Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 8 Quart, Stainless Steel

It works, but the pot needs a minimum liquid level regardless of batch size, so small recipes can end up thinner than intended. The 8-quart earns its footprint if you batch cook, make stock, or regularly feed five or more.

No. The Duo is not approved for pressure canning low-acid foods, because it cannot reliably hold the pressure and temperature that safe canning requires. Use a purpose-built pressure canner for that.

The timer only starts once the pot reaches pressure. On an 8-quart with a full load of cold liquid, expect 10 to 20 minutes of heat-up before that, plus release time at the end.

The stainless inner pot, lid and steam rack all go in the dishwasher. The silicone sealing ring does too, and washing it regularly is the fix for the smell-transfer problem people report between savory and sweet dishes.

Yes. The saute function heats the bare stainless pot directly, so you can sear and deglaze in the same vessel, then lock the lid and pressure cook without transferring anything.