Head-to-head · Best Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability) vs Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about users wanting maximum sautéing surface and fast cooking — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)

4.2

$99

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker delivers on its promise of simplifying weeknight dinners with its 1000-watt heating element and 45-minute pulled pork test proving time-saving efficiency. HomeCritiQue rated it 3/5 for value and quality, while Lovable Kitchen praised its 10+ safety mechanisms and tri-ply stainless steel pot. The digital progress bar removes the guesswork from pressure cooking, and the anti-spin pot design prevents annoying spinning during sautéing. However, reviewers noted it's bulky for smaller kitchens and the electric sauté can't match stovetop sear temperatures. This appliance is ideal for busy families seeking versatility but may not suit solo users or those wanting air frying capabilities.

Strengths

— Robust stainless steel pot with anti-spin design that stays locked in place during stirring
— Digital progress bar eliminates guessing game of pressure cooking with visual preheating, cooking, and keep warm indicators
— Whisper-quiet steam release switch keeps fingers safe from burns and reduces noise disturbance

Watch-outs

— Bulky footprint takes up significant cabinet and counter space
— Electric sauté mode cannot reach stovetop sear temperatures for browning proteins

$99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Instant Pot

Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker

4.3

$299

The Instant Pot Rio Wide offers a modern take on multicooking with its wider 7.5-quart pot that accommodates standard kitchen pans and provides 13 smart cooking programs. Tom's Guide praised its 70% faster cooking and 60% energy savings, while reviewer Thas highlighted the tri-ply stainless steel inner pot's superior heat distribution. However, critics noted it's bulkier than other models and lacks advanced features like air frying, app connectivity, and customizable presets. This appliance suits families wanting versatile, fast cooking but may not appeal to users seeking smart home integration or specialized functions.

Strengths

— Wider cooking pot allows more surface area for sautéing and fits standard kitchen pans like 9-inch cake pans
— 13 customizable smart cooking programs with a cooking progress bar and easy steam-release switch
— Stainless steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom for even heat distribution and better sautéing results

Watch-outs

— Larger and heavier than other models, taking up more counter and cabinet space
— Inner pot is wider and takes up more space in the dishwasher
— Lacks air fryer function, crisp lid option, WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, and app control

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)

The Instant Pot Duo Plus stands out with its digital progress bar and anti-spin pot design, features not found in the standard Instant Pot 10-in-1 or Vortex Plus models. While the Pro Plus offers Wi-Fi connectivity that the RIO Wide lacks, it doesn't match the RIO's wider cooking surface or the Vortex Plus's air frying capabilities. Compared to the Pro Plus, it's less bulky but also less feature-rich, making it a solid middle-ground choice for families wanting reliability without smart features.

Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker

The RIO Wide excels with its wider pot that accommodates standard kitchen pans, a feature not available in the Vortex Plus or Duo Plus. Unlike the Pro Plus, it doesn't offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but it provides better sautéing surface area and faster cooking times than the standard 10-in-1 model. However, it's bulkier than the Vortex Plus and lacks the air frying function that makes the Vortex Plus more versatile for users wanting multiple cooking methods.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)	Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.5 qt 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker
Capacity	6 Quarts	7.5 quarts
Wattage	1000 watts	1200W
Inner Pot Material	18/8 Stainless Steel	Stainless steel with tri-ply bottom
Safety Features	Over 10 safety mechanisms	10+ proven safety features
Functions	Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté, yogurt, warm, sterilize, cake	7-in-1 (pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, keep warm)
Display	LCD display with cooking progress indicators	step-by-step cooking guidance

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