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Instant Pot Duo Plus Review: A Versatile Pressure Cooker
Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to bring you an honest review of the Instant Pot Duo Plus. Discover how it performs, its design, ease of use, and how it stacks up against other Instant Pot models.
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The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a reliable and versatile multicooker that excels at pressure cooking, slow cooking, and more. Its intuitive controls and solid build make it a top choice for most households. While it lacks some advanced features of the Pro model, its value and performance are hard to beat.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Seven cooking functions in one appliance
- Easy-to-read display and intuitive controls
- Stainless steel inner pot is durable and dishwasher safe
- Excellent safety features including lid lock and pressure regulator
- Consistent pressure cooking results across a variety of foods
- No yogurt function (available on Duo Plus 6-quart but not all sizes)
- Steam release can be loud and messy
- Inner pot markings can fade over time
- Sealing ring may retain odors after cooking strong-smelling foods
Published July 29, 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 multicookers on the market, and for good reason. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to bring you an honest review. This model builds on the classic Duo with a few thoughtful upgrades, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
Design and Build Quality
The Instant Pot Duo Plus features a sleek stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily. The control panel is straightforward with a backlit LCD display and a row of preset buttons for common cooking functions. The lid locks into place securely, and the steam release handle is clearly marked. The inner pot is made of 3-ply stainless steel, which heats evenly and is dishwasher safe. Some users have noted that the markings inside the pot can fade after repeated washing, but this is a minor cosmetic issue.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Duo Plus delivers consistent results. It reaches pressure quickly and maintains it steadily throughout the cooking cycle. We found that rice comes out fluffy, beans are tender without being mushy, and meats are fork-tender. The saute function is adequate for browning but may not get as hot as a dedicated skillet. The steam release is effective but can be loud and may splatter if not done carefully. Overall, the cooking performance is reliable for a wide range of dishes.
Ease of Use
The Duo Plus is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The buttons are labeled clearly, and the display shows the cooking time and mode. The preset programs take the guesswork out of pressure cooking, and you can manually adjust time and pressure level. The lid is easy to open and close, and the sealing ring is simple to remove for cleaning. Some users may find the initial learning curve for pressure cooking a bit steep, but the included manual and online resources help.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Duo Plus is relatively easy. The inner pot is dishwasher safe, and the lid components can be washed by hand. The sealing ring can absorb odors from strong-smelling foods like curry or chili; some users recommend having a spare ring for savory dishes. The exterior only needs a damp cloth. One common complaint is that the condensation collector can be tricky to empty, but it is a minor inconvenience.
Common Buyer Complaints
Based on buyer feedback, a few issues arise. Some users wish the Duo Plus had a yogurt function (only available on certain sizes). Others find the steam release too loud and messy. A few have reported that the inner pot markings fade over time. The sealing ring odor issue is also frequently mentioned. However, these complaints are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception.
Comparison with Other Instant Pot Models
Compared to the standard Duo, the Duo Plus offers a few extra features like a slow cook temperature adjustment and a more advanced display. It is more affordable than the Pro model, which adds a sous vide function and a more powerful saute mode. The Duo Nova has a simpler dial interface, but the Duo Plus is generally preferred for its button controls. For most users, the Duo Plus strikes the best balance of features and price.
Safety Features
The Duo Plus includes multiple safety mechanisms: a lid lock that prevents opening under pressure, a pressure regulator that releases excess steam, and overheat protection that shuts off the unit if it gets too hot. These features have been tested and provide peace of mind. However, always follow the manual's guidelines for safe operation.
Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a versatile and reliable multicooker that handles a wide variety of cooking tasks with ease. Its design is functional, performance is consistent, and it is simple to use. While it has a few minor drawbacks, they do not detract from its overall value. If you are in the market for a pressure cooker that can also slow cook, steam, saute, and more, the Duo Plus is an excellent choice. 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-quart (also available in 3-quart and 8-quart) |
| Cooking Functions | Pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, saute, keep warm, and more |
| Inner Pot | Stainless steel, dishwasher safe |
| Safety Features | Lid lock, pressure regulator, overheat protection |
| Wattage | 1000 watts (6-quart model) |
| Weight | Approximately 12 pounds |
You want a versatile multicooker that can replace several kitchen appliances and you value ease of use and consistent results. The Duo Plus is ideal for families or individuals who cook a variety of meals and appreciate programmable settings.
You need a dedicated yogurt maker or prefer a model with a more powerful saute function. Also, if you require a larger capacity for big batches, consider the 8-quart version or the Instant Pot Pro.
Questions before you buy
What is the difference between Instant Pot Duo and Duo Plus?
The Duo Plus adds a few extra functions like a slow cook temperature adjustment and a more advanced display. It also includes a stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom for better heat distribution. Overall, the Duo Plus is a slight upgrade over the standard Duo.
Can the Instant Pot Duo Plus be used for canning?
No, the Duo Plus is not recommended for pressure canning. It can be used for water bath canning for high-acid foods, but for safe pressure canning, you need a dedicated pressure canner.
How do I clean the Instant Pot Duo Plus?
The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe. The lid, sealing ring, and condensation collector should be washed by hand with warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the exterior.
Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus safe to leave unattended?
Yes, it has multiple safety features including lid lock, pressure regulator, and overheat protection. However, it is always recommended to follow manufacturer guidelines and not leave it completely unattended for long periods.
Does the Duo Plus come with a recipe booklet?
Yes, it includes a basic recipe booklet with several recipes to get you started. Many more recipes are available online.