Instant Pot Ultra vs Smart WiFi (Which is Best?)

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We’re at a point in our digital evolution where appliances are integrating with our phones, and nothing shows that better than the Instant Pot Smart WiFi. This smart pressure cooker allows you to cook, view progress, and adjust settings from your phone. While it lacks phone integration, Ultra shows its smarts with lots of smart programs and flexible cooking. So, which is better with Instant Pot Ultra vs Smart WiFi?

We’re going to compare and contrast Instant Pot Smart WiFi vs Ultra based on appliances, smart programs, accessories, and more.

Read on to see which smart pressure cooker is best.

Instant Pot Smart WiFi vs Ultra: Appliances

It’s strange that we call them pressure cookers when every single Instant Pot is actually 6 to 11 appliances shoved into one. Even the most basic models have lots of different appliances that you can choose from. Simply push a button and your pressure cooker transforms into a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, and more.

One of the major differences between every Instant Pot (and we really mean every, we recently reviewed every Instant Pot pressure cooker) is the appliances they come with.

In a pure numbers game, few models beat Ultra and that’s true here as well. While it comes with more appliances, let’s see how big a difference it makes.

Appliances

Appliances	Instant Pot Ultra	Instant Pot Smart WiFi
Pressure Cooker	Yes	Yes
Steamer	Yes	Yes
Rice Cooker	Yes	Yes
Slow Cooker	Yes	Yes
Warmer	Yes	Yes
Yogurt Maker	Yes	Yes
Saute/Searing	Yes	Yes
Cake Maker	Yes	Yes
Egg Maker	Yes	No
Sterilizer	Yes	No

As you can see, the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 beats the Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1. However, is this really a big victory?

These two models share nearly all of the same appliances. It really came down to the wire, but Ultra pulls ahead with an egg maker and sterilizer. These are very useful, especially if you love eggs, have a child (those bottles need to get sterilized), or need to sterilize anything else in the kitchen.

However, the sterilizer is the big difference here. While the egg cooker is convenient, you can do this with manual settings on the Smart WiFi.

Yes, Ultra has more appliances and the sterilizer is very useful, but it’s not a massive win. The Smart WiFi holds its stride and comes with nearly all the same appliances.

Check Price: Instant Pot Smart WiFi – >

Instant Pot Ultra vs Smart WiFi: Smart Programs

What are Instant Pot smart programs? These are convenient programs you access right from the control panel. They allow you to cook common meals or use the appliances in a more efficient way. This also ensures that your meals turn out perfect and delicious, even if cooking isn’t your forte.

Every smart program takes advantage of the Instant Pot’s smart microprocessor. This watches over your meal, making small changes as needed so that your food isn’t over or undercooked. It’s a wonderful way to ensure your food is as delicious as possible.

Much like with appliances, you want more smart programs and you want them to be highly versatile. So, how do things compare with Instant Pot Ultra and Smart WiFi?

Smart Programs

Smart Program	Instant Pot Ultra	Instant Pot Smart WiFi
Soup/Broth	Yes	Yes
Bean/Chili	Yes	Yes
Meat/Stew	Yes	Yes
Rice	Yes	Yes
Multigrain	Yes	Yes
Saute	Yes	Yes
Poultry	No	Yes
Yogurt	Yes	Yes
Porridge	Yes	Yes
Steam	Yes	Yes
Pressure Cook	Yes	Yes
Keep Warm	Yes	Yes
Slow Cook	Yes	Yes
Egg	Yes	No
Cake	Yes	No
Sterilize	Yes	Yes
Manual	No (has Ultra instead)	Yes
Ultra	Yes	No

Going by the numbers again, Ultra wins by having one extra smart program, but this is close. Ultra includes egg, cake, and Ultra smart programs while Smart WiFi has poultry and manual.

Let’s explore these to see what the real differences are. Unlike the appliance section, where things were pretty close, you’re going to see how Ultra really pulls ahead here.

The biggest difference here is the manual vs Ultra smart program. Manual is pretty good, but Ultra is the most flexible smart program in the Instant Pot library. You can connect it to any appliance (except the pressure cooker), set it for any time (up to 99 hours) and any temperature.

This customizable program is great and goes head-to-head against the highly innovative Duo Evo Plus (don’t believe us? Check out Instant Pot Ultra vs Duo Evo Plus).

Don’t get us wrong. Smart WiFi is incredibly versatile and will fit most people’s needs. Ultra is made for the home chef and it shows. Smart WiFi may not be quite as versatile, but it still has plenty of programs to choose from.

Check Price: Instant Pot Ultra – >

Instant Pot Smart WiFi vs Ultra: Sizes

Just like most other kitchen appliances, there are several capacities that you can choose from. You want to choose the right one because a big one means that you spend more money than you want, but a small one will force you to cook in shifts.

Knowing the right size can be tough, but don’t worry because we can help with that.

