Instant Pot
Instant Pot Rio Mini (3-Quart)
C
Ranked #8 in Multi-Cookers
444 LP on the
category ladder
what's LP?
A fine, simple small-household unit with the Rio design philosophy. Ranked last among picks only because its niche is narrow, not because anything is wrong with it.
Consolidated from 3 cited sources across 2 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 1 positive source
- 2 mixed sources
Pros & cons
- ✓ Right answer for one- or two-person households
- ✓ Inherits the Rio line's simplified, Wirecutter-endorsed design philosophy
- ✓ Same Instant Pot parts ecosystem logic
- ✗ Small capacity serves a narrow niche
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 2 articles and 1 video review
2 mixed sources
T 
Tom's Guide Article Tom's Guide Article
Tom's Guide Article There are some trade-offs to be aware of. The Rio Mini took around 17 minutes to preheat in our tests, which is comparable to the Rio, but noticeably slower than we’d like for a quick meal. Steam release is manual, and the noise peaked at a loud 120dB before settling down, which is worth considering if you live in a small or shared space.Read T
Tom's Guide Article The Instant Pot Rio Mini is the newest model on the block. Instant Pot has managed to shave off a pretty impressive three inches (both height and width) compared to the Rio — our best Instant Pot overall — while retaining an enviable seven cooking modes. And just look at it. The Rio Mini is gorgeous.Read
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #8 of 13 on our multi-cookers tier list, in C tier. That placement draws on 3 cited sources across 2 outlets.
None of the 3 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Small capacity serves a narrow niche.
Ranked nearby in Multi-Cookers
A tier #3 Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6-Quart)
B tier #4 Instant Pot Duo Plus (6-Quart)
B tier #5 Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer (OL501/OL701)
B tier #6 Breville Fast Slow Pro (6-Quart)
B tier #7 Instant Pot Rio Wide Plus (7.5-Quart)
D tier #9 Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid (6.5-Quart)
D tier #10 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Zavor LUX LCD (6-Quart)
D tier #11 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. CHEF iQ Smart Cooker (6-Quart)
F tier #12 3 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart (6-Quart)
F tier #13 3 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.