Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart Review: The Ultimate Family-Sized Multi-Cooker?
Tested for 10 weeks — here’s the real verdict on big-batch cooking, safety, and my top $0.99 cookbooks to maximize it.
If you cook for 4+ people, meal prep weekly, or love batch cooking, the Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart promises to be your kitchen MVP. As an award-winning cookbook author who’s tested every Instant Pot model, I put this 1400W powerhouse through its paces—making everything from 8-serving pot roast to homemade yogurt to tamales in 45 minutes.
Below, I break down everything you need to know: performance, pros/cons, safety notes, and—most importantly—which of my $0.99 cookbooks unlock its full potential.
What’s New in the 8-Quart Instant Pot Pro?
- 10 cooking functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, steam, rice/grain, yogurt, sterilize, bake, keep warm
- 8-quart capacity—feeds up to 8 people (perfect for batch cooking)
- 1400W power (vs. 1200W in 6-qt) = faster preheat + cooking
- Stainless steel inner pot with silicone handles—no oven mitts needed
- Gentle steam release switch with diffuser (quiet and safe)
- 28 one-touch smart programs (tamales, chili, hard-boiled eggs, etc.)
- Dishwasher-safe lid and pot
How It Performed in My Kitchen (10-Week Test)
I used the 8-qt Pro for:
- Batch meal prep: 8 servings of black bean soup in 25 minutes ✅
- Sous vide: 4 salmon fillets at 120°F—perfectly tender ✅
- Yogurt: 2 quarts of creamy homemade yogurt ✅
- Hard-boiled eggs: 12 eggs that peel like a dream ✅
- Slow cooking: Worked… but with quirks (see Cons) ⚠️
One standout? Tamales in 45 minutes—a reader favorite from my Bean & Grain Cookbook. The larger pot fits 24+ tamales upright!
Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart: Photo Gallery
See the size, controls, and real cooking results:
Pros & Cons: The Honest Truth
✅ Pros
- Perfect 8-serving capacity for families & batch cooking
- 1400W = faster than 6-qt model
- Stainless steel pot (no non-stick coating concerns)
- Handles on inner pot = safer handling
- Quiet, controlled steam release
- Ideal for yogurt, sous vide, and large stews
❌ Cons
- Slow cook mode can glitch (cycles into preheat)
- No “0-minute” setting for delicate veggies
- Larger footprint—needs counter space
- Contains PFAS/metals (see safety note)
Important Safety & Material Disclosure
The Instant Pot Pro contains iron, chromium, manganese, nickel, aluminum, carbon black, titanium dioxide, and/or PFAS. While the stainless steel inner pot is generally safe, those with sensitivities should review Instant Pot’s full disclosure: instantpot.com/pages/cookwarechemicaldisclosures.
Maximize Your 8-Qt Pro with My $0.99 Cookbooks
Don’t just own it—master big-batch cooking. These guides are tested specifically for the Pro’s functions:
📚 My Top 4 Cookbooks for the 8-Qt Instant Pot Pro
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Is the 8-quart Instant Pot Pro worth it over the 6-quart?
Yes—if you cook for 4+ people or meal prep.** The 8-qt fits 8 servings, 24+ tamales, or 2 quarts of yogurt. The 6-qt is better for 2–4.
Can you really sous vide in the 8-qt model?
Absolutely! The “Sous Vide” mode maintains precise temps (104°F–190°F). I’ve cooked 4 salmon fillets at once with perfect results.
Why does the slow cooker mode keep preheating?
Several users report this glitch. Workaround: Use “Pressure Cook” on low pressure for stews, or monitor manually. Instant Pot is aware but hasn’t issued a firmware fix.
Is the inner pot non-stick?
No—it’s 18/8 stainless steel, which is more durable and avoids PFAS concerns from non-stick coatings.
How much counter space does it need?
14.4” deep x 13.9” wide—larger than the 6-qt. Measure your space first!
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Family Kitchen Workhorse
The Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart earns its spot on my counter. It’s faster, safer, and more versatile than older models—and when paired with my $0.99 Bean & Grain Cookbook, you’ll never run out of easy, high-protein batch ideas.
Just know: the slow cook function isn’t flawless. But for pressure cooking, yogurt, rice, and sous vide at scale? It’s unmatched.
Ready to upgrade for your family?
🛒 Get the Instant Pot Pro 8-Qt on Amazon (30% Off)Prime eligible • 4.6★ (11,954 reviews) • 1-year warranty
P.S. Grab my Free 4-Week Meal Plan—includes 8-serving Instant Pot recipes!