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Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart Review: Best Multi-Use Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Plus combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more in one appliance. But does its slow cook function match dedicated slow cookers? Our review compares performance, ease of use, and versatility to help you decide.
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The Instant Pot Duo Plus is an excellent multi-cooker that can replace a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, and more. Its slow cook function works well but has limitations: it heats from the bottom only (not the sides like dedicated slow cookers), and the lowest setting can run slightly hotter, potentially overcooking delicate dishes. For most stews, soups, and braises, it delivers tender results with the convenience of programmable timers and a keep-warm function. If you need a true set-and-forget slow cooker for long unattended cooking, a dedicated model may be better. But if you want one appliance that does it all, the Duo Plus is a top choice.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Seven functions in one: pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, and keep warm.
- Programmable slow cook with three temperature settings (low, high, custom) and adjustable time up to 24 hours.
- Stainless steel inner pot is durable, dishwasher safe, and non-stick coated.
- Easy to use with a clear display and intuitive buttons; includes a recipe booklet.
- Pressure cooking is fast and consistent, great for beans, tough meats, and stocks.
- Slow cook function heats from the bottom only, may not heat as evenly as a traditional slow cooker.
- Low setting can be too hot for some recipes, leading to boiling rather than gentle simmering.
- Lid is not removable during slow cooking (pressure cooker design), so you cannot stir easily.
- Sauté function can scorch delicate sauces if not watched closely.
- The exterior can get hot during use; handle with care.
Published July 18, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is one of the most popular multi-cookers on the market, offering pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, yogurt making, and a keep-warm function. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to evaluate its slow cook performance against dedicated slow cookers. While it excels in versatility, the slow cook function has trade-offs that may matter to purists.
Design and Build Quality
The Duo Plus features a sleek stainless steel and plastic exterior with a digital display and push-button controls. The 6-quart inner pot is made of stainless steel with a non-stick coating, making it easy to clean. The lid is heavy and locks securely for pressure cooking, but it does not allow for easy stirring during slow cooking. The unit has a condensation collector and a steam release handle. Overall, build quality is solid for the price point, though the plastic housing can feel less premium than all-metal alternatives.
Slow Cook Performance
The slow cook function offers three heat settings: Less (low), Normal (medium), and More (high). Time can be set from 30 minutes to 24 hours, and the unit switches to keep-warm automatically. However, because the heating element is only at the base, heat distribution is less even than in traditional slow cookers that wrap around the sides. Many users report that the Low setting can cause vigorous simmering rather than a gentle simmer, which may overcook delicate foods. For best results, use the Normal setting and adjust liquid levels. The sauté function can be used to brown meat before slow cooking, adding depth of flavor.
Versatility and Other Modes
Beyond slow cooking, the Duo Plus excels as a pressure cooker, cutting cooking times for beans, tough meats, and stocks by up to 70%. The sauté function works well for browning and deglazing, though it can be too hot for delicate sauces. The rice function produces fluffy rice, and the yogurt function is a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. The steam function is handy for vegetables and dumplings. This versatility makes the Duo Plus a space-saving solution for small kitchens.
Ease of Use
The control panel is intuitive with dedicated buttons for each function and a clear display. The included recipe booklet helps beginners get started. The inner pot is lightweight and dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating. The sealing ring can absorb odors over time, but replacement rings are inexpensive. One drawback: the lid cannot be removed during slow cooking, so adding ingredients mid-cook requires releasing pressure first, which is inconvenient.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is straightforward: the inner pot, steam rack, and accessories are dishwasher safe. The lid should be hand-washed to avoid damaging the silicone ring and steam release valve. The exterior can be wiped with a damp cloth. Over time, the sealing ring may need replacement if it becomes worn or retains strong food odors. The condensation collector should be emptied after each use.
Common Buyer Complaints
Some users find the slow cook function too hot on the Low setting, causing food to boil. Others note that the non-stick coating can scratch if using metal utensils. A few report that the display can be difficult to read in bright light. The lack of a glass lid (sold separately) is a minor inconvenience for slow cooking. Overall, complaints are relatively few given the high volume of positive reviews.
Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is an outstanding multi-cooker that does many things well. Its slow cook function is adequate for most recipes, but not perfect for those who demand gentle, even heat. If you value versatility and want to replace multiple appliances, the Duo Plus is a great investment. For dedicated slow cooking enthusiasts, a traditional slow cooker may still be preferable. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
More guides
See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 6 quarts (cooks up to 8 servings) |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 11.7 pounds |
| Materials | Stainless steel inner pot with non-stick coating, plastic exterior |
| Wattage | 1000 watts (pressure), 800 watts (slow cook) |
| Programs | Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, keep warm |
You want a single appliance that can replace multiple countertop gadgets, and you are willing to adjust your slow cooking technique to account for the bottom-only heat. Ideal for meal preppers, small kitchens, and those who pressure cook regularly.
You exclusively slow cook and need a true set-and-forget device with even side heat, or you often cook delicate dishes like custards or bread puddings that require gentle, even heat.
Questions before you buy
Can the Instant Pot Duo Plus replace a dedicated slow cooker?
Yes, for most recipes like stews, soups, and roasts. However, the slow cook function heats from the bottom only, which can lead to hotter spots. Some users find the low setting too high, causing bubbling instead of a gentle simmer. For best results, use the 'Less' or 'Normal' setting and avoid opening the lid frequently.
How does the slow cook function compare to a Crock-Pot?
Dedicated slow cookers like Crock-Pot heat from the sides as well as the bottom, providing more even heat distribution. The Duo Plus only heats from the base, so you may need to stir more and adjust cooking times. Many users find it works well for hearty dishes but less so for delicate items.
Is the Duo Plus easy to clean?
Yes. The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe, and the non-stick coating makes hand washing easy. The lid has a silicone sealing ring and steam release parts that can be removed and washed. The exterior should be wiped with a damp cloth.
What accessories come with the Instant Pot Duo Plus?
It includes a stainless steel steam rack, a rice paddle, a soup spoon, a measuring cup, and a condensation collector. You can purchase additional accessories like a glass lid or extra sealing rings.
Can I use the Duo Plus for yogurt making?
Yes, it has a dedicated yogurt program that incubates milk perfectly. You can make both regular and Greek yogurt. The process takes about 8-12 hours, and the keep-warm function maintains the right temperature.