Instant Pot models commonly come in 3, 6, or 8 quart sizes. There’s also a 10 quart size, but that’s only for the 10 quart Duo Nova.

The 3qt is ideal for 1-2 people, 6qt should feed 3-5 people, and the 8qt pressure cooker feeds 6+ people. Easy enough, right?

Some models come in just one size while others are more versatile and come in multiple sizes. The sizes you can choose from are:

Instant Pot Smart WiFi Sizes

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 6 qt

Instant Pot Ultra Sizes

Instant Pot Ultra 3-quart
Instant Pot Ultra 6-quart
Instant Pot Ultra 8-quart

As you can see, it’s a big win for Ultra here. If you’re looking to feed yourself or a massive family, then you can choose the 3 or 8 quart size. However, both come in the 6 quart size, and we want to explore that.

The truth is that 6 quart is their most popular size, so there’s a good chance you were already looking for that. If that’s the case, then there isn’t as big a difference between them.

In either case, Ultra wins, but both come in the most popular size.

Instant Pot Ultra vs Smart WiFi: Accessories

Every Instant Pot comes with accessories. These are like freebies that make the pressure cooker even more versatile. Besides, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like getting free stuff?

Both of these offer similar accessories, so it’s hard to declare a true winner, but let’s take a look at them so that you know what you’re getting.

The Instant Pot Smart WiFi accessories are a steam rack with handles, serving spoon, measuring cup, soup spoon, and red mini mitts.

On the other end, the Instant Pot Ultra accessories are a steam rack with handles, rice paddle, condensation collector, soup spoon, and measuring cup.

As you can see, there is very little difference here. They are nearly identical. We like the Smart WiFi accessories a little better, most because of the mini mitts, but honestly they are nearly the same.

In either case, you are getting some neat stuff with your pressure cooker and this makes them even better.

What’s the Difference Between Instant Pot Ultra and Smart WiFi?

Here’s where we talk about all the differences that didn’t fit in the other sections. Knowing about the appliances, accessories, and smart programs can help you make your decision on which is best, but isn’t there more?

If you’re curious about how others fare against Ultra, then check out other reviews in the series:

Phone Integration

Our Instant Pot Smart WiFi review found that the best thing about this multicooker is the phone integration. This connects via the Instant Pot app and you gain access to hundreds of recipes pre-programmed and ready to go. Simply load the ingredients, select the recipe (and cooking method if there are multiple ones) and your pressure cooker will take care of the rest.

Plus, you can watch the progress right from your phone. You’ll even get notifications as your meal gets prepared. It’s truly amazing and makes this model one of the most unique in the Insta Pot lineup.

Think that connecting the device is tough? This should only take a few minutes. The app works with Android 5.0 or iOS 9.0 or higher. Not only that, but you can even use Alexa, making it even more useful.

EasySeal and Easy Steam

While Ultra doesn’t have phone integration, it does have some great safety features that make it easier to use. The EasySeal lid is perfect for those who are new to pressure cooking or know how bad it can be when the lid is misaligned. Steam can escape unless the lid is tight and secure. EasySeal ensures the lid is safe every time.

Ultra also includes the Easy Steam Release. Many pressure cookers force you to manually open the steam valve once cooking is done, which can be dangerous. However, Easy Steam release allows you to push a button to release the pressure.

So, which do you pick? Smart WiFi is very cool and you won’t get these features with any other model, but Ultra’s better safety features are also very attractive.

Final Thoughts

If we’re comparing these only based on appliances and smart programs, then the two are fairly close. Ultra wins both categories, but not by a huge margin. It really comes down to what you’re looking for.

Smart WiFi has the amazing phone integration feature that you simply have to try. It’s more than a novelty. It’s a great way to cook lots of tasty meals right from your phone. Imagine slow cooking for hours right from your phone? It’s like a home chef’s dream come true.

However, Ultra fires back with better safety features and the Ultra smart program, which is customizable and highly versatile.

Which do you pick? Be sure to let us know.

How do I Use Instant Pot Smart WiFi?

Connecting your phone to the pressure cooker couldn’t be easier. Download the Instant Pot app to your device. Select the Settings icon, tap “Add” in the Connectivity section, and select your WiFi network. There will be some small steps to follow on your device that should only take a few seconds. Congrats! Your phone and pressure cooker are now connected.

What Does Instant Pot WiFi Do?

This pressure cooker has a lot of features. The standout feature is the phone integration via the Instant Pot app. Not only does this give you access to hundreds of recipes, but the app also notifies you of the cooking progress.

That aside, Instant Pot WiFi has lots of appliances and smart programs, making it one of the best in their lineup.

Which is Better Instant Pot Ultra or Smart WiFi?

It comes down to what you want. If phone integration sounds good to you, then Smart WiFi is the way to go. If you prefer customizable control, more appliances, and more smart programs, then Ultra is better. Honestly, you’re not going to lose with either, so consider your needs and you’ll find the right one.