Off-Topic Instant pot - 3 qt vs 6 qt

[pharma_gal]

I want to get an instant pot but can’t decide which size to get. I want to use it as much as I can but we are only 3 in the house. We have guests sometimes but not too often and when we do I prefer ordering from out as it’s difficut to prepare meals with my toddler as is. Should I just get the smaller size? I should also mention that we like to switch things up every couple days so I don’t cook anything in large quantities that last a week or so. Most of my meals last about 2 days. Any input? Thanks!

[yogapam]

I have a 6 quart and there are only 2 of us. We do like leftovers for lunch & I often freeze soups & chili for my adult kids. My DIL especially loves to take them to work for lunch. So you might do fine with a 3 quart.

EDIT - If you want to cook larger vegetables like squash & sweet potatoes, you might find the 3 quart a bit small. Both are so quick & easy in the IP and easy to peel.

[Wanda]

I'd check to see if they have replacement sealing rings for the 3 qt. They only last a year or two so it's important. That said, I have the 6 qt lux for 2 of us and I think I could get by with just a 3. I don't do much pot in pot cooking and the few times I've cooked a brisket or something similar I probably could have cut it down to fit.

[sherry7899]

There are replacement rings for the 3 quart on Amazon.

[JustSandra]

I have a 3-quart, which so far is working out fine for a single-person household. I use it mainly for preparing grains and beans.

However, if you plan to make yogurt in it, or if you like to make extra food for leftovers, you may want to get the 6-quart.

Another consideration is where you will store it. I have a neighbor who has an 8-quart one and she says it is a space hog. I keep my little 3-quart out on the counter, where it looks darn cute.

You can get all the accessories for the 3-quart size at Amazon.

[Exercise Diva]

I have the 5 quart and wished I had gone for the 6 quart and we only have the 2 of us now. I think the 3 quart would be very limiting but it depends upon what you are planning to cook/use it for.

[LoveVA]

Originally Posted by JustSandra

I have a 3-quart, which so far is working out fine for a single-person household. I use it mainly for preparing grains and beans.

However, if you plan to make yogurt in it, or if you like to make extra food for leftovers, you may want to get the 6-quart.

Another consideration is where you will store it. I have a neighbor who has an 8-quart one and she says it is a space hog. I keep my little 3-quart out on the counter, where it looks darn cute.

You can get all the accessories for the 3-quart size at Amazon.

Sandra, how many cups of beans can you make in the 3 quart? I am having a hard time deciding between the 3 and 6 quart as well. I would be using it primarily for grains and beans also.

[momofcha]

6 qt. We can barely get 3 chicken breasts in this and couldn't imagine a smaller one.

[sherry7899]

I have a 6 quart and a 3 quart. My six quart did not have the yogurt fuction, and I decided I wanted that. I use it for side dishes also. Kohls had a great sale and I had coupons and Kohl's cash so it was only $46.00.

[Susan H]

I have the 6-quart and it's just the two of us. I do a lot of batch cooking in mine. If it was just me to cook for, a 3-quart would probably be adequate, but for three people, I think the 6-quart would be the most versatile. I think most recipes are geared for the 6-quart, too.