Instant Pot Smart Wifi Review (2023) 8-in-1 Instapot Pressure Cooker

However, I have to mention right away that this is their old smart multicooker. The brand has already launched a new one with a touch interface and a better app—The Instant Pot Pro Plus.

I’m not a big fan of their old app. Though it features hundreds of recipes, it didn’t get enough traction.

Here’s how the Remote Control for Smart Wifi app looks.

As you can see, the rating was too bad. It looks okay but, I believe the user experience was horrible. I think they stopped updating this application.

And here’s the new Instant Brands app, featuring over 1000 recipes plus hands-free venting.

It looks modern, and the reviews speak for themselves, at least for the time being.

My point is, don’t waste your time on the Instant Pot Wifi. Just check out the newest Instant Pots in this buying guide.

If you wish to continue with this review, let’s proceed on discussing its pros and cons.

PROS

• Can connect to your phone (wi-fi ready)
• Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
• Classic design with LCD Screen
• Easy to use 14 smart programs
• 8-in-1 appliance
• Adjustable pressure, temperature, and duration
• Delay cooking + keep warm
• 6-qt capacity for hefty portions
• 800+ pre-programmed recipes
• Long-lasting stainless steel pot
• BPA-free
• Dishwasher safe lid and pot for easy cleaning
• 1-year warranty

CONS

• Old model
• Not available as a new product
• Midrange pricing
• Requires significant space on your countertop
• Sautéing in Instapot is not the most comfortable
• No progress (preheat) indicator
• The app isn’t impressive
• Not compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
• Not available in 3-qt, 8-qt, and 10-qt configuration

What can you cook with the 8-in-1 Instant Pot Smart Wifi?

Considering that Instapots are known as multi-cookers, the Instant Pot Smart Wifi is no different. Essentially, it has 8 major functions combined into one effective appliance. 

And that’s not even the best part:

You see, while 8 is the advertised number, it has many more uses. In fact, the IP Wifi has a total of 14 smart programs, yet you can make an infinite number of recipes. In short, the sky’s the limit.

Pressure and Slow Cook

Here’s the thing:

Most slow cook recipes (if not all) can be pressure cooked—which also happens to be the most prominent function of Instant Pot.

Briefly speaking, pressure cooking enables you to achieve tender and juicy results without breaking a sweat. All that in a short amount of time (up to 70% faster than traditional cooking). 

Naturally, you can also make tender and juicy recipes with slow cooking, but longer.

With that said, here’s what you can cook: shredded chicken, chuck roast, curry, turkey, pulled pork, pork tenderloin, chili, etc.

As if that’s not enough:

You can also sauté directly on your Instant Pot Smart Wifi 60. As a result, you’ll have less stuff to wash later on if you’ll pressure/slow cook. 

In addition, if you don’t get to eat right away, there’s the keep warm function that enables your food to stay warm longer.

Here are the specific programs of the Instapot Wifi:

If you’re wondering if it’s available in other sizes, sadly, there’s no 3-quart, 8-quart, and 10-quart cooking capacity offered for the Instant Pot Smart.

Is the Instant Pot Wifi easy to use?

With regards to the manual controls, Instant Pot 8 in 1 relatively easy to manipulate the Instant Pot with Wifi.

The smart programs are especially a massive help with this electric pressure cooker. Simply add the ingredients, select the function, and let the machine do all the work. It’s one of those set-and-forget machines, so you can rest easy in the kitchen.

Needless to say, these programs are also customizable—duration, pressure, and temperature. In other words, you can personalize any recipe to your liking. Additionally, you can adjust the sound of the Instant Pot Wifi. 

Here’s more:

You’ll likely appreciate the Cooker Status Icons on top of the LCD screen. Primarily, it indicates whether the wi-fi is connected/connecting, if the machine is preheating or cooking (and hot), if the keep warm is on/off, and the sound. 

By having so, you can tell even from afar, and you don’t need to press numerous buttons just to see these conditions.

Here’s the catch:

Sadly, there’s this feature or the lack thereof, that disappoints me. The machine doesn’t have automatic venting or at least a separate switch for releasing steam. The thing is, before the newer Instant Pots came out, this wasn’t a big deal. That being said, it isn’t the case anymore.

You see, the updated versions have these marvelous features that fit the name, “Smart.”

For one, the Instapot Max features automatic hands-free venting. Secondly, other recent products have separate release valves and vents (and sometimes automatic sealing like Instant Pot Duo Plus).

