since.
The Mini is such a cute little size, but it can do almost everything the bigger 6 quart Duo can do. It doesn’t have some of the pre-set buttons the bigger Duo has, but if you’re like me, you rarely use the multigrain, sterilize, cake, and egg buttons. All those things can be done / cooked using the Pressure Cook button.
The Instant Pot Company is advertising the Mini as, “the ideal companion to the Instant Pot Duo. Perfect for smaller families or to make a small dish for two, side dish or while traveling such as camping, traveling by RV, boating, sailing, hotel excursions.”
I couldn’t agree more. It’s great for all those uses and much of your everyday cooking. But if you want to cook a whole chicken, a big pot of soup, or are having company for dinner, the mini would be too small.
Above is a comparison photo of the Mini cooking pot on the left and the Duo Plus cooking pot on the right.
The Mini was the perfect size for most of my needs. I used it to cook my breakfast farro several mornings, rice for dinner several nights, and corn on the cob for lunch one day. I used the same time I would have used with my 6 quart, and all recipes came out perfectly.
The Mini comes with a cute little rack, a rice cup, a rice paddle and a soup spoon. My daughter especially likes the rice paddle for stirring and serving rice.
The blog Two Sleevers did a review and fun video about the new Mini if your interested in learning more about the capacity of the Mini. For more information read the Instant Pot Duo Mini Manual.
The design of the sealing ring on the Mini is a little bit different due to the size and smaller curvature of the lid. The new sealing ring provides for better flow of the steam for the small sized Mini.
There’s a little button on the rim of the Mini that pushes down when the lid closes. I understand this is a safety mechanism on the 8 quart Duo as well.
If you have limited space, the Mini is a great option. Also, the lower cost of the Mini makes it a more affordable option for gift giving or adding that second pressure cooker you’ve been wanting. I know I’ve loved having it.
Disclosure: I was sent an Instant Pot Duo Mini to review, but all opinions expressed are always my own.
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The instant pot web-site says that the inner pot of the mini is 3-ply with a stainless steel bottom. Does that mean the sides of the inner pot are not stainless steel? Are the sides aluminium?
Hi Jim – no, I don’t believe so, the Mini inner pot is the same as the larger pots.
Please share the number of cups required to fill to the half line and to the 2/3 line to help decide between a mini and a 6qt. Instant Pot. On the fence for months seeking to compare amounts I usually cook for two or three people Eager to save time and accidents while working at home and providing meals for family too.
Hi Melissa – the 3 quart is about 6 cups to half full and about 8 cups to 2/3’s line. For most people that have the kitchen space, the 6 quart is the right size, even for a family of two or three. If you want to cook two or three ears of corn or spaghetti squash, you’ll be glad to have the larger size. Also, most recipes are developed using a 6 quart pressure cooker. My current favorite is the 6 quart Duo Evo Plus https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-duo-evo-plus-review/
Thank you. Are these measurements for the 6 qt. Instant pot or the 3 qt. mini? We’re vegetarian—many meals feature legumes and whole grains and combinations of the two in soups and dals. Getting closer! Thank you for you timely replies.
The 3 quart 🙂
Much appreciate your experience and encouragement. I’m a better educated shopper! Now I have to wait till the Instant pot is back in stock online:)
I am seriously thinking about buying the mini. Would I be able to make a full batch of yogurt? I use 52 oz Fairlife, 16 oz of Natural Bliss and 2 TBLS of starter yogurt. Would that fit into the mini or would I need to use the 6qt?
Hi Janis – I haven’t tried it but I think that would work just fine in the Mini.
thank you
Is the rack for cooling only or was it designed to be placed in the pot with the inside pot on top of it? Probably sounds like a silly question, but I’d rather be on the safe side. Mine is about a year old and I’m now using it for the first time. It did not come with a rice cup and paddle. Thank you!
Hi Ann – the rack is for cooking both pot in pot https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/how-to-use-the-pot-in-pot-method-in-your-pressure-cooker-instant-pot/ as well as cooking above liquid such as baked potatoes.
