The Instant Pot Ultra and Smart WIFI are two of the latest and high-end Instant Pot models. Both options allow you to cook at any temperature and include the standard preset cooking functions.
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Besides setting the temp, you can also set the pressure setting, cooking time, delay timer, and keep-warm length.
However, they use different methods for setting these custom options.
If you are considering getting a multi-cooker, compare the differences between the Instant Pot Ultra and Instant Pot Smart WIFI for making up your mind about which one to choose.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2019-10-15 at 13:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Instant Pot Ultra Versus Smart WiFi – Key Differences
With the Instant Pot Smart WIFI, the custom cooking settings are applied using scripts and a mobile app. Through the mobile app, you can write custom scripts or download them from the internet.
The Instant Pot Ultra allows you to change these settings without a mobile app. You can enter the custom settings using the new “Ultra” mode.
The Ultra also includes a preset function for sterilization. You can sterilize utensils and baby food items with steam, but it does not achieve the pressure needed for sterilizing canning equipment.
While the IP Smart WIFI does not include the sterilize function, you can use a custom script to recreate the same settings used by the sterilizing function.
The next difference is the design of the LCD display and control panel. The IP Ultra features a redesigned interface that is easier to operate.
Most Instant Pot models, including the Smart WIFI version, have a small LCD screen surrounded by buttons for the various preset cooking functions. The Ultra model got rid of the buttons.
You now have a larger LCD display and a control dial. The only buttons are the start and cancel buttons. With the larger display, you can easily view and change the selected cooking settings.
The Ultra model also features a different pressure valve design. The previous models required you to manually open and close the valve while the newer model features a self-closing pressure valve. Most users should find this feature more convenient and comfortable.
Instant Pot Ultra Features and Advantages
- Instant Pot Ultra electric pressure cooker is the next generation in kitchen appliances. A central dial with a simple turn and press provides added precision in program selection and adjustment
- New features: altitude adjustment, cooking indicator, and a steam release reset button. The Ultra button for custom programming. The new features include sterilize, cake and egg programs
- Replaces 10 common kitchen Appliances - pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté/searing, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer
Last update on 2019-10-15 at 13:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before the release of the Instant Pot Ultra, the Duo and Duo Plus were the most popular Instant Pots. The Ultra included all the features offered by these earlier models and introduced the new “Ultra” mode.
While the extra level of customization was already available on the Smart WIFI model, Ultra does not require you to use a mobile app. You can change the settings right on the device.
Besides the new custom mode, the Instant Pot Ultra offers the following features:
- 10-in-1 multicooker
- Self-closing pressure valve
- Cooks at any temperature
- Available in three, six, or eight-quart sizes
- Control dial interface
The main advantage of this modem is the custom mode. You can easily alter the settings to suit almost any recipe. While it is a 10-in-1 multi cooker, cooking at any temperature allows you to prepare a wide variety of dishes and easily modify slow cooker recipes that you find online.
The new interface is also a major improvement. Many people disliked the previous interface. The buttons allowed you to select a cooking function, but the layout was awkward. The display was also difficult to read.
With the newer streamlined interface, you can quickly check the current settings. You can also use the control dial to turn the delay timer, keep warm function, and sound on or off. The cooking temperature can be switched between low, medium, high, and custom.
The Ultra version is also available in three different sizes. Besides the standard six-quart size, you can get a smaller three-quart or the larger eight-quart model.
There are no major drawbacks to the Instant Pot Ultra. It is one of the top models and includes several improvements compared to previous Instant Pots. It is our top recommendation actually together with the popular Duo model.
Instant Pot Smart WIFI Features and Advantages
- REPLACES UP TO 8 KITCHEN APPLIANCES: Combines 8 kitchen appliances in 1 with 13 smart programs to save you space, including: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, saute/searing, steam, and keep warm.
- CONSISTENTLY GREAT RESULTS: monitors pressure, temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration to achieve your desired results every time.
- ALEXA and WIFI ENABLED: Control in the palm of your hand with the Instant Pot app or through voice with Alexa. You'll have access to 1, 000+ pre-programmed scripted recipes as well as have the ability to verify cooking progress, share cooker access with family, and receive alerts on your mobile device.
Last update on 2019-10-15 at 13:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Instant Pot Smart WIFI capitalizes on the success of smart devices in the home. When it was first released, the Instant Pot connected to your smartphone and the mobile app via Bluetooth. This presented connectivity issues for some users, as Bluetooth has a limited range.
After numerous complaints, the design was updated. They removed the Bluetooth connectivity and replaced it with WIFI. You can now control your cooker from any location if it remains connected to your home WIFI network.
The WIFI functionality is the main selling point of the Smart WIFI. You should still consider the rest of the features:
- Million-in-one multicooker
- Manual pressure valve
- Cooks at any temperature
- Only available in a six-quart size
- An LCD display with button interface
The IP Smart WIFI does have a couple of drawbacks. It is only available in a six-quart size. It also features the older manual pressure valve that some people find uncomfortable to operate due to the hot steam.
With the Smart WIFI version, you also have the older interface. Luckily, you also have the option of controlling the appliance remotely through the mobile app.
The mobile app lets you use custom scripts to change all the settings and control the Instant Pot, making it a million-in-one multi-cooker.
Conclusion – Which Instant Pot Should You Choose?
The Instant Pot Ultra and Smart WIFI give you complete control. You can cook at any temperature and adjust all the cooking settings.
Which one should you choose? This depends on how you want to control the custom settings.
With the Smart WIFI, you can enter the custom settings using scripts on the mobile app. With the Instant Pot Ultra, you can simply change the settings directly on the Instant Pot using the streamlined interface.
The Instant Pot Ultra is also available in multiple sizes while the Smart WIFI only comes in a six-quart size. If you want a larger or smaller model, you may need to choose the Ultra.
In the end, the size of the Instant Pot and how you control it are the two main differences to consider. In our opinion, the Ultra model is the better option and we recommend it over the WiFi.