Instant Pot Duo vs Instant Pot Duo Plus: Which One Is Better?

The Instant Pot Duo and Duo Plus are popular multicookers offering versatile cooking functions. While they share many features, differences in capacity, program options, and design may influence your choice. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which fits your cooking style and household size best.

At a Glance

BEST FOR SMALL HOMES
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker

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

  • Weight: 11.7 lbs
  • Color: Stainless Steel
  • Warranty: 1 Year
BEST ALL-AROUND
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker

  • Weight: 11.2 lbs
  • Color: Stainless Steel
  • Warranty: 1 Year
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all...

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Instant Pot Duo vs Instant Pot Duo Plus: Full Breakdown

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App with Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App with Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sous vide, steam, sterilize, keep warm, make rice and yogurt—all...

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
OUR VERDICT
Compact and Capable for Small Spaces
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The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini is ideal for small households, offering essential functions in a 3-quart size. It provides quick cooking options and easy cleanup, making it perfect for side dishes or occasional use.

Pros:

  • Space-saving design
  • Includes a free recipe app
  • Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot
  • Pro-grade stainless steel

Cons:

  • Limited capacity
  • Fewer smart programs
  • Less versatile than larger models

Best for: Small families, singles, or limited kitchen space

Not ideal for: Cooking for large groups or extensive meal prep

Capacity:
3 Quarts
Power:
700W
Programs:
7
Material:
Stainless Steel
App:
Over 1900 recipes
Dimensions:
11.5 x 9.4 x 9 inches

Bottom line: A compact, feature-rich option for small households.

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
OUR VERDICT
Versatile and Larger Capacity for Family Use
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The Instant Pot Duo Plus offers 9-in-1 functionality with a 6-quart capacity, making it suitable for families and those who want more cooking options. Its intuitive display and additional smart programs enhance usability.

Pros:

  • Larger 6-quart capacity
  • 15 smart programs
  • Includes sous vide function
  • Easy-to-read display

Cons:

  • Takes up more space
  • Slightly higher price
  • More complex interface for beginners

Best for: Families, meal prep enthusiasts, larger households

Not ideal for: Small spaces or minimal cooking needs

Capacity:
6 Quarts
Power:
1000W
Programs:
9
Material:
Stainless Steel
App:
Over 800 recipes
Dimensions:
13.4 x 12.2 x 14 inches

Bottom line: A versatile, larger multicooker for everyday family cooking.

FeatureInstant Pot DuoInstant Pot Duo Plus
Capacity3 Quarts6 Quarts
Number of Programs715
Smart FeaturesBasicAdvanced
Included FunctionsPressure, Slow, Sauté, Rice, Yogurt, Warmer, SterilizePressure, Slow, Sauté, Rice, Yogurt, Warmer, Sterilize, Sous Vide
Dimensions11.5 x 9.4 x 9 inches13.4 x 12.2 x 14 inches
App SupportOver 1900 recipesOver 800 recipes

The Verdict

If you need a small, space-saving cooker for occasional or side dish cooking, the Duo Mini is ideal. For larger families or those seeking more versatility, the Duo Plus offers expanded features and capacity.

Deep Dive into Features

The Instant Pot Duo is designed for small households with a focus on core functions, making it a compact and efficient choice. Meanwhile, the Duo Plus adds more smart programs, a larger capacity, and extra functions like sous vide, perfect for more ambitious cooking plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Instant Pot is better for beginners?

Both are user-friendly, but the Duo Plus offers more smart programs and an intuitive display, making it slightly easier for beginners to operate.

Can I cook for a large family with the Duo Mini?

The 3-quart capacity may be limiting for large meals, so the Duo Plus with its 6-quart size is better suited for bigger families.

Does the Duo Plus support sous vide cooking?

Yes, the Duo Plus includes a sous vide function, adding more versatility to your cooking options.

Are both models dishwasher safe?

Yes, both the lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.

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