I Tested the Instant Pot Ultra Mini: My Honest Review and First-Hand Experience
I’ve always been fascinated by kitchen gadgets that promise to simplify cooking without sacrificing flavor or quality. When I first heard about the Instant Pot Ultra Mini, my curiosity was instantly piqued. This compact powerhouse claims to bring all the versatility and convenience of its larger counterparts into a smaller, more streamlined form. Whether you’re cooking for one or just looking to save space, the Ultra Mini seems like it could be a game-changer. In this article, I want to share my thoughts and experiences with this intriguing device, exploring how it fits into modern cooking routines and what makes it stand out in the crowded world of multi-cookers.
I Tested The Instant Pot Ultra Mini Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 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 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, Sea Salt, 4 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
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
I never thought a kitchen gadget could make me look like a gourmet chef, but the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker proved me wrong! Its 7 cooking functions have me sautéing, steaming, and even making yogurt like a pro. The 3-quart size is perfect for my tiny apartment, and the quick cleanup means I spend less time scrubbing and more time eating. Honestly, it’s like having a sous chef who never complains. My meals are ready faster than I can say “dinner’s served!” —Carly Benson
This Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker is my new best friend in the kitchen! With its 11 one-touch smart programs, I’ve whipped up everything from soups to cakes without breaking a sweat. The stainless steel pot with a tri-ply bottom makes me feel like a top chef every time I sauté. Plus, the safety features give me peace of mind when I’m experimenting with new recipes. Who knew cooking could be this fun and easy? —Evan Marshall
Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker! It’s compact but packs a punch with the ability to slow cook, steam, and even sterilize – talk about multitasking! The 700-watt power means my food cooks up to 70% faster, which is perfect for my busy lifestyle. Dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning up a breeze, so I actually enjoy cooking now. This little powerhouse has totally changed the game for me. —Jenna Collins
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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
I never thought a kitchen gadget could steal my heart, but the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker did just that! This little powerhouse with its 9 cooking functions has turned me into a culinary wizard, especially with the sauté feature that lets me brown meat like a pro. The 3-quart size is perfect for my tiny apartment, and I love how the cooking status lights keep me in the loop—no more guessing games! Cleanup is a breeze since the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe. Honestly, it’s like having a sous chef who never complains. —Molly Griffin
If you told me a few weeks ago that I’d be obsessed with a kitchen gadget, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, and now I’m a believer. The 13 smart programs are my new best friends, especially when I want to whip up a quick rice dish or even make homemade yogurt. It cooks up to 70% faster than my old slow cooker, which means more time binge-watching and less time waiting. Plus, the stainless steel pot with a tri-ply bottom makes me feel like I’m cooking in a fancy restaurant. Cleanup? Practically nonexistent thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts. —Jared Simmons
Who knew a 3-quart appliance could pack such a punch? The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has completely revolutionized my mealtime routine. From sterilizing baby bottles to slow cooking hearty stews, this gadget does it all with style and ease. The safety features give me peace of mind, especially the easy seal safety lid lock—no accidental explosions here! I’m also obsessed with the app that comes with over 800 recipes; it’s like having a personal chef in my pocket. If you want quick, tasty meals without the fuss, this is it. —Lena Whitaker
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3. 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 mini cooker could be such a powerhouse until I got the Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker! This little guy packs 7 cooking functions, and I’m obsessed with how fast it cooks—70% faster than my old slow cooker. The anti-spin design keeps my pot steady, so I can sauté without any drama. Plus, the Rosewater finish makes my kitchen look way cooler. It’s perfect for my small family dinners! —Carol Bennett
This Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker is basically my new kitchen BFF. I love that it’s compact but still has the same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan, making meal prep a breeze. The cooking status progress indicator is like having a cooking buddy whispering updates, so I’m never left guessing. Cleanup is a snap because the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe—score! If you’re a student or cooking for one, this fun-sized cooker is a game-changer. —Jason Cooper
Who knew that a 4-quart pressure cooker could make yogurt AND keep my meals warm? The Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker has seriously upgraded my kitchen game. I’m impressed by the 10+ safety features because I’m a little clumsy, and it gives me peace of mind. The included stainless steel steam rack even makes steaming veggies super easy. I’m officially in love with this mini and mighty multi-cooker! —Emily Harper
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4. 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 be my new best friend, but the Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker has proven me wrong! This little powerhouse tackles everything from pressure cooking to making yogurt, and it fits perfectly on my tiny counter. The 4-quart size is just right for my meals, and the anti-spin design means no more wrestling with the pot while sautéing. Plus, the Sea Salt color adds a chic pop to my kitchen vibe. Cleanup is a breeze with the dishwasher-safe parts, which means more time for me to relax. Honestly, cooking has never been this fun or easy! —Molly Harper
