Instant Pot Duo Plus Best Electric Pressure Cooker for Quick Easy Meals
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day at work? The Instant Pot Duo Plus might be exactly what you need to revolutionize your cooking routine. As someone who has tested dozens of kitchen appliances over the years, I can confidently say that the Instant Pot Duo stands out as one of the most versatile and time-saving devices on the market today.
In this comprehensive review, I'll be exploring everything you need to know about the Instant Pot Duo Plus – from its innovative features and cooking performance to its value for money and how it compares to alternatives like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Whether you're a busy parent, a health-conscious cook, or simply someone looking to simplify mealtime, this electric pressure cooker deserves your attention.
Who Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus For?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is perfect for:
- Busy professionals who don't have time for lengthy meal preparation but still want healthy, home-cooked meals
- Parents juggling multiple responsibilities who need to get dinner on the table quickly
- Small apartment dwellers with limited kitchen space who need multifunctional appliances
- Meal preppers looking to efficiently cook batches of food for the week
- Beginner cooks intimidated by traditional pressure cooking or multiple cooking methods
This multicooker might not be ideal for:
- Professional chefs who prefer specialized equipment for specific techniques
- Those who enjoy the process of slow, traditional cooking methods
- Individuals who rarely cook at home or cook very simple meals
Product Overview: Instant Pot Duo Plus
Size: 6 Quarts
Brand Instant Pot
Capacity 5.68 Liters
Material Stainless steel
Finish Type Stainless Steel
Product
Dimensions 12.2"D x
13.38"W x 12.48"H
Special
Feature Programmable
Wattage 1000 watts
Item Weight 11.8 Pounds
Control
Method Touch
Controller
Type Push Button
In-Depth Review of the Instant Pot Duo Plus
Appearance & Design
The Instant Pot Duo Plus strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics with its sleek stainless steel exterior that fits well in any modern kitchen. Measuring approximately 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches (for the 6qt model), it's compact enough for most countertops while still providing ample cooking capacity.
The updated control panel on the Instant Pot Duo Plus features an intuitive blue LCD display that clearly shows cooking progress, pressure levels, and temperature. The interface has been refined from previous Instant Pot models, making it easier to navigate through the various cooking functions.
One design element I particularly appreciate is the sturdy, well-constructed lid with its auto-sealing feature. Unlike the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which requires manual sealing adjustment, the Plus model automatically positions the steam release valve in the sealing position when you close the lid – a small but significant quality-of-life improvement.
Performance & Features
The Instant Pot Duo Plus truly shines in its cooking performance and versatility. As a 9-in-1 multicooker, it combines the functions of multiple kitchen appliances:
- Pressure Cooking: Reduces cooking time by up to 70% compared to conventional methods
- Slow Cooking: Perfect for tender meats and flavorful stews
- Rice Cooking: Delivers perfectly fluffy rice every time
- Steaming: Preserves nutrients in vegetables and seafood
- Sautéing: Allows for browning ingredients before pressure cooking
- Yogurt Making: Maintains precise temperatures for homemade yogurt
- Warming: Keeps food at serving temperature without overcooking
- Sterilizing: Great for baby bottles or canning preparation
- Cake Making: Yes, you can even bake in this versatile appliance!
The Instant Pot Duo Plus also features 15 preset cooking programs including soup, meat/stew, bean/chili, rice, porridge, and more. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures, which is especially helpful for pressure cooking beginners.
In testing, I found the pressure cooking function particularly impressive. A whole chicken that would normally take 1.5 hours in the oven was fall-off-the-bone tender in just 25 minutes. Similarly, dried beans that would require overnight soaking and hours of simmering were perfectly cooked in under an hour.
When comparing the Instant Pot Duo Plus to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, the main difference is that the Crisp model includes an air fryer function with an additional lid. While that feature is nice, the Plus model excels at its core pressure cooking functions at a more accessible price point.
User-Friendliness
Despite its multitude of functions, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is surprisingly user-friendly. The clear display and simplified control panel make selecting cooking programs intuitive, even for those new to electric pressure cookers.
The auto-seal feature eliminates a common user error with pressure cookers – forgetting to seal the valve. The lid also includes clear visual indicators showing when it's properly locked and when pressure has been fully released, adding an important safety element.
Another user-friendly aspect of the Instant Pot Duo Plus is its extensive recipe database. The Instant Pot app and website offer hundreds of tested recipes specifically designed for this model, helping users quickly master their new appliance.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp has a slightly steeper learning curve due to its additional air frying function and the need to switch between two different lids. The Duo Plus offers a more streamlined experience for those primarily interested in pressure cooking and slow cooking functions.
