Let’s talk about the instant pot 6 QT vs 8 QT comparison. In this guide, I will talk about the comparison between the instant pot 6 quarts vs 8 quarts sizes. You will learn all about their differences and similarities.
The instant pot has to be one of the most necessary tools in a modern-day kitchen. They are multifunctional, thereby replacing the job of many other cookers, such as rice cookers, egg cookers, etc.
I believe addiction is something not right for so many things. But, not for pressure cookers. I am addicted to this cooker for so many reasons – just like you.
Ever since I discovered the magical things instant pots could do, I haven’t looked back ever since then, as life only got easier in the kitchen.
What is an Instant Pot?
An instant pot is a cooker that performs so many functions, which include pressure cooking, steaming, warming, slow cooking, rice cooking, egg cooking, and more.
Instant pot performs the functions of so many cookers, such as rice cooker, pressure cooker, crock pot, slow cooker, egg cooker, and more. It is multifunctional.
Today, the instant pot which was first made in 2010 has become a popular cooker in many households around the globe; thanks to its exceptional cooking ways.
They come in different sizes, just as you want them. There is the size 3-quart, size 4-quart, size 6-quart, size 6.5 quart, size 8-quart, and size 10-quart. At least, that I know of.
The instant pot has size, which can be categorized as small, medium, and big. However, out of all these sizes, the instant pots 6 QT and 8 QT are the most popular sizes.
In this guide, I will let you know the differences and similarities between a size 6-quart instant pot and a size 8-quart instant pot. This will be done by a comprehensive review of these sizes.
SIZE: Instant Pot 8 QT vs 6 QT Comparison
Let’s talk about the sizes of these two instant pots kinds. If you are in need of an instant pot, and you don’t really know which to go for, then let me show you a comparison of both, in order to help you choose which is best for you.
Instant pot size 6-quart is smaller than size 8-quart, as you’ve expected. Then, an instant pot size 8-quart is more expensive than 6-quart, as expected too.
How Big is Instant Pot Size 6 QT?
For the size of an instant pot 6 QT, it measures 13.2” x 12.2” x 12.5” (33.5 x 31 x 31.7 cm) *, and it weighs 6.61 kg (14.57 lbs).
When the instant pot was first made, the size 6 QT was the first they came up with, and it is perfect for not-so-large households.
The size of this instant pot might be 6-quart, but you can’t fill it to the brim with food. You should not exceed 4-quart when filling it.
How Big is Instant Pot Size 8 QT?
The size 8-quart instant pot measures 14.8” x 13.3” x 14.2” (37.6 x 33.8 x 36.1 cm) *, and it measures 8.21 kg (18 lbs).
The size 8 QT instant pot is considered the pot for a medium to large family cooker. With this size, you can easily make a portion of food for up to 6 people.
You should only fill it to around 6 quarts. With this size as well, you can cook a large whole chicken in it. It is ideal for a large family.
* Length x Width x Height
PRESSURE: Instant Pot 6 QT Versus Instant Pot 8 QT Comparison
Let’s talk about the pressure comparison of an instant pot 8 QT and that of an instant pot 6 qt. let’s see how long they both take to come up to pressure.
For an instant pot 6-quart size, it takes between 5 and 10 minutes to come to pressure. For an instant pot 8-quart size, it takes between 10 and 15 minutes to come to pressure.
As you might have thought, sizes matter when it comes to coming up to pressure. And the pressure release time is the same. However, they vary based on the kind of recipe you are making.
COOKING TIME: Instant Pot 8 Quarts vs Instant Pot 6 Quarts
As I mentioned earlier, the time of coming up to pressure for both sizes vary. For the cooking time, however, they are the same.
Once an instant pot reaches pressure, the cooking time regardless of the size is the same.
ADDING WATER: Instant Pot 6 QT vs 8 QT Comparison
With a proper amount of water in an instant pot, you can be sure that the steam would properly build up, and your food won’t get burnt. Without this, however, the reverse is usually the case.
With an 8 QT instant pot, you will need to add at least 2 cups of water in order to be able to safely pressure cook. For a 6 QT instant pot, however, you will need 1 cup of water at least to safely pressure cook.
Special Features of the Instant Pot 6 QT
Here are the special features of the 6-quart instant pot:
- Capable of cooking up to 6 portions of rice (3 cups of rice).
- The best choice for small households (family of 5 or 6).
- Capable of cooking 16 cups of soup or other liquid.
- Available in different models, such as Lux, Duo Duo Plus, Ultra, and Smart models.
Special Features of the Instant Pot 8 QT
Here are the special features of the 8-quart instant pot:
Capable of cooking up to 8-10 portions of rice.
Best choice for medium households (family of 6-9).
Capable of cooking soups or other liquids for a large number of people.
Available in different models, such as Lux, Duo Duo Plus, Ultra, and Smart models.
Instant Pot 6 Quarts vs 8 Quarts: Which Size Should I Get?
The size to go for when getting an instant pot depends on several reasons. This might be determined by your financial capability, your household, or your reason for getting the instant pot.
Both size 6-quart and size 8-quart instant pots work in similar ways, and the factors I have listed above should play a role when you want to buy yours.
As I have maintained in this guide, both instant pot 6 QT size and instant pot 8 QT size cook at the same speed and heat once they have reached their pressure.
Final Thoughts on 6 QT vs 8 QT Instant Pots
Both sizes of instant pots are excellent ones that will get your food done in a matter of minutes. They are great time savers for preparing dishes, especially when you don’t have the luxury of time at hand.
The major difference between instant pot 6 QT and 8QT is the size. The sizes define what you want to use them for. For a family of 2 to 5 people, the size 6 quarts is definitely what you should go for.
And, if you have a bigger household, a family that is up to 6, then the size 8 quarts is the instant pot cooker you should be looking forward to buying.
What do you feel about my guide on the instant pot 6 qt vs 8 qt? I would like to know your opinion about this, and I would also like to know which of these you went for.