Thank you! And what does the PC max levels indicate inside the interior pot?
Never fill the pot more than 2/3’s full (the max level) 1/2 full with things that foam like oats and pasta.
Barbara, Thank you for the link showing how to use the rack for the pot-in-pot method and for other, like baking potatoes. If I am using the interior pot which came with the instant pot, it appears that I would not be putting the rack in first, then the interior pot. Is that correct?
Correct you only cook with the inner pot in place and you never place anything better then inner pot and the house. It would be helpful if you went through my getting started guide https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/getting-started-with-your-new-electric-pressure-cooker-or-instant-pot/ .
How long does it take to release pressure steam from dry soaked beans. Mine have been releasing steam a long time! Im in the other room peeking around the corner! It has been at least 10 minutes.
Hi Gloria – it depends on how much is in the pot, but when I’m in a hurry, I’ll release the pressure after 10 minutes. Most of the pressure is already gone, so you should be okay to open it.
Even if it’s still whistling?
If the cook time has ended and the pressure has been releasing for 10 minutes. You can turn it to sealing, if nothing comes out of the valve, you can let the remaining pressure release quickly. If anything comes out of the sealing valve, close it and wait 30 seconds and try again.
There’s more information about releasing the pressure on this post https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/quick-pressure-release-or-natural-pressure-release/
My good friends gave me a Mini Duo for my birthday in October, and I use it many times a week. They asked me what size I wanted, and as I have very little counter space, am single and prefer not to have vast quantities of leftovers, I requested the small size. I love the all-in-one aspect of this, as I hate cleanup, and this makes it so easy! It’s big enough to make 2 portions of whatever I’m cooking, which is perfect. Love the set-it-and-forget-it aspect, no more burnt pot bottoms because I forgot I had something on the stove. Some of the things (like steel cut oats) aren’t necessarily faster, but no stirring required! I eat a lot of soup and it’s great to be able to whip something up in 10 -15 minutes cooking time. This is now on my list of the 2 small electric kitchen gadgets I’d keep when the apocalypse comes (assuming we still have electricity – the other is my Vitamix).
Thanks Debbie – you summed up the reasons to buy a Mini perfectly!
I find your site informative and to the point. Thanks!
How do I know if the recipe will work in the 3qt mini or if it needs the 6 qt?
Hi Rhonda – as long as your pot isn’t more than 2/3’s full (half full with things that foam like pasta or oats) then it will work in the Mini.
Can recipes specifically for the instant pot mini 3 quart be made in the 6 quart? I don’t have room for another instant pot and thought I may have to adjust the liquid to create steam and the 6 quart unit is 1000 watts which may not take as much time to make.
Hi Rita – it depends on the recipe. If it has enough liquid to come to pressure, you can make a 3 quart recipe in a 6 quart – although I haven’t seen many recipes specifically for the 3 quart. Generally recipes are developed for the 6 quart. I wouldn’t worry too much about changing the time because of the watts, most recipes the small amount of difference on timing isn’t critical.
Hi, there are several recipe books on Amazon specifically for the Mini. I found 3 that I borrowed for free using my Kindle Unlimited account.
I bought a 6 qt instant pot and realized that it’s really to big for me, it’s heavy and I don’t have room in my small kitchen. Then I bought a 3 quart and realized that there’s no setting for poultry or multi grains. I cook both frequently. Now what to do?? Send both back?
Hi Nancy – keep the Mini if it’s the perfect size. You can use the Manual / Pressure Cooker button for nearly everything including poultry and multi grains. Have fun!
Could you tell me the dimensions inside the inner liner, please? My mom just got a 3 qt. and I would like to take some freezer meals next time I visit her. I want to find a container to freeze them in that would allow the meals to be dropped right into the instant pot.
