Last Updated on July 9, 2023
EDITOR’S NOTE: This post covers the 2019 6-quart Ambiano 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker. You can read about the 2018 6-quart Ambiano 6-in-1 Pressure Cooker here and the 2018 8-Quart 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker here.
This post contains affiliate links.
In 2008, a group of thinkers who had lost their jobs with telecommunications company Nortel began work on the design for a programmable electric mulitpurpose cooker. The lead inventor was Robert Wang, who had a PhD in computer science with an emphasis in artificial intelligence. Wang and others would found the company Double Insight in 2009, working with a Chinese company to manufacture what we now know as the Instant Pot. The device launched on Amazon in October 2010. By 2012, thanks to the second generation Instant Pot, the company turned a profit. On Amazon Prime Day in 2015, the company sold 215,000 units — its entire Amazon inventory — and Double Insight hasn’t looked back, changing its name to Instant Brands in 2018 and merging with kitchenware company Corelle in 2019.
Instant Pots remain a hot product, appealing to celebrities and regular people alike. They also cost enough money that there is a space for a company to produce something less expensive.
That’s exactly what Aldi has done. In 2018, Aldi sold two different imitations of the Instant Pot idea: the Ambiano 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker (2018) and the Ambiano 9-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker (2018).
In 2019, Aldi sold a new model of its programmable pressure cooker: the Ambiano 9-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker.
What We Know:
The Ambiano 9-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker (product code 98527) is an ALDI Find, which means that it’s only in stores for a limited time. It retails for $39.99, which is less than half the cost of a comparably equipped Instant Pot.
This 2019 model is different than both of the 2018 models. It’s smaller and less expensive then the 2018 9-in-1, but it has more functions than the 2018 6-in-1.
According to Aldi, the pressure cooker’s features include:
- An adjustable temperature, from 40 degrees to 320 degrees
- Functions that include pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute/searing, warmer, sterilizer and yogurt maker
- Pre-programmed cooking modes that include soup, rice, oatmeal, cake, saute, slow cook, meat, multigrain, steam, egg, and poultry
- A 24-hour delay timer
- A keep warm function
- A quick-lock lid
- Power/Ready indicator lights
- Cool-touch handles and nonstick feet
According to Aldi, the cooker comes with:
- A stainless steel inner pot (see note below)
- A rack
- A measuring cup
- A spoon
- A rice paddle
- A recipe book
Of note: Aldi says the inner pot is stainless steel, but some buyers have reported that inner part of the pot is nonstick. One of Aldi’s pressure cookers in 2018 used a stainless steel pot, while the other used a nonstick pot.
What We Don’t Know:
At this point, there is plenty we don’t know about this model, as it is different from the 2018 models. We don’t know about how it performs, for example, compared to either the Instant Pot or the Ambiano pressure cookers of past years, and we don’t know who manufactures it. We also don’t yet see an online manual.
Have experience with this pressure cooker? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.
Are there accessories available for the 9 in 1 6 qt programmable pressure cooker and if so, where can you buy them. Also, what is the return policy on the cooker. Thank you.
If you want more accessories like steamer baskets, silicone mitts etc. check out Amazon. Most of the items that fit a Insta Pot 6 qt will fit this one.
This unit look a lot like the Insta Pot 5qt. I bet they are made by the same manufacturing plat in China!
My mother just got one of these, and I want to get her a steam diverter. Does anyone know which one(s) will fit? The ones on Amazon all say which models of Instant Pot they’ve designed for (and maybe a few others), but none of them mention this pot.
Are you talking about a shroud that fits on top of the pressure release so that the steam goes sideways instead of straight up?
Here is what I did so that the steam does not blow into my cabinets above. I took a plastic lid from a shaving cream can and cut a u shaped hole on one side. The lit fits on top of the pressure release valve. So now I put that on top and turn that and the steam goes sideways instead of straight up.