It’s a no-brainer that these are safer and easier to manage.

How to clean the 8-in-1 Instant Pot Wifi?

Luckily, in terms of cleaning, it’s the same with most Instant Pot Multi-cookers—simple. Plus, even if you don’t like washing manually, you can always place the lid and inner pot into the dishwasher. Check out this how to clean demo:

Though the video above demonstrates the Instant Pot Max, but it’s pretty much the same with the Instant Pot Smart Wifi 6 Quart.

What makes Instapot Wifi better than other multi-cookers?

I’ll state the obvious: The wi-fi connectivity is undoubtedly the ultimate selling point of the Instant Pot Smart against other multi-cookers. You can use this functionality through their application, “Remote Control for Smart Wifi,” available on Google Play and App Store. 

Remote Control for Smart Wifi Overview

Here’s the kicker:

The app offers 800+ recipes with pre-programmed settings (duration, pressure, or temperature). So, it’s like having 800 extra one-touch programs you can utilize to try different recipes without even breaking a sweat.

The app is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. Apart form voice commands, you can access the app anywhere. Therefore, you can prepare your food before leaving for work (assuming that the ingredients stay safe at room temperature) and start cooking when your shift is done. 

It’s a good monitoring app as well, which helps exceptionally for long-term recipes. You see, even if you’re not in the kitchen, you can tell how long it’s been or how much longer before it finishes.

Sadly, there’s a disadvantage for this:

You can already do the “cook later” with the delay start feature. Moreover, if the recipe calls for a quick release, you still have to do it manually. Plus, since you’ll be in the kitchen when placing the ingredients, it’s actually faster to simply press the buttons than having extra steps such as connecting your phone.

Here’s the worst part:

The application currently doesn’t work (from August until October 2021). For an app that you’ll often use for cooking, that’s a major red flag. IMHO, it implies that the app isn’t well-maintained, so you’re better off with a manual and more affordable multi-cooker such as Instapot Duo.

In conclusion, the wifi feature isn’t that impressive. (But, let’s wait and see if they release a better version.)

How about the Instant Pot Smart Bluetooth?

The Instant Pot Smart Bluetooth is a 7-in-1 kitchen appliance. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté-er/pan, and warmer—all in one machine!

Here’s the deal:

The Bluetooth and Wifi models may not look similar, but they’re practically the same regarding their technical specifications. The sole function not in Smart Bluetooth is the “cake” program. Nonetheless, they can achieve pretty much the same recipes. 

As for nuanced differences:

The Smart Bluetooth version has the delay start as a timer button. Simultaneously, it features an adjust button when modifying the temperature or pressure. 

So, the only significant difference is the Bluetooth or wifi connectivity. Regardless, they’re both considered smart since they can connect to your phone.

Here’s the thing:

The brand released Instant Pot Bluetooth way before the Smart Wifi version. In short, it’s already phased out, so I don’t recommend it either.

Here’s how the old app look, just for comparison.

What accessories can I get with the Instant Pot Smart 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker?

If you’re still adamant about getting the Instant Pot Smart Wifi, here are the accessories you should buy with it.

• Extra Inner Pot – especially if you like rice.
• The transparent lid is excellent for slow cooking as you can see what’s inside without removing the cover.
• Steamer basket – Since the included steam rack has huge holes, the steamer basket helps cook small components efficiently.

If you’re wondering if it’s compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Attachment, sadly this 6-quart electric pressure cooker is not.

*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Instant Brands

Technical Specifications

Type	Pressure Cooker / Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker
Brand/Series	Instant Pot by Instant Brands
Model #	Smart Wifi 60
Price	$$
Rating	4.1 out of 5
Pressure	11.6 psi
Wattage	1000-watt
Functions	8-in-1: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Porrdige Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, Sauté/Searing, Steamer, and Warmer
Pot	Stainless Steel
Capacity	6 quarts (5.7 L) cooking pot
Dishwasher safe	Yes
BPA Free	Yes
Color	Silver
Dimensions (LxWxH)	13.2 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches (33.5 x 31 x 31.7 cm)
Cord Length	2.9 ft. (0.9 m)
Application	Home and Personal Use
Warranty	1 Year
Related Products	Instapot Ultra, Instapot Viva, Instant Pot Lux, Instant Pot Nova, Instant Pot Duo Nova 80, Instant Pot Duo