How nice of you! The inner liner is 7.8 x 5 inches
Hello,
I recently bought the 3qt mini (7 in-one Duo Mini) and have tried 2 recipes so far, a steel cut oats one and last night a hunter chicken one, both turned out great…though I had a lot of liquid left in the latter. Followed the recipe, but it turned out ok when I put it on saute and reduced the liquid, adding some tomato paste to the saucey mix. It called for leaving skin on chicken thighs for flavour I guess, but I had to fish out the skins…yuk! Anyway, my question is about the silicone sealing ring. I have tried to find the answer online to no avail. The ring for the 3 qt mini is different looking than the larger sizes. I noted there are different cut-outs on the edge with the mini. I found a post on Reddit that showed a picture and same question, but no one really had an answer. So what is the weird cut out which is sort of rectangular with a kind of ‘uvula’ in the middle? What is it for, because all of the stuff online seems to say it doesn’t matter how you align the ring when you put it back in? It was putting it in after washing it that got me thinking! It must have a purpose, or why have it there? Just wondering, as don’t want to put it in wrong. Any help appreciated, thanks!
Hi Noelle – glad you having fun with your new Mini. The design of the sealing ring on the Mini is a little bit different due to the size and smaller curvature of the lid. The new sealing ring provides for better flow of the steam for the small sized Mini. There is no certain alignment for the ring.
I found this wonderful cookbook at the library “cooking with your instant pot mini “. By Heather Schlueter. Fantastic recipes inside!! My question….can I make these recipes in my 6 qt pot? Do I double the recipes? I believe the cook time stay the same?
Hi Nancy – yes, for most recipes you should be able to double the recipes without increasing the cook time unless the meat is twice as thick.
I bought the Instant Pot Duo Mini a couple of weeks ago. Since I’m cooking for only 2 people, I thought it would be the perfect size to help our diets. I did not use it for a couple of weeks….wondering if I would really use it. I took it out last night with all my stew ingredients ready and then began reading the Recipe Booklet. What a disappointment. All I really needed was the measurements, times, and buttons to push. I found no recipes for the mini pot to use as a guideline. I found no “manual” button. What??? I got on line and had no luck at finding a mini pot beef stew. I finally put everything back in the refrigerator and I am attempting to wing it right now. I like to follow the directions, especially since I am unfamiliar with pressure cooker cooking. How do I get a recipe book for my new mini appliance?
Hi Rose – many of my recipes can be made in the Mini without any changes, some you’ll want to divide in half. Just don’t fill your Mini more than 2/3’s full and you’ll be fine. Instant Pot has changed the label of the Manual button to Pressure Cooker (they do the same thing and pressure cook is what the button actually does.) Here’s more information about which button to use https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-duo-and-smartcooker/ include a chart for the Mini. Hang in there, the Mini is very new and the recipes will start showing up.
Can I do boneless chicken breasts or wings in the mini using a beef setting as the mini does not have a chicken setting?
Thanks for any help.
Rick
Hi Rick – you can use the beef setting it you like, but I generally just use the pressure cook button and adjust the cook time to the time in the recipe I’m using. Here’s more info https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-duo-and-smartcooker/
With the 3 quart do you have to half the liquid?
Hi Anne – you don’t have to halve the liquid if you prefer more sauce. You’ll want to use about a cup of liquid.
I received the Duo Mini as a Christmas gift. It is very frustrating to use the Duo Mini. All of the recipes in the enclosed recipe pamphlet are written for the regular size 6 qt Instant Pot. This is my first Instant Pot, so I have no experience at all using an Instant Pot. I know that I need to cut each recipe in half, but how do I adjust the time for a smaller sized recipe? I should not have to experiment and waste food as I try numerous times to find the right cooking time when using this smaller Instant Pot.
One problem I have found is that the Mini does not have a “Manual” setting button. What am I to do when a recipe tells me to use the “Manual” setting? A recipe book should have been included which gives me recipes specifically for the Duo Mini. I have been unable to find any cookbooks written specifically for the Mini Instant Pot.
I would have returned this product if I had not received it as a gift.
Hi Joyce – sorry you’re frustrated. Many of the new models have a Pressure Cook button instead of the Manual button. It behaves exactly the way the Manual button does and it’s what the Manual button should have been named to begin with because you select it to pressure cook. Not all recipes need to be cut in half.
