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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 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Price range | $ | $$ |
| Other name | Instant Pot Viva 60 | Instant Pot Viva 80 |
| Number of programs | 15 smart programs | 15 smart programs |
| Wattage rating | 1000 watts | 1200 watts |
| Compatible with Air Fryer lid | Yes | – |
| Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → |
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 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
Sear/Sauté
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
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:
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).
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.
- An extra inner pot.
- Transparent lid for slow cooking.
- Steamer basket when you’ll steam veggies often.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Model # 140-3003-01
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
| Type | Pressure Cooker / Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker |
| Brand/Series | Instant Pot by Instant Brands |
| Model # | Instant Pot Viva 60 V2 (6-quart model) Instant Pot Viva 80 V2 (8-quart model) |
| Price | $ |
| Rating | 4.2 out of 5 |
| Pressure (Max) | 11.6 psi |
| Wattage | 6 qt model: 1000 watts 8 qt model: 1200 watts |
| Functions | 9-in-1: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté, Soup/Broth, Rice, Steamer, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Warmer |
| Pot | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | IP Viva 60: 6 quarts (5.7 L) IP Viva 80: 8 quarts (7.6 L) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes, since the Inner Pot is stainless steel |
| Color | Silver |
| 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 Length | 35 inches (88.9 cm) |
| Application | Home and Personal Use |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Related Products | Instant Pot Ultra Mini, Instant Lux, Instant Pot Smart, Instant Pot Nova Plus 60, Instant Pot Duo Crisp 80, Instant Pot Duo |
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.