Hi. I just purchased the 2019 model!! It has a 3 year warranty with a 6 month warranty on removable parts, which you don’t get with many other brands. At $39.99 it’s a deal as it has the yogurt function too. The insert is metal non stick, It comes with a tiny metal ring insert, 2 small plastic spoons a plastic 1 cup measuring cup, user guide and recipe book.
Most instant pot accessories should work with this. It’s solid. I can’t wait to use it!!
I bought one this week at Aldi. I did the water test and also cooked rice per the pre-programmed button. Each time, it took much longer than expected! With a standard pot on the stove, rice cooks in 30 minutes (including 15 minute rest). The pressure pot took 20 minutes, then another 15-20 for the pressure to release. My unit does not have a pressure release valve where the manual said it is, so I could not tell when the pressure was released enough to open!
No way it takes 20 minutes to cook white rice. It will burn it for that long. Take a look at the you tube videos on how to cook rice.
Try this. Use one cup of rice to one and a fourth cup of water and pressure cook it for 8 to 10 minutes top. Put a drop or two of oil in the water and a pinch of salt. After it reaches the time you selected, you can natural release it or quick release. I do quick release mostly because I am ready to eat. The rice is perfectly cooked and all you need to do if fluff it with a fork before serving. I have used long grain rice and short grain rice of different brands. The shot grain rice are a bit more starchy so adjust your time based on your preference. I like starchy rice with Chinese food. I like dry fluffy rice with Stews and Gumbo.
Is this a a typo? 1 and 1/4 cup of water and 1 cup of rice?
Stove top and rice cooker is typically two cups of water to one of rice.
The amount of water to use usually depends on the type of rice. Check the bag your rice came in for proper cooking instructions.
I use the finger method for rice cooker. Water over rice to the first knuckle of you index finger.
Not a typo. With a stovetop rice cooker much of the water boils away — there is no seal. With an electric pressure cooker properly operating the pressure vent stays sealed so no steam is lost. I have used as little as 1:1 ratio of rice to water.
Properly used even a stove top pressure cooker/canner will not lose steam. When the jiggler on a stovetop pressure cooker / canner starts releasing steam … proper use indicates you reduce heat until the release just stops and then monitor the pressure gauge. It is just that most users think the exhaust is normal … instead of being an abnormal release to prevent you from blowing up the cooker.
The magnificent innovation: modern electric pressure cookers monior pressure (temperature) and do this adjustment for you … just right. So no excess water is required.
That is why the vent is never clogged with food (or even dirty.)
My Ambiano has been doing perfect rice for many years … I purchased my first one many years ago (long before 2018). Never burnt rice … not ever. Worst case, you walk away and forget you cooked rice … and the keep warm feature makes the bottom layer of rice crispy … which is not all bad.
The real benefit? NO SMELL IN YOUR HOUSE. It stays in the pressure cooker. No smell no matter how many spices you use from India.
No smell of cooking beans. No extra moisture and heat in the kitchen.
The dog does not go mad and hang around the kitchen when a roast is cooked.
A true blessing.
The real problem with Ambiano cookers is that you cannot get them often enough. I have not seen one in the local Aldi for a long long time.
They give you a small trivet, 2 plastic spoons and a small measuring cup. Please note that the pot is non stick and not stainless steel as described. The temperature or pressure is not adjustable. Only the cooking time can be adjusted from the presets. There is a 3 year warranty and warranty service is through a separate website and not your Aldi’s store.
At present the specs we have here are the specs Aldi has publicly listed for the pressure cooker. We’ll check things out ourselves when the pressure cooker hits our stores later this week. In the meantime, if you have pictures of the pressure cooker you can share (particularly related to the discrepancies you noted), feel free to pass them along to us. Also, keep in mind that Aldi virtually always uses third party warranty services for its non-food ALDI Finds, including appliances (although Aldi does take returns on ALDI Finds, even those with a third party warranty). If you let us know who the warranty company is, that can sometimes help us narrow down who might have manufactured it.
Tempo International Fulfillment, 3570 NW 53rd Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Here’s what we know about Tempo:
https://www.aldireviewer.com/a-roundup-of-major-aldi-after-sales-support-companies/
Can you tell me measurements of silcone ring ,I’ve got the 8 at.
