Instant Pot has changed the way we cook at home. For the better, in my opinion. Knowing the differences between the different models is important if you are new to Instant Pots or just adding to your collection. There are a lot of models to choose from, such as the Instant Pot vs duo, so what’s the difference?
As a chef and a self-professed food nerd, I love Instant Pots and have used several models. Though they all cook in the same efficient manner, there are differences between the models (kinda makes sense, right?)
Let's compare the differences between an Instant Pot and an Instant Pot Duo to help you pick out the perfect Instant Pot for your kitchen.
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What Is An Instant Pot?
At its core, an Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker. However, the genius behind Instant Pot upped the pressure cooking game by also making it a multi-cooker.
The first iteration includes four different cooking modes, and the latest models have 13 different cooking functions. They include saute, slow cooker, dehydrator, sous vide cooking, air fryer, and more.
I use the Instant Pot Duo With Ultimate Lid at least four times a week, and it has never disappointed me. Counter space and the number of people you normally cook for are important when buying an Instant Pot. The models range from three-quart to 10-quart, though the six-quart model is the most popular.
Safety has always been a top priority for the Instant Pot brand, and every new model comes with more safety features than its predecessor.
Instant Pot Pro
The Instant Pot Pro debuted a few years after the Duo and is available in six and eight-quart sizes. It is one of the best models the Instant Pot brand has come out with, but its size and bulk may be too much for those with limited counter space.
Features
The exterior has a matte black finish which adds a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic to your kitchen. The digital interface also includes more information than the Duo and has three more cooking features.
The digital interface includes pertinent information like cooking time, temperature, the smart program, pressure level, and more. The additional cooking features are white rice, brown rice, and pasta, which is one of my favorite cooking options. It also has a sous vide function which is becoming more popular among home cooks.
Instant Pot Pro has other features that elevate it from its predecessors. The inner liner comes with two silicone handles that are very handy, excuse the pun. The inner also has a flat bottom rather than the raised bottom on the Duo.
Related: Instant Pot Settings & Buttons Explained (Not Just For Beginners!
Pressure cooker lid
Another great feature of the Instant Pot Pro is the pressure cooker lid. The lid auto seals so you do not have to manually close the steam release valve. You simply turn the handle, similar to the Instant Pot Duo With Ultimate Lid.
The pressure cooker lid also has a plastic diffuser to dampen the sound and force of the steam. It releases pressure much softer, which is an added benefit for many.
One of my personal favorite features is the QuickCool functionality on the lid. The pressure cooker lid has a removable stainless steel insert where you can place an ice tray.
This amazing innovation cools down the Instant Pot much faster during the natural steam release cycle. You will need to purchase the QuickCool Tray separately, but from all the reviews, it is a worthwhile accessory.
Related: How To Boil Water In Instant Pot - 7 Quick & Easy Steps!
Accessories
Speaking of accessories, there are several options with the Instant Pot Pro. Of course, the QuickCool Tray is the most fun but there are other accessories that make kitchen life easier. However, the Pro model comes with a few accessories of its own.
- A trivet to elevate food from sitting on the bottom of the inner liner
- A condensation collector to capture excess moisture
Instant Pot Duo
There are two versions of the Instant Pot Duo: the Duo and the Duo Plus. The Duo is the third and most popular model. It is a 7-in-1 multi-cooker, while the upgraded Duo Plus has nine different cooking modes.
One of the Instant Pot Duo's coolest features is the sterilization option, which allows you to pasteurize milk. Multiple safety features also put your mind at ease when cooking under pressure.
Duo Features
- Seven cooking features (saute, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, warmer and sterilizer
- One touch buttons
- Over ten safety features and a locking lid
- Food-grade stainless steel inner pot
Duo Plus Features
- Nine cooking features (saute, pressure cooking, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, food warmer, sous vide, sterilizer
- Quiet steam release
- Anti-spin keeps the inner pot in place for sauteing
- Over eleven safety features, including overheat protection
Related: What Temperature Is the Low Yogurt Setting on Instant Pot?
Instant Pot Duo Mini
The Instant Pot Mini is a great addition to any small space, like an RV or dorm room. It is the smallest in the Instant Pot line at three quarts but performs just as well as the bigger versions.
The Duo comes with a silver exterior which is easy to clean and a simplified control screen. Some people are intimidated by all the options some of the Pro models have so the Duo is perfect for them.
The Mini is a great rice cooker, and that is the primary food I use it for. It has always done a perfect job, but I also utilize the pressure cooking function as well.
Related: How To Cook Rice In Instant Pot
Features
Older Duos have a light blue color scheme for the display while newer models have a silver and black font which matches the exterior color of the base very well. The display includes smart features, but not as many as the Pro. The Duo also does not come with the sous vide cooking function or the favorite settings.
Accessories
The Instant Pot Duo and Instant Pot Duo Crisp come with the same accessories as the Pro models.
