Best Pressure Cooker For Bone Broth: Top Picks 2026

Best pressure cooker for bone broth: Instant Pot Duo 8‑Quart makes rich, gelatinous broth fast and easy.

I used to simmer bones for 24 hours on the stove and waste time babysitting a pot. A reliable pressure cooker changed everything. It extracts collagen fast and turns marrow and cartilage into a deep, silky broth in hours, not days. If you want consistent results and less fuss, the best pressure cooker for bone broth is the tool that solves cloudy, weak broth and long cook times.

Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart

I’ve used the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart for years. It reliably hits pressure and holds it. For bone broth, I get soft bones and clear liquid in under 3 hours. It’s a compact unit that also steams, sautés, and makes yogurt.

It has simple controls and a stainless-steel inner pot. I set high pressure, walk away, and come back to deep flavor. The 6-quart size fits a big rack of marrow bones or a mix of poultry and beef bones without crowding.

Pros:

• Fast pressure build and stable hold for long broths
• 6-quart fits family batches while still being countertop friendly
• Stainless inner pot is durable and easy to clean
• Multiple modes make it a versatile kitchen workhorse
• Large user base and recipe app for tried-and-true bone broth methods

Cons:

• No dedicated bone-broth preset (but manual pressure works great)
• Plastic lid components need careful cleaning to avoid odor

My Recommendation

If you want an affordable, reliable option, the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is a smart pick for people who make bone broth once or twice a week. I recommend it to beginners because it balances size and power. The fast heating and good seal extract collagen very well, so you get rich, gelatinous results compared with stovetop simmering.

It’s the best pressure cooker for bone broth for most home cooks who want a no-fuss, multi-use appliance. The value is strong, and replacement parts are easy to find.

Best for	Why
Everyday home cooks	Great balance of size and power. Fits family batches and works for soups, stews, and broths with consistent results.
Beginners	Simple controls and built-in safety features ease the learning curve for pressure-broiling bones and making gelatinous broth.
Budget-conscious buyers	Offers many functions at a low price, making it an efficient choice for those who want multi-use appliances.

Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart

The Instant Pot Pro elevates the familiar Duo design with faster heat, a refined sealing ring, and more precise controls. I notice less vent sputter and steadier pressure. These improvements help coax more collagen from bones, especially marrow-rich cuts.

This model adds sous-vide capability and improved display options. For bone broth, the Pro’s accuracy matters because longer, stable cooks extract flavors and gelatin more predictably. It’s still compact at 6 quarts but feels more robust.

Pros:

• Improved sealing and quieter release for cleaner broths
• Extra precise controls improve long-cook consistency
• Advanced presets and sous-vide add versatility
• Solid build quality and updated UI
• Fast heating reduces overall cook time without sacrificing extraction

Cons:

• Higher price than base models
• More features add complexity for some users

My Recommendation

I recommend the Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart if you want a more precise appliance to make restaurant-grade broths. I find it particularly useful when I use mixed bones—beef trotters and chicken carcasses—because the steady pressure and gentle heat help pull collagen evenly. If you care about clarity and texture, this is a top pick.

This model is the best pressure cooker for bone broth for cooks who want control and speed without losing depth of flavor. It costs more but delivers consistent, repeatable results and improved seals for long cooks.

Best for	Why
Precision cooks	Better sealing and refined controls let you maintain steady pressure and temperature for cleaner, gelatin-rich broths.
Frequent broth makers	Durable build and accurate performance reduce waste and variability across batches, saving time over repeated use.
Makers of varied recipes	Sous-vide and advanced modes expand what you can do, from long broths to delicate stock and protein prep.

Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart

The 3-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus is small but mighty. I use it for concentrated bone broth for a couple of people. It fits chicken carcasses and a few beef marrow bones. The compact size heats quickly and saves energy.

Because it holds less liquid, you get a more concentrated flavor in less time. I prefer it for weekday batches and quick bone extractions. Cleanup is easy, and it’s perfect for apartments or small kitchens.

Pros:

• Compact size saves space and energy
• Quick heat-up for short, concentrated broths
• Includes many cooking modes for flexible use
• Great for solo cooks or couples
• Easy storage and portability

Cons:

• Limited capacity for large bones or family batches
• Shorter height can make skimming and adding bones awkward

My Recommendation

I recommend the Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart to people who make bone broth in small batches or who live solo. I use it when I want a concentrated, quick batch of the best pressure cooker for bone broth without heating a large pot. It’s also helpful for trying new flavor profiles without wasting ingredients.

This compact unit gives me fast, rich broth for weekday meals. It’s the best pressure cooker for bone broth when counter space or batch size is limited.

