Which size Instant Pot Aura should you buy?

Size it up

When shopping for the best slow cookers, 2 quarts might not seem like a huge difference, but when you're trying to squeeze your over-sized Thanksgiving ham into a 6-quart slow cooker, you'd be really grateful for an 8-quart version. Obviously, that size difference does impact the cookers' footprints on your countertop. The Aura Pro measures a not inconsiderable 16.8x11.6x11.3 while the other model is a teensy bit more svelte at 16.8x11.6x10.7. Likewise, the Aura weighs in a tad lighter at 11.7 lbs while the Aura Pro hefts it up with a bulk of 12.9 lbs.

The cooking pots are also different. The Aura offers a non-stick ceramic coated aluminum pan, while the Aura Pro gives you a bi-ply stainless steel interior with an aluminum exterior. Other features worthy of note that are the same for both models are the tempered glass lid (perfect for monitoring your meals without letting out heat), the 24-hour "Delay Start" functionality, and the fact both cooking pots are (hurrah!) dishwasher safe.

So controlling

The Aura Pro beats the 6-quart version with 11 smart built-in cooking programs versus 10. Both models can roast, stew, steam, slow cook, bake, cook rice, make yogurt, sear, saute, and even keep food warm. Plus, we've gathered some of the best accessories to add to your investment for even more cooking possibilities. Some of those gadgets would pair well with the Aura Pro's multigrain cooking program, which can sous vide. This function basically means you can cook vacuum-packed food in an evenly and accurately-controlled waterbath. It's an amazing way to seal in flavors and ensure meat and fish are super tender. So, when it comes to it, you have to consider the size of your family, how often you host, and what you'll be cooking.