Instant Pot Duo vs Instant Pot Duo Plus 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
When it comes to multicookers, the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Plus stand out as top contenders. Both offer a suite of functionalities that aim to make everyday cooking simpler and quicker. For those contemplating which model to choose, this comparison is crucial, especially if you’re torn between sticking to the basics or venturing into a slightly more advanced cooking experience. In my testing, I found that the Instant Pot Duo is ideal for those who want versatility without the frills, while the Duo Plus caters to those who appreciate added features like the sous vide function. To ensure a thorough evaluation, I put both products through their paces by preparing a variety of dishes, focusing on performance, ease of use, and overall value.
Best Value
9/10
This Instant Pot product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $109.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This Instant Pot product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $79.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Instant Pot Duo
👍 Why Choose Instant Pot Duo
- ✓ Larger 6-quart capacity for family-sized meals.
- ✓ Simple and intuitive interface.
- ✓ Reliable performance across basic cooking functions.
- ✓ Easy-release steam switch for safe steam management.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
👍 Why Choose Instant Pot Duo Plus
- ✓ Includes sous vide and sterilization functions.
- ✓ Compact 3-quart size is perfect for small spaces.
- ✓ Modern status lights for easy monitoring.
- ✓ Lower price with more features.
Instant Pot Duo
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Higher price compared to the Duo Plus.
- ✗ Lacks sous vide and sterilization functions.
- ✗ Bulkier design can be challenging in small kitchens.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Limited capacity may not be sufficient for larger families.
- ✗ Slightly more complex due to additional features.
- ✗ Not ideal as a primary appliance for larger households.
Design & Build Quality
In terms of build quality, both the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Plus are robust and designed for durability. However, the Duo Plus, with its compact 3-quart size, feels more suited for smaller kitchens or as a secondary appliance for side dishes. The Duo, on the other hand, offers a larger 6-quart capacity, making it more versatile for family meals. Both models feature stainless steel cooking pots with a tri-ply bottom, ensuring even heat distribution. While neither feels overly premium, the Duo Plus’s status lights add a modern touch, guiding you through the cooking process. Ergonomically, both are intuitive, but I found the larger capacity of the Duo to be slightly more challenging to maneuver in a crowded kitchen.
Features & Performance
When comparing features, the Instant Pot Duo excels in providing the essential cooking functions needed for everyday meals. It covers all the bases with its 7 cooking functions and is straightforward to operate. The Duo Plus, however, steps up with 9 cooking functions, including sous vide and sterilization options. In real-world testing, the Duo Plus proved advantageous when making yogurt and sous vide dishes, offering more precise control. However, both models performed well in pressure cooking, with meals like stews and beans cooked evenly and quickly. The safety features, such as the steam release, were effective on both, though the Duo’s design felt slightly more intuitive with its easy-release steam switch. Ultimately, the Duo Plus offers more for those willing to experiment, while the Duo remains a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
For those seeking a straightforward multicooker that reliably handles family meals, the Instant Pot Duo is the best choice. Its larger capacity and easy-to-use interface make it ideal for everyday use. However, if you’re looking for more versatility at a lower price, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is the clear winner. Its additional functions, like sous vide and sterilization, offer more culinary options, making it perfect for experimental cooks or those with limited kitchen space. Personally, I would recommend the Duo Plus for its added features and value, especially if you don’t require a large capacity cooker on a daily basis.
