Instant Pot Viva Review (2023) Instapot Pressure Cooker

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Instant Pot Viva Pressure Cooker, Black/Silver
Instant Pot Viva Pressure Cooker, Black/Silver

The Instant Pot Viva is based on the best-selling pressure cooker/multi-cooker from the brand—Instant Pot Duo. However, it’s more like the twin sibling of the Instant Pot Duo Plus.

It has the same nine core cooking functions and a newer pressure release switch.

I have to warn you though, that the Instant Viva is an old electric pressure cooker. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is more up-to-date than the IP Viva. Or you could also check the latest Instapots.

If you’re still interested in this model, it’s available in two cooking capacities.

Instant Pot Name

6 Qt Instant Pot Viva

8 Qt Instant Pot Viva

PictureInstant Pot Viva 6 qtInstant Pot Viva 8 qt
Price range$$$
Other nameInstant Pot Viva 60Instant Pot Viva 80
Number of programs15 smart programs15 smart programs
Wattage rating1000 watts1200 watts
Compatible with Air Fryer lidYes
Get at Amazon →Get at Amazon →
This table compares the two models of Instant Pot Viva by price, number of programs, wattage rating, and air fryer lid compatibility.

With all that said, let’s begin with the good and bad aspects of this product.

PROS

  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick steam release button
  • 9-in-1 kitchen appliance
  • Automatic seal lid
  • 15 one-touch programs
  • Delay start + keep warm
  • Durable stainless steel pot
  • Available in two cooking capacities: 6-quart or 8-quart
  • Compatible with the Air Fryer Lid
  • BPA-free
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 1-year warranty

CONS

  • Requires significant space on your countertop
  • Sautéing in IP is not the most convenient
  • No progress (preheat) indicator
  • Legacy model

What can you cook with the 9-in-1 Instant Pot Viva?

Though it has nine core cooking functions, it’s equipped with 15 smart programs. As a result, you can create countless recipes with it. Let’s take a look at the main functionalities first.

Pressure Cook

Pressure Cooked Meat

Pressure cooking opens up so many culinary possibilities. You can make new ones and improve on the recipes you already know. Briefly speaking, this function enables you to create juicy and tender meat for minimal time and effort!

What can you cook: Pulled pork, chicken curry, chili, mashed potatoes, etc.

Contrary to pressure cooking, slow cooking consumes significant time, but with similar phenomenal results—mouthwatering dishes. And the good news? It also requires minimal effort.

What can you cook: Beef stew, cobbler, pulled pork, curry, etc.

Slow Cook

slow cooked stew

Sear/Sauté

Seared Beef

Why not sauté in the same pot you’ll pressure or slow cook? It’s time-saving, and not to mention, there’ll be less stuff to clean afterward.

As for the non-cooking functions, there’s the warmer and sterilizer. The keep-warm is self-explanatory; instead, let’s talk about the sterilize program.

Sterilizer

baby bottle sterilizer

For new parents, this function will be convenient. Instead of buying a standalone sterilizer, you might as well use the Viva Instant Pot. In other words, this will save you space and money. And for non-parents, you can also sterilize your mason jars with the IP.

Anyway, here are the specific programs of Viva pressure cooker:

Broth
Soup/Broth
slow cooked stew
Meat/Stew
chili
Bean/Chili
porridge with blueberry and walnuts
Porridge
uncooked multigrain
Multigrain
steamed lava cake
Cake
boiled eggs halved
Eggs
yogurt
Yogurt
Rice
Rice
vacuum sealed proteins for sous vide
Sous Vide

Now, let’s move on to its usability.

Is the Viva Instant Poteasy to use?

All multi-cookers have learning curves, especially pressure cooking when you’re new. Luckily, the Instapot Viva boasts straightforward controls (despite its 20 buttons). 

instapot viva control panel

Here’s why:

The 14 buttons on the sides are one-touch programs. Essentially, they have a pre-programmed duration and pressure, taking away the guesswork out of the equation. On top of that, this also helps you achieve consistent results.

Naturally, you can also customize the said functions as recipes aren’t all the same. 