Durability & Quality
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is built to last, with high-quality stainless steel for both the exterior housing and the inner cooking pot. This food-grade 304 stainless steel inner pot has no chemical coating, is dishwasher safe, and shows impressive resistance to scratching and staining over time.
Safety features are comprehensive, including overheat protection, safety lid lock, and carefully regulated pressure control systems. These redundant safety mechanisms inspire confidence, especially for those new to pressure cooking.
After six months of regular use (3-4 times weekly), my unit shows virtually no signs of wear. The silicone sealing ring – typically the first component to degrade in pressure cookers – remains in excellent condition, though I recommend purchasing an extra ring to avoid flavor transfer between sweet and savory dishes.
Value for Money
At its price point (around $119 for the most popular 6qt model), the Instant Pot Duo Plus offers exceptional value considering it replaces multiple kitchen appliances. When you calculate the cost of purchasing separate appliances for each function – pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, etc. – the savings become immediately apparent.
Beyond the initial savings, the Instant Pot also provides ongoing value through:
- Energy efficiency: Faster cooking times mean less electricity used
- Food cost savings: Ability to easily cook economical ingredients like dried beans and tough cuts of meat
- Time savings: Reducing active cooking time and supervision needed
While the Instant Pot Duo Crisp offers the additional air frying function, it comes at a significantly higher price point (approximately $50-70 more). For most users, the Duo Plus represents the sweet spot of features versus cost.
Pros & Cons of the Instant Pot Duo Plus
Pros
- Combines 9 appliances in one, saving valuable counter space
- Reduces cooking time by up to 70% for many foods
- Auto-sealing lid enhances safety and ease of use
- High-quality stainless steel pot is durable and dishwasher safe
- Excellent value for money considering its versatility
- Extensive recipe database makes it easy to get started
- Multiple built-in safety features
Cons
- Learning curve for pressure cooking beginners (though easier than traditional methods)
- Inner pot can be heavy when full
- Some preset programs may need adjustment based on personal preference
- Can only pressure cook with minimum amount of liquid (not suitable for some cooking techniques)
- Takes time to build and release pressure (needs to be factored into total cooking time)
Alternatives & Comparisons
Instant Pot Duo Plus vs. Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The most significant alternative to consider is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which includes all the functionality of the Duo Plus with the addition of air frying capabilities.
Key differences:
- The Duo Crisp includes an additional air fryer lid and functionality
- The Duo Crisp costs approximately $50-70 more than the Duo Plus
- The Duo Plus has a more streamlined user interface
- The Duo Crisp requires storage space for two different lids
Choose the Duo Plus if: You're primarily interested in pressure cooking, slow cooking, and the other core Instant Pot functions, and want the best value.
Choose the Duo Crisp if: You're specifically interested in air frying capability and don't mind paying extra for the additional functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus difficult to clean?
No, cleaning is straightforward. The stainless steel inner pot, lid, and accessories are all dishwasher safe. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The silicone sealing ring should be removed and cleaned thoroughly after each use.
Is pressure cooking in the Instant Pot Duo Plus safe?
Yes, the Instant Pot Duo Plus includes 10+ safety mechanisms, making it much safer than traditional stovetop pressure cookers. These safety features include lid lock mechanisms, temperature control, pressure regulation, and automatic shut-off systems.
Can I convert my regular recipes for the Instant Pot Duo Plus?
Yes, though there's a learning curve. Generally, you'll use less liquid than traditional recipes, and cooking times will be significantly shorter. The Instant Pot app and website offer helpful conversion guidelines.
What's the difference between the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Plus?
The Duo Plus offers additional cooking programs (including cake maker, egg cooker, and sterilizer), an improved display, and the auto-seal feature. The basic cooking functions are similar, but the Plus model provides more convenience features.
Conclusion: Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus Worth It?
After extensive testing and daily use, I can confidently recommend the Instant Pot Duo Plus to anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without sacrificing food quality. This versatile electric pressure cooker delivers on its promises – saving time, energy, and counter space while producing delicious results.
For busy individuals and families, the time-saving aspect alone makes it worth the investment. Being able to cook frozen chicken, dried beans, or tough cuts of meat in a fraction of the usual time has been game-changing for my weeknight meal preparation.
While the Instant Pot Duo Crisp offers the additional air frying function, I find the Duo Plus hits the sweet spot of functionality and value for most home cooks. The improved interface, auto-sealing feature, and comprehensive cooking programs make it an excellent choice for both pressure cooking beginners and experienced users.
Get the Best Deal on Instant Pot Duo Plus – Upgrade Your Cooking Today!
[Check the latest price on Amazon] and discover why millions of home cooks love the Instant Pot Duo Plus. Save time and enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals effortlessly. Make cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable today!
Comments
Post a Comment