We all have that one drawer in the kitchen—packed with gadgets that promised to save dinner but ended up collecting dust. The rice cooker. The slow cooker. The yogurt thing you swore you’d use. The Instant Pot Duo Plus claims it can replace all of them. And then some.
Pressure cooker. Slow cooker. Rice cooker. Steamer. Sauté pan. Sous vide machine. Yogurt maker. Sterilizer. Cake baker.
Our Top Pick
Specs Summary
Let’s break it down like you’re standing in Target trying to decide.
- Sizes: 3, 6, and 8 quarts. We tested the 6-quart. Big enough for 4–6 servings.
- Power: Around 1000 watts
- Material: Stainless steel inner pot—scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe
- Functions: 9 total (pressure, slow cook, rice, yogurt, sous vide, sauté, cake, sterilize, steam)
- Noise Level: 70–75 dB during steam release. Noticeable, but not aggressive
- Sealing: Auto-seals when you close the lid. No more guessing if you turned it right
The buttons feel tactile. The LCD screen is a big leap over earlier models—shows cooking stage and time clearly.
Real Cooking Test: Does It Actually Work?
We ran this pot through every preset. Some impressed. A couple made us shrug. But across the board? This is no gimmick.
Pressure Cook
This is where the Instant Pot earns its name. Beans? Done in 30 minutes without soaking. Stew? Melts apart with a spoon. Frozen chicken breasts? Fully cooked and juicy in under 20.
It builds pressure fast. Faster than older models. We’re talking 7–10 minutes depending on volume.
And the new steam release button? Way less scary. Just press. No hissy, arm’s-length dance.
Slow Cook
Okay, let’s be honest—if you’re here for slow cooking, just use a Crock-Pot. This function is fine. Not amazing. Takes longer to heat up, and you’ll need to adjust recipes meant for standard slow cookers.
Good for stews and beans. Maybe avoid delicate stuff like fish.
Rice & Steam
Rice came out fluffy. Not mushy. Not crunchy. Better than most standalone rice cookers in the same price range.
Steaming broccoli and green beans took 1–2 minutes once pressure was up. Crisp-tender. No complaints.
Yogurt
This one surprised us.
You heat the milk, cool it down, mix in starter, and let it ferment right in the pot. No plastic inserts. No weirdness. You just made yogurt like your grandmother used to—if she had a microchip.
Result? Tangy, thick, and way cheaper than the store.
Sous Vide
Let’s temper expectations here. This isn’t an expensive circulator. It heats the water, but doesn’t circulate it. Temps fluctuate a bit.
Still, it handled chicken and steak surprisingly well—within 3°F of target. More than enough for midweek meals.
Cake
Think pudding cake or cheesecake—not fancy layered stuff. We tried a boxed mix in a springform pan. Moist. Even texture. But don’t expect a golden crust. That’s not happening in a sealed steam chamber.
Cake, yes. Crust, no.
Usability & Controls
If you’ve used any appliance with buttons in the last decade, you’ll get this. No weird scroll wheels. No toggles. Just buttons.
Each function is clearly labeled. You can adjust time and pressure levels with the plus and minus signs. There’s a progress bar showing where you are—preheating, cooking, or done.
The lid is clever. Auto-seals when you close it. Vent button is easy to reach. And the handles on the pot double as lid rests. Whoever thought of that deserves a raise.
First-timers might need a cheat sheet. But after two uses, it’s second nature.
Noise, Size & Storage
The pot itself is quiet. Saute is whisper-level. Even pressure buildup isn’t loud.
The only time you’ll notice it is during steam release. The good news: it doesn’t screech like old models. The bad news: it’s still not silent. Think “cordless vacuum” loud.
Storage-wise, the 6-quart fits in most lower cabinets. It’s not compact, but it replaces so many tools you’ll probably free up space in the end.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1: a space-saving multicooker with pressure, slow cook, yogurt, sous vide, cake, and more—all in stainless steel.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleanup is easy. Here’s the breakdown:
- Inner pot: Toss it in the dishwasher. Or soak and wipe.
- Lid: Hand-wash. Pay attention to the sealing ring and float valve.
- Sealing ring: Comes out for deep cleaning. Should be replaced every 12 months.
- Condensation collector: Pop off and rinse after use.
Biggest maintenance tip? Don’t leave it sealed after cooking. Moisture gets trapped and creates odors. Leave the lid resting sideways.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Duo Plus earns its name. It isn’t flawless. But it hits the sweet spot for price, features, and ease. It replaces 4–6 appliances without demanding counter real estate forever.
This is a kitchen sidekick. The kind you call on Tuesday night at 7:12 PM when dinner is a problem and takeout’s 50 minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use the Duo Plus to can food?
No. It’s not certified for pressure canning. Stick to pickling and freezing.
Is it loud when releasing steam?
Not too loud. Definitely quieter than older models. Sounds more like a kettle hiss than a scream.
Can I delay start?
Yes, up to 24 hours for most presets.
Does it include a recipe book?
No book. But the Instant Pot app has tons of beginner-friendly options.
What’s the difference between Duo Plus and Pro?
Pro has faster heating and finer pressure control. Duo Plus is better for everyday cooking without the learning curve.
