Instant Pot Duo Plus Review (2025)
By Ben Carter
9.1
Consumers Best Verdict: Instant Pot Duo Plus Highlights
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is the do‑most workhorse in Instant Brands’ lineup. You get pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, sterilize, and more in a stainless steel package that’s built to last. The brighter display and progress indicator nudge the learning curve down, while safety features help you cook with confidence. For most kitchens, it’s the right balance of power, presets, and price.
If you want a dependable multicooker that streamlines weeknights without fuss, the instant pot duo plus still hits that sweet spot in 2025. It cooks fast, cleans up easily, and the interface feels friendlier than older models. Look, after living with it, my takeaway’s simple: it’s not flashy—just reliably excellent.
In-Depth Look: Instant Pot Duo Plus Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out to us in daily use—little things that add up when you’re cooking three nights in a row and don’t want drama.
Versatile programs that matter
Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice, Yogurt, and Sterilize cover everyday meals and weekend batches without extra gadgets.
Clear, upgraded display
The easy-read LCD with a cooking progress indicator helps you see what’s happening at a glance—no guessing if it’s preheating or building pressure.
Durable stainless steel pot
Even heating with a sturdy base, no questionable coatings, and it’s dishwasher-safe for genuinely easy cleanup.
Safety-first design
Lid lock, overheat protection, and multiple safeguards take the edge off pressure cooking for newer users.
Right-size lineup
Available in popular sizes (typically 3, 6, and 8 quarts), so you can match capacity to your household without overbuying.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- No Wi‑Fi or app control
If you want remote monitoring or smart recipes, you’ll need a different model.
- Counter space commitment
It’s not huge, but it’s not tiny either; plan a parking spot—or it’ll live out on the counter.
- Learning curve exists
Getting comfortable with pressure release and timing takes a few cooks. After that, it’s smooth sailing.
- Sealing ring odors
Silicone rings hold smells; consider a spare set (savory + sweet) to keep flavors in their lane.
Who Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus Best For?
Busy home cooks
Set-it-and-let-it weeknight meals without babysitting the stove.
Meal preppers
Big-batch beans, grains, stews, and shredded proteins that portion out beautifully.
Beginner pressure cooks
Friendly display and safety features make the first month less intimidating.
Small families & couples
The 6‑quart hits a sweet spot—enough leftovers, not too bulky.
Non-toxic cookware fans
Stainless steel inner pot, easy to scrub, no flaking coatings.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Smart home enthusiasts
If you need Wi‑Fi, app recipes, or voice control, look for a connected model.
- Air fry lovers
Want crispy fries or wings from the same machine? Consider an Instant Pot with an air-fry lid variant.
- Ultra-precise cooks
If you’re chasing advanced pressure control or specialty modes, a higher-end Instant model may suit you better.
- Tiny-kitchen minimalists
If counter space is precious, a smaller appliance—or sticking to a single-lid cooker—might be smarter.