I’m currently working on which recipes of mine you can cook in the Mini without making any changes. When cutting a recipe in half, you do not need to change the cook time unless the meat you’re cooking is half as thick. Recipes like my https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-mongolian-beef/ fit in the Mini with no changes, as well as my rice recipe https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-white-rice/
Hang in there! Cookbooks are bing created for the Mini. The rule of thumb is don’t fill the pressure cooker more than 2/3’s full or 1/2 full with things that foam like pasta and oats.
Wow, I think I need one of these! A new productive kitchen toy!!! Crossing my fingers.
I bought the mini as it is only 2 of us. I have a 4 qt Fagor elite stove top which i used when i called company for dinner (no more than 8 at a time). But i was wanting an electric pressure cooker for some time. Thought of not being attending the pot seemed a time saver but I forgot all about it. Was thinking of Cusinart or Breville. Both were too expensive for me at that time. Never heard of Instant Pot till i started browsing Amazon and then wow! The sheer number of positive reviews left me hankering to have one and start experimenting on it. So Target seemed to have the cooker and the right price. I got it at 69.99 and no sales going on then, but when i want something I can’t delay gratification for a future sale date (eg Amazon Prime, Black Friday etc), so got one a week back. Cook one dish in it everyday and so far cooked lima beans, green split peas, and rice pilaf, using sauteing feature for cooking onions before the actual product with spices and turned out good. I added 2 minutes more to the pressure cooker manual timings in the hand book that came with it and I guess in this review it said the time shouldn’t change and for the rice I should have placed 8 minutes instead of 10 for 1 full cup of uncooked rice. Split peas took 17 mins to cook (not like mushy daal but even then). Tomorrow I will cook lamb pieces bone in and we will see. I do think time should take longer than the 6 qt as the mini has only 700 Watts, whereas the 6 duo has 1000. So reading a lot so as not to ruin meals and checking youtube videos. Definitely a some learning curve in preparing perfect recipes. I got the Mini duo 7 in 1 and not the the mini duo plus which is what I should have bought if only for the ability to change modes, (pressure hi or low) and levels during the cooking process itself. So far I am really liking to cook in my MINi every night!
Hi Tommi – even though the heating element is only 700 watts it cooks at the same psi as the 6 quart. So it could be slower to come to pressure, but since you’ll use less ingredients in the Mini that should offset the time to pressure as well. Of course everyone’s experience is difference, so I recommend keeping a notebook and writing down the times that work for you. Have fun!
Can you tell me how to make yogurt in the Mini?
Hi Nancy – use this recipe, except cut the recipe in half (half gallon milk, 2 T yogurt, etc), but the rest of the instructions stay the same https://tidbits-marci.com/instant-pot-yogurt/
Enjoy cooking don’t mind having couple of them
Can you just cut a recipe for the 6 qt. in half for the mini/
Hi Ruth – yes, as long as it has enough liquid to come to pressure. Typically 1/2 cup.
Excellent review! Thank you! You helped me decide on the 3qt over the 6 qt (I already have a Wolfgang Puck 8 qt). I also just bought the Kindle version of your Indian cookbook as well. Can’t wait to try the recipes once my mini comes in two days. I made sure to order using your url. 🙂
Thanks Cecilia! The 3 quart really is a fun size. Enjoy!
My husband and I are retired. This would be a wonderful size.
I found a used-new condition one on Amazon for 15plus 10.99 for shipping which made it affordable . So will see how it is when it comes. I have one question. Do I have to half a 6 quart. Recipe?
Wow – what a great deal. Hope it’s good as new! Have fun 🙂
I saw that one too. Then I read that the person selling it was giving bad tracking numbers and the item never came. Just keep an eye out for it. Hope you can get your money back if it nevers comes in. But if it does that was an awesome deal.
Oh yes, the Mini is great.
Received mine yesterday, test run last night, clean up easy. plenty big enough and stores easy in the motor home.
I LOVE my 6 qt. pot, but being a widow, I could really use a smaller one.
