I’ve spent countless hours in my kitchen, experimenting with recipes and gadgets, and I’ll admit, I’m a bit obsessed with my Instant Pot. When it came time to upgrade, I found myself torn between the Instant Pot Duo Plus and the Instant Pot Pro.
Both are packed with features, but which one truly fits my cooking style—and yours? In this article, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each, sharing my hands-on experience, and helping you decide which model deserves a spot on your counter.
Let’s get cooking!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Instant Pot Duo Plus | Instant Pot Pro |
| Price (6-quart) | ~$120-$140 | ~$130-$150 |
| Cooking Functions | 9-in-1: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, steam, sauté, sous vide, sterilize, keep warm | 10-in-1: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, steam, sauté, sous vide, bake, canning, keep warm |
| Smart Programs | 15 presets | 28 presets |
| Inner Pot | Stainless steel, no handles | Stainless steel with silicone handles, flat bottom |
| Lid Features | Auto-seal, whisper-quiet steam release | Auto-seal, diffused steam release, QuickCool option |
| Control Panel | LCD with push buttons | Backlit LCD with buttons and dial |
| Safety Features | 10 safety mechanisms | 11 safety mechanisms, including advanced steam release |
| Sizes Available | 3, 6, 8 quarts | 6, 8 quarts |
| Unique Perks | Sterilization for baby bottles, affordable versatility | Customizable presets, stovetop-friendly pot |
| Best For | Budget-conscious cooks, small kitchens | Frequent cooks, recipe experimenters |
My Journey With Instant Pot
I got my first Instant Pot years ago, and it was a game-changer. No more babysitting pots on the stove or worrying about dinner burning while I multitasked. But as my cooking evolved, I craved more features—maybe a bit more precision or a fancier interface.
That’s when I started eyeing the Duo Plus and Pro. Both are upgrades from the classic Duo, but they cater to slightly different needs. I’ve used both models extensively, cooking everything from chili to cheesecake, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the right one.
Unboxing The Instant Pot Duo Plus: First Impressions
When I unboxed my Duo Plus, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, silver exterior.
It’s not flashy, but it looks clean and modern on my counter.
The 6-quart model, which I found to be the sweet spot for my family of four, comes with a stainless steel inner pot, a trivet, a condensation collector, and a sealing ring.
The setup was straightforward—wash the pot, run a water test, and you’re ready to cook.
The control panel is a large LCD with push buttons, which felt intuitive even for a newbie. I loved that it has nine cooking functions: pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, steam, sauté, sous vide, sterilize, and keep warm.
The 15 smart programs take the guesswork out of cooking specific dishes like soup or poultry. For example, I made a creamy tomato soup using the soup/broth preset, and it was perfectly cooked in under 30 minutes.
The sterilization function was a pleasant surprise, especially when I needed to clean baby bottles for a friend’s newborn.
Pros of The Instant Pot Duo Plus
The Duo Plus is a fantastic all-rounder, and after weeks of testing, here’s what I loved:
- Affordability: At around $120-$140 for the 6-quart, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s often on sale, making it a steal for what you get.
- Versatility: With nine cooking functions, it handles everything from yogurt to sous vide. I made a silky crème brûlée using the sous vide setting, and it rivaled restaurant quality.
- Sterilization Function: This is a game-changer for parents or anyone needing to sterilize utensils. I used it to clean my canning jars, and it was quick and effective.
- Compact Options: The 3-quart size is perfect for small kitchens or solo cooks. I gifted one to my college-aged nephew, and he loves it for quick meals.
- Whisper-Quiet Steam Release: The steam release is quieter than older models, which is great if you’re nervous about pressure cooking. It’s not silent, but it’s less startling.
- Ease of Use: The push-button interface is straightforward. I had my mom, who’s not tech-savvy, use it, and she was whipping up rice in no time.
Cons of The Instant Pot Duo Plus
No appliance is perfect, and the Duo Plus has a few quirks:
- No Handles on Inner Pot: The lack of handles on the stainless steel pot was a hassle. I had to use oven mitts to lift it out after cooking a pot roast, which felt clunky.
