Let’s be honest: we’d be nowhere without our pressure cookers. Getting your meals ready in less than half the time after you throw everything in one pot – it’s absolute bliss. Plus, those smart settings are a life-saver when you’re feeling extra flustered and don’t have much time.
The Instant Pot Smart WiFi offers more than just smart programs – yep, you guessed it – it has WiFi capability for remote access, making your kitchen life even more convenient. But how good is it really?
In this post, we’ll review its features and performance, its pros and cons, and much more. So check out our detailed review before heading to make a purchase!
Features
Here’s what we think about its various features and its performance in the kitchen:
Design
The Smart WiFi Instant Pot isn’t too different from the Instant Pot Duo Plus when it comes to design.
It has a food-grade stainless steel exterior, which is not too shiny but is fingerprint-resistant. The lid is matte black and features a steam release valve that you manually twist to quick release. We wish that Instant Pot included a button to make this process safer, though.
On the bright side, the control panel has a big blue LCD that displays status icons such as pressure, heat, sound, WiFi, and more. And of course, this model, like all Instant Pot kitchen appliances, has all the safety mechanisms for your peace of mind.
WiFi Control
Let’s talk about its main feature – the WiFi capability. With its WiFi integrated controls, you can now set up your Instant Pot without having to go through its various buttons.
This works through the Instant Pot app, which is available for Android and IOS mobile devices, both. Download it, connect your Instant Pot to your WiFi – and voila, you’re all set and ready to start cooking.
The app offers more than 750 pre-programmed settings for various recipes, so you don’t have to do any work.
So let’s say you want to make beef stew. After adding all the ingredients into the pot, all you have to do is search for the beef stew recipe on the app and tap “Cook Now.”
The app will automatically set the correct settings for a beef stew on your Instant Pot and start the cooking process right away. It will also let you adjust the delay start and keep warm settings.
Meanwhile, you can walk away and perform other chores, and your Instant Pot app will let you monitor the cooking process and send you notifications as it progresses.
The only thing we feel is missing is the ability to control the Pot through the app. For instance, you can only cancel the cooking process through the app. If you want to perform any other function, like adding cooking time, you’ll have to do it manually.
On the bright side, you don’t have to rely on the recipes available in the app – you can create a dish of your own by setting the pressure, cooking time, heat, etc., in the app and save it for next time.
Moreover, the latest version of the Instant Pot Smart WiFi is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google assistant. Say the instructions to your speaker, and your Instant Pot will start cooking immediately – how cool is that?
Cooking Modes and Presets
So how customizable is this model? It offers eight cooking modes, including:
- Slow cook
- Pressure cook
- Rice cooker
- Cake maker
- Food warmer
- Yogurt maker
- Sauté/searing
- Steamer
Apart from this, you also get other presets, such as:
- Soup/broth
- Meat/stew
- Bean/chili
- Multigrain
- Porridge cooker
So it’s safe to say that there are a lot of customizability options. Do note, though, that the sous vide, sterilize, and egg option isn’t available on this model.
Moreover, we feel like the slow cooking mode doesn’t perform as efficiently as an actual slow cooker as Instant Pot takes more time. Nevertheless, it gets the job done.
Other than this, this model pressure cooks like a champ, and its presets work pretty well. The chili, grains, yogurt making, and rice modes are particularly accurate every time.
Controls
Anyone who buys this model does so to make use of its WiFi capability so they can set everything using the app without ever having to touch the controls. Even so, the Instant Pot Smart WiFi offers all the manual controls that are present on non-wifi models.
You get a herd of buttons for the cooking modes, presets, and a plus and minus sign to adjust pressure level and heat. Apart from this, there’s a delayed start, keep warm, and cancel button.
Going through these buttons is slightly time-consuming, and there’s a learning curve to the manual controls.
Plus, there’s no start button on this model as there is on others, and we really liked that option as it assures you that the cooking process has begun. Luckily, the companion app of this model tells you everything about the cooking process and lets you adjust settings in an instant.
So overall, there’s nothing special about the manual controls – they’re the same as the Duo Plus series.
Safety
People who use pressure cookers are always concerned about their safety. Luckily for Instant Pot users, the brand offers ten safety features on their pots, including an anti-block shield, leaky lid detection, overheat protection, etc.
To learn more about its safety mechanisms, check out the instant pot smart WiFi manual (click here to download).
Available Sizes
This model is only available in the 6 quart size. In our experience, this size works well for most small and medium-sized families.
Instant Pot Smart WiFi 6 Quart Specifications
Dimensions: 13.2″L x 12.2″W x 12.5″H
Weight: 12.2lb
Ideal for: 4-6 members
Reasons to Buy
- WiFi capability through Instant Pot App
- App has over 750 recipes and lets you create personalized dishes
- Monitor progress and cancel cooking remotely
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
- Large blue LCD display
- Multi-use cooker has eight cooking modes + presets
- Has a condensation collector and various accessories
- UL and ULC certified
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t offer much control through the app
- Not affordable for everyone
- Only pairs with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks
Instant Pot Smart WiFi FAQs
What does the Instant Pot app do?
The app is where all the magic happens. You can start the cooking process within a few taps by selecting the recipes already present in the app or making your very own recipe by adjusting the settings.
As soon as you press “Cook Now,” your Instant Pot will automatically adjust the settings and start cooking without you having to press any buttons on the cooker itself. Plus, the app also lets you monitor the device’s progress.
How do I connect to WiFi?
Download the Instant Pot app and sign up. Next, go to My Devices and select your Smart WiFi Instant Pot model.
After this, you’ll be asked to give your Instant Pot a name and a password. In the next step, enter the password for your home’s WiFi and press continue. Now, you will be asked to press the Pressure Level button on your Instant Pot for three seconds, so go ahead and do that.
In the last step, you will have to go back to the network settings on your phone and select the Instant Pot WiFi, after which both devices will pair and be ready for use.
How do I reset my Instant Pot Smart WiFi?
If you want to repair your Instant Pot to another WiFi network, press the cancel button to make sure your pressure cooker isn’t in cooking mode. After this, press the “pressure level” button for a good 10 seconds to unpair it from the previous network and reset it.
Final Verdict
Do we think that the Instant Pot Smart WiFi is worth its price tag? Yes, if you’re into intelligent controls and convenient, one-step processes.
But if you don’t plan on using the WiFi option a lot, you’re better off purchasing the non-wifi models, which have almost the same controls like this one.
But overall, this model comes in super handy for busy parents who just can’t be bothered to mess with the numerous buttons and settings on most Instant Pots
Check other instant pot models review
| Instant pot duo | Instant pot duo plus |
| Instant pot duo evo plus | Instant Pot Ultra |
| Instant pot duo crisp |
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