Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid Review

Multi-cookers and pressure cookers have become increasingly popular during the past decade, and the Instant Pot with an air fryer lid should be at the top of the list.

It’s no secret that I love air fryers and pressure cookers. I use my Instant Pot Duo several times a week and the air fryer at any opportunity.

When I learned that the Instant Pot included an air fryer function, I had to have one. In this Instant Pot Duo Crisp review, I will test the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid and talk about the major highlights and minor drawbacks of the 13-in-1 multicooker.

I have tested the different features at least once and I will detail how the Instant Pot performed. As the Instant Pot brand motto proclaims, “Let the magic begin!”

Jump to:

• What’s in the Box
• Specifications
• A Close Look at the 6.5-Quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid
• What I Liked
• What I Didn’t Like
• Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid Features and Functions
• How Easy Is This Duo Crisp 6.5 Quart To Use?
• What Foods Can I Cook in the Duo Crisp?
• How Easy Is It To Clean the Duo Pot With Ultimate Lid?
• What Other Budget Options Do I Have?
• Key Takeaways

What’s in the Box

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid
• Detachable pressure cooking lid
• Stainless steel insert
• Steamer/air fryer rack
• User manual
• Product information cards

Specifications

• Dimensions: 15.5” length x 15.4'' wide x 13.4'' height
• Weight: 23.32 lbs
• Power: 1500 Watts
• Temperature Range: 77ºF – 400 ºF
• Capacity: 6.5 Quarts
• Cooking Functions: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Sous Vide, Air Fry, Roast, Bread Proofing, Saute, Dehydrate, Broil, Bake, Keep Warm, Steam, Yogurt

A Close Look at the 6.5-Quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid

First Impressions: Packaging and Build

My first impression when the Instant Pot showed up on my doorstep was that it was big! I have always used a three-quart Duo Crisp, and I was unprepared for just how much bigger this model is.

That is not necessarily a bad thing and after experimenting with the Instant Pot, I concluded that it has a large capacity due to the air frying feature. A larger capacity means I do not have to air fry in multiple batches, and that is convenient. 

The inside of the packaging was well-prepared and secure. Several pieces of form-fitting styrofoam protected the multi-cooker from being damaged in transit, and there were no dings or dents on the cooker.

It is also hard to notice the significant weight of the Instant Pot. Weighing in at just under 24 pounds, this isn’t your father’s pressure cooker. 

Design Hurdles: Exposed Heating Element

The Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is solidly built, and other than the weight, the only design flaw I found was the exposed heating element. When using the multicooker for nonpressurized cooking like air frying, the pressure cooking insert is removed. This exposes the heating element and is a burn hazard. 

The multicooker needs to be in an open area when in use so that the lid can be fully opened before removing the inner liner. With the heating element exposed, one could accidentally touch the element, causing burns. 

The one design feature I liked was the longer cord. Most air fryers and multi-cookers have short cords, so they do not pose a trip hazard. The Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid has a longer than normal cord, which I imagine is because it is so bulky that it does not fit on counter spaces under cabinets. 

User Interface: LCD

The control panel is one of my favorite features of this Duo Crisp. All the cooking features, the timer, and the cancel button use a touch button except for the rotary dial which is used for changing the temperature.

The digital display also lets the user know if the lid insert needs to be added or removed and when to lock or unlock the lid. It also includes a setting that lets you know when the unit is preheating, cooking, and venting.

Each setting has three hash marks: the first one lights up when the setting starts, then gradually increases until the display shows “finish.”

Cooking Performance

Overall, the Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid performed well in the cooking tests. As with all Instant Pots, the manufacturer recommends running a water test first.

This allows the user to familiarize themselves with the multicooker and also ensures that it is functioning properly while pressure cooking. It took 20 minutes for the Instant Pot to preheat, which was disappointing for a five-minute water test. Other than the long preheating time, the Instant Pot worked without a hitch. 

Dried Beans

Next, I made a batch of dried beans using the “pressure cook” function, as this will be the primary method I’m using it. It only took ten minutes to preheat, which tells me that the long preheating time was probably just for the first use. 

It only took 30 minutes to make a perfect pot of beans. I only made one cup, but I didn’t soak the beans or add baking soda to the beans during the cooking process.

It has always amazed me how Instant Pots can make a perfect pot of beans in under an hour, and this particular model only takes half an hour.

Chicken Breast

Next, I air fried a chicken breast. I am somewhat of a kitchen appliance nerd, and I was excited about the air frying option.

I used a basic flour, egg, flour mix and, once I removed the pressure cooker insert, I air fried the chicken breast for six minutes and, flipped it over, and air fried it for another six minutes.

When I flipped it, I sprayed the dry flour with cooking spray. The chicken breast came out perfectly golden, and it had a great texture.

Needless to say, I cannot wait to use this feature again. Well done, Instant Pot!

Pot of Beans

Because the weather turned cold—well, freezing—I decided to cook another pot of beans. This time around, I used the “slow cooking” function.

I soaked them for six hours, and the Instant Pot cooked them in just under two hours. The feature worked well, but I doubt I will use it again. If I am cooking in an Instant Pot, I would rather use the “pressure cooker” feature and make a quick meal.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid Features and Functions

While this model is the most expensive multi cooker in the Instant Pot lineup, it is because it comes with so many features and functions. If you have the counter and storage space, this model can replace almost all of your other kitchen appliances. 