- Limited Presets: With 15 smart programs, it’s versatile, but it pales in comparison to the Pro’s 28. I missed having presets for specific dishes like cake.
- No Stovetop Compatibility: The inner pot isn’t designed for stovetop use, so you can’t sear directly on the stove and then transfer to the Instant Pot.
- Basic Control Panel: The LCD is clear, but it lacks the dial and customization options of the Pro. I sometimes wished for more precise control.
- No QuickCool Feature: Unlike the Pro, there’s no option to speed up pressure release with ice, which can be a drag if you’re in a hurry.
Exploring The Instant Pot Pro: A Step Up
The Instant Pot Pro arrived in a glossy black box, and right away, I noticed its premium vibe.
The 6-quart model (also available in 8-quart) felt sturdier, thanks to the inner pot’s silicone handles and flat bottom.
Those handles are a lifesaver when you’re lifting a hot pot of chili without fumbling for oven mitts.
The Pro boasts 10 cooking functions, adding baking and canning to the Duo Plus’s lineup, and an impressive 28 smart programs for even more recipe-specific presets.
The control panel is a backlit LCD with a mix of buttons and a dial, which I found more sophisticated than the Duo Plus. It’s like upgrading from a basic smartphone to one with a few extra bells and whistles.
The diffused steam release was a standout—less noisy and less intimidating than the Duo Plus’s whisper-quiet release. I also appreciated the QuickCool feature, which lets you place an ice tray on the lid to speed up pressure release, though I didn’t use it often.
Pros of The Instant Pot Pro
The Pro feels like the Duo Plus’s more polished sibling. Here’s what stood out:
- Silicone Handles on Inner Pot: These handles make a huge difference. I could easily lift out a steaming pot of pulled pork without worrying about burns.
- 28 Smart Programs: The extensive presets cover everything from oatmeal to cheesecake. I used the cake preset to bake a chocolate cake, and it was moist and perfectly done.
- Diffused Steam Release: The steam comes out softly, reducing noise and splatter. It’s a small but noticeable upgrade over the Duo Plus.
- Customizable Presets: You can save up to five favorite settings, which is great for recipes you make often. I programmed my go-to chili recipe, and it’s now a one-touch wonder.
- Stovetop-Friendly Pot: The flat-bottomed inner pot can be used on the stove, which is handy for searing meat before pressure cooking.
- QuickCool Lid: The option to use an ice tray to speed up pressure release is a nice touch, especially for impatient cooks like me.
- Advanced Safety Features: With 11 safety mechanisms, including a safer steam release valve, it feels like the Pro prioritizes peace of mind.
Cons of The Instant Pot Pro
Even the Pro has its downsides:
- Higher Price: At $130-$150 for the 6-quart, it’s pricier than the Duo Plus. I had to weigh whether the extra features were worth the cost.
- No 3-Quart Option: Unlike the Duo Plus, the Pro only comes in 6- and 8-quart sizes, which might be too big for solo cooks or small spaces.
- Complex Interface: The dial and button combo is sleek but can feel overwhelming at first. I needed a few tries to get comfortable with it.
- No Air Fryer Capability: Neither model includes an air fryer lid, but I was disappointed the Pro didn’t offer it as an add-on like some Duo models.
- Bulky Design: The Pro is slightly heavier and takes up more counter space, which could be an issue in cramped kitchens.
Key Differences That Tipped My Scale
After using both models, I noticed subtle but significant differences that influenced my preference.
The Duo Plus is the practical choice for budget-conscious cooks who want a reliable multi-cooker without breaking the bank.
Its sterilization function and compact 3-quart option make it ideal for small households or parents.
I loved how easy it was to use right out of the box, especially for simple recipes like rice or stew.
The Pro, on the other hand, feels tailored for enthusiasts who cook frequently and want more control. The silicone handles and customizable presets were a game-changer for me, especially when I was juggling multiple recipes.