I am a family of one (me) And i would love to get this.
There’s only two of us so this would be a perfect size. I already preordered the cookbook, can the recipes be converted to s smaller pot otr are they already?
Hi Janet – the recipes in the cookbook were tested in a 6 quart pressure cooker, but I didn’t change the times in the recipes I made in the 3 quart and they all worked well.
I did the soft boiled eggs and soldiers. The eggs came out boiled and not runny like the recipe says, what can I do.
Reduce the cook time until the yolk is the consistency you like.
It unbelievable what you can do in a pressure cooker! I’m sold!
I heard so many positive remarks about it. We are two people and it would be perfect for us. Since I am up in age ,the Instant Pot Mini Duo would also be easier to handle. Also we are on a limited budget and it would be difficult to have the money to buy one.
I have have been. Saving up for an instant pot; I would love to win this , thanks! Would help when I get off work to cook quick meals.
I think this is the best giveaway ever! I would love that little one too as it would be great for my husband and me!
I love my 6 quart so much!! Another Instant Pot would be fantastic for smaller dishes for the two of us.
Good luck to everyone. Wish we all could win one. ??
this is a good size for two of us would love to have it I hope I could win this would sure come in handy
I’ve wanted a 3 qt to add to my current 6 st ever since I saw Urvashi’s (of Two Sleevers) review.
I seem to be having an issue with my entries tho’. I did all of them (6 green checkmarks) and on this page it shows that I have 4 entries. If I try the link directly to where we can enter it says I have 3 entries. It appears that some of my entries are not being counted and since they’re all checked off, I can’t go back to see which ones are not working.
This is awesome. Now that I’m only cooking for two I may sell my duo and buy this.
I love my instant pot and use it almost daily but I love alone and am thinking a smaller one is the perfect size for when I’m not entertaining.
I’m not gonna lie…this would be AWESOME to win!
I have the 6 qt duo, and I think the 3 qt would be perfect for my mom to cook small healthy meals for herself!
It took me a long time to finally decide to get an Instant Pot. Now that I have one, I don’t know why I didn’t get one “years ago!” And, now that I have the 7 in one, I know I need the mini! I know I could say that it would be perfect for my daughter but honestly, I would keep it for myself!
I have had my 6qt Duo for awhile. I bought a Lux yesterday. A mini would be perfect for our RV. Instant Pot has changed the way I cook and the variety of dishes. My conventional cookware has developed cobwebs! Instant Pot rocks!
I I use I use my 8qt and 6 qt every day. I have a child going to college next year and this would be fantastic for her!
I’ve had my Ultra only a few weeks and absolutely love it but had wondered why people need more than one Instant Pot. As I use my IP more and more it has become clear that I need another one and the Mini would be the ideal one!!
I love the idea of the mini. It looks perfect for smaller recipes and side dishes. I can’t wait to get one!
Since it is only me that I am cooking for now, this size would be perfect for me !! I love my other 2 Instant Pots but sometimes they are just too big for what I’m cooking. What a wonderful idea ….. mini Instant Pot !!!!! I Love it.!!
We just recently bought a 5th wheel and this little beauty would be great! Storage is at a premium and the smaller size is just what the Dr. Ordered! Fingers crossed that I would win one!
So perfect for side dishes and hot breakfast cereal. I hope I win, but assuming I don’t, I know what I’m going to be watching for on Black Friday…
My husband tried for months to talk me into getting an Instant Pot, but I’m not a “gadget” person, so I resisted. Finally I gave in and wow! I can’t live without it now. I use it nearly every day and keep finding new uses. I LOVE it!!!! The smaller Instant Pot would be great for my older sister and her husband.
It is prefect to make baby food….
This would be awesome for my college age son, who is very health conscious!
so adorable. Perfect for my kid, also for students stay in the dorm.
It looks like it’s the right size for cooking for two.
The mini is so adorable!! I would get so much use out of it!!
So many tips, recipes and ideas to try with the Instant Pot Community on Facebook. For two people a perfect size.