- Trivet
- Condensation collector
Differences Between Instant Pot Pro And Instant Pot Duo
The primary difference between the Instant Pot Pro and the Instant Pot Duo is the cooking modes and different digital interfaces. The Pro model has the sous vide cooking function which is becoming more popular, but I wouldn’t consider that the main selling point between the two models.
Since the Pro version costs more money than the Duo, consumers want to know why. Well, the Pro comes with several user-friendly features like smart programming, the silicone handles on the inner pot, and the memory settings on the digital interface.
These added features make the Pro simple to operate and, just like your beloved coffee pot, you can program cooking modes and times into the memory so you can have one-touch cooking for your most commonly made meals.
Different Controls
Different Instant Pot models come with different controls. Some of the controls are push buttons while others utilize the knob feature. The Instant Pot Duo uses both features which makes setting up the various options very easy to control.
Different Cooking Modes
Which One Is Better?
Deciding which Instant Pot is the best is subjective, like most things in the culinary world. When it comes to any electric kitchen accessory, choosing the best of anything depends on many factors like counter space, user-friendliness, and how often you will use the new gadget.
The Duo is the most popular Instant Pot model because of its size, and easy-to-use interface, and it performs very well. It does not take up as much space as a Pro model and has most of the same cooking modes.
Plus, it has a cheaper price tag but, honestly, all Instant Pots are affordably priced, so I do not take the price point into consideration when shopping for a new Instant Pot.
What to look for in an Instant Pot
Whichever Instant Pot you are looking for, you should always start out by examining your routine cooking process. Do you mostly fry, bake, or slow cook? Or, do you want to learn new cooking methods without having to break the bank on new pots or pans?
Instant Pots are not only rockstars in the kitchen, they are excellent training tools and take the stress out of learning a new cooking process. For instance, new models come with the sous vide function and it is a great tool for learning sous vide without having to buy the additional tools.
Must-read: Instant Pot Duo Plus vs Pro: Which is Best for You?
Which one is right for you?
Instant Pot Duos generally come with seven very usable cooking functions while the Mini comes with four. The Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid has a whopping 13 options, and I have used all but one on mine.
Safety is important and the Instant Pot brand has done an amazing job installing safety features on all of their models. The newer versions have over 100 safety features! I am not discounting the safety topic while shopping for an Instant Pot but I am saying that with this reputable brand, you are in good hands no matter the model you purchase.
Also read: Why Is My Instant Pot Taking So Long To Come To Pressure?
Different sizes
What size Instant Pot you choose depends on several factors. The sizes range from three to ten quarts and countertop and storage space play a big part in the decision.
The Mini (3 quart) up to the six quart Instant Pot Duo is a perfect size for two to four people. I always recommend going with the next size up from what you think you need. That way, if you are entertaining you can cook everything in a single batch.
Even if you have to cook multiple batches, the Instant Pot cooks most foods in less than 40 minutes so I wouldn’t be too concerned about that. I love the air fryer option on my Duo With Ultimate Lid and use it every chance I get.
That cooking feature is one of my deciding factors when I choose an Instant Pot and it allows me only to have one kitchen appliance and it performs very well.
Also read: Who Makes Instant Pot?
How To Clean An Instant Pot
No matter the Instant Pot model you choose, they all come with food-grade stainless steel inner pots that do not chip or rust, making cleaning them a breeze.
If food is stuck on the inner pot, you can soak it in warm soapy water while it is still hot and/or use a flat wooden spatula to scrape off the food bits before you clean it.
The base should never be submerged in water because of the electrical components. Unplug it and wipe it down with a damp towel or sponge, paying attention to the sealing ring. This is also a great time to check the gasket for wear and tear.
Soak the inner pot during meal time and, afterward, wash it out with a mild detergent and a towel or sponge. Since I have a six quart model, I prefer using a cleaning wand because it is easier to clean the bottom of the inner pot with.
Related: Instant Pot Rio vs Duo: Which One Reigns Supreme?
Wrapping Up
Instant Pots have changed the way home cooks prepare meals in the decade and a half that they have been on the market. They are versatile multi-cookers that take the stress out of cooking and get the job done faster than other appliances, which makes them ideal for mid-week dinners.
There are several models to choose from, four different sizes, and each one has between four to thirteen different cooking functions. If you are new to Instant Pots, it may seem a bit overwhelming to pick out the right one for you. But, with a little research, the decision becomes easier.
The Instant Pot Pro has several more features than the Duo that make it easier to use, but the Duo continues to be the most popular model. The Duo’s size and up to seven cooking modes is why it has become so popular.
When picking out the right Instant Pot for you, consider your favorite cooking methods, countertop space, and if you want to learn different techniques like sous vide. Learning other cooking processes with an Instant Pot saves you from purchasing kitchen equipment that you may only use one time.
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