The stovetop-friendly pot and QuickCool lid added a level of convenience I didn’t realize I needed until I tried them. However, the higher price and lack of a 3-quart option might deter some buyers.
Cooking Tests: How They Performed in My Kitchen
To really put these pots to the test, I cooked identical dishes in both: a beef chili, brown rice, and a sous vide steak. For the chili, both models produced tender beef in about 35 minutes of pressure cooking, but the Pro came to pressure faster (5 minutes vs. 6.5 for the Duo Plus).
The Pro’s handles made it easier to stir and serve without burning my hands.
For brown rice, I followed Instant Pot’s recommended 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio. The Duo Plus’s rice program worked well, but the rice was slightly stickier than I’d hoped.
The Pro’s rice preset, with its NutriBoost feature, moved the pot slightly to prevent sticking, resulting in fluffier grains. The sous vide steak was a tie—both models maintained steady temperatures, producing a perfectly medium-rare cut after 2 hours at 130°F.
- Which One Fits Your Cooking Style?
Choosing between the Duo Plus and Pro depends on your needs. If you’re a casual cook who wants a versatile, affordable appliance, the Duo Plus is hard to beat. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and occasional experiments like yogurt or sous vide.
If you’re like me and love tinkering with recipes or cook large batches often, the Pro’s extra presets, handles, and advanced features make it worth the splurge.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: A Real-World Look
Cleaning both models is straightforward but not without quirks. The Duo Plus’s stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe, but I found food stuck to it more often than the Pro’s pot, likely due to the Pro’s flat bottom.
The lids are dishwasher-safe, but the sealing rings and lid components need hand-washing to avoid lingering odors. The Pro’s diffused steam release cover is easier to clean than the Duo Plus’s, as it catches less splatter.
- Safety First: How They Stack Up
Safety is a big deal with pressure cookers, and both models excel here. The Duo Plus has 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a secure lid lock.
The Pro steps it up with 11, adding an advanced steam release valve that auto-closes when the lid is locked. I felt confident using both, but the Pro’s diffused steam release made me less nervous about quick releases.
- Price Vs. Value: Is the Pro Worth the Extra Cash?
The Duo Plus is typically $10-$30 cheaper than the Pro, depending on sales. For budget shoppers, the Duo Plus delivers nearly all the functionality of the Pro at a lower price.
However, the Pro’s handles, extra presets, and stovetop compatibility justified the cost for me, especially since I use my Instant Pot several times a week. If you’re an occasional user, the Duo Plus is likely all you need.
Which One Wins?
After weeks of cooking, I’m leaning toward the Instant Pot Pro.
The silicone handles, customizable presets, and faster pressurizing time made my kitchen life easier, especially for complex recipes.
That said, the Duo Plus is a fantastic choice for beginners or those who don’t need the extra frills.
It’s reliable, versatile, and won’t break the bank.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either, but think about how often you’ll use it and what features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Duo Plus is a 9-in-1 cooker with 15 smart programs, while the Pro is a 10-in-1 with 28 presets, adding baking and canning. The Pro has silicone handles, a stovetop-friendly pot, and a diffused steam release.
The Duo Plus offers nine cooking functions, including sterilization for baby bottles and sous vide, plus a whisper-quiet steam release and an affordable price point.
The best model depends on your needs. The Duo Plus is great for budget-conscious beginners, while the Pro suits frequent cooks who want more presets and advanced features.
Yes, the Duo Plus has a dedicated steam function, perfect for vegetables, seafood, or reheating leftovers.
Conclusion: Your Kitchen, Your Choice
After testing both the Instant Pot Duo Plus and Pro, I can say they’re both stellar additions to any kitchen. The Duo Plus is your go-to if you want affordability and versatility without overwhelming complexity.
The Pro, with its extra presets and user-friendly upgrades, is ideal if you’re ready to take your cooking to the next level.
Whichever you choose, you’ll save time and effort in the kitchen. So, what’s your cooking style? Pick the one that feels like your perfect sous-chef and start creating delicious meals with ease.