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.
Full review
Real-World Performance
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker delivers on its promise of fast, consistent results across its nine functions, with pressure cooking being the standout performance area. RTINGS tested the pressure cooking function with a 3-pound pork shoulder and found it achieved fork-tender results in just 45 minutes, matching the texture of an 8-hour slow cook but reducing cooking time by over 90%. The 1000-watt heating element builds pressure in 7-10 minutes depending on volume, which is faster than older models. HomeCritiQue confirmed this with their Tough Meat Test, showing that the Duo Plus can break down tough cuts efficiently. The machine's ability to maintain consistent pressure throughout cooking cycles was noted by multiple reviewers, including Lovable Kitchen's Ethan Brooks who stated the tri-ply stainless steel pot 'distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots during sautéing or searing.' The 6-quart capacity proves sufficient for small families, with the appliance handling up to four pint jars when sterilizing, according to HousekeepingMaster.com.
Build Quality and Design
The Instant Pot Duo Plus features a robust construction with an 18/8 stainless steel tri-ply inner pot that resists warping, discoloration, and metallic flavor transfer. According to ThoroughReviews.com, the pot's anti-spin design prevents movement during stirring or sautéing, a feature that users consistently praised. The housing is made from thick-walled polymer with an easy-clean finish, and the detachable power cord enhances storage flexibility. TrundlePicks.com noted that the lid auto-seals when closed, eliminating guesswork about proper lid positioning. The control panel is intuitive with a wide, well-lit LCD display showing real-time cooking progress including heat, pressure cook, and keep warm stages. However, HomeCritiQue reported that the keypad shows signs of wear over time, and some users noted the device's bulkiness for smaller kitchens. The unit measures 12.2"D x 13.39"W x 12.99"H and weighs 12.35 pounds, which is substantial compared to alternatives like the Crock-Pot Express that offers a more compact form factor.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Duo Plus's versatility and time-saving capabilities, with ThoroughReviews.com calling it a 'powerhouse' that 'earned a permanent place on my countertop.' The digital progress bar was a standout feature, eliminating the 'guessing game' that plagued older pressure cookers, as noted by HomeCritiQue. The whisper-quiet steam release switch was also lauded by multiple sources, including Lovable Kitchen, which highlighted how it 'simplifies and safely releases steam with minimal noise.' The 15 smart programs, including dedicated buttons for cake, egg, and yogurt, were appreciated for their convenience. The stainless steel pot's durability and dishwasher-safe components were frequently mentioned as major selling points. RTINGS noted that the Duo Plus 'covers wide range of daily cooking tasks' and 'provides even heat transfer,' while TrundlePicks.com emphasized the auto-sealing lid and the clever handle design that doubles as lid rests. The inclusion of the Instant Brands Connect App with over 800 recipes was also considered valuable by several reviewers.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Instant Pot Duo Plus has notable limitations that reviewers have pointed out. The lack of an air fryer or broil function was a major disappointment for users seeking maximum versatility, with TrundlePicks.com noting that 'Ninja's key advantage is its integrated air fryer/broil modes—a function intentionally omitted in the classic Instant Pot line.' The electric sauté mode cannot match stovetop sear temperatures, according to Lovable Kitchen, which impacts browning of proteins for some recipes. HomeCritiQue reported that the keypad wears down over time, and some users found the device's bulkiness problematic for small kitchens. The cake function is limited to soft, moist types, as noted by TrundlePicks.com, who stated that 'cake, yes. Crust, no.' Additionally, the 6-quart capacity may be limiting for larger families, with no 10-quart version available in the Duo Plus line. The noise level during steam release was rated at 70-75 dB, which, while not aggressive, is noticeable and louder than some competitors like the Crock-Pot Express.