Not sure on Amazon so many sizes .
You can not use the silicone ring designed for Instapot brand. Order from Tempo for $10.
I bought this last week and enjoy the way it works but I’m very disappointed that it doesn’t have a stainless steel pot but a non stick one!
You may want to keep in mind that the cookers with stainless steel pots cost way more than $39.99. You can buy a stainless steel pot on Amazon for under $20.
Both my Ambico pressure cookers have stainless pots. The first I am sure I purchased more than a decade ago. The last more than five years ago. I paid less than $50 for each (they are different).
Neither has ever given me a problem with sticking food.
My also had them in stock today, opened the box to be sure before buying, and it’s a stainless steel inner pot that’s got a nonstick coating in the inside. I’ll have to wait and see if they have an all stainless one in the future.
I’m the store and it sure looks like non stick pot to me too
I have 2 of these pots and love them. They came with the non-stick pot. I believe because of the non-stick I have never had a burn notice.
I’m the store and it sure looks like non stick pot to me too
The ones in my store were packaged with so much tape on the outside of the box that I couldn’t easily open them to see what kind of pot was inside. Glad some others were able to take a look.
I bought one today, but have cooked anything in it yet. it has a nonstick coated aluminum pot, not a stainless one like the Instant Pot. It has no sterilizer function and no low pressure setting. It does have a yogurt function.
I got one too. 5Qt for 39.99 and it works great with the usual instant pot recipes on Youtube. I made Chili and it cooked just fine. I also make rice in 8 minutes using the pressure function. The pot is not stainless steel. It is aluminum with a nonstick coating so please do not use metal utensils. Use wood or silicone spatula. I also ordered from Amazon a steamer basket kit with misc. accessories for $17.
I am using my 9-in-1 now, just bought it yesterday, it does have a nonstick pot. Making Vegetable soup …. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I bought one today. Did the water test and hard boiled eggs. I was going to use the hard boiled egg recipe Tom Amy and Jackie (1 cup water and eggs at 14 minutes) but decided instead to use the recipe that came Witt the recipe book, which called for using the egg button. I adjusted it to 7 minutes because I felt 4 minutes like the recipe said was too little. With 7 minutes, the eggs cane out perfect!! Do you think I will have to adjust recipes for this pressure cooker?
Have you tried making eggs in a microwave? You can make it is 1 to 2 minutes depending on the power setting of your microwave. It is much quicker than cook pot.
I took some pictures but how can I post them? The flow valve is in the handle, which, being as I am short, makes it hard to see or tell if the valve is up or down. The hardware under the cover is different. How do we get replacement rings? Not stainless steel inner liner bowl. My instant pot 6 quart bowl seemed to fit inside. Do you think it would work with this electric pressure cooker?
Yes it will work!
I just ordered an extra sealing ring for $10 from the customer service number listed in the warranty card.866-235-5029. Mine has a nonstick pot also.
Are these insta-pots still available and are the in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa?
Do they have a phone no.?
We don’t have information about what locations still have the pressure cooker in stock because we’re not Aldi. Individual stores do not publish their phone numbers, but here’s information about how you can contact Aldi: https://www.aldireviewer.com/what-is-aldis-phone-number/
ALDI in Athens ga on Atlanta highway still has them
I just got one today and made sweet potatoes for four in 22 minutes. Also did eggs, They were delicious. One problem is the rack is tiny and will only hold 6 eggs. Did they give me the wrong size?
Buy any rack you see that works with a 6-qt. Instant Pot and you will be fine! You can pile eggs up to the skies in that thing, just don’t let them touch the water.
The rack (trivet) is to hold the container up for steaming. This one is not the large egg rack that you want. Amazon has a kit that has that and some for a good price. If you buy a steamer rack with long handles you may have to bend the handle inwards a bit so that they don’t stick above the lip of the inner pot. It could interfere with the seal and not allow full pressure.
