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Cooking for one or two people can be a hassle. You don't want to dirty a huge pot for a small portion of rice, and you definitely don't have the counter space for a slow cooker, a rice cooker, AND a steamer.
Enter the Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini (3 Quart). It is the best-selling multi-cooker’s "little brother," and honestly? It might be even better than the original.
Why Go Mini?
Most pressure cookers are huge (6 or 8 quarts), taking up valuable cabinet space. This 3-quart version is compact, cute, and powerful. It’s perfect for:
- Dorm Rooms: Safe and allowed in many dorms (check your rules!).
- RVs & Van Life: Low energy usage and small footprint.
- Side Dishes: Use it to make perfect rice or steamed veggies while your main course is in the oven.
- New Parents: It has a dedicated "Sterilize" function for baby bottles!
9 Appliances in 1
Despite its small size, it replaces 9 different kitchen tools:
- Pressure Cooker (Cooks 70% faster!)
- Slow Cooker
- Rice Cooker
- Steamer
- Sauté Pan
- Yogurt Maker
- Sterilizer
- Food Warmer
- Sous Vide
Pros and Cons
The Good:
- ✅ Fast: Because the pot is smaller, it comes to pressure much faster than the big ones.
- ✅ Easy to Clean: The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe.
- ✅ Quiet: The "Whisper Quiet" steam release is much gentler than older models.
- ✅ Perfect Portions: Cooks 1-3 servings perfectly.
The Bad:
- ❌ Capacity: You cannot cook a whole chicken in this. It is strictly for smaller meals.
- ❌ Learning Curve: If you've never used a pressure cooker, the buttons can look intimidating at first (but it's actually very easy).
The Verdict
If you live alone, with a partner, or just need a secondary cooker for side dishes, the Instant Pot Mini is a must-have. It saves time, saves space, and makes dinner effortless.

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