Instant Pot has been the dominant force in multi-cookers for years, and the Pro 8-QT is their most refined version yet. The key upgrade here is the 28 one-touch smart programs, which replace the vague “Manual” button with specific settings for everything from steel-cut oats to hard-boiled eggs. For an 8-quart model, it’s surprisingly space-efficient, and the matte black finish won’t show fingerprints like the glossy models do.

The stainless steel inner pot is thick and heavy, which helps with even heat distribution during sous vide and sautéing. Pressure cooking a whole chicken takes about 25 minutes, and the yogurt function holds a steady 110°F without needing a thermometer. The steam release handle is now metal instead of plastic, which feels more durable. Over 800 recipes are accessible through the companion app, though you’ll need to scroll past a lot of generic options to find the good ones.

The 8-quart capacity is the sweet spot for meal prepping or feeding a family of four. It’s large enough to fit a 4-pound roast but still small enough to store in a cabinet. The only real downside is the learning curve—the interface has multiple menus, and the manual is dense. But once you set a few programs, the logic clicks. This is the one to buy if you want to replace your rice cooker, slow cooker, and steamer with a single appliance that does all three jobs well.