One of the best features is that it has three venting options: natural, quick, and pulse. The natural steam release can take up to 40 minutes for the steam to release and is used for foods that can simmer, like pot roast or chili.

Quick release is for delicate foods like vegetables. Pulse steam release, a new option, is for rice and grains.

Unlike other Instant Pot models, there is no steam release valve to release steam. Instead, there is a button on the interface that allows you to switch between the three options at any time.

This is a safer option because it keeps your hands away from the steam.

• Pressure cook
• Saute 
• Steam
• Slow cook
• Sous vide
• Yogurt
• Air fry
• Roast 
• Broil
• Bake 
• Dehydrate 
• Bread Proofing

How Easy Is This Duo Crisp 6.5 Quart To Use?

I was impressed by how easy the Duo Crisp is to use, even for a beginner. Now, I have a lot of experience cooking with multi cookers but even if you have never used one before, this model is easy to use. It all starts with the LCD and the function buttons.

On the left side of the LCD is the row of touch buttons for the pressure cooking lid insert. On the right are the non-pressurized cooking options. If you use the features on the left side, use the lid insert. If you are cooking with the right side, remove the insert. 

Taking the lid insert on or off is also a simple process. There is a red button that you hold to release it and to place the insert into the lid, line up the tabs on the top and bottom, and give it a gentle push.

There is a locking mechanism that makes an audible click to let you know that the insert is locked into place.

The LCD lets you know when to add the lid insert and when to add food, and an alarm sounds when the food is cooked. I suggest testing each function in conjunction with the app so that you get a tutorial.

Also read: Does Instant Pot Use Induction? Discover the Cooking Mechanism

What Foods Can I Cook in the Duo Crisp?

As I mentioned earlier, there are 13 cooking functions in this model, and each one is easy to use.

For safety, if you are using multiple functions, use a hot pad to remove the insert and be mindful of the heating element. So long as the multi cooker is not overfilled, the cooking options are virtually endless.

Dried Beans

The water test went flawlessly and I decided to try the pressure cooking function first by making a batch of beans. Preheating took about ten minutes and the dry beans cooked in half an hour, which is fantastic.

I also grabbed a recipe from the Instant Pot app to see how accurate it was. The app is user-friendly and even has timed step-by-step instructions if needed

Fried Chicken

My next test was air frying a chicken breast. After removing the lid insert, I breaded and air fried a chicken breast for six minutes on each side.

It did not turn out as crispy as I preferred, but it was probably the batter I used. The flavor was there, and the chicken was at the right internal temperature. 

• Chicken wings
• Frozen french fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Rice
• Steamed vegetables
• Pot roast
• Whole chicken

Everything Else

The list could go on forever, which explains why the Instant Pot app has close to 2,000 recipes on it. Something that has been brought to my attention is that the steam function can be used to sanitize baby bottles and other child-feeding equipment.

This function sterilizes the bottles similar to an autoclave. It can also steam Mason jars for home canning. 

The dehydrator is another great function for making jerky or for drying fruit for chips. The sous vide function is interesting because cooking with the sous vide method is becoming increasingly popular.

Before you use the sous vide function, research what it is and how to properly use the Instant Pot for this feature. Raw food, including steaks, is placed in an airtight bag and cooked at the proper internal temperature.

Once the cooking cycle is done, the food remains at that temperature even if the food is left in the sous vide cooker.

Bonus Tip

When air frying or steaming, make sure to use the rack that comes with the Duo Crisp inside the cooking chamber. This ensures proper airflow for air frying and lifts food above the water for steaming. 

How Easy Is It To Clean the Duo Pot With Ultimate Lid?

Just like all the other Instant brands I have used, the Duo Crisp is easy to clean. The stainless steel insert is dishwasher safe, but, honestly, it’s easy to handwash and only takes a couple of minutes to clean. 

The rack was also easy to clean. I intentionally air fried a breaded chicken breast without using a nonstick coating on the air fryer rack so the batter would stick to it to see how easy it was to clean.

It was no problem! I left it in the pot and, while it was hot, ran soapy water into the insert until the rack was covered. I soaked it for five minutes, and the stuck-on food came right off.

What Other Budget Options Do I Have?

Overall, this model is a great option and takes the place of several kitchen appliances. But, again, it is a tad bulky.

Instant Pot has other multi cookers in smaller sizes and have varying options. If you purchase a smaller option, make sure to look at the features to see if they are ones you will take advantage of. 

Here are some great alternatives to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid:

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker

This is a great option for beginners, those with small counter space, and those who want a multicooker for less than $100. I also own this model, and it is perfect for dinner for two. 

COSORI 9-in-1 Instant Multi Cooker

I am partial to the Instant Pot brand because of its dependability and use of functions. However, that is not to say they are the only player on the market.

That being said, the Cosori has a lot to offer for a decent price and may be a great middle-of-the-road option.

Key Takeaways

In closing our review of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid, it's clear this multitasker stands out for anyone keen to simplify their kitchen affairs.

If you're searching for a versatile and time-saving appliance, I highly recommend it. At the time of writing, prices may vary, but you can find the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid on Amazon and the official Instant Pot website. Be sure to check both to see which retailer has the best deal!

Ready to kick your culinary skills up a notch? Our website is brimming with Instant Pot recipes, in-depth appliance reviews, and informative posts about all things Instant Pot. It's the perfect place for those looking to merge convenience with creativity in their cooking routine.

Check it out and see how it transforms your meals and meal prep!