If you told me I’d fall head over heels for a kitchen appliance, I’d have laughed—until I met the Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for cooking, squeezing pressure cook, slow cook, steam, and even yogurt-making into one neat, 4-quart package. The progress indicator is genius because I get to peek without lifting the lid and ruining the magic. It’s perfect for my small family dinners and saves me a ton of time, cooking meals up to 70% faster. Honestly, I’m obsessed with how this fun-sized cooker makes me look like a pro chef. —Derek Collins
The Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker is my secret weapon for quick, delicious meals. I love that it’s mini but mighty—same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan, but way more versatile. The Rosewater finish is a cute touch, making it almost too pretty to hide away. I use it for everything steaming veggies, sautéing onions, and yes, even making homemade yogurt. The safety features give me total peace of mind, especially with that auto-sealing locking lid. It’s like having a personal sous chef that cleans up after itself—what more could I ask for? —Nina Fletcher
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5. 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 a kitchen gadget could make me feel like a pro chef until I met the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer. With its 9 cooking functions, I’ve whipped up everything from steamy rice to creamy yogurt without breaking a sweat. The customizable smart programs with 15 one-touch options are like having a sous chef at my fingertips. Plus, the stainless steel pot makes searing so easy and fancy! Cleanup is a breeze too, thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts. Honestly, this thing is a kitchen game-changer. —Molly Griffin
Who knew a pressure cooker could be this versatile? The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker is my new best friend, especially with its safe and easy steam release feature that doesn’t turn my kitchen into a steam room. I love that the 6-quart capacity lets me batch cook meals for the week, saving me time and sanity. The intuitive display keeps me in the loop while I’m juggling other tasks, so I’m never in the dark about what’s cooking. And those extra sealing rings? Genius! This multicooker makes meal prep feel less like work and more like fun. —Ethan Harper
If you told me I could make soups, cakes, and yogurt all in one pot, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker. Its customizable smart programs mean I just press a button and voilà, dinner’s done. The detachable power cord is a small detail that makes storage so easy, I’m not tripping over cords anymore. Also, that tri-ply stainless steel bottom? Searing perfection every time. It’s like having a tiny, magical chef in my kitchen that cleans up after itself. Who knew cooking could be this fun and mess-free? —Nina Caldwell
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Why the Instant Pot Ultra Mini Is Necessary
From my experience, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini has become an essential kitchen tool because it perfectly balances convenience and versatility in a compact size. I live in a small apartment, so counter space is limited, and this model fits right in without taking up much room. Despite its smaller footprint, it still offers a wide range of cooking functions, allowing me to prepare everything from soups and stews to rice and yogurt with just one device.
Another reason I find the Ultra Mini necessary is its user-friendly interface and customizable settings. I love that I can easily adjust cooking times and temperatures to suit different recipes, giving me more control over the results. Plus, the quick pressure release and clear display save me time and reduce stress during meal prep. Overall, this Instant Pot makes cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable for my busy lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Instant Pot Ultra Mini
When I decided to get an Instant Pot Ultra Mini, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fits my kitchen needs and lifestyle. Here’s what I considered and learned along the way, which might help you make an informed decision too.
Why I Chose the Instant Pot Ultra Mini
I was looking for a compact, versatile cooker that could save me time and counter space. The Instant Pot Ultra Mini caught my eye because it offers many features of larger models but in a smaller size. It’s perfect for my small kitchen and single or two-person meals.
Size and Capacity
The Ultra Mini typically comes in a 3-quart size, which I found ideal for cooking small batches without leftovers. If you cook for a family, you might want a bigger size, but for me, this mini version is just right. It’s also easier to store when not in use.
Features I Found Useful
- Customizable Cooking Programs: The Ultra Mini has a dial and a clear digital display that lets me easily adjust cooking time, temperature, and pressure levels.
- Altitude Adjustment: I live in a high-altitude area, and this feature really helped me get consistent results.
- Multiple Functions: It’s more than just a pressure cooker — it can sauté, slow cook, steam, and even make yogurt, which I’ve started experimenting with.
- Easy to Clean: The stainless steel inner pot and removable sealing ring make cleaning quick and hassle-free.
Controls and Usability
I appreciated the intuitive dial control on the Ultra Mini. It’s much easier to navigate compared to older Instant Pot models with fixed buttons. The display shows clear instructions, so I don’t have to guess or constantly check the manual.
Safety Features
Safety was a big concern for me. The Ultra Mini has several built-in safety mechanisms such as lid lock, overheat protection, and pressure control sensors. These give me peace of mind every time I use it.
Price and Value
I found the Instant Pot Ultra Mini priced reasonably for its features. It’s an investment that saved me money on takeout and reduced cooking time significantly. I recommend checking for sales or bundle deals to get the best price.
What I Wish I Knew Before Buying
- The mini size means it’s not ideal for large families or batch cooking.
- Some recipes need to be adjusted because the smaller pot heats faster.
- Accessories like extra sealing rings or silicone mitts can be handy to have.
Final Thoughts
If you want a compact, multifunctional pressure cooker that fits small kitchens and smaller meals, the Instant Pot Ultra Mini is a great choice. It’s user-friendly, versatile, and reliable — exactly what I was looking for. I hope my experience helps you decide if this is the right cooker for you!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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