Does the CHEF iQ pressure cooker need WiFi to work?
No. Hundreds of presets live on the cooker itself, so you can pressure cook, slow cook or steam without a phone. WiFi and Bluetooth are needed for the app's Guided Cooking recipes, remote monitoring and firmware updates. Connectivity is inconsistent, and a dropped connection can put a guided recipe on hold until it reconnects, so weigh that if the smart features are the main reason you are buying.
What's actually included in the box?
The CHEF iQ (model RJ40-6-WIFI, 6-quart, matte black) comes with a steamer rack, a steamer basket and a user guide. CHEF iQ suggests the rack for larger items like fish, chicken or whole vegetables, and the basket for chopped vegetables or dumplings, so steaming is covered without buying extra equipment.
How does the built-in scale work, and do I still need measuring cups?
Four smart sensors sit under the cooking pot and weigh whatever you add. CHEF iQ says they tell you how much liquid is needed, and the guided recipes use the weight step by step, so you can prep without measuring cups. It is the standout feature: the scale shows exactly when enough water is in. For tiny amounts such as spices or baking powder, a dedicated kitchen scale or measuring spoon is still the more practical tool.
Is the CHEF iQ reliable long-term, or does it tend to break down?
It is the main reason for caution. Its cooking is excellent, but durability is a weakness, and connectivity is inconsistent. One owner who cooked in it weekly for years ended up with a badly scratched inner pot and then a unit that stopped working. CHEF iQ's support replaced the parts or the whole cooker in that case and for connection problems too, so keep your purchase details and contact support early if something goes wrong.
How many pressure-release options does it have, and does it release steam automatically?
Three: quick, pulse and natural, and the cooker releases steam on its own at the end of pressure cooking rather than asking you to turn a valve. Release speed affects both safety and texture, since venting too fast can spatter and venting too slowly lets food keep cooking. The automatic release is one of its best features, and it gives a short warning before it vents.
Is the 6-quart CHEF iQ worth the money?
For the right cook, yes. It costs more than a basic multicooker, and what you pay for is the scale, the guided recipes and the self-venting release, which make cooking easier and more enjoyable. If you will use those features, it is worth it. If you only want simple pressure cooking, or your kitchen WiFi is unreliable, the extra spend buys less, and the durability complaints weigh more heavily.