My daughter has 2instant pots and uses them daily. I keep hearing how shr thinks I should have the mini for hubby and I. I KNOW I would enjoy cooking with it. Hope I win the mini!!
I have a 91 year old mother in law who still lives on her own but can’t stand at the stove very long so I thought this would be great as a gift to her . I have the 6 quart and totally love it.
I have the old fashioned pressure cooker which I’ve never used because I’m afraid it will blow up on me! Would like to upgrade to a newer model, and this would be perfect!
I cook a lot of recipes just for myself or for my husband as we eat so different. This would be perfect and I’d sure love to have one! ❤️
Perfect for elderly who tend to eat much less, single or only 2 people, or RV. I NEED this!
Of course I bought one. We use the duo-50 in our full-time RV and the smaller size is even more perfect for us. Still keeping the other ones for pot lucks, and if I win the giveaway, my mom will get it.
Oh my, so many ideas are just buzzing around in my head for using the mini Instant Pot PC. I can’t wait to have one for me and my grand daughter. This will be so perfect for so many dishes I love to prepare that are to small for using my regular 6 qt. IP. I’m ordering one today and hope to win one. I have so many ideas for using it. What a great gift this will make to introduce my single friends to pressure cooking. Love It, Love It!
This would be awesome to keep in the kitchen/lunch area where I work. Some coworkers do n’t have to ne, so I know they’d be thrilled to have a chance to see it in action! Plus, I’d love it for my own little niches.
So cute!
I need one of these.
This would be great for my oatmeal mornings, small batches of rice, etc! The list is endless!
Thanks for the review. There are just 2 of us so a small Instant Pot would be awesome!
I can’t help but think that the Mini would be perfect for dips this football season! Love it!
I am only one, which this would be perfect.
Perfect for college apartment & roomies!
Instagram button isn’t working for me from either site.
Perfect for us empty nesters–and so cute!
perfect size cooking for 2.
Oh Barbara double wow. I am now cooking single and me and the motorhome are on the road.
This is perfect size for my wife and I to make some great and fast meals.
It is exactly what I need when I am cooking multiple items for my dinner!!!
This is exactly what I’ve been telling my family I need! I absolutely LOVE my Instant Pot, but I often want to cook another dish at the same time. This is the answer I’ve been looking for!!!
What a pity it’s USA & Canada only!
Any idea when us ‘over the pond’ will get to see one?
This would be great for the two of us! 🙂
Although we love leftovers, sometimes it would be so handy to have the smaller size. Thank you for your review and a chance to participate in the drawing. But to be honest, I will wait until the drawing is over and then order one anyway!!
Live alone now….the small Instant Pot would be perfect!
❤️❤️❤️❤️?❤️❤️❤️❤️
They need an emoje for the IP ?
This would be so wonderful. I use the large pressure cooker most often for the making of our bone broth. We both have osteoporosis and I get the fabulous broth from my cooker. We travel in a small RV and the mini would be perfect. Thank you for the opportunity to be in the drawing.
I love my full size pot and im sure I would love the mini too!
Thank you so much for mentioning my Mini review! Much appreciated. I agree with you, it’s the perfect little size for a variety of uses. I like that you mentioned that little button do-hickey on the lid as well, that’s a great call out.
I am so excited about the smaller size. It would be fun to try it out.
OH what a convenient size for a retired couple. Thanks for the chance to win.
Can’t wait to get one to try in my travel trailer. Since it’s just me now, this is the perfect appliance for travel and at home. Love my Duo 6 and use it bunches. Just a wee bit large for the camper.
Hi Barbara,
This is great addition to the instant pot family. I have two
,love trying your recipes.. this will be a great gift.mary
This is perfect for someone who lives alone or the 2 person family. I would love it have it!
And all this time I thought I followed you on IG & Pinterest.
That is perfect for the 3 of us for many things!
Perfect for those whose children have fled the nest!
Oh my gosh, that’s so cute! And I agree-that would be perfect for cooking small batches of food like rice or steel cut oats. What WILL they think of next???? 🙂