Who It's Best For
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is ideal for busy families of 4-6 people who want to simplify their cooking routine and save time. According to ThoroughReviews.com, it's 'perfect for small families or batch cooking' and 'a must-have for meal preppers.' The appliance excels for users who value convenience and want to replace multiple kitchen gadgets with one device. Lovable Kitchen's Ethan Brooks noted that it's particularly good for 'precision sous vide, yogurt, and reliable pressure' cooking. However, it's not ideal for those who need an air fryer function or require maximum countertop space in smaller kitchens. The device is also not recommended for users who want to achieve stovetop sear temperatures, as the electric sauté mode cannot match those levels. According to HomeCritiQue, the bulky design may not suit those with limited cabinet space or solo users who might find the 6-quart capacity excessive. The appliance is best suited for users who are willing to invest time in learning the device's features and can appreciate its 10+ safety mechanisms.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to alternatives like the Ninja Foodi, Crock-Pot Express, and traditional stovetop pressure cookers, the Instant Pot Duo Plus stands out for its robust safety features and stainless steel construction. RTINGS found that the Duo Plus's 10+ safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and lid lock protection, make it superior to many competitors. The tri-ply 18/8 stainless steel pot in the Duo Plus is consistently praised for its durability and even heat distribution, whereas Ninja Foodi's ceramic-coated aluminum insert is noted by some users to degrade with heavy use or dishwasher cycles. Crock-Pot Express matches the Instant Pot feature-for-feature on paper but is often criticized for having a 'less refined' programming interface and inconsistent pressure performance. The Instant Pot's advantage lies in its intuitive touch panel, real-time feedback, and superior safety features, which make it more accessible for families. However, the Ninja Foodi's integrated air fryer function is a significant draw for users seeking maximum versatility, though it comes at a higher price point. The Duo Plus's 6-quart capacity is also more generous than many budget alternatives, which typically offer 3-quart or 4-quart models.
Setup and Software
Setup of the Instant Pot Duo Plus is straightforward with a clear instruction manual and intuitive control panel. The LCD display provides real-time cooking updates, showing cooking progress in preheating, cooking, or keep warm stages. The 15 one-touch programs simplify cooking by automatically adjusting time and pressure for specific dishes, according to HousekeepingMaster.com. The device features a digital progress bar that eliminates the guessing game, as noted by HomeCritiQue. The included accessories include extra sealing rings, a stainless steel steam rack, and app access to 800+ recipes. The Instant Brands Connect App provides recipe integration and additional functionality, though some users noted the initial learning curve. TrundlePicks.com reported that first-time users might need a cheat sheet, but after two uses, it becomes second nature. The auto-sealing lid and easy-to-reach vent button make operation simple, while the tactile buttons and clear labeling help prevent user errors. The device's ability to store and recall settings for recurring recipes adds to its convenience factor, according to ThoroughReviews.com.
Battery Life and Power
The Instant Pot Duo Plus operates on 1000 watts of power at 120 volts, which is standard for high-performance kitchen appliances. RTINGS measured the 1000-watt heating element's efficiency and found it builds pressure quickly, with the machine achieving pressure in 7-10 minutes depending on volume. The device's power consumption is typical for pressure cookers of this class, and no specific battery life measurements were noted in the reviews. However, the appliance's energy efficiency was highlighted by multiple sources, with HousekeepingMaster.com stating it 'cooks up to 70% faster than traditional methods, saving time and energy.' The 12.35-pound weight and 1000-watt output make it a substantial appliance, but its performance justifies the power requirements. The detachable power cord allows for flexible storage and reduces the risk of damage during transport, according to TrundlePicks.com. The device's ability to maintain consistent pressure throughout cooking cycles was praised by reviewers, with Lovable Kitchen noting that 'the tri-ply stainless steel pot distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots during sautéing or searing.'
Image Quality in Detail
While the Instant Pot Duo Plus is a kitchen appliance rather than an imaging device, reviewers noted its visual appeal and functional clarity. The wide, well-lit LCD display is a key feature, with multiple sources emphasizing its clarity and real-time feedback capabilities. HomeCritiQue highlighted that the digital progress bar 'completely removes the kitchen anxiety of wondering when dinner will actually be ready,' while ThoroughReviews.com noted the 'bright, easy-to-read' display showing cooking progress. The stainless steel construction gives it a premium appearance that fits well in modern kitchens, according to Lovable Kitchen. The visual indicators for pressure status, cooking stages, and time remaining were consistently praised, with RTINGS noting that 'the 15 smart programs simplify cooking by automatically adjusting time and pressure for specific dishes.' The device's color scheme and clean lines were appreciated by reviewers, though no specific visual quality metrics were provided. The overall aesthetic is described as 'modern' and 'functional' rather than decorative, which aligns with its primary purpose as a kitchen workhorse.
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
- +Dishwasher-safe components for quick cleanup and easy maintenance
Watch-outs
- −Bulky footprint takes up significant cabinet and counter space
- −Electric sauté mode cannot reach stovetop sear temperatures for browning proteins
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: families wanting reliable multicooking without smart features.
Why you’d buy the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker (Sous Vide Capability)
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- Bulky footprint takes up significant cabinet and counter space.
- Electric sauté mode cannot reach stovetop sear temperatures for browning proteins.
Rating sources
Our 4.2 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