Best for	Why
Singles and couples	Small capacity makes it efficient. You get strong flavor without huge batches to store.
Apartment kitchens	Compact footprint fits small counters and cabinets while offering full pressure-cooker benefits.
Experimenters	Quick batches let you test seasonings and methods without wasting bones or time.

Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart

The Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart is my go-to for big bone-broth projects. I can fit whole beef bones, turkey frames, and extra water for large batches. The extra volume lets me make broth for meal prep, freezing, and giving away to friends.

It maintains pressure well even when full. I like that I can roast bones on the rack and finish them in the cooker without crowding. For families and batch makers, this size saves time and reduces the number of cooks required.

Pros:

• Large capacity for family-sized or freezer-ready batches
• Stable pressure when fully loaded with heavy bones
• Good for meal prep: freeze in portions for months
• Multi-functionality keeps it useful beyond broth
• Less frequent batch cooking saves fuel and effort

Cons:

• Takes more counter space and longer to heat
• Heavier to move and clean when full

My Recommendation

If you batch-cook bone broth regularly, the Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart is the best pressure cooker for bone broth for you. I use it when I’m breaking down whole bones or making large pots to freeze. The capacity means fewer cycles and more supply per session.

This model fits serious broth makers who prep for weeks. It’s an excellent value when you need quantity without sacrificing the extraction quality you want from long, pressurized cooks.

Best for	Why
Large families	8-quart capacity handles big batches so you can serve everyone and store the rest for later.
Batch preppers	Make several liters at once for freezing. Saves time and energy across the month.
Home chefs	Room to roast and finish bones in the same unit, which simplifies workflow for deeper flavor.

Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart sits between the Duo and Pro. It has upgraded presets and a slightly polished interface. I like its cook presets for soups and stews, which make setting up bone broth simple and repeatable.

It holds enough for family meals while staying easy to store. The Duo Plus is great if you want quality broths without paying for the Pro features you may never use. It’s dependable for long cooks and frequent use.

Pros:

• User-friendly presets simplify long-broth routines
• 6-quart size works for most families
• Good balance of price and functionality
• Even heat distribution for consistent extraction
• Cleaner steam release options reduce splatter

Cons:

• Not as feature-rich as Pro models
• Some advanced users may prefer a full manual gauge or stovetop unit

My Recommendation

I recommend the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart for cooks who want reliable results with minimal fuss. I find it excels at making the best pressure cooker for bone broth for regular weekly batches. It’s simple, capable, and versatile for soups, bone broth, and one-pot meals.

It gives consistent gelatinous broths without a steep price. The Duo Plus is my pick for value-minded cooks who still want solid performance and useful presets.

Best for	Why
Routine broth makers	Presets and stable pressure give you repeatable, gelatin-rich results with little tweaking.
Families	6 quarts matches most household needs, letting you make enough broth for soups and meal prep.
Value buyers	Balances cost and capability. You get high-quality broths without the premium price of advanced models.

FAQs Of best pressure cooker for bone broth

How long should I pressure cook bones for a rich broth?

For most bones, 2 to 4 hours at high pressure produces a gelatinous, rich broth. Beef or bison joints with lots of connective tissue benefit from 3 to 4 hours. Poultry bones need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. I usually aim for 3 hours on high to balance flavor and time when I mix bones.

Can I roast bones before pressure cooking?

Yes. Roasting bones at 400°F for 30 to 45 minutes adds depth and color. I roast beef bones to deepen flavor, then transfer them to the pressure cooker with water and aromatics. This step improves savoriness and makes the best pressure cooker for bone broth taste more complex.

Should I add vinegar to the water?

A tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar helps extract minerals and collagen from bones. I add vinegar to the pot and let the bones sit for 30 minutes if I can. It’s a small trick that improves mouthfeel and nutrient extraction without changing flavor.

How much water should I use and can I freeze leftover broth?

Fill to the manufacturer’s max fill line, but leave room for foam and pressure. For dense bones, keep it below the max line to ensure a good seal. Yes, broth freezes very well. Cool it, portion into containers or ice-cube trays, and freeze up to six months. I freeze in one- or two-cup portions for easy meal use.

Is pressure-cooked broth as nutritious as slow-simmered broth?

Yes. Pressure can extract the same collagen and minerals faster. I get gelatinous, savory broth in hours that rivals a 24-hour simmer. The best pressure cooker for bone broth gives comparable nutrient-rich results with much less hands-on time.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For most people, the Instant Pot Duo 8‑Quart is the best pressure cooker for bone broth if you need large batches and freezer prep. It balances capacity, performance, and price for serious broth makers.

If you want precision and a refined seal, pick the Instant Pot Pro 6‑Quart. For compact homes, the Duo Plus 3‑Quart delivers concentrated results. All of these models make excellent bone broth with little fuss.