Better yet? The setting you’ll use (time and pressure) gets saved. In other words, the next time you use the same program and recipe, simply press the said function. No need to adjust or whatnot.

On the other hand, there’s a catch:

The progress indicator is limited to its cook time. Thus, you won’t know how long the preheating will be or how long it’s been. Regardless, it’s just a minor caveat compared to the breathtaking functionalities the Instant Pot Viva offers.

The rest of the indication will be illumination on top of the program you selected, the pressure (low or high), and temperature (low, med, or high).

Here’s more:

Since multi-cooking (with its 15 programs) can be intimidating, Instant Pot highlights an in-depth manual to get you started. For instance, it has a pressure cooking timetable and grain-to-water ratios. In short, you won’t be a complete stranger the first time you use the machine.

As if that’s not enough:

The Instant Pot Viva features a separate release valve. As a result, you don’t need to directly touch the steam vent when releasing pressure, unlike older models or other brands, for that matter.

How to clean the Instant Pot Viva?

Most Instant Pot electric pressure cookers clean like a breeze, and that’s true with the Viva model as well. That being said, here’s a video demo on how to clean your Instapot.

In summary, you first have to remove the lid and inner pot. Secondly, detach anything removable from the lid—silicone ring, float valve, and anti-block shield. You can clean them one by one, yet I find that it’s easier to do it all at once. 

However, ensure that you don’t lose any of the small parts.

Afterward, you can wash the lid and inner pot by hand. Or, you can also load the said parts into the dishwasher for more effortless cleanup.

See Instant Pot Viva in Action

Don’t take my word for it, here’s a short video demonstration from the brand.

Based on the ever-popular Duo series, the Instant Pot Viva features 9 functions in one, making it a versatile kitchen appliance. Moreover, it also boasts 15 smart programs that simplify cooking tasks. On top of that, it can support hefty portions with either the 6-quart or 8 quarts version.

What accessories can I get with the Instapot Viva?

While optional, I highly recommend you get these accessories.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

Model # 140-3003-01

Get at Amazon →

If you opt for the 6-quart model, it’s compatible with the brand’s air fryer lid. Apart from having a dependable pressure cooker, it also transforms into a full-pledged air fryer.

You can learn more about the air fryer lid here.

*only compatible with selected 6-quart Instant Pots

*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Instant Brands

Technical Specifications

TypePressure Cooker / Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker
Brand/SeriesInstant Pot by Instant Brands
Model #Instant Pot Viva 60 V2 (6-quart model)
Instant Pot Viva 80 V2 (8-quart model)
Price$
Rating4.2 out of 5
Pressure (Max)11.6 psi
Wattage6 qt model: 1000 watts
8 qt model: 1200 watts
Functions9-in-1: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté, Soup/Broth, Rice, Steamer, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Warmer
PotStainless Steel
CapacityIP Viva 60: 6 quarts (5.7 L)
IP Viva 80: 8 quarts (7.6 L)
Dishwasher safeYes
BPA FreeYes, since the Inner Pot is stainless steel
ColorSilver
Dimensions (LxWxH)Instant Pot Viva 6 quart: 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches (34 x 31 x 31.7 cm)
Instant Pot Viva 8 quart: 14.8 x 13.3 x 14.2 inches (37.7 x 33.8 x 36.1 cm)
Cord Length35 inches (88.9 cm)
ApplicationHome and Personal Use
Warranty1 Year
Related ProductsInstant Pot Ultra Mini, Instant Lux, Instant Pot Smart, Instant Pot Nova Plus 60, Instant Pot Duo Crisp 80, Instant Pot Duo
This table shows the technical specifications of Instant Pot IP Viva 60 and IP Viva 80.

Is the Instant Pot Viva worth it?

It’s affordable with so many functionalities, so you can’t really lose with the 6 qt or 8 qt 9-in-1 Instant Pot Viva pressure cooker. That being said, it’s a bit outdated given that it’s not even on their site (at the time I’m writing this). 

Instead, I recommend their newer ones that get updated still, Instant Duo Plus, or perhaps the best overall multi-cooker—Instant Pro Plus.

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