I grabbed one yesterday in Nashville, $39.99, 6qt, non stick pot. Opened it, cleaned it, threw in some rice and water just as a first test. Worked great, so I made pot roast last night. It was pretty simple, only issue I had was I had to jiggle the pressure release once or twice for it to line up and seal that opening. Each time I brought it out of pressure, added something and started it up again, I had to jiggle the valve so it lined up just right. Other than that, it made a heck of a pot roast, first one I have ever made in my life, and it came out tasting better than I expected.
I also have the Ambiano vacuum sealer and Sous Vide as well. Vacuum sealer is eh!, Sous Vide is awesome.
If you pull the pressure weight (release valve) straight up you will be able to see that there is a ramp at the edge of the hole. In the exhaust position the weight rides up the ramp uncovering the pressure release hole at the top of the vent stem. So it really does not have to align exactly on the mark. To seal it just make sure the pointer is near the sealing mark and you push the weight down. It will seat itself. If you try it without the pot on you can feel the difference.
I would like a more detailed users manual.
You may have to call their support line to get answers to your questions. In my experience appliance makes like to publish manuals that just gets the job done by a lay person. They teach you how to tell the time, not how a watch works!!
I just meant more detailed instructions, esp when it comes to the manual setting. I’m not always sure I’m doing things right.
As a matter of fact all these manufacturers are overdoing it with the presents for marketing reasons. All they needed to do was manual setting with the user able to control, the temp, pressure and cooking time. Then give a programmable memory option when the user could store their favourite setting and call it what they want. It is just that simple. May be I will design the Ultimate Cook Pot!
The Instant Pot lid has little fins on the sides, so that if you want to take the lid off while cooking, you can just stick that fin into the matching tab on the side of the Instant Pot. Does this Ambiano have this feature?
Yes it does but I would not recommend using it unless you are very careful. It is not the most stable position to keep a heavy lid with hot contents in the pot. It could tip over if you are not careful.
After using my Ambiano 5qt pressure cooker for a month, I am very happy with the performance. I have cooked Gumbo, Stews, Cheese Cake, steamed veggies etc. and every thing tasted fresh and crisp. I also purchased a glass lid for steaming because then I can see. I wish it came with a glass lid.
Last weekend I was at Aldi and there is no more of these available for sale now. I asked the cashier and she had no idea if they will even get another batch. I wonder why Aldi takes them off the shelves? I did see a new Aldi bullet type blender on sale this week.
Hi! Where did you get a lid that fits this?
Last week the Aldi in Florence, AL had a few of these left, on clearance, reduced to $27.99. Picked one up, at that price it seemed too good to miss. I’ll be using it for the first time tonight to make some ratatouille. I’ll be interested to see how it performs.
That is a great price you got. Enjoy and make some great dishes.
I’ve had mine now for about three years but would like to replace the inner pot. Has anyone replaced their inner pot and if so, which inner pot did you order for replacement?
I heard the Instant Pot brand ones appear to fit but the the lid won’t seal. Order one from the customer service number to be sure.
Anyone ordered spare parts from somewhere in Amazon? I tried rings for instant pot and they are too large. Tried website on back of my manual and it is defunct. Is there another brand that has compatible parts. Great newest toy, but want to be able to swap out rings and replace any parts that go bad.
I ordered an extra ring by calling the company listed on the manual and warranty card, Tempo. Ring was $10 which is 1/4 the cost of the pot but it arrived within a week. These things should just have 2 rings included.
I’ve been wanting an electric pressure cooker for a while but didn’t want to pay the ridiculous prices they wanted for them. So, the last time I was at Aldi they had one left in stock marked as clearance. I got it for $27.99. Haven’t tried it yet. It is the 6qt 9 in 1 model and it has what looks to be a stainless steel or aluminum pot with non-stick coating inside.
Bought one for $39.99 because IP prices are just too much. Used it next day and about 2-3 times a week since. Chicken, pork and sauerkraut, pork chops and sweet potatoes, all yummy and fast. Problem is availability of parts, particularly silicone sealing ring. IP accessories should work but silicone rings are only (as far as I can tell) available from Tempo by phone for $10 with 7-10 day delivery.. No website. So don’t make sauerkraut and plan to make yogurt the next day unless you have already called to get a second ring. Stinky!
Place the ring in the oven at 350 degrees for 25-30 min and the smell is gone. I use my toaster oven.
Does anyone notice any differences in the recipes, if you follow Instant Pot recipes? I read on another forum that Ambiano ones don’t get up to pressure as high as Instant Pot. One person said she adds 1/3 more cooking time to Instant Pot recipes.
The manual says to cook eggs 2-4-5, whereas Instant Pot method is 5-5-5.
Also, to note, the manual says not to air fry in the pot, so don’t buy the Instant Pot air fryer lid. (I’m bummed about that.)
Anyone have any other Ambiano Cooker tips or notice any differences from the Instant Pot?
Whoops, mix my egg comment! It’s not right, sorry!
I haven’t changed any times on mine. I use exactly as my instant pot and so far all has turned out exactly!
I bought a 6 qt Ambiano at Aldis. Have read and reread the manual and cannot for the life of me figure out how to change the length of cook time, I plug it in. I push the buttons plus or minus and it stays at 30 minutes like it comes up. Cooked beans (not old ones) for the 30 minutes as that is the only setting that shows and they were still a bit crunchy. Had to finish them in a kettle on the stove top. But the perplexing part is that I can’t change the cook time.
The cooking times are based on ‘cooking time at pressure’. Therefore there should be no need to adjust.
The Aldi pressure cookers I have run at a lower wattage given their size, so it does take a bit longer to come to pressure.
HOWEVER … less wattage … much less danger of fire!
Safer safer safer!
There’s a + button and a – button. That should change the cook time.
ONLINE MANUAL
http://www.aldi.us/fileadmin/fm-dam/Weekly_Assets/2018/12_12_2018/Warranties/12.5.18_Ambiano_9-in-1_Programmable_Pressure_Cooker_IM.pdf
I ALWAYS cook my beans at least 35 minutes and often much longer. I find that they produce less gas in the human gut. Press the ‘beans’ and immediately hit the plus key. The minute it starts processing the time cannot be adjusted. This is also the case for ‘Rice’ etc.
Often I cook beans for 20 minutes, let it depressurize .. and then add other items … (onions or apples or cabbage or vegetables or even potatoes, frozen okra … whatever. Beef and tomato sauce with hot spices. ). Then restart cooking … perhaps using the rice button … and cook long enough to process those items. I prefer pinto beans or mayacoba beans.
Great soup can be made by cooking black beans (from dry) then squash the beans to make paste. Then add all the items for soup (including lots of liquid) and stir and process. Makes a thick and hearty soup in under an hour. Don’t forget some whole wheat or gluten free noodles.
I kept a couple of 80+ going for a very long time with good appetites .. and that is not easy.
Beats using a dutch oven for soup any time.
Never burns. Keeps smells in. Does not have to be watched.
I just make my own recipes on the fly. It always vanishes pretty fast.
Never seems to be any left after 48 hours … and max it out.
You just need a breadmaker standing beside it and life is complete.
So … why does Aldi never sell a breadmaker.
AND WHY DOES ALDI NEVER OFFER WHOLE WHEAT BREAD?
Once upon a time … under the founder … there was a much higher percentage of low salt, better for you, food at Aldi.
Now I see meat with 800mg of sodium per serving
… what the heck? Best advice is to keep TOTAL sodium at less
that 1200mg per day .
Aldi is becoming a candy / processed food store.
Sad.
Does anyone know how to change the pressure settings?
Anytime I use the manual setting it automatically goes to medium setting. I can’t find anything in the manual.
I have used this pot for 2 years and I have 2 of them. It will now not hold the pressure. I am hoping I just need a new silicone ring. Does anyone know if I can get a replacement ring on Amazon and which one it would be? Thank you
AFTER SALES SUPPORT • SERVICIO POSVENTA
US 866-235-5029 info@customercareusa.com
MODEL/MODELO: GT801-M091
57491
12/2018
3 YEAR WARRANTY AÑOS